Westgate Elementary School

I'm generally familiar with this school and its treatment of guest teachers. I believe that guest teachers are already at a disadvantage walking into an unfamiliar school to ensure learning keeps happening without some teachers making this more difficult. This happens at GGES more often than not. Having spent over ten years managing classrooms and raising my own four children from birth to adulthood, I feel I have learned how to effectively communicate, how to engage children positively and constructively and how to reward students and encourage them to grow and flourish. I love being in the classroom interacting with students in a fun, dynamic and rigorous academic setting. Unfortunately, some teachers have a preconceived and negative view of guest teachers... sometimes it is subtle, sometimes not. I don't feel comfortable returning to this school because both the general and sometimes specific treatment I have received from teachers and staff at GGES leaves me with the impression that I am both unwelcome and unsuitable for this school. That saddens me, but I am going to continue performing in an exemplary fashion and striving to demonstrate excellence at other schools -- schools that recognize and appreciate the value we (I) provide as guest teachers who genuinely love this job.

We were in Kindergarten when K Lakes underwent a huge transformation of the old administration leaving. When we came back in 1st grade it was such a different place…a wonderful place! We have experienced amazing support, communication, and education for our 8yo (now in 2nd). We are so glad we stayed to be a part of the new administration under our new Principal Molly Touher. No only do we highly recommend K Lakes, but our boy does too!

We moved to Patterson last year, from a DPS school. Although we have lived in the neighborhood for over 15 years, we took our oldest son ( DPS graduate) to a DPS school as his school was closer to our workplace. We wish we had made the move sooner. We are thankful to be part of the Patterson community and do not regret moving our two young daughters there. This move was one of the best things we could have done for our girls (8 and 4). Our daughter's third-grade teacher, Mrs. Elsenbast, was such a breath of fresh air. She ensured our shy girl was welcomed and thrived in the new school environment. The staff at Patterson has been so welcoming. One thing that makes Patterson so different is that the school tries to involve the parents as much as possible through many events and opportunities for partnership throughout the year. Patterson is a great school.