Harmony Elementary School

The principal is very involved with the school community. He participated in many of my son's IEP meetings. He is always available to talk to a parent, without having to set up a meeting , or play phone tag. Teachers are mostly great, some more than others. They always included my son in the general education classes with support which allowed him to achieve academically with his non disabled peers. There are very few bullying incidents. Maybe none whatsoever. The kids in this school are very respectful and compassionate with each other. The only downside is that it's a little disorganized with parking and planning trips, permission slips have wrong dates on them, etc, back to school nights take much longer than scheduled. But we are so glad we moved here and were able to send our boys here. My youngest one is still here. :-)

Although Harmony was one of the larger schools in the Middletown School district, I never felt that my child was 'lost in the crowd'. The teachers were very attentive and did a great job challenging my daughter - which I believe prepared her for the pace and workload associated with Middle School. They also did a great job mixing the students which helped prevent the forming of 'cliques'.

This is my first year with Harmony. My child entered the first grade and his teachers were outstanding. My child had attended a Catholic school in the past and was completely behind when he entered Harmony. The teachers were supportive, caring and made sure that my child would be caught up by the end of the year. I had more involvement with the first grade teacher, who kept me informed of everything, than I ever did it at any school. The teachers also made sure that my child was included during the play. I have to say that I am extremely impressed and these this teacher set the bar very high! Yes, there could be improvements but I believe Mr. Paulson will bring Harmony where it needs to be. He really cares about the kids that attend this school. Parent involvement is limited but there are ways to be involved. It is adjustment especially when you have little ones that do not attend school they are not allowed at any of the events and this is just difficult for some. The school community is pretty tight, we all know and love the principal and fought for him to continue his job as principal. I am optimistic that things will change within the Middletown school district.

Unsure how much state funding it receives but the PTO is extremely active and coordinates many fundraisers, (good thing) State test results could improve, but the faculty encourages the students to learn. Due to budget constraints the librarian and technology teachers were dismissed: the parents volunteered school library, which is small. The fact that MTPL closed the doors on several of their local branches doesn't help either. The environment is somewhat cliquey, but parents are not ignored. The principal seems interested in his students' success and gained favor with the parents, as recently witnessed with protests against the BOE's initial decision to no re-hire the prinicpal. Recently emphasis has been given to green efforts and a garden will be maintained by the students. The students are exposed to some technology. The school has a multi-purpose room, dubbed the Hawk's Nest, after the school's mascot, which serves as gymnasium, cafeteria and auditorium. The school has a very safe and family-oriented atmosphere. Overall, the school is a welcoming place for both student and parent.

Harmony is a great school with loving teachers and staff. I know my son is well cared for there. he is challenged daily with work appropriate for his grade level. He is given great homework that reinforces his school work. He is encouraged to work hard- and he does!