OWENS Dr
Chaptico, MD 20621

My experience with Echo Lake Elementary School has been extremely challenging, particularly as a parent advocating for a child with unique learning and behavioral needs.Throughout our time at the school, I have consistently had to advocate for my child to be understood beyond a traditional classroom model. My child is capable of learning and engaging, but requires a more flexible, supportive, and individualized approach. Unfortunately, much of what we encountered felt rigid and not adapted to how he actually learns.One of the biggest concerns has been how easily his needs were misunderstood. When he becomes overwhelmed or shuts down, it is not due to lack of ability, but rather an inability to access tasks when they are presented in a high-pressure or traditional format. Instead of this being recognized and supported, it often felt like it was treated as non-compliance rather than a signal that he needed a different approach.As a parent, I have had to take on the role of bridging that gap myself. At home, I have seen firsthand that he can engage, respond, and learn when material is presented in a natural, low-pressure, and interest-based way. This has made it even more difficult to see those strengths not fully reflected or supported in the school setting.Communication has also been a challenge at times. I have worked to collaborate and share what works for my child, but it has not always felt like that input was fully integrated into his educational experience.I believe schools have an opportunity and responsibility to meet children where they are, especially those who do not fit into a standard mold. My hope is that moving forward, there can be more openness to individualized, flexible approaches so that students like my child are not defined by how they perform under pressure, but by what they are truly capable of when supported appropriately.

I am the parent of an 8th grade student and she has attended Hungary Creek for all 3 years of middle school. I have volunteered and spent time at the school over the last few years and in general, have had a positive experience. The school administration and majority of teachers are dedicated and trying their best to provide a good environment. There are some exceptional teachers (Mrs. Bernard, Mrs. Howe, Mrs. Abielmona, Mr. Manning) who are gifted at teaching and working with this age group. I have seen them invest a lot of time and energy into the students! There are also some teachers who just provide the most basic instruction and worksheets, and are less than inspiring. Like most things, the students get out way they put in. The biggest issue I have witnessed, or my child has told me about, include: disrespectful students who monopolize 90% of the teacher's time and energy which leaves very little for anyone else, teaching strictly to the SOL test rather than actually engaging in discussions, some physical fights, and the overuse of boring online programs that do not seem to actually advance a student's understanding of the material. There is also a large socio-economic diversity with over 40% low income students vs some students in extremely high income households. The Principal is new as of last year and seems to be involved and making an effort to motivate the staff.There are plenty of opportunities for parent involvement from the PTA and like most schools, there are the same people who volunteer frequently and some who do nothing. The PTA hosts several events for the kids and nearly everything is free to participate. If parents are involved, there is no reason a student cannot be successful at this school and maybe even enjoy their experience.

There are many great teachers. However, there is an absolutely horrible help desk. Extremely rude tone.