4527 Ava Ln
Independence, MI 48348

I was a guest teacher in this building for a day.By the end of the day, I reached out to EduStaff (who employs me) to remove this district from my profile.The students were so disrespectful. I gave clear expectations, as I do with EVERY grade level, at EVERY district I work at. 1. No phones or inappropriate use of computers.2. Be respectful of your classmates, the classroom, and of myself.3. Work quietly, work efficiently. If you talk, whisper. Get your work on the board (yes, I write their assignments up on the board) or find something to work on.I had students quite literally do whatever they wanted, regardless of what I said. I had an interaction with the assistant principal, who completely belittled me. When she walked in the classroom, she never introduced herself, I had no idea who she was. She talked to me like I was a student, not an adult. She was overall very rude, and came off as - unprofessional. Not to mention, nobody from faculty asked how my day went or asked how I was at the end of the day.I should have received a verbal apology for my experience.What’s the point of this review?I hope it will reach the right audience. As a substitute, I read reviews before coming to a school or building. I never would have come here if I would’ve known this was going to my experience.Sure, I spent a day here, but that’s all it took.When I say this was the absolute WORST experience I have had - I mean it. I’ve been in multiple buildings, I have taught different subjects, different grades, all from elementary up to high school. Let’s just say, it has made me completely rethink going back into education.

Awful. Tons of drug use, tons of bullying, and a culture that learning/reading is for faggots. Some of the worst human beings I've ever met.

My 3 children studied at Pine Knob elementary, and I am extremely satisfied with the teachers and the principal. I don’t trust the rates given by great schools. My kids have been year after year over 90% in the percentile (Math and Reading) in the M-Step. My daughter was moved to 7th grade advanced Math class when she started middle school, thanks to the excellent teachers she had while at Pine Knob Elementary. My son is in 4th grade, reading at a 6th grade level (or above). He loves reading books and I am not forcing him to do it, he just likes it, and this is because of Pine knob. He has read more books (big ones) this year than I have in my whole life. Just remember that Parents need to put a little extra effort and have your kids to do the optional homework if you want them to be above average. Try to team up with the teachers, dont delegate their education to them.Bullying is under control, kids enjoy their time at school and I appreciate the leadership of the principal, Mrs. Yeloushan. During the past 8 years Mrs. Yeloushan has been great at addressing any concerns I have with my kids, teachers, etc.I think Great Schools give a low grade because of lack of diversity but that is Clarkston in general. My kids are Hispanic and we never had issues. I studied in an expensive private catholic school, and I can tell my kids are better prepared than I was at their age. For some time, I hesitated if I should enroll them in Notre Dam or Everest but I am glad I did not. No regrets.

My son attended this school & we had a really good experience. I currently work as a special education para at SMS and I can tell you firsthand that our principal is amazing and so is the special education department. I have personally had a great experience working here and the kids I see are happy :)Cindy Brierly