Menger Elementary School

Menger is a fantastic school. Everyone who works there puts kids first. My son had a great experience at Menger. The teachers love what they do, and it shows. The administration and counselor know each child by name and take time to build relationships with them. I have even witnessed the secretary and custodians interact with students in a kind and caring way. The principal, Dr. Barrera, and the AP, Mrs. Diaz, make sure that Menger is welcoming and safe for every one. The special education team is the best!

Students are welcome here and staff and teachers are friendly.

I was very hesitant when I found out my recently adopted son would be attending Menger Elementary. The school is located in a historic, downtown location and not surrounded by any family homes. Yet, when I entered the school I was greeted with nothing but smiles and positive attitude. I witnessed the principal welcoming every student by name and asking specific questions about them. She knew them all individually. I instantly changed my mind and felt at home. Over the next 4 years my child went from disliking school and being a troubled kid in foster kid to being a member of a school that values, respects and loves the kids. My son was unable to read when he was entering 2nd grade, by the end of the year he was reading well above his grade level. The school is small, which I loved because it was able to give my son the attention he needed. His 2nd grade teacher was a first year teacher, and she did not miss a beat. The admin team made sure she was up to speed and informed so she could tackle all that was given to her. We enjoyed 3rd grade with the same teacher and most of the same students. Again, having the smaller student body really helped us because everyone feels included and part of something. In 3rd grade there are many clubs and activities offered. Over the next 3 years my son was part of the Running Team, Student Council, Imagination, Principals Advisory Committee, and Safety Patrol. He felt like he belonged. There were times I felt I needed to raise concern about my child and whether it was with grades, behavior, other students or a conflict with a staff, the admin team always took me serious and resolved the matter timely and appropriately. The COVID 19 Pandemic hit when my son was finishing up his 5th grade year, we were sad in our house. My son was sad to miss his last 3 months at a school where he spent the last 4 years learning, growing and building relationships. I was worried that maybe he wasn’t ready to leave elementary school, but then I realized, since attending our elementary my son has grown into an amazing young man and can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. At Menger he was taught and given the skills to adapt, learn and succeed.

Teachers are amazing but administration is just ok. Since Dr. Marroquin and Ms. Murray left it seems like administration is only doing bare minimum to get by. Tutoring wasn't even available last year until the end of the year. Parents at this school are horrible. They do not care about the school and do not volunteer. The PTA was held together by a handful of people working their behinds off because other parents refused to help. The people that don't help are the first to complain and they complain constantly. They have the "everything is someone else's fault" mentality. If it weren't for the excellent, caring teachers I would not keep my child here.

I don't know how this school was given 5 stars. That is a joke! The students there are out of control. The staff doesn't listen and they don't know how to handle children. The kids run the classrooms. They went through 3 vice principles just last year. I heard the first was drinking and going to school. The principal was terrible which is why I'm sure she was forced to resign. Substitutes refused to go there. I over heard that in office conversation. My son was bullied to no end. The students are bullies and their parents just the same. I am happy that my kids are out of there. One year there set my son back. The school he is at now is amazing. Kolda elementary. My kids are doing better than ever before and they truly do what they need there for their students. Menger needs to take some notes from them!