James Elementary School

We are a transfer family, with two students at James Elementary. There is so much failure at this school, it's hard to pinpoint what is bringing the school down. The lack of proper communication is a big complaint as it hinders parent involvement, my daughter won student of the month and I didn't know about the ceremony until her teacher left me a voicemail the night before, I missed her achievement because of carelessness.My children are in different grades and neither brings home adequate classwork, rarely get homework, and we are two marking periods in without a single graded project. There is zero fundraising and even less organization, with no school to family engagement. There have been no school assemblies or student performances, I have no idea what my children are doing on a daily basis. We have applied for magnet school for the next school year, but I hope they won't be behind. Maybe the administration don't care, maybe the teachers don't care, but as a parent I will do what I can to protect my own.

One of the worst schools I have ever seen. My children have been bullied from day one and because of the color of their skin, nothing is being done to resolve the issue. My children come home everyday and tell me that teachers are cursing at students, slamming books on desk to get order and just outright ignoring the troublemakers of the class. My stepson has b been bullied everyday since school started and when he tried to defend himself, he was the child that for suspended. Again, I am a person who believes all people, no matter their race, age, or gender should all be treated equally. I would never pull out the race card on anyone but this school is by far segregating its students. I don't find any of the office staff to be helpful at all and the principa/VP are no help either. They are to concerned with other things that are apparently more important than my children's safety at school. We are currently looking to move, just to get away from this school.

I had the opportunity, not sure it should be acknowledged as such, to visit the school and must stay I am very disappointment in the Hillsborough County school system. My step children attend this school and would not dare to think to have my daughters attend. This school in my opinion does not reflect on the community as a whole, but that of a sector. I felt uncomfortable when we were asked to stand for the national "Black" anthem, are you kidding me. My national anthem has no color. It does not discriminate against anyone. I am all for supporting the culture when it does disrespect the country. I am an African American and can only imagine the discomfort the other attendees must have felt. This school is exactly why we still have segregation in some parts of our country. This school should be review for ethics and value.

My child has been at James for 5 years and until this year I have had no problems at all. She has had 4 of the greatest teachers in Hills. county To include Mrs.London ,Mrs.Givens .Mrs.outten and a few others through summer school. Although my child's experiance has been great this year mine has fallen short of the professional expectations I have had . Again the only person to try and help resolve my issue was Mrs.Bogan and to no avail some of your teachers approach your parents in a manner as though they are better then them and use childish tactics to goad your parents. I just happen to be above allowing them to antagonize me into showing something I would'nt want my child to do. I do believe the teachers need to step back and take alook at thereselves and reconsider their position on how they approach their parents.