4301 Santa Lydia St, Mission, TX 78572

Warning for Parents: Our Terrible Experience at Harry Shimotsu ElementaryAs parents, we rely on school ratings to guide our choices, but sometimes those numbers don't tell the full story. Harry Shimotsu Elementary's high rating shocked me, especially when considering the devastating experience our son had there in 1st grade. This school's quality of instruction and leadership left lasting negative marks on him, and we feel it's crucial to warn other families.Our primary concerns revolve around the former principal's deeply problematic conduct: * Unauthorized Diagnoses and Testing: The principal frequently diagnosed children with conditions like autism directly in front of parents, without any professional medical or psychological credentials. He also routinely removed children from classrooms to his office for "testing and evaluation" of their skills, a practice that is highly inappropriate and lacks proper oversight. * Abuse of Authority and Academic Punishment: My son was unfairly targeted. The principal, in collaboration with the teacher, withheld my son from passing grades and participation in athletics because he did not complete his homework. This extreme and disproportionate punishment for a first-grader, especially without proper educational support or communication, was a clear abuse of power. * Lack of Accountability: It became clear that this principal, having been in the system for a long time, operated with a sense of unchecked authority, acting as though he was "a king" and not accountable to parents or proper educational standards.Our experience at Harry Shimotsu Elementary was not just negative; it was damaging. It highlighted severe issues with leadership, ethics, and child welfare that parents need to be aware of.Advice for Parents: * Be Present: Don't just rely on ratings. Be actively involved in your child's school life. * Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences: Use these opportunities to build relationships and gather information. * Believe Your Kids: If your child expresses discomfort, fear, or shares troubling incidents, listen to them and investigate immediately. * Complain High When Kids Are Abused: Do not hesitate to escalate your concerns to district administration, the school board, or relevant educational authorities if you witness or suspect any form of abuse or misconduct. Your voice is critical in protecting your child and others.