3585 Simms Street, Hollywood, FL 33021

There are serious concerns regarding the school climate, staff conduct, and the handling of student and parent complaints at Hollywood Hills Elementary School. These issues have had a direct and harmful impact on my child’s emotional wellbeing and sense of safety at school. My child has experienced bullying and emotional distress that were either minimized or not appropriately addressed. In addition, my child reported overhearing deeply troubling comments made by school staff, including statements such as “I feel like I am teaching dogs” and references to 1st grade students “acting like animals.” Language of this nature is demeaning, unacceptable, and entirely inconsistent with the values and responsibilities of educators entrusted with the care of children. I am also concerned by what appears to be a pattern of dismissing or burying complaints in order to preserve the school’s public image and rating and funding, rather than transparently addressing legitimate concerns raised by families. A school’s rating should never come at the expense of children’s emotional safety, dignity, or mental health. As a result of this environment, my child has developed increased anxiety, impulsivity, and mistrust toward school staff—changes that were not present prior to these experiences. This is deeply concerning. Schools should be places where children feel supported, respected, and valued, not fearful or diminished.Parents place immense trust in public schools to care for their children, anything could happen in 6 hrs. That trust is broken when concerns are ignored and when staff demonstrate a lack of compassion and professionalism. It is not surprising that many families are choosing to withdraw their children as 6 schools are closing in Broward County and seek alternative education options when their voices go unheard.