I would like to acknowledge the hidden gem on N. Campbell Road that turned into one of the best academic experiences for my son, and exceeded all my expectations. I think that in any given year, what makes a school great is a combination of teachers and leadership who practice excellence. A bonus for me, as a parent, was the easy and pleasant interaction with office staff who were always attentive to every one of my needs. Before stepping into Sandra Lee Thompson Elementary, I had never met an office staff with a perpetual smile on their faces! Equally pleasant was the principal, Mr. Halland, with whom I had enjoyed many conversations over the years. He was always approachable, but it's his interaction with students that impressed me most--he truly speaks the children's language. In my view Mr. Halland is definitely in the business of creating a "we" culture and strives for the best interest of the students through development and innovation; he also creates pathways to involve and improve the entire community embedded within the school. He is trusted, and a child at heart--never forgetting the value of a bit of comic relief in the courtyard--his unicorn costume . . . no need to expound.
Each one of my son's teachers (grades 2-5) had inspired him--this reaffirms that the system works very well. He gained confidence, a breadth of knowledge, critical thinking, curiosity, a love of music, reading, writing, art, PE, technology, and developed interpersonal skills and qualities that have empowered him in so many different ways. His GATE teacher introduced so many more issues of human interest that piqued his interest and made his stay at Sandra Lee Thompson Elementary a benefit to him, and a great start to his academic journey. Oh, how I will miss those teachers' smiles during drop-off and pick-up, the way they would greet and welcome their students and of course, their tireless endeavor to adapt to each student's needs and make every lesson memorable and exciting. The way my son would walk out of class, chatty and smiling--that is a testament to the safe, warm, and stimulating environment that helped him thrive. Everyone at the school will be missed, but never forgotten. read more