Shining Mountain Elementary School

Well to start with the PTA is amazing! Along with every single teacher. Shining Mountain really goes ABOVE and BEYOND and not just teaching our kids, but for anything! They are there for them with encouraging words or just someone to listen to our little ones when they need someone to talk to! Staff is always friendly and helpful! Wishing my boys don't grow up, or all the teachers/staff move with them (i.e middle school, high school)!
--Submitted by a parent

Shining Mountain is a great school and has really made an effort the past few years to become even better. Recently recognized as a "no excuses university" school, it is showing improvement and that every class is making efforts to help ALL students succeed (no excuses!) we believe in academic excellence for all of our children and are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. I have worked in over five different area schools and I am so impressed with the commitment to the students that Shining Mountain has, I hope to be here for many more years!
--Submitted by a teacher

I am so proud that my children go to Shining Mountain. The teachers are awesome at keeping communication open between home and school.My kids love their teachers and they WANT to go to school every day and are proud of what they learned. If my kids are excited to go to school and excited about what they are learning, this school and these teachers are doing something very right. I read below that it is hard to speak with the Principal. I disagree strongly. The Principal is outside saying goodbye to kids almost every day. I have seen her in classrooms and walking in the hallways and she is always friendly. I would say if it's hard to find time to talk to her, it is because she is busy doing her job and as a parent I appreciate that! For the parents who are complaining about the school, I would suggest talking to the teachers and staff at school. They can't help you feel more comfortable if you don't tell them your concerns.
--Submitted by a parent

I really wish the person who posted about movies all day had contacted me, the teacher. Instead of there being a misunderstanding, I could help clarify what is happening. Students brought pg and g movies in for their lunch time only. So they watched a movie for about 15 minutes at a time during their lunch. That was the extent of the movie watching. The students were working throughout the day focused on the standards for 5th grade which we referenced regularly. I'm truly sorry that you felt like they did not work. Please, in the future no matter who the teacher is, ask questions to clarify for understanding.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have been lucky to have good teachers who give children challenges and/or give the attention needed to those who need extra help. The principal is always in a meeting so it is difficult for parents to speak with her. I have noticed this with several other staff members as well ie) social worker, speech therapist. I have also seen the principal ignore what a student is telling her during a family school function. I do not know what the PTA does around this school. Several parents have said they are PTA members but never have been called to help volunteer. Thank goodness we have the opportuniyt to volunteer in the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

This is by far the most awful school my child has ever attended. He is currently in the fifth grade. Instead of doing school work the children are watching movies most of the day. The movies are non educational and are not always appropriate for school. I am not informed by the teacher what movies are being watched, nor am I asked for permission to watch these movies. I believe the teacher is not doing his job. Very bad teaching staff and district. If you want your child to be successful attend a private school.
--Submitted by a parent