| Date | Who | Comments |
| 11/6/2012 | parent | We love Roberta Tipps. We were thankful to have been able to move into the district so our son could attend Tipps from K forward. The teacher are wonderful there is great parental involvement and the staff is fantastic. |
| 8/27/2012 | parent | My son is now starting his 3rd school year at Roberta Tipps and he loves the school. As a parent, I highly recommend it: the teachers and staff go above and beyond to make sure each child learns and feels important. Great parent and PTA involvement, and fun and educational events throughout the school year. We could not ask for a better school. |
| 5/29/2012 | other | Roberta Tipps used to be great. The administration empowered teachers to do their job and the success was evident through the academic achievement of the students and the awards bestowed on the school. Given all of the accolades the teachers and students had received, it seems logical, that any new staff members would take time to learn the system to understand why it has worked so well. Unfortunately the new principal has taken a different approach; choosing to systematically eliminate the framework which had encouraged teachers to go the extra-mile and push the students to their full potential. Each week brings a new change to procedures, that many feel are detrimental and only serve to further deflate a staff & parent group whose morale is already approaching rock bottom. It s hard to enjoy your job, when the rewards are continually taken away. The tragedy for everyone is that the greatest reward, student success, is likely the next to go. Reference the Test Scores & Stats for Waterford Oaks Elementary School (the principal's previous school), listed on this website; as well as the CCR Targets on the NCEA/ACT website a questionable hire for MISD. |
| 9/21/2011 | parent | This is a great school, great teachers, great office staff...as for the other, all of Mansfield has been hit HARD by the reccession and it's basically bleeding into south Arlington, so yes, it's not as nice as it was, but I don't think this is unique to Tipps. It may have hit here first, but I guarantee you it will spread as there are more foreclosures (on these HUGE houses!) GET OVER IT! It's a good school and that's all that matters. Also I felt like some of these comments were kind of subtly classist. There's no invisible barrier between Matlock (Boren zone and Tipps zone.) If you are really that worried, I would leave Mansfield and try another town. There's a big flight south of here. |
| 8/23/2011 | parent | Um, this school is in a bad area??? Really, where are you looking because the houses that surround it a enormous! If this is a bad neighborhood Ill take it. Cant imagine what you would think of a lower class neighborhood. That made me laugh. Bad neighborhood....right |
| 8/14/2011 | parent | Strangely, I was looking up a review for the school I where I teach and decided to see how things were going at Tipps since we moved last year. Both posters are right:Tipps is a good school and it's in a bad area. But the educators, principal and office staff are as good as you would find at any school. We were sad to leave Tipps, but not that area. I think it should be clarified that Tipps is not a bad school, though, and rating it as such because it's kind of the poorer, more high crime side of Town is not fair to the teachers there, if anything they should be applauded bc they go above and beyond for those kids who are needy. . |
| 8/14/2011 | parent | I love Roberta Tipps Elementary!!! The staff is fabulous and my children have been fortunate to have had the benefit of attending this fine school. The school has endless programs that nurture children both academically and socially which I feel puts them at a great advantage and builds their confidence. My only sadness is that this is my youngest child's last year at this school, but I look forward to all the memories that will be made in the coming months. |
| 8/14/2011 | parent | I am appauled at some of the negative parent comments below. My child just completed her last year at Roberta Tipps, and I am mourning the loss that the structure, education, creativity and enviroment Roberta Tipps provided. I'm sorry if the children of the parents below had a bad experience...but that is NOT the norm or the standard at this school. This school oozes with creativity. From the classical music played in the halls, to the creative, unique decor in every hall, it is an enviroment rich in all things that you would want your child surrounded by. Communication between teachers and parents is OUTSTANDING. The extra curricular activites and programs offered are also fantastic. Roberta Tipps is a family oriented school. I 100% agree with the parent who compared this school to a private school....And YES, we have children in BOTH private and public schools. |
