Chestnut, 635

Teresa Vessela (sped director) and Ja McZeal (sped teacher) are both very rude. They do not know how to handle the children they work with. They both speak to staff like they are incompetent. Ja McZeal has been aggressive with several of his aids. He’s very vindictive. You disagree with him one time and he’s out to get/have you fired. Ja McZeal has been seen several times by several different people intentionally triggering his students and making the aid deal with the escalated behaviors that he caused. If you have a special needs child i would not recommend sending them to this school and if you do make sure they are not in his class

I transferred my son from a magnet school to Horace Mann Elementary School because it is our assigned neighborhood school. Unfortunately, based on our experience, the transition has been disappointing. The school did not meet our expectations regarding academic support and social-emotional services.During our time at the school, communication was inconsistent, and concerns raised were not always addressed in a timely or effective manner. There appeared to be limited follow-through when support was requested. Interactions with school staff, including administration and yard supervision, felt procedural rather than responsive to individual student needs.My child did not receive the level of academic guidance or emotional support that I believe is essential for a positive learning environment. Additionally, the overall atmosphere felt unwelcoming, and parental concerns were often acknowledged but not meaningfully resolved.If I could give zero stars, I would. I strongly urge parents to do thorough research and ask hard questions before enrolling their children here.

Roosevelt has the best kids in the district. They are respectful and kind. The staff is very caring and works hard to develop relationships with students.