Any experiences with Glenhaven elementary in SS?

[Anonymous]

We are in the Glenhaven ES district and from what I see in overall test scores, it's really discouraging. But I realize that test scores don't always tell the whole story. Any parents out there with experiences, positive or negative? There have been previous posts on Glenhaven, but virtually no feedback to the OP's request for information. Appreciate any insight on the school.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I posted on this a couple weeks ago (search glen haven here) as I'm in the neighborhood and thinking to the future. Lots of kids seem to go to St. John's, from what I can tell. I wish we could help GH become a better school -- I've heard it needs a more active PTA.

[Anonymous]

This is the OP. I'll gladly get involved in the PTA and support GH in any way I can if my daughter attends. We're still a few years out from attending - my DD is still an infant - but the quality of the school is a great concern to the extent that we're considering the "what ifs" including moving to another neighborhood (which we don't really want to do). Obviously, we have some time to consider options, but I was curious to know what the core issues are. Seems like no one on DCUM has kids who attend ... or they're not talking .

[Anonymous]

bump. NP here and curious whether there are any parents on this forum who have kids at Glen Haven. Would like to hear from them about their experiences.

[Anonymous]

bump. Any new feedback on Glen Haven ES in Silver Spring? Experiences from DCUM parents?

[Anonymous]

We used to live in the Glen Haven district and sent our DD to St. John's. Then we moved to another school district. I visited the school and did not think it would be a good fit for us but everyone needs to make their own assessment.

[Anonymous]

There is a new principal this year, and I gather that the former principal was part of the problem with the school. My kids don't go there, but I did sub a few times, and there were some issues with behavior and control on the part of the students. However, there are some really good teachers there. Let's hope this new principal can turn things around.

[Anonymous]

It was great when I went there... in 1976! Sorry I can't provide a recent report, but I was surprised to learn that the PE teacher I had was still there as of a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We used to live in the Glen Haven district and sent our DD to St. John's. Then we moved to another school district. I visited the school and did not think it would be a good fit for us but everyone needs to make their own assessment.

What was your assessment based on your visit? What did you think of St Johns?

[Anonymous]

I did not think the school would be a good fit for my DD. We really liked St. John's. It was a nice community with small classes and my DD had a good experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did not think the school would be a good fit for my DD. We really liked St. John's. It was a nice community with small classes and my DD had a good experience.

Can you provide any specifics about what you didn't like at Glen Haven? I'd love feedback from parents who have seen with their own two eyes, so to speak. Appreciate any info you can share.

[Anonymous]

bumping thread. Considering moving into the neighborhood and have heard that Glenhaven is improving. Would welcome thoughts from parents with kids there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:bumping thread. Considering moving into the neighborhood and have heard that Glenhaven is improving. Would welcome thoughts from parents with kids there.

Are you local? If so, the best way to talk to real parents and get the flavor of the school is to check in with the PTA. Turns out, they have a meeting this Wednesday.

http://ghespta.org/

I personally do not know anything about the current Glen Haven, but I was a student there in the 70s, so I have a soft spot for it.

Best wishes for whatever decision you make!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:bumping thread. Considering moving into the neighborhood and have heard that Glenhaven is improving. Would welcome thoughts from parents with kids there.

Important to know: Glenhaven is losing its Title I funding for next year. They will still be a focus school, which reduces class size in grade K-2, but the classes in the upper grades will be much larger (the county ratio is something like 1:28-30). Title I also funds some of para educators, full day Head Start and the free summer school program, so those will be affected (I'm on the PTA of another school that lost Title I).

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PPs! I will check out the PTA meeting.

Why is it losing Title I funds? I thought Title I was tied to school performance and testing ... and when I checked out test results they weren't great, especially for upper grades.