| 8/14/2011 | parent | Not sure what some of the negative reviews are referencing, but we've had at least one and sometimes two children attending Tipps for the past seven years and have been very satisfied with all facets of the education our kids have received. We've never heard even a whisper regarding any problems with this school. The teachers are the best group you will find anywhere and collectively have a genuine interest in our kids' education and well-being. Parent/teacher interaction and involvement is also as good as you will find anywhere. |
| 8/13/2011 | parent | I agree with the posters who say the school doesn't seem safe. The teachers and Davis are great, and i feel sorry for them. As for the person who said it "feels like a private school" --you must be kidding or have never been to a private school, or meant to type "prison halfway house" because it's full of hoodlums. My kid WAS cut with a razor...wonder if it was the same kid. Trying to get out of here! |
| 1/31/2011 | parent | I think the teachers and admin are fine, but parent involvement is bipolar-parents are either rabid and fixated on things that don't matter, or they are totally uninvolved--and their children are behind, and so the teacher ends up spending too much time with them. I wish we had looked in Boren. :( |
| 11/30/2010 | parent | The teachers really do not give the students the attention that they need to be their best, its pretty sad. Most of the teachers will talk about you in a negative way behind you back!!!!!! |
| 11/4/2010 | parent | Oh my. I thought I was the only one that had problems with this school. Political is not a good word to describe this school. If your child gets in trouble in this school, you can bet that the point of view will be that of the adults and the adults only. I think that this school leadership seems to think that they do not have to follow the rules and guidelines provided by the Department of Education. I think that it will take an investigation by the Dept of Ed to look into this school. There is no positive leadership in this school and the teachers basically do what they want or the best they can. There are at least 3 better schools in the Mansfield area: JL Boren is great. I am in the process of transferring my kids out of Tipps. Too many issues at this school. |
| 11/2/2010 | parent | Tipps is a horrible school. My kids have been going to Tipps since last April and we have had nothing but problems. My son was chocked thrown on the ground and beat by another student and the teacher did not handle it well. When I spoke to her later on the phone she yelled at me wouldnt let me say one word. Also a boy in my sons class bought a razor to school and told my son he would cut him with it. those are just two of things we have had to deal with there is MANY more! NEVER SEND YOUR CHILD TO TIPPS! |
| 4/28/2010 | parent | The political atmosphere gets more and more sour. We thought we had put this stuff behind us. But it has reared its ugly head again as the school year wears on. I must ask if there is maturity in any part of the school -- we expect students to act like children, but we should, and do, expect better of the educators. The manipulative and vindictive character of the administration is turning away quality volunteers. They will soon be left only with those who seek to gain some level of power in this petty banana republic. I am a firm believer in devoting time and funding to support schools. However, I also believe that educators should appreciate parents who are willing to give of their time and talent -- even if there are personality differences. If not, do it yourself. |
| 4/26/2010 | parent | Run away. Run quickly away. Do not look back. |
| 3/28/2009 | parent | My child has never loved coming to school more. She loves her teachers, Mrs. Davis and Mr. Skinner.......Mr. G in the gym beats eaveryone. This school is large but has a private school feel. We love it! |
| 3/28/2009 | parent | We just moved to Mansfield last year and the amount of information we received about our daughter was unbeleivable. These people do their homework.....and make sure the children are doing theirs. I feel good sending my daughter to this school. |
| 3/18/2009 | parent | My child has now attended Tipps for 3 years. The school has not only met all my expectations it has also exceeding them. Due to the high standard of excellence that Mrs. Davis (Principal) expects of the teachers, my child has grown and achieved to heights unexpected. It is clear that the teachers and administrators are not simply 'clocking in' for 8 hours a day. They all work very hard to bring out the best in all the students. I look forward to my second child attending Tipps. |
