Cumberland Elementary School

My two children transfereed to this school in 4th and 3rd grade from a local catholic school. The transisiton was difficult for the entire family. We did not start here and we for sure were outsiders. It was a difficult choice we made as parents based on our children's educational needs. However, I could not be more pleased with the outcome. The comments regarding the principal are unwarrented. She is extremely professional. More importantly she is effective! She knows every child's name in that school. My children will go on to succeed because of Mrs. Heffron. I have never seen a school try so hard and execute as they have with my two children. I am a fan. A BIG ONE!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal seems very unprofessional and she is strict on the kids. If she has a problem with the parent(s), she will take it out on the kids. The school is VERY cliquey, and bullying is a big factor at this school. Other than that, the education is great at the school and don't get me wrong, I would say it's way better than MPS schools. The guidance counselors try to help but it almost seems like they can't control the kids who are bullies.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Strong leadership from principal who has been very helpful to my family. Great teachers. We are blessed that our son goes here.
—Submitted by a parent

Mediocre teaching, one size fits all model. I'm not sure the teaching rises to the caliber of the student body,
—Submitted by a parent

Cumberland's strengths - Most Teachers are excellent, parent involvement is extremely high and the PTO does a lot of great things for the school. Weaknesses - Not a fan of the Principal. I've seen her handle many things poorly. She talks a lot about 'Capturing Kid's Hearts,' but I have yet to see it happen. She sets a tone for the building that many are uncomfortable with (children and parents alike). I guess I had higher expectations for my childrens' school in that department. I hope the new beyond teacher has a better way with kids than the last one did. There could be more extra-curricular activities, and there are a lot of fees at the beginning of the year.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my kids went through Cumberland and are now at the Middle and High School. While school districts cut budgets, WFB schools still have strong music, art and gym classes. The 'Beyond' program for advanced students was a godsend for both my kids. A public school that has accelerated programs through high school! Can't beat that. Everyday Math doesn't work for all, and many teachers tailor their lessons to the class anyway. Involved parents are a mixed blessing. Teachers welcome extra parent help, but no school can cater to each parents' ideas. We've met many wonderful Cumberland parents and kids over the years. Fun lunch complaints? OK, you try to feed hundreds of kids quickly, and inexpensively with no kitchen facilities. My kids packed their own lunch when McDonald's was brought in.
—Submitted by a parent

All WI public schools are not equal. The faculty and staff are dedicated and more than qualifed to teach. The students and families are wonderful. Parents are very involved. This school is in an 'affluent' neighborhood, but lacks basics like handicap access and school lunch. The principal is great at public relations, but is extremely reluctant to change or even consider change.
—Submitted by a parent

We recently moved to the area. We looked around a lot for the best schools for our 3 children. I have found it a very hard transition for my children to go to Cumberland and the Middle School. There is no hot lunch program, which is very difficult when you have picky eatters!! And they are very fast paced. After being in a 'regular' school and being above average for 5 years in school my daughter has had some issues catching up at this school. They move very fast and do rely on parent volunteers ALOT! Also they seem to need money from you every week for one thing or another, it cost us over $350 to register all our children. That isn't counting all the supplies they needed!! It was crazy after attending a school that had a $5 registration fee!!! overall good, but make sure you can afford it!
—Submitted by a parent

Given the restrictions and mandates that all public schools face, Cumberland seems a good place for children to learn. Cons: ~They still use the ineffective 'Everyday Math' program which has produced horrible results nationwide. ~Because parents in the community are active, it seems some teachers rely a bit too much on volunteers and ask a lot of us. ~Like all public schools, a bit too much emphasis on guidance programs (i.e. anti-bullying curriculum, which is just dumb; wherever kids gather, bullies will exist, period) and incorporating moral relativity. Just teach my kids math, reading, etc., and I'll take care of the rest, thanks. ~It's a public schools, so even though Cumberland is teeming with excellent teachers, they're not allowed much freedom. Pros: ~The staff is outstanding. The principal has a real gift for hiring gifted, enthusiastic teachers. I have yet to run across a 'time clock puncher' or a teacher who was unwilling to work with me.
—Submitted by a parent

