Parent Review |
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Posted 2012-06-05
"My son went to Spreckles for K and 1st grade. A few days after he started kindergarten he asked me why his teacher didn't like him ( he had never asked that question about an adult before or since). She had issues with teaching and she approached me one day to inform me that "she was out of tools" !! My son was 4!! Though his 1st grade teacher was far better she was often stressed, undoubtably from trying to teach in a poorly run school. Which brings us to the Principal and VP. These two were the source of the poorly run school. The short time I would be there to drop off in the AM was stressful even on me, the kids were corralled in small spaces not allowed to run, play or use the playground. Teachers often resorted to yelling and blowing whistles at the kids. Parents were forced to drop their kids off on the street instead of the lot which was off limits. My son is now in a new school he has completed 2nd and 3rd grades there and he has flourished. He has the support and dedicated staff to provide a A+ education and yes, its a public school! Don't be fooled by some of the reviews here.. go see for yourself. I do feel the parents want to do well but are limited. We got out!"
Parent Review |
Rating:
Posted 2012-04-30
"My 1st-grader has had an awesome year at Spreckels. Her teacher, Mrs. Gomez-Neri, has been a wonderful fit for her. She is consistent and firm, but still full of love for the kids. She works hard to tailor the lessons to each child's ability. I am very involved with the PTA, and find the parent community very strong. There are so many involved, dedicated parents on campus (and from home) every day, consistently going above and beyond to make this school great by providing enhanced art education, campus garden activities, a variety of affordable after-school programs, and fun & meaningful fundraisers. We have heard great things about the 2nd grade teachers and are looking forward to another great year next year."
Parent Review |
Rating:
Posted 2012-04-29
"I have two children at Spreckels. My husband and I have always been involved with PTA, School Site Committee, general volunteering and as room parent. The principal, Dr. Fernandez, is great to work with, I can always find her and talk to her face-to-face about any issue or question I have. The teachers my kids have had are creative, flexible, and intelligent. My son's teacher, Ms. Sparks, gives him more challenging math when necessary. Last year, his teacher, Ms. Nordlow, made sure he was in the proper reading group and his reading dramatically improved with help and advice from his teachers (Mrs. Stevens, Ms. Nava, Ms. Sparks). Our PTA is super-active and provides the school with money for all sorts of things including field trips, Earth Day, Running Club, Garden Club, Assemblies, and a new art program. My son has drama, my daughter has dance and they love it! The school also provides music and computers on top of the Spanish language classes. I feel we are so lucky to send our kids to a school with such a broad range of classes and activities. I wish that parents who complain would spend more time getting involved; the more you put in, the more you get back."
Parent Review |
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Posted 2012-03-06
"This school is much too large and the administration is not equipped (nor do they seem willing) to deal with the behavioral and discipline issues. From day 1 the Principal has been a huge disappointment. Her communication skills are subpar. I have stuck it out with my kids, but many of their friends from kindergarten are all going to other schools now. The stories I hear from my children regarding lack of supervision at lunch and recess and the bullying and violent behavior that occurs are heartbreaking. My son was threatened with violence by a boy who insisted he give him his lunch PIN number. If he had given me the other boy's name, I would have called immediately. Sadly, though, I don't believe anything would have been done about it. If you have another option, take it."
Parent Review |
Rating:
Posted 2012-01-19
"I am a parent of two boys at Spreckels. One is in Kindergarten and one is in second grade. This is the third year my older son has been there. I love this school and have been so impressed by the teachers (Mrs. Alessio, Mrs. Gomez Neri and Mrs. Boyd are fantastic. So are the others - but these are who my sons had). I am delighed by the quality of instruction, the activities, and the parent involvement at this school. Our kids go on field trips almost every month, they learn Spanish, they have music, art, science, and have a "Power Hour" for reading where they are grouped with kids from different classes in their same reading level . There is a very active PTA and volunteer community. Like all public schools, they could use more money and community support, but they thrive with what they have. I feel that some of the negative complaints on this board about the principal are unfair - she was at the mercy of the San Diego Unified District which kept changing class size and number of teachers at the beginning of the year. She did her best with a bad situation that she could not control."