| 3/12/2009 | parent | We have been a part of Tipps for just over 3 years and we love it. Most (you'll always have a couple bad apples) of the teachers love our kids as if they were their own. My oldest 'graduated' from Tipps and was very well prepared for 5th grade! My second is working her way through school, involved in many activities (so many fun clubs to choose from too) and loves going to school. The communication is fantastic! There is a good level of parental involvement...you can be just as involved as you want to be...for Moms AND Dads. We would and have recommended it for anyone! Tipps is an awesome school! |
| 3/9/2009 | teacher | Roberta Tipps Elementary has some of the most dedicated and hardworking people I know! I feel that we are a family here and support each other in ensuring the students have the most successful elementary experience possible. I'm proud to say I work at Roberta Tipps Elementary! |
| 3/9/2009 | parent | I have two children who have attended or are currenlty attending and one coming to kinder soon. I wouldn't want them anywhere else. My 4th grader who went onto Mary Orr was completely prepared for 5th grade and the expectations there from his experience at Tipps. These teachers and administrators work harder and are more dedicated then any other I have ever seen. The time and effort put into this school is unlike any other. Mrs. Davis and Mr. Skinner put their heart and soul into making Tipps go above and beyond in every aspect. I feel very fortuntate to have my children at Tipps, and anyone who has seen the kind of students that come from Tipps knows there is no other place like it. |
| 3/9/2009 | parent | My neighbor asked me to submit a review. Despite being placed in a portable building, we have nothing but positives to say about this school. We had a fantastic first grade and second grade has been even better. These teachers are great. They go out of their way to help us. We've never had to go to the office because our teachers have resolved our issues. Mrs. Davis appears to be very caring and Mr. Skinner has a great sense of humor. The staff mirrors these qualities and we love it! |
| 3/9/2009 | teacher | Roberta Tipps Elementary is successful because of the strong work ethic of its dedicated leaders and teachers. I wouldn't work in any other school. I have been with Tipps since its opening and find that the school community is the most positive and professional of all school communities I have worked with. I am proud to say I am part of the Tipps Family where failure is not an option for our students or our staff. Working towards the success of our students here is a very rewarding experience. |
| 3/8/2009 | parent | We love Roberta Tipps. They offer so many after school activities, as well as opportunities for the kids to be involved. My daughter is a banker in the student run bank. She loves the opportunity to work with Mr. Skinner and the other students in the bank. Her self esteem has soared this year and we know it is because of the opportunities that are available to her. Mrs. Davis has worked with two AP's at the school and all three of them have worked so hard to make Tipps a great place. The teachers come early and stay late to offer things like chess club, tutoring, green team, and even a student council. On top of all this, they hold students (and parents-- we work hard too on assignments) to high expectations. Her academic growth has been tremendous. Fantastic! |
| 3/8/2009 | parent | Tipps is an amazing school that is made up of great kids with varying needs and learning style making each one an individual treasure as well as great administrators, teachers, support staffs, and parents--those that are highly involved through such forum as the PTA or simply find their own way to be part of their child's learning. Every child's success is a Tipps community celebration because that's what it takes--all of us working together. Tipps is a place that signifiies the engrained philosophy of 'Children First'. |
| 3/8/2009 | parent | I think that it's a real shame that an unhappy someone is using this website to vent. This school opened in 2003-04 and I have had children here to date. I think Mrs. Davis is a lady who cares deeply about children and is always thinking up new ways with her staff to make learning better/fun for the children. My kids love coming to school and so do most of the children I know. Mr. Campbell was wonderful but so is Mr. Skinner. This school runs like clockwork....but in favor of children. I personally know families that attend Tipps that don't even live in the zone. ...So for those of you who are unhappy...make room for them. To anyone that doubts the greatness of this school, the administration, the teachers and the parents that help out all the time - Don't atke anyone's word - come see for yourself! |
| 3/8/2009 | teacher | The expectations of excellence are unparalleled at Roberta Tipps and it starts at the top. Thank you Elna for giving us the support and motivation to accept nothing less than the best from ourselves and all of our students. |
