Holz Elementary School

The main problem with the school is the attitude of the teachers and administrators. Mrs Hovis needs to be fired. Total lack of regard and responsability for her students.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in Ms. Hovis's second grade class. She is a VERY involved teacher, who takes her job seriously. The kids all love her, because she is friendly, fun and seems to enjoy what she does. I have never heard a teacher scream at a child or use poor grammar, and I believe the teachers dress for their jobs. They are teachers not business professionals. This is a great school with a great staff.
—Submitted by a parent

It is very sad that our children must go to this school- a BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL????? I have no respect for the Blue Ribbon process. The teachers are unprofessional, use poor grammar, scream at the children, dress unprofessionally, have poor working habits, very poor teaching techniques and overall poor teachers. It is such a shame to put our darling children in these schools. If you have a choice do NOT send your child to this school...but then again, where do you go. The private schools are not much better.
—Submitted by a parent

Extreme clan like behaviour exhibited by the staff and Mothers. Our family moved here because of my Husband's Gov. job. We were shocked by the sad difference in education of a supposed blue ribbon school and the inner city school my children attended prior. We much prefered the curriculum of the school my children attended before Holtz. I hope that my review stays on this site, as it has been removed a month ago, and I am hoping that our pain will give guidence for other parents gong through similar situations at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child recenetly reported to me that a teacher at holz put her coffee cup in front of her mouth and said to another teacher these adhd kids r so annoying. This bothers me because this was done in front of my daughter who has add and needs extra help in reading and this woman is her reading specialist. My daughter was so sad and said i cant help it if im not as smart as the other kids. My daughter also tells me the various websites like victoria secrets and facebook that teachers visit during class time and u wouldnt believe the stuff she tells me about thier personal lives as well. It disturbs me. Are these teachers concerned with educating or thier personal lives. After almost 5years at Holz i have only met one teacher that truly cares about teaching children and that is Tamara Hovis she deserves the Blue Ribbon and so much more. If your child lands in her classroom you are very lucky. Im very distressed and worried about my daughter however my options are very limited and home schooling is an option i consider more and more everyday. Parents i urge u to go to netflix or your local library andvwtch a documetay called Waiting for Superman. KCS should be added.
—Submitted by a parent

MY GOSH.... Just read the test scores...that says it all. SOMETHING needs to be done. Do these educators NOT get it?
—Submitted by a parent

I moved from another state and it cannot touch our previous experience. Check the TEST SCORES on this site to see how well this school is doing. HORRIBLE!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 2nd grade and has attend Holz since kindergarten. Her K teacher, Julie Wisecup was excellent, as was her 1st grade teacher, Rachel Sweet. Her 2nd grade teacher, Tammy Hovis is also excellent. The do all sorts of Art projects and Music. She is on the A honor roll, what more could I ask for. Every employee of this school is great from the custodians to the cooks to the teachers to the principal. She loves her school. the PTA does everything they can to help the school. To the ones that have complained about fund raisers & such, the school only gets like $5 per kid per year for everything they need. If more parents would volunteer to come in & do crafts & things with the classes they would do more. The teachers have to teach certain things by the end of the year if not,they get in trouble so they do what they have to do. My daughter is in speech therapy, which is another "special" thing that they have for the kids and it has really helped her. She has friends from every part of the school district, South Hills and Loudendale and all the kids are treated equally. this is the 3rd elem. school that I have been invovled at & is be far the best! Dawn Taylor
—Submitted by a parent

My children have each had excellent experiences Holz Elementary. All schools have issues, but this is one of the best you will find. I was once a teacher and I know a bit about how these places are run -- blame the school board and/or KCS administration -- not the teachers or the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school! Mrs. Daniels who teaches 1st grade is incredible. Her goals are high and her patience is as well. My child started off struggling and now is striving. They are a little strict on sugar but other than that it's a great school. The staff knows your children and truely care for them. I can't say enough good things!
—Submitted by a parent

I've read all the parents' comments...some with good reviews and some not complimentary of the school and the teaching staff. I think it's very difficult to accurately judge a school simply by assuming that one curriculum or style of teaching is the answer to every child's short-comings. There are too many variables and too many theories on why one child is thriving and the other struggling. The only true merit of measure whether a school is meeting all the requirements to be recognized as 'good' is its product. I know that Holz is producing more 'ready' children to the next level rather than the contrary as some of the parents are saying. My wife and I are extremely satisfied with the leadership, the curriculum and appreciative of the time and effort that each teacher provide for our children. This after researching each school in the District after moving from Pittsburgh.
—Submitted by a parent

