Smithfield El School

Our experience with Notre Dame Elementary School in East Stroudsburg was disappointing, particularly during our son's first-grade year. He attended for both kindergarten and the majority of first grade. Here are some of the issues we encountered:Limited Recreational Options: The absence of a playground limited recreational activities during recess. Inadequate Recess Supervision: Recess was monitored by PTO parents instead of teachers, resulting in minimal equipment and supervision. My son often faced disciplinary actions just for running around.Lack of Art Projects: Our child brought home minimal art projects, and the school environment lacked vibrancy & creativity.Absence of Musical Instruments: There were no musical instruments available for students.Lack of Academic Support: Our son struggled with reading, and we faced challenges in obtaining additional help or intervention groups.Delayed Intervention: Despite our efforts, our son's academic needs were not adequately addressed, leading us to transfer him to another school where he received immediate support.Few Field Trips: The school provided limited opportunities for educational field trips.Absence of In-House Guidance Counselor: Issues were directed through the principal, creating a sense of fear and anxiety rather than understanding and support.Insufficient Support for Special Needs: The school lacked resources and accommodations for special needs, neuro-diverse, and high-energy children. It is not an inclusive environment and lacks resources. High Withdrawal Rate: Several students withdrew from first grade during the 2023-2024 school year.Unprofessional Behavior: We encountered unprofessional behavior from a teacher, including favoritism and dishonesty.Ineffective Handling of Bullying: Bullying incidents were not effectively addressed.Contribution to Child's Anxiety: The school environment contributed to our child's anxiety. Lack of Nurturing Environment: The school or teacher did not provide the nurturing environment it promised.Restrictive Learning Environment: Our son struggled to express himself freely, feeling constrained due to a pervasive sense of surveillance and strictness.Overall, our experience at Notre Dame Elementary School was disappointing. We caution against enrolling children, especially those in need of resources. Our concerns were not adequately addressed.

I send my daughter here and they have a great program for the money. My daughter is still over a year from kindergarten and she is already writing her name and understanding phonics. The school board welcomes parental ideas and involvement.