Mariano Castro Elementary School

Well, it happened so that this school was the first school for my son in US after we moved from another country. I have very inconsistent impression about the school. First thing that strikes you is little diversity, in our class 90% were Hispanic. Secondly, while school leaders both Mrs Lambert and Mr Nassau are very competent and pleasant people, school seems messy and chaotic. I can't judge why and who is to blame, but once we left I can definitely say they can and should try to do better than this. My son was just unhappy all the time, yelling "I hate this school" every morning. I think the school staff does little to accommodate and comfort those who migrated and fall into English Learners category. Maybe the funding is insufficient or they just not care enough, but it was very bitter experience. Also, there is a huge problem with behavior - a lot of students really did inappropriate things and my son got engaged in that kind of activities as well. And you know, these kind of habits are very hard to fight and get rid off once you develop it. Also, bullying was a nightmare and school leaders should absolutely fight all sorts of it more decisively. Teachers were nice though, academically school seems to be good, both teachers in K and in 1st grade left good memories. But, again, they couldn't make the guys behave and had not enough will/care to make everyone feel welcomed .

The Castro School experience is nothing short of amazing. The traditional school parents and DI parents are incredibly committed to this school and their plethora of events.Also since the school is splitting there are new opportunities to make both schools stronger. DI is a powerhouse of parent volunteers but so is the traditional school. While academically both schools will separate, socially I hope we continue to be united.

My eldest child (now in middle school) had a wonderful experience at this school in the Dual Immersion program. The parents are very active and you feel very much a part of the community. He came away with many great friends as they learned to become team players and work together on many projects. The school has undergone changes since then, so I can't really speak on things now as my youngest got pushed out of the program due to a learning disability that the principal at the time claimed that they couldn't assist because of the Dual Immersion set up. I've since learned that this was a fallacy and am heartbroken that the experience couldn't continue.

I'm only commenting about the first grade DI program. Last year in Kindergarten, we had an awesome experience. This year there are two new first grade DI teachers. It's been a horrible experience not only for our children, but for parents as well. At the start of the year, many children were feeling overwhelmed. Parents as well. There has been a lack of communication this whole year....Also there are some students who are being told things in the classroom that are not acceptable. Our children come home confused and scared. I believe this year has been the way it is due to the two new teachers.