Echo Loder Elementary School

I was a substitute teacher at Veterans Memorial Elementary. They school is dirty and they don’t have enough teachers to support the students.

I was surprised to see the exemplary reviews because that was not our experience at Mt Rose. Our son is high-functioning autistic and rather than giving him the support he needed, they simply pushed him through to each grade level. When they would not allow him to be held back, we discussed getting him specialized tutoring to help lessen the gap between our son's performance and grade level. The principal, Ms. Brown told us, "you can get all the tutors you want but it's not going to make a difference." After hearing that, it was no small wonder why he wasn't getting the support he should have. Fortunately, we had an outstanding 5th grade teacher, who made a huge difference. I understand that teacher recently left the school. Despite living four blocks from Mt. Rose, our son was "not selected" to go to his elementary school for 6th grade and now has to ride the bus to Swope. Of course, he was notified at school before we were and he called us in hysterics. Three generations of our family went to Mt Rose. A few years ago, we actively advocated in the community with others to not tear it down. Now I kind of wish they had.

I've been keeping tabs on Mariposa since 2012. I've had over a decade in trade school recruiting in rural California and northern Nevada. I've been intimately involved over 200 high schools. I've been in the trenches in evaluating feeder elementary schools to these many high schools. I know good schools from bad or mediocre. Mariposa is like sending your kid to a private school. All the kids are completely conversant in English and Spanish. Their work ethics and level of cooperative politeness is what every school strives for. In this school the "diversity" score is low only because the "Great Schools" website analysis software isn't designed to recognize this type of unique school. This school is the very definition of "inclusive". The kids are almost all destined for high level trades and/or full university professions. Almost all the kids have intact two parent homes. Every kid is exposed to UNR and are taught they belong there or in high level technical schools. This school is as good as it gets. There is a tone of humor and respectful diligence that the kids carry. Every day heaven on earth is created in each classroom. There is no talking back or troublesome behavior. The principal has been doing a great job. The teachers can teach in this school and Reno is lucky to have this school. In all my years in education I know for a fact that this is the type of school America needs.

We cannot even begin to express the impact you have had on our family. The girls have blossomed and thrived in your care, and have loved all their years with you. You haven't just taught them, you have nurtured and loved them, you've guided them while showing respect to them as human beings and enjoying them as individuals. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us raise our daughters. It takes a village and all of you, sunflower has been the best we could have asked for. We love all of you so much and are forever grateful for the time we've shared.