George C Simkins Jr Elementary

Alamance Elementary is a decent elementary school in southeastern Greensboro / Guilford County, NC dating back to the 1920's. Several years ago, the original building was replaced and now houses the administration and lower grades, while the upper grades occupy an adjacent building (circa 1970's?). Shortly thereafter, a new elementary school, Simkins, was built nearby, effectively splitting the school district and reducing Alamance's student population from 900 to approximately 450. My boys greatly enjoyed their time at Alamance, however in retrospect, I should have pulled my youngest out once they hit 3rd grade, and placed them at Lincoln Academy, a local magnet school as they were thoroughly bored and complained about the redundant preparation and pressure for the 3rd and 5th grade EOG (End of Grade) tests. Like any school, Alamance has its lists of pros and cons. Pros: the teachers. I can't say enough about the teachers my kids had. Now in high school and soon to graduate, they still rate Mrs. Sanderson from kindergarten as the absolute BEST teacher ever! One even worked her in his college essay to illustrate how her emphasis on learning basics had stayed with him all these years and helped him immensely going forward (he did get early acceptance). Some other great teachers include Mrs .Baldwin (1st), Mrs. Mayer (2nd), and Mr. Mong (3rd). While a few teachers seem to appear "really good" rather than possess the actual substance, most parents in the neighborhood are keenly aware and don't mind sharing. Now for the Cons: the administration. Alamance has had only a single, truly professional principle in over 10 year, a woman named Ms. Early who left to work for the state or the feds. The current principal seems to manage based on favoritism and making himself look good. One can easily see why teachers are leaving the profession in droves.

My overall experience with this school has been extremely frustrating. It is difficult to have real meaningful conversations about issues because of the school's unwillingness to take responsibility and acknowledge the school is in decline. There is a lack of urgency to shift the school's culture and tackle its issues head on - which ultimately is detrimental to the education of the hundreds of children that roam its halls each day.

This is a fantastic story of school making a difference in its community. We support the students, teachers, and administration, who strive to better the lives of the students both in school, and in their home life regardless of the difficulties. I urge other leaders in the community to support the programs that have been started including providing uniforms, supporting the reading incentive program, providing athletic equipment, and supplying food for the week end backpack program.