| 2/27/2009 | parent | My son attends Roberta Tipps and I wouldn't have him anywhere else. From the office staff to the principal and asst. principal to the teachers and paras this school puts kids first. My son loves coming to school and is doing fantastic. This school is also the largest elementary school because so many parents want there children here. I am very proud to say my child goes to school here and would recommend it to any parent. I have never seen such a hard working group of people. |
| 2/25/2009 | parent | We have found the school to be a great resource. Mrs. Davis and Mr. Skinner are sticklers for the rules but seem to mean well. The staff is great also. There are lots of great activities and I see the staff at the events. We highly reccomend this school. It is a grat place where kids are put first, even if it sometimes means being put ahead of parents, which is understandable given all they have to accomplish. |
| 2/23/2009 | parent | The leadership in this school is the worst I've seen. You have an asst. principal who thinks he runs the school an even worse a principal who does nothing. There is little interaction with the kids from the principle of this school. The assistant principle; in attempt to control the kids, intimidate the children and seems to think he can do the same to the parents too. For the amount of taxes paid for the running of this school in this city, they could find better leadership for the betterment of the children |
| 1/30/2009 | parent | No one in the office greets you or gives you the time of day unless you are a volunteer at the school. Most of the time, I have found that the office is very unorganized. You're not going to get your answer by calling the front desk. The principal is rarely seen at the school but when she is, she doesn't waste any time smiling or saying hi to any of the parents. The vice principal is usually the authority seen around school but most of the time, he is usually yelling or threatening a parent. Even in Kindergarten, the children will have homework almost every night. The programs given by kids are scheduled in the mornings where most parents can't attend. Parking is a nightmare but no one tells you where to park. You just get yelled at. |
| 10/3/2008 | parent | Okay. Don't expect much. Principal and vice principal are apathetic and unprofessional. The school is great only because of the children. There are better schools in the Mansfield area...please check those out. Hoping to sell our house and move out of this school zone. |
| 5/28/2008 | parent | Meaning no greetings from the principal's Ms. Davis..Never saw her outside helping asst principal even to this day nor do I see either at the after school functions.And teachers would snicker and laugh as you walked down the hallway. |
| 3/30/2008 | parent | Really good school, only problem is seems they care more about the school rating vs remembering these are kids. |
| 3/14/2008 | parent | Did not think the hospialtility was there.Meaning no greetings from the principal's (Ms. Davis), loved the asst.principal's,and teachers would snicker as you walked down the hallway. |
| 1/7/2008 | parent | I'm glad that my child is no longer at this school. The principal does not interact with the students. We had some wonderful teachers at Tipps, but we also had some not so wonderful ones too. |
| 9/10/2007 | parent | We absolutely LOVE Roberta Tipps Elementary! I have two boys attending. I found this website because we maybe relocating and I just hate to leave such a great EXEMPLARY school. Mrs. Davis, the principal, is great. I am one of the many, many parent volunteers at the school. They have several clubs for the kids. (i.e. Scrabble, Reading, Chess, Jr. Jag Council, etc.) I have been a member of the PTA Board for the last three years. My husband is involved in the Dad's Club which they do Dads @ Doors on Fridays where the dad's help open car doors. The kids love seeing the dad's get involved. I would HIGHLY recommend this school...it's the best! |
| 7/7/2005 | parent | My son's first year was this last one at roberta tipps, he transfered from another area. They treated us great and were never any different. The asst.principle and principle are both sweet and very personable, I am glad my son is there. |
| 4/10/2005 | parent | I have been very happy with the relationship I have had with the teachers at Roberta Tipps. I feel that the teachers are doing well considering they are under so much pressure to actually teach school and the TAKS required material. I believe that the e-mail system set up by Roberta Tipps administration has really helped working parents like me that need to either just drop the teacher an FYI or ask a quick question without playing telephone tag. I moved here solely for the school system and certainly don't regret my decision. Thank you to all you hard working teachers out there! |
