Richard Gordon Elementary School

Our child’s experience during the 2021-2022 school year at Richard Gordon Elementary in Kingston, WA was very subpar. The faculty's lack of communication was astoundingly disheartening.Our child was physically assaulted by another student - without any provocation which can be seen on footage (not that anything would warrant this behavior). Not a single staff member called to tell us what had happened that morning and sadly, we had to find out from our child once we had arrived home at the very end of the day. The official resolution to this day is really unknown to us because due to "privacy laws" bus transportation could not disclose to us whether there were any repercussions for the other student nor if there was any education provided to the students in general in order to prevent such an incident from occurring again. We were told, rather inadequately, that "it's being handled." Completely unacceptable especially considering the fact that we are still in a pandemic. Additionally, one of the teachers approach to providing no homework was baffling - it would have been beneficial to know why and perhaps they could have directed us to some studies that might back up such an approach. At our previous school, there was assigned homework in first and second grade. We came from a really nice, kind and well oiled school and school district prior to Richard Gordon Elementary and had some hope that this school would be of the same caliber. We were sorely surprised and felt no real connection to the educators nor the school community.On some days, our child dreaded going to school but overall, with much encouragement and support, we pulled through and did our best to finish the school year strong. Any parent who really cares about their child’s education, emotional and physical well being need to really consider another school. In all, we feel that the minimum performance was given to our child.

I grew up in the 80’s and went to tough schools. I never saw the blatant lack of caring, respect and incompetence as seen at Gordon. The staff are mean and unhappy, the teachers are allowed to not teach, the children are allowed to be cruel.

The teachers are nice lunch is okay kids are nice and fun the curriculum is good too

Gordon Elementary is an excellent school! The teachers are great. The staff are knowledgeable and supportive. The principal cares a lot for the school, very active, so hands on with her job, and I saw areas that improved in the school when she took over. The parents' involvement could be a little bit better. My kids learned a lot not only from the regular curriculum but also from other programs that were somehow funded by the PTA contributions and the proceeds from FUNDRAISING projects that parents continue to support because, ultimately, these are for the benefits of the children. There are so many students in Gordon who excel. And I don't think the child will fail in getting the best elementary education if he/she is enrolled in Gotdon. But still, it is a joint effort / support from the school and the parents. The parents cannot leave everything with the school, we, as parents must do our part for our children's success. Are those who give negative reviews discuss their sentiments with the the principal first for improvement before sending out a bad review? Have we done our part / role for our kid's school?