Garfield Elementary School

I am a former teacher from Garfield, and can only say that it is a wonderfully, rich place to teach. Garfield truly is the best kept secret of Livonia Public Schools. It has a very diverse population and strives to meet the needs of ALL learners. Granted, struggling learners require a lot of academic and social/emotional support, however our teachers also work very hard to make sure the average and above average learners are being challenged. The curriculum is certainly the exact same curriculum taught in the whole district, with additional, supplemental programming meant to help struggling learners get to grade level. We have a very collaborative staff, and our doors are open to all families and visitors. We look at each student as an individual, and strive to do our best each day.

Overall my child seems to enjoy the staff and other children. I tend to agree that the recess environment isn't the safest or best managed. The monitors don't do a great job. It is a concern. My child is now entering the second grade and is very intelligent. My child scores high in reading and is successful in math and other areas. I think its important to focus on the students who aren't doing as well as long as its not at my child's expense. I continue to monitor the situation and if I feel my child is neglected I'd remove my child from the school. This may be the last year at Garfield if they don't receive a higher score this year though because they have been talking about improvements in the score for two years. I know their are plenty of under-advantaged kids that do attend but a families income shouldn't effect the child's learning capabilities. We work with our child and others should do the same. Parents have to teach its not the sole responsibility of the schools.

This school is horrible when it comes to safety and taking care of reports from parents who student maybe getting bullied. I have reported about my two sons on many occasions to no avail. Nothimg has changed or happen. My sons cry to not go to school that's how bad the playground situation is. I am very anger and will be pulling my boys out of this school, but I want to let other parents know be aware. I don't care if they were teaching the best knowledge you can find in Amercia, if the school is unsafe it's worthless. My sons have came home with knots on their head from being kicked in the face. Even while I'm writing this I am in rage. Parents keep your children far away from this school.

I am very happy with the education my son has received at Garfield. His teachers have all been great and Mr. Green is very helpful and responsive, and really seems to care about the kids.