Paw Creek Elementary

its super good school my son learned so much

Oakdale elementary has been my kids school for 3 yrs now and I can say I underestimated this school based on previous years reviews. The principal and staff are very pleasant and friendly. They have provided my children with the help and support they’ve needed along the way. I know my child had some difficulties catching up to grade level expectations but his teachers have been helping him every way they can. If only 15 mins of one on one extra time daily has made a difference. I’m truly happy they care that much. As a mother it makes me feel better he’s getting the attention he needs academically. The schools has multiple school functions that my kids are always excited to attend when we can. Multiple activities like school concerts and book fairs in the year. The parents can be actively involved with volunteering in field trips and classroom events. I’m surprised but pleased that so far my kid has 4 field trips this school year because it makes them look forward to attending museums, theatre plays, visitation at J.C Smith University and even go bowling. I would also like to include that the school does provide weekly to daily updates of school events as well as classroom activities through Parent Square which only parents have access to; so scheduling conferences or messaging my kids teachers about any questions have been super easy and efficient. I do think Dr. Powell has been doing a great job in the advances of this school.

Don't walk, RUN away from this school. I am begging you, do NOT enroll your child here if you can at all help it. I moved into the area and unfortunately this was the home school for my child. Kindergarten and first grade we great. Those teachers were exceptional but have sense left the school for reasons that I am now all too familiar with. Once my child got to second grade it all went downhill. The staff "NO COMMUNICATION", the teachers" NOPE", Field trips" WHAT'S THAT", Insight as to how your child is performing" NADA". The lack of confidence I have in this school to provide my child with a solid foundation of learning is NON-EXISTENT. I felt compelled to sign my son up for Kumon ($300 a month) to supplement his education. That's how BAD the school is. Last quarter my son got a 56 in Math. A 56! I checked Infinite Parent portal and saw that my son had 9 zeros. I asked my son why he didn't complete the assignments to which he said, "I did, you helped me with them." He showed those "missed assignments" to me and sure enough they were completed BY THE DUE DATE. Apparently, my son did not walk up to the teacher and show the completed work to him. My son said that he tried to show the assignments to the teacher but was told "since your group is being so rowdy, you all can sit in your seats until it's time to go to the next block." I asked the teacher about this, and his response was "well, they were being loud and I had to focus on getting ready for the next group." I brought this up to the administration, provided her with my son's folder WITH the completed work and she told me that since he "attempted to complete the work" that entitled him to a 50% grade for all of those assignments. I asked WHY would he not get full credit for those assignments and have not heard a thing back. I'm so DONE with this school. Thankfully he was accepted into a lottery for a better choice school. I am so thankful that this nightmare can finally be OVER.I can go oonnnnnn and onnnn about the crap that goes on here you have NO idea. I beg you, if you can help it, please don't send your child here. And if you have no choice because it's the home school- put them in the lottery ASAP.

I have been impressed with the school and student culture improvements/changes that have been made and the way, as a parent, I can relate to as well as understand the complexity of public education in my community. It takes a village is becoming a part of what has made this school exceptional since 2008, making me internally wonder what this community had before River Oaks Academy was built and what will public education look like as the nearby police station finishes construction and traffic increases and population growth along with residential developments and lesser parks/green space evolves.

The teacher turnover for 2022-2023 was high. Extracurriculars were not effective - true STEM did not occur for lower level and clubs were inconsistent. Extra support for advance learners did not occur for lower level as there was not enough staff support. The main positives are the social activities in dances, showcases, sports, and trips. If social engagement is important then this school is high on those activities. Safety awareness is high however cleanliness of classrooms/building and alerts on spread of pink eye and covid is not high priority to communicate to families.