Willow Elementary School

Good school, family attitudes and helpful staff

I am very disappointed at this school. The favoritism and ignorance is at an all time high. I am hoping with the new principal some things have changed.

The first year at this school was good. My son was new and everyone was welcoming. The families are extremely kind and welcoming. The second year we experienced problems with some kids who seem to have a history of this school and they don't do anything about it. It was a very bad experience in the second year and very stressful and left us disappointed and upset. The families and kids here are generally very nice it is just a few students and adults that are disrespectful and unkind and getting away with bad behavior.

I have been a part of Willow for 3 years. The teachers are great! They don't hesitate to show kindness and patience with their students. I wish they were a bit more creative when it comes to homework. It was always the same assignments everyday. The school receptionist is fantastic. She knows everything that goes on at the school and every person that walks through her front office door. The yard staff need to be better equipped to handle conflict that comes up on the playground between students. The school does a great job reminding students the importance of having good character. I love that they have literacy nights to encourage kids and parents to read together. Some of the class field trips do not seem very educational. I wish there was more parent involvement and different fund raisers to involve parents and not just selling candy or snacks to friends and family. The principal never returns phone calls or emails which is odd since she always has her cell phone in her hand. Couldn't help but notice her constant texting during a school event. Communication is really lacking at this school. If you were to ask my son though, he would say he loves school. We love the friendships he's made and that we get to walk to school. I love that he feels safe while on campus and loves his teachers. Willow does not have a traditional open house. They have a portfolio night. It is pretty lame. While there I tried to find the next grade up but couldn't. I always like to take to the teachers that my child may have next year but they were not around to visit with. This is a huge disappointment. Coming from schools with a traditional open house, it just seems sad not to go see where your child's learning took place all year and then visit his or hers next year classroom to get them excited about their next educational step.