Hammond School

I have 2 children in Brennen and have been there through 2 different principals. The teachers, staff, administration, etc are all exceptional. One of my children has had 2 brain surgeries while attending and learning and support has been fantastic. From getting IEP’s and learning disabilities to the Advanced Academic placement classes, both of my children are thriving. My brother (their uncle) passed way and the counselors and teachers added another layer of support emotionally for their and my loss. I can’t recommend this school more…it is the best Elementary School in the district, state, country and I love and thank them all!!!This is the greatest school ever, send your children here!

This is a great school. The entire staff is awesome. They are always willing to go above and beyond to assist their students!

Currently, I have mixed opinion of Mill Creek Elementary. I’ve talked with other schools in the area to see what they have to offer and how they conduct business. Mill Creek doesn’t have as many programs as some schools, but they also have more/better programs that lesser schools don’t have.Con: At the beginning of the school year, there was some disorganization administration wise. They didn’t put their best foot forward for the first orientation. The lack of organization may have been a fluke, but if other orientations/meetings are as disorganized as the first one, a self-evaluation needs to be conducted because some internal processes are broken. Pro: Mill Creek Elementary seems to have some good incentives for the children to learn. They had a great “Night of Reading” a few months ago where the school taught parents ways of helping their children read. It was very good for parents and they had pizza for the children afterwards. I expected a bigger turnout from parents, but I thought the program was great. I would like to see something like that offered once a month.The school has various reading charts they give out that offer rewards such as free pizza or free USC basketball tickets if a certain number of books are read in a certain time period. They have a treasure box in my son’s class where if you help students or do very good on assignments you get points. Once you get a certain amount of points you can get something from the box. You can also lose points for being bad. It is a very good reward and punishment system to help build character for a child that age.It would be nice to have the school teach a life skills/parenting class for parents of students. That would most likely be too controversial though.

The school as a whole is wonderful. We’ve had the pleasure of our children being taught by some wonderful teachers. The administration is helpful, supportive, and delightful to interact with. Unfortunately, though the community seems to not appericate or respect the gem of a educational institution they have in the neighborhood. Residents litter school grounds with used condoms, broken glass liquor bottles, beer cans, cigarette boxes & butts. Despite being a Richland One school l, South Kilbourne does not seem to get the same budget, attention, or privilege that other desirable Richland District One Schools such as Rosewood Elementary, A.C. Moore Elementary, and Brennan Elementary receive. It’s apparent that there is neglect on the district’s part and it would appear it’s so, due to South Kilbourne having a predominantly/disproportionately black and low income student body compared to the other school within the same zip code (some less than 2 miles away) that are predominately white and have student from higher income households. South Kilbourne lacks some resources/services that other schools with the district have access to. Lack of police presence to control traffic/enforce school speed zone at the beginning and end of a school day is a concern as many students walk home unescorted by an adult & there’s a lack of sidewalks for pedestrians to ensure safety. Attending to the school grounds to keep hazardous materials away from students (ie used condoms, broken glass, etc). Chain link fencing surrounding parts of the school are damaged and pose a safety hazard as animals can get in, children could slip through, and/or the damaged chain link could injure students if the fell into it. South Kilbourne’s playground equipment looks dated & is minimal- there’s a basketball without hoops, but Rosewood Elementary got a new playground & has iron fencing & better maintained grounds. My children really struggle with being outsiders with being the only white/Asian kids-it’s hard to fit in and they are made to feel different and it gets overwhelming for them at time (ie children obsessively touching their hair). There’s bullying that takes place with some children that are modeling the same violence and aggression their parents teach at home.

The principal was a big help with any questions and very personable. My daughter met some amazing teachers who will have a great lifelong impression on her.

My daughter has thrived at Meadowfield ES. Her reading & math skills have improved tremendously and she adores her teachers. The teachers have been great and I know it’s been a tough 2 years for everyone but they are doing such a good job!

A fantastic community environment which puts the student needs above all else. Children are encouraged to participate in academic challenges out side of the routine learning. The arts and community service are a strong part of the education an as well. Would not consider any other educational experience.