Kelso Elementary School

My oldest child went to Sandy Grade School for all 5 years of elementary school. My youngest is currently in the Head Start preschool program inside the school, and will be attending the actual school in a couple years. I volunteered at the school as much as I could, every year. I got to know many of the teachers and staff, all of which I have nothing but good things to say about, except for one teacher that just seemed to dislike my child, which was a constant problem. It was odd because every other teacher adored him.Special education: There is NO special education / SPED program in this school. All of the special needs and behavioral children are have no where to go and no resources available to them. There is not even a counselor at the school! Nor is there a nurse! My child was horrifically bullied and abused by a boy that was "disabled" (I do not know his specific diagnosis) and would physically attack his classmates and destroyed my child's CAST in the bathroom while he was trying to potty; my child's arm was broken. He had to go get re-casted at the hospital. Safety: I touched on safety a lot, in my "special education" paragraph above. Like others have said in their reviews, this school has major issues with their discipline practices and the behaviors of many of the children that attend here. The kids that break rules, including physically attacking other students or throwing chairs at teachers, get sent to the office to hang out and play with toys and fidgets. Whenever I needed to go the office, wether as a parent or as a volunteer, there was always a small pack of feral children having fun in there playing with toys or games and enjoying themselves. That is not punishment! They love to be in there! It enraged me over and over. My husband grew up in Japan: if you misbehaved, you'd be cleaning the school, weeding the lawn, serving lunch, taking the trash out, etc. The school says that their hands are tied and that they aren't allowed to discipline, which I do understand. We cannot fault them when it's out of their control. However, we certainly can complain. The current principal, Cassiday Hopkins, is an angel on Earth. We absolutely fell in love with her and will miss her wherever we go, for always. Your children will be lucky to have her in their lives. The schools is ancient - pushing 100 years old - and looks it. It also smells it. It's quite awful. In conclusion, the school does it's best and they have the best principal ever.

Overall, I would rate my experience at this school quite highly. I feel the teachers and other staff create an environment where student-led inquiry flourishes, and where students are able to reach high levels of deep, truly academic learning.