SO. I'm going to write my elementay experience for the sake of any new kid coming to this school or…read morea worried parent. (i am no longer a elementry schooler, just to clear things up). Here's what I think:
1. Its a great school, overall clean, teachers are mostly nice, school is good in general
I want to say that everyone in the school is great, but you can't live life with a bit of suffering. I DO know some people that left this school for a few reasons.
1. One kid was bullied badly (2022-2024), came home with bruses, and hated school. I was a saftey, and protected him in the bus, but dispite me being there the bullying still procceded, in the bus, and in the school. The child is in another school now, but acorrding to the bullys they were "ruff housing" and trying to "tuffen him up". Clearly, that was not the case. So all I can say, is to make sure your kid has a bit of backbone just in case if some kids want to do this again (Just an fyi, this only happened to a few students, the bullys are much older now and their situation was handeled by a responcible adult).
2. One kid WAS the bully(2022-2026). The parents actually assumed that this kid was the victium and that he needed protecting but I was there. Ruff housing others, being rude to children, actually bullying the kid I mentioned above and more. just like to give the fyi though that this child is no longer at hammond elementry,but I just wanted to let children and parents know that people like him are out there in the elementry school, and not to always expect it, but to be ready if it comes.
3. Another kid bullied (2021). Sadly he left, but was bullied for his personality and haircut. After he left, kids started behaving better after the teachers stepped in.
Those are a few things in the school, but I think it's time for some nice things:
1. recess and lunch. The child gets lunch of their choice from multipul options ranging from pizza to yougurt plate to choice of the day! At least one vegitable or fruit is needed permeal, and they get a choice of drink! The eating place is clean (just a bit of warning to noise sensitive studdents, it can get a bit loud) and is fun to be in). I left before they added the protable rooms outside for extra classroom space, but it doesn't affect recess. Pleanty of safe space for children and adults supervise them constently throughout.
2. The classes. They are quite fun! The teachers are very nice and supportive/inclusive of all students. I honestly wouldn't have any complaints about the curriculum, but I would recomend getting into GT classes as soon as possible. I was not able to, despite my 100% grades, and waited till middle school because it was extreamly hard to do it after 3rd grade (I eventually got in 7th grade, but clearly it took a while). I would also like to note that it is a lot easier doing so.
3. Related arts. You may be wondering what we do in these classes. Basically they rotate during the week, each day getting a new related arts (don't worry, the teachers usually help to get to each class). Music included a bit of singing, group activities, and instruemnt learning. Technology class taught us how to do basic coding, how to use short cuts and how to type. In P.E. we learned about fitness, did activities (inside and out), and learned new sports (even some unheard off like "headake ball" but I'm not sure if they removed that or not ). Art was wonderful, we did self portates, clay suclptures, mugs, piggy banks, and more! I actually had the teacher Mr. Wethington when I went there and he was very nice. AND THE LIBRARY! Sad when I just recently checked that my favrorite library teacher wasn't there, but ignoring that right now, I would just like to say that the class was great! Its a class where we spent most of the time reading a reserching and making new bonds. You can go before first piriod when you walk throught the doors, and you can go at the end of the day too. Its a wonderul class and I hope that the suddent that goes enjoys it.
4. FINALLY the teachers: here are the ones that I would say were great teachers (supportive, nice, and would probably be okay with you going up to them and asking questions):
-Melissa Paper-Garthoff ( Special Ed Kindergarten Paraeducator ),Anne Allen (Teacher, currently 2nd grade), Maria Rocco (Teacher, currently seccond grade),Kelly Edwards (Third grade team leader), Bernard Hector (Fourth grade team Leader), Jessica Monti (fith grade teacher & team Leader), Cathy McDerment (fith grade teacher), Brittany Jacobs ( Orchestra), Suzanne (Serpico) McCulloch (Team Leader Physical Education), Lang Wethington (Art teacher).
While I would like to write more, I'm running out of room . I hope this was informative, and I wish good luck to any new students and parents going here! It was wonderful, and I'm sure you will have an amazing experice :) Have a great day!