My concerns with this school begin at the front office, specifically with the level of customer…read moreservice, professionalism, and basic courtesy demonstrated by the Registrar. Unfortunately, my experiences have left me with the impression that parents are not consistently treated with the level of respect and professionalism they should reasonably expect when dealing with an elementary school.
During my 2nd visit at the school on 20AUG26, I was in the office completing my child's registration. My child was playing with another child in the designated play area within the office. The Registrar loudly stated, almost to the point of yelling, that this was a "place of business" and that the children were not supposed to be playing there. I understand that the front office is an administrative workspace and that staff have responsibilities that require an orderly environment. However, the manner in which this was communicated was unnecessarily harsh and, in my opinion, inappropriate for an elementary-school setting--particularly when the children were in an area apparently intended for them.
There is a significant difference between appropriately redirecting children and speaking to them in a manner that makes them feel unwelcome in their own school. A simple, respectful request would have accomplished the same objective without creating an uncomfortable interaction.
My experience today 11SEP26 was even more concerning. I approached the Registrar and asked to speak with a guidance counselor. I was told, "They're all in meetings." I then asked whether she could help me get on a counselor's schedule. After I asked the question, there was no response. I waited approximately two minutes, expecting either an answer or some direction about what I needed to do next. Nothing was said.
At that point, another staff member came out, and I asked her for assistance. She was immediately helpful and willing to assist me. I thanked her and apologized for bothering her, explaining that I had initially asked the Registrar for help and had either not been heard or had not received a response.
I cannot know what the Registrar's intention was, so I will not state as fact that I was deliberately ignored. However, I can speak to what actually happened: I asked a direct question, waited for a response, received none, and ultimately had to seek assistance from another employee. Regardless of the reason, that is not the level of communication I expect from the person serving as a primary point of contact for parents.
What is particularly frustrating is that this was not a situation where I expected the Registrar to stop everything and immediately solve my problem. If she was busy, a simple statement such as, "I'm unable to help with that right now, but you can speak with ___," or "Please wait a moment and I'll tell you how to schedule an appointment," would have been completely appropriate.
Basic acknowledgment and courtesy are not unreasonable expectations.
Parents should not have to wonder whether their questions are being ignored, whether they are inconveniencing staff simply by asking for assistance, or whether they will receive a respectful response when they walk into the school office.
I also want to distinguish between the school being busy and staff being discourteous. I completely understand that school offices are busy, counselors have meetings, and employees have numerous responsibilities. None of that excuses a failure to communicate with a parent who is standing in front of you and asking for assistance. Being busy is understandable. Failing to acknowledge someone is a customer-service issue.
The front office sets the tone for the school. For many parents, it is the first--and sometimes the only--interaction they have with school administration. Because of that, I believe the people working in that environment should demonstrate patience, professionalism, and basic respect, particularly when interacting with families and young children.
There are clearly staff members at this school who understand this. My interaction with the other staff member today demonstrated that assistance can be provided courteously and professionally even when the office is busy. That interaction made the contrast with my experience with the Registrar even more noticeable.
I am leaving this review because I believe this is an area that needs meaningful improvement. I am not expecting special treatment. I am expecting basic professionalism, and respect.
