West Point
-
8/14/2013
My children are new to this school this school year. the area of the school is rather desirable, a nice upper class area. So I was very surprised, no punt intended to learn how the educational system was lacking that of a less classy area of Phoenix. the school it self appearance was a delight to the beholder, it would have appeared they put a lot of money in the stricter of the school , and there was still ongoing construction going on added to the parking stricter. they added covered parking to the school as if the was a business area or a high school were a lot of students drove to and from school. What I found Very disappointing of this school was right off the administrative staff was unwelcoming, had no desire to help even when I advised we were new to the school. Going forward with obtaining the enrollment paper work, I advised the enrolling admin of the dilemma of the original documents, and continued to advise I have a great relationship with the previous school and they would be more than happy to send all the requested information. I was advised they needed everything original before they could even assign a teacher. I understood they possibly would not be able to start school without this information, but to not even assign them a teacher was upsetting to me,
and a bit infuriating to me as they were holding a meet the teacher in the day to follow , so my children and I went all the same to get a feel for the school and see if we could possible speak to any of the teachers as they would potentially have one of them ,and not necessarily to my surprise the teachers weren't very welcoming either. in fact the only friendly welcoming teachers were the Music Arts teachers , which I learned in this district is a separate program that is held at different schools each year to teach the arts in music ,dance, art a separate program that is not a part of this school traditional or normal schedule or curriculum , and the special ED teachers which were nice , but my children aren't special ED or unfortunately in the Arts program at this school. Getting through the paper work I advised once I obtained all the original documents needed that there was no application for lunch. I was told "cause they don't have any" I proceeded to inquire how they would remedy this as my children needed to receive lunch, I was completely beside my self from the overall lack of concern and the answer's I was receiving which was very un concerning on her behalf, so I lead with were could I get this information i.e. on line, district office ?? she finally advised district office, I asked her to call and make certain and come to find out it was a different location. while scrambling to this location, I get there and again unfriendly people I had to encounter that advised me the process could take from 10 to 30 days. Fast-forward to the second ay of school due to the lack of original documents caused a delay by a few days. I take my kids to school as I always do on the first day of school and many school days my children and I go to the office cause we didn't know which teachers they were assigned to and this being day two for the school I respect the chaotic environment so the admin staff calls for student escorts without informing me of whom the teachers were "HELLO" I asked to have the schedule and know whom would be spending 85% of my children's day with them. so as the students are coming down I have to insist they wait until all the escorts come so I could go to each class as well to meet the teacher So as I ask for a visitor pass I was advised that I needed an escort as well, no big deal I leave my license and head to meet the teachers with my children and all the escort's. I'm respectful of the teachers time and the fact school is in session so I'm brief. as I circle from the 6th grade area to the 7th grade area I hear a man's voice yelling which happens to be my daughters teacher so immediately I go back to the class to check on her, she had the most intimidate look on her face and complete confusion. So I ask the teacher to allow her to come outside, and she near tears as she has no clue of what's setting this teacher off, and that the students are telling her incorrect information and she's not able to ask the teacher what he wanted to be done, So I gave her a pep talk and encouraging words ,and advised her I would go get a pass for the day and come sit with her for a little bit to help her get acclimated to the new environment. Since the escort I had was very admit on me not being able to stay in the class or in the hallway at all , new policy so I advise her I need to speak to someone in charge to advise them of the history of my child in school , and the relation ship I share through the school year with the staff and my children. I was directed to the assistant principal that I explained the delicate situation to in regards to the anxiety my child generally has when encountering this type of environment and expressed the desire to sit with her for a little bit, and her answer surprised me when she told me that I didn't want the other students to tease her by having me in the class room with her! excuse me... I ask if she was implying that they encourage bullying? she advised no but the fact of the matter is it would happen so she would be willing to go and check on her for me. I was Livid to the overall experience, and was told that due to recent activities back East they have decided to limit the parent interaction in the class, and if a parent wanted to spend time in a class they would need to schedule an appointment with the teacher in advance. I have never heard of a school limiting the parents involvement with the child in school ? I was not satisfied with that information , and was then advised if I would like to get back on campus past the front office desk without getting a background and fingerprint clearance card for $65.00 ? which went on to advise they your personal information will be shared with whom they deem to share it with and that the person should waive liability of defecation of character... this school has increasingly vexed me and I'm at a lost for words this school's JR High doesn't even offer electives of any sort! but they have money to build covered parking . The previous district that all my children has attended would tell any of them first hand how evolved I stay through out the school year to the point that I got personal call form all the staff for assistance with their class and future projects within the school, and to be treated like a criminal for wanting to express involvement was distasteful and I cant wait until I move from this raciest under welcoming low preforming school that doesn't even offer technology to the students unless they bring in their own, and I know a lot of districts has had budget cuts but to see an parking garage structure over the summer getting constructed ,and not put this money into the education or edification of the kids was a serious sign to me tis school is not truly concerned with the development of the students as it is about the appearance of the school. in closing I tell you I'm normally really easy going and I respect the general education system, and all its employees but this experience has sincerely left a lot more to be desired. I believe there are title one schools that are doing better in the education of children than this school is .
in short this school has an F- rating in my book!
Moenicka | Surprise, AZ