My daughter is in her first year at Salk. She is in first grade and loves it. I, myself, am impressed with the school from the principal down to the wonderful ladies that escort the children out the doors to be picked up after school. The level of communication is high, however the level of parental
... Read more involvement is astoundingly low. Perhaps parents would understand more about the discipline and rules enforced at Salk if they were more active. I personally have no issues with the school or it's policies. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/18/08
My daughter began attending Salk Elementary in K and now is in her last year there (4th). What a phenomenal school. Mrs. Kara Bonin is a wonderful principal trying to balance administration, faculty and the best interests of the students. I agree that the students need a bit more 'down time' vs the
... Read more rigid rules at lunch time however if the students not following rules were punished, so to speak, then perhaps everyone could enjoy lunchtime. I can honestly say that in the 5 years of communicating with teachers I have had always received a response by phone or email until the issue was resolved. Our teachers wear many hats and I commend them for being so involved. The PTO sponsors varied and interesting programs for the students and we love the year end dance for families. You can't please everyone all the time but honestly this school tries. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/10/08
Excellent school. There is no other elementary school in this district even comparable to Salk. I give a lot of the credit to the principal, Kara Bonin, who is very involved with the students, teachers and parents. The only reason I didn't rate the school five stars, is the lack of extracurricular activites,
... Read more but as far as the academics, teachers, and the helpfulness of staff, it is outstanding. I also had a son to attend Iddings for a while, and what a disappointment. I feel Salk really cares about my children and I communicate with their teachers on a regular basis via email. The school is located within a very quiet community and I have the peace of mind knowing my kids are in a safe environment, being taught by caring, competent teachers. Read less
Posted by a parent on 11/28/07
I feel the academic program at Salk Elementary is outstanding. My concerns are related to discipline. I feel discipline is too strong. The children are treated like military personel. Kids need time to breathe. Kids need to beable to express themselves and to be kids. Recess and lunch time are the kids
... Read more chance to relax. A mental break from their already stressful lives. Please do not think that I am saying children should not be disciplined. I feel discipline is important. But what the school lacks is balance. Imagine working a 6 hour job without a break or lunch. What if you were unable to talk to your co-workers during your lunch or that your conversation was timed. How would you feel about it? Now ask yourself, how well would your job performance be? Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/22/07
My son has been here for 3 years now, and we love it. We started at Iddings in 'K' and it has gone down. The new additions and major renovations are great, not to mention the wonderful principal to go along (Kara Bonin). I'd like to see more diversity with the teachers, but overall we are pleased.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 12/19/06
I feel that this school along with others in the Merrillville School System (because I have children in Pierce, MHS and Salk) could use a little more updating in regards to the actual educational and support environment. They are doing a great job on the buildings exterior but have little to be desired
... Read more on the interior. Some of the teachers are a bit hard to deal with in regards to the best interest of the students and the curriculum. Now I am one to understand personality but when it comes to the betterment of the education of my children I feel that teachers, principals and parents should be more in step with one another and unfortunately I don't feel this at Salk. I feel more as if it is parent against school officials. Read less
Posted by a parent on 11/30/06
My son likes all the different classes, but wishes for more gym time/days. I noticed when I call to complain to the principal, I get excuses, instead of satisfying results. I also notice that the lack of communication is terrible with the teachers and principal. If my child is having problems, or
... Read more causing problems, I need to know about it. I can't do anything to correct it if I don't know anything about it. If they get punished in school, I'd like to know why and what kind of punishment. Also, I do not have the time to always help out with the studying and homework, there isn't always instructions so I'm hoping I explain it properly, but I notice there isn't a tudor program for the younger kids. It would benefit the parents and child to have extra time with the teacher or a tutor. Read less
Posted by a parent on 01/18/06
I have 3 kids in this school this year (05-06) and all the teachers that they have had have been excellent. I love how they challenge and encourage and generally make the kids love to learn! The teachers are always available and willing to spend time helping me learn how to help my kids at home. The
... Read more PTO group has fantastic programs like family nights which are very well attended. The 4th grade just had a music concert that was very fun and even a bit educational. Mrs. Bonin, the principal, is very in step with the students and has implemented some morning meetings that my kids rave about. My only negative comment is that I wish this school went all the way to 8th grade! Read less
* In 2008-2009 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 10 in English/language arts and math, and in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. High school students are required to pass the grade 10 ISTEP+ to receive a high school diploma. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.
Student enrollment:
522
Students per teacher:
12
Full-time teachers:
42
Number of classrooms:
50
Arts
Art
Music
Music
Vocational Education
Phys Ed
Special Education
Speech/Language Pathologists
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Homes for sale near Jonas E Salk Elementary School
Merrillville schools — Jonas E Salk Elementary School is located at 3001 W 77th Ave, Merrillville IN 46410. 3001 W 77th Ave is in the 46410 ZIP code in Merrillville, IN The school district for Jonas E Salk Elementary School is the Merrillville Cmty School District. Jonas E Salk Elementary School is a Public school that serves grade levels K - 4.
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Test Score Ratings
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