McKinley Elementary School

My child arrived in this school in 2nd grade from another public school and I have only really good things to say. I just think this school is doing an outstanding job for all the kids. My son arrived in distress after some serious physical bullying experiences in the previous school and is now absolutely thriving and extremely happy. We are so thankful for all the staff and their incredible work. The first 6 months were not easy for him but the staff did an amazing job to give him confidence. He showed some signs of distress at the beginning and each one of them were brought to us by the teacher. At some point they organized a meeting with the principal, teacher, speech therapist, a social worker and the parents to put a plan together, it worked incredibly well. Starting from March our son was 'back', with his confidence and happiness. I know they also have great non classroom teachers that help with maths or reading for all the kids in need. It's very well organized and efficient. My kid would go last year 25 min every day during school time, he was with other kids, same and different level who would come just a few times a week or every day like him. This year during the pandemic he has one-on-one classes with a non classroom teacher and he enjoys it a lot. For the online schooling, I can only say great things again. As soon as it was online the school got super organized. I know it was hard for some families but I think our teacher from last year and this year are doing amazing online, I simply can not find a negative thing to say. I've heard that all the teachers in that school are amazing, our kid had 3 so far, and they were/are indeed dream teachers. I've read in other reviews complaints about the principal and the PTA. I'm not involved much in the school so I can't really say, but the principal always responded to my emails and I think she is running the school beautifully. The facilities are also great compares to some other schools I visited. It looks new, modern, it's clean and the library is beautiful. It really is a nice environment for the kids. Also I think the outdoor space is nice. Last thing, we did the after school program when it was open on site and they have pretty cool activities to offer and the staff is nice and helpful. We're big fans as you can read!

I don't think that running a public school to be a pretend private school is what we should strive for, but for some that's the goal, and if so, this is the school for you.

There is a group that loves this school which is fine since there is positive stuff going on, but there is also apathy from some and how could there not be with such a disconnect from reality? How do I tell my children that we live in a city where hardworking, compassion, achievement and mastery of skills are valued and rewarded when the leadership saunters the school doing next to nothing and maintains their position above those who work hard, display more talent and show well earned mastery? The old boys club is alive and kicking and you don't have to be a boy to be in it.

I'm ready the June 26, 2019 review and I don't disagree with the characterization, but I'm confused as to why the parent would think McKinley would be anything other than what is described. You need only meet the principal for 20 seconds and you know its a school that values privilege over hardwork, grit, character and actual skill and performance.