8317 Gates Rd
Suffolk, VA 23437

I have 2 kids currently attending FGM. My oldest has been there for 3 years. My middle child has been there for 2 years. The past 2 years have been rough but that is due to covid. Prior to covid I had no complaints at all. And the only complaints I have now are related to what’s happened because of covid, not the school or staff. 95% of the staff has been great. Principal Presson is a great principal. My oldest has had some behavioral problems at school since starting Jr Hg. I believe it has more to do with social media and friends than the school. The teachers have been very good about reaching out to me or my husband when there are issues. I do think a couple of the teachers are quick to discipline. But, I think they are just stretched to the max right now due to covid and are tired of putting up with the kids that are rowdy and don’t listen. My middle child seems to be doing well academically. And says that she likes all of her teachers. They have a resource officer there from Suffolk Police Department. Officer Fede. (I think that’s how you spell his last name). He is really great! He always says hi to me if I have to come to the school for something. He knows my kids names and says hi to them in the halls. It’s reassuring knowing Officer Fede is there at the school during the day.

This school is now called Southwestern Elementary. I have had 3 kids go to Pioneer/Southwestern. My older 2 kids went there and my youngest child is currently attending. I have had phenomenal experience with this school. Principal Mounie is seriously the coolest principal I have ever met. She seems to truly love the kids at the school. My daughter rides the bus but due to an injury earlier this year I had to drive her too and from school. Most of the time Principal Mounie was outside helping kids get out of cars and into the school. Every time she saw me and my daughter she’d have huge smile on her face, wave, and say hi to my daughter by her name. I haven’t had to discuss any problems with Principal Mounie but I know if I did that she would listen to my concerns and then take the steps needed to address them. The Vice Principal at the school is Dr. Lee. My 2 older kids had her as a teacher when she was teaching. They loved her! And I had a great experience with her as their teacher. She was always friendly and really helped my older 2 succeed. My youngest has an IEP. She’s been at this school for 3 years. We’ve had great experience with the special education staff. Ms Buckley, Ms Lane, Ms Spina, Ms Early… they all are great at helping. Between Speech and OT my daughter has flourished since coming to this school. I know my youngest would not be where she is now in her education without the help of these teachers. My daughter has been in school since she was 2.5 years old. This is her 5th school. By far her favorite and my favorite. The front office staff, nurse, custodial, cafeteria, and resource teachers have all been very friendly too. Shoutout to the teachers mentioned above and the teachers we’ve had throughout the years! Sherrod, Hamlin, Littlefield, Pope, Santsaver, Kopp, Jones. They’ve all helped shaped my kids into who they are. I will be sad when my youngest leaves this school. This is the first school that has felt like a family to us.

I will give this school a rating of excellent they take to make sure the students are understanding what is being taught