Quoted from another review: 'The school relies heavily on the volunteer pool that parents comprise but parents with any suggestions or differences in opinion are treated in low regard and at times with hostility.' I agree! I also agree about the parent gossip - shameful!
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is outstanding. To think that anyone would complain about the fun lunch, the Principal the parent involvement is ludicris. Pack you child a lunch (there is not any money made on fun lunch) if you don't like what is served and take the time to get to konw the Principal. It is wonderful to feel so welocme as well as needed in an arena where my children spend the better part of their week. Truely an outstanding school with great staff, parents and kids!
—Submitted by a parent

Having two children attend the independent private school in the area and then transfer in to Cumberland, I can offer the following observations. A parent must advocate for their child, regardless of the school. For the past five years, we have found professional responsiveness on the part of the principal in matters varying from curricula to social issues. The school representatives, from principal to teacher, give the same measure of respect and privacy to other students that I would want shown to my child. The students' academic needs vary and I am appreciative that the principal and the district administration sets the bar high regarding academics. The curricula emphasizes reading and writing, and there is increased emphasis on differentiation in mathematics. History, geography and science is taught in a fun, interactive way. Cumberland School and the entire WFB district offers a high standards education at a tremendous value.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two young daughters at Cumberland and we all absolutely love it. I have found all of their teachers to be incredibly responsive to questions and concerns. Although my children are very different, both have found the community they need at the school. The principal is extremely hands on. She knows all the childrens names and gets involved in everything from safety during drop off to goings on in the clinic. Parents are very involved and are welcome in the classroom for all kinds of activities. I feel very lucky that my children are at Cumberland.
—Submitted by a parent

In a time when most Principals across the country are having a real discourse about 'partnering' with parents, Cumberland's is not. The school relies heavily on the volunteer pool that parents comprise but parents with any suggestions or differences in opinion are treated in low regard and at times with hostility. There also seems to be a problem with parents in the classrooms not respecting the privacy of the children(gossiping at pick up time about the behaviour of so and so, etc.) The school still relies heavily on antiquated, aversive procedures in dealing with children's behaviour and relational aggression among young girls runs rampant. The curriculum is interesting but very fast paced, many children complain there isn't time to finish eating or drinking and using the bathroom during class time is made difficult. I strongly encourage you to check out Richards School, I wish I had.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal at this school is not interested in working with parents. The parents work for the principal and everyone kinda keeps there distance as a parent because of the way she treats you if you don't agree with her. The area is safe, it's not a bad school compared to the city ones,the teachers are good, alot are really good. Still, I don't feel great as I'm sending her off. I don't feel she's at a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

We had excellent experiences at Cumberland School over the past 5 years. The principal seems to know the name of every student who attends the school. My children love the art and music teachers, because the teachers are enthusiastic and develop creative and fun activities. The school does not have facilities to provide a hot lunch. I am thankful for the parent volunteers who provide a hot 'fun lunch' one day each month so the kids do not need to bring a bag lunch from home. Cumberland is a friendly and supportive community. I strongly recommend Cumberland School.
—Submitted by a parent

While the school seems to care about its students it has its disadvantages. The 'Fun Lunch' program is nothing but a fundraiser, and while the children enjoy it, there is little to no nutritional value to the meal. I believe that a meal offered by the school should adhere to the same food pyramid that they teach. The principal is strict, perhaps too much so. Someone needs to remind her that children are children and not just small adults. Cumberland is far from a 'bad school' however the staff there seems very reluctant to take any parent advice into consideration. My suggestion is to keep a close watch on your child and his/her learning excperience.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found the principal to be entirely helpful and very involved in the day to day functions. There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom as well as in other school functions. The teachers really care about each student and put their all into each day, many teachers live in this community as well. I highly reccommend this school.
—Submitted by Michelle Hansen, a parent