The kids sit all day while the teachers lecture. This is not a great learning environment. I always learned in school that children should have INTERACTION, not lecture. Dictatorship with the PTA. Principal leaves a great deal to be desired. NO stars for this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are obviously not happy. How can you teach little children and be so unhappy? Look at the dress code - jeans and a sweat shirt at parent programs. I cannot wait to get my little girl out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have chosen this school over leading private schools in the area. Why? It is a caring environment for our child. Our child's teacher (J. Wisecup) is excellent. The PTA provides afterschool enrichment programs free or at low cost to our students- spanish, chess, math clubs. In addition, teachers frequently attend school sponsored events such as carinvals to mix and meet parents and students in an informal environment. As for fundraising, the PTA asks for donations of any amount from parents instead of sending fundraisers home from school every month.
—Submitted by Sherry, a parent

As a parent of three that attend Holz, and a transfer from another Charelston school, HOLZ is one of the Best!!! As we could all agree no system is perfect.. The curriculaim is a mandate from the County so for those parents complaining have you went to a PTA or LSIC meeting? I am the current 2006 /2007 PTA President and this year we have offered 3 different after school clubs, we have had 2 family nights. I believe that it takes the parent and the teachers to make a great school. The teachers that my childern have had are very caring and they differntly go out of their way for the kids. Monica Mawyer
—Submitted by Monica Mawyer, a parent

I'm very pleased with the school and how caring the teachers are. Our second grade teacher, Tammy Hovis, went above and beyond the call of duty and attended little league basketball games and baseball games. I would recommend the school to any young family looking for an active PTO and challenging classroom environment.
—Submitted by a parent

It is clear that those expressing negatives spend very little time at the school and do not involve themselves in the school's activities. First, Holz stresses academics for a reason. Schools are designed to provide the students with a solid education. Second, the school communicates frequently through papers sent home with the children in their backpacks. Third, parents have ample opportunities to participate in school activities. The PTO is constantly looking for volunteers to help with school ctivities that do not involve fundraising. The principal and teachers are highly motivated and have worked hard to increase academic performance and provide assistance to those students having problems. The PTO also sponsors several initiatives to help students with academic problems. This is a solid school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child goes to Holz and I am very involved in this school. Our family's experience has been very good. My child gets love, support and a great education. All of her teachers have been loving and kind to her and she has learned to read, learned her math facts and made many friends. Our principal is a fair and kind woman. It hurts me to read the comments on here, because with respect, I could not disagree more. Sometimes people write things on the internet that amaze me. Holz is a special and wonderful school. Blake, Holz PTO President.
—Submitted by a parent

Holz is one of the finest elementary schools I have ever seen, from the principal to the academics offered to the level of parent involvement. I have lived in 2 other states where the schools are said to be top quality. My children have received such a better educational experience at Holz than at either of the others, and one was a private school in a major city. My children are finally learning the basics they will need in higher level courses in secondary schools and in college. Not only that, but the fine arts offered here greatly surpass my expectations. The principal is actively involved in the life of the school, offering positive, strong, no-nonsense leadership to the faculty, the students, and the parents. I could not be more pleased with my children's school, and I highly recommend Holz to anyone coming into Charleston.
—Submitted by a parent

I definately agree with negatives posted. This is one of the wealthiest areas of West Virginia. Parents believe in education, but they expect too little from this school. 1. Observe the discipline techniques by teachers - they are not the most effective (grabbing out of children's hands, yelling, etc.) The curriculum seems to be 'drill and kill'. Little time spent on the arts- no presentations where children have the opportunity to 'present' programs and be on stage. Art is patterned and plenty of busy work, drill sheets and coloring sheets. The teachers do not seem friendly. Very few happy smiles and seemingly enjoyment for the job. They do not greet the children joyfully- and seem to lack iniative and creativity.The pricipal is not open to comments and suggestions by parents. Overall, it is not a great school like it is drummed up to be. Blue ribbon in 1993. This is 2006!
—Submitted by Sandy, a parent