Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School

My son has attended Craycroft since Kindergarten. Last year, as a 3rd grader, he took state tests for the first time , and he tested at grade level in Math and above grade level in Literacy. My son has been very happy here. He loves his teachers, and they really seem to care about their students. Craycroft is a friendly school that encourages students to be kind to one another. Sunnyside School District is a one-to-one district, meaning all students have access to individualized instructional technology. My son brings his laptop home from school with him every day, and he has opportunities to continue practicing and learning through learning games and programs that are personalized to his current level of understanding. The school has an AMAZING after-school program, and my son has participated in LEGO club, Drama, Arts & Crafts, and Gardening. They also offer after-school sports, Folklorico, and a wide variety of other clubs and activities; they even offer transportation after school for participating students. Craycroft offers the S.U.N. Program for advanced students, and remedial support for any students performing below grade level. Arizona uses a lot of measures to "score" schools that have very little to do with academics, and a LOT to do with resources. Arizona is not the easiest state for public schools to function in, but Craycroft Elementary and the Sunnyside School District truly maximize their resources to help students be successful, from providing support and community programs to feeding every student breakfast AND lunch every day - for FREE. They have an amazing partnership with the Littletown Community Center and neighboring Middle School, as well as several local businesses from the community. Students from across the district are open-enrolling at Craycroft, and even students from TUSD and Vail have chosen to come there because of the student diversity and program offerings. I believe that Craycroft is doing everything they can to help students achieve their potential - the rest is up to us as parents. Every parent I know that has taken an active role in their student's education has been satisfied with the level of support they have received at Craycroft, and this school cannot be recognized enough for all the work that they are doing.

the first days of school their were ants all over children's backpack from where they line up, and the grass was very tall making it hard for children to walk through. i have just found out this school scored as "C" and is 90% poverty. when we told the principal she seemed quick to have it taken care of. im curious what the difference is from this school and a "north side" school. their must be a huge difference. is it parent participation, lack of activities, fed up staff and teachers. i mean why do these kids have to suffer. school is supposed to make a positive impact on children, not make them want to hate school... these school need help and CHANGE! whether it be from structure. organization, patience etc!!! im so sad as a parent.