John F. Kennedy Elementary School

This is the best school with a wonderful director and teachers
Oct 20th, 2022

I went to this school roughly some time between Kindergarten, 2009 - Grade 4, 2013. This school was beyond awful to me. I was a child with an IEP and was treated horribly for it. Whenever I struggled, a teacher was always there to put me down further. My mother was given promises of accommodations, but didn't see much happening about it. I was manipulated and bullied by other kids and instead of helping me, they would say I was the problem. I was punched in the jaw by another kid right in front of a school security camera and 2 supervisors. I cried very loudly and caused a commotion because why wouldn't I? Other kids started gathering around. I didn't want them near me so I was screaming at them to go away. Absolutely nothing was done about it. No supervisor even acknowledged me. When I got home and my mother asked me about the bruise on my face, I told her what happened and she was LIVID. Only then when she told off the school did they contact the boy's parents, who forced an apology out of him. I was 3 years behind on my education. By the time I reached grade 4 my mother pulled me out of school for a year of home schooling. I quickly caught up and became an honor student when I returned to taking classes in another school. This is FAR from the only tale I have to tell. I could go on for hours, but this review has to end somewhere. If you ever do end up sending your kid here; WATCH THEM.
Apr 2nd, 2023

Clearly these people dont know how to deal with bullying. The principal is also very rude, she walked away from my son when he was explaining something, she ignores him and gives him the look in the morning when he says hello, and didnt do anything. And doesn't even LOOK at my daughter. She accuses my son of lying. And punishes him for touching a kids coat because someone was attacking him and he touched it for 1 SECOND and CONFIRMED by his friend. In his kindergarten year, his teacher was mean to him, but nice to the advanced kids. My daughter gets lied at school and the teacher does nothing. And the principal has the AUDACITY to say to pay over 100 dollars for a simple bag of popcorn during class. And doesnt do anything for celebrations. I think the web-sight that said our goal is to- is a total lie. I dont recommend this school to all parents.
Oct 28th, 2022

My son was having difficulties adapting to the new pre-k experience. His pre-k teachers worked tirelessly along with resource staff to support him and improve his early school experiences. I was able to form a strong bond with them as well as with the principle and we formed a team which together, we have improved my son's behaviour along with his school perceptions. I can't thank them enough for all their hard work and dedication. My older daughter also attends this school and loves it. She has the time of her life here. The teachers here are so dedicated to their profession. They care for the children. The principle fights for grants and projects for the school which she believes will ameliorate the children's learning and social experiences. The staff loves this school. They love the students. From the janitors, to the lunch monitors, the teachers, to the admins, the resource people, to the principle.... these people who work here - they are all stars.
May 4th, 2022

They have an odd way of fighting bullying by encouraging discrimination within the walls of the school itself. My experience has taught me they have a 'my way of the highway" approach and they don't seem to deal well with energetic kids. By isolating them, while all the others sing, dance, eat cake and are allowed to have surprises, it creates insecurities and the feeling of inferiority for the child, while the others are taught that it's ok to let someone be treated this way. After sending him home on a DAILY BASIS between 9 - 12am, and meeting with specialists and therapists, to conclude it's only excess of energy. Impulsions and frustrations have worsened with their techniques but they still wanted to keep doing it their way. I've come to a conclusion that they simply don't have control or authority over their students and don't know how to deal with it. I'm also skipping a lot of details as I'm skeptic about the honesty of some teachers. The speeches made to the parents VS the way they are with the kid when the parent isn't around, I've felt many times that he was targeted. Also when some can't look you in the eye when talking about your child sends a message. I've noticed when I started asking for a reason to pick him up and not just "we were asked that u come pick him up". When they had told me that he hit someone's butt, and I asked if it was playful, the answer was "still its an unacceptable behaviour", made me realize well this school is a little dramatic. My 5yo is now back to his old daycare, after having him home full time for over 2 months, and we have absolutely no problems with his attitude or level of energy. I had to spend a lot of time helping him regain his self esteem and the feeling that he "belongs" with kids his age. To this day when I mention some things he bursts into tears, and i feel like he wants to go back to school just to prove that he is not a failure It breaks my heart... and frustrates me I know you have tried to help.. but you also refused to listen when the mother spoke and gave you advice. This whole experience as a single mom who had to interrupt her work daily and run left and right, has made me very exhausted to this day. A negative review is something i rarely leave. I hope this helps improve things, and I apologize if you don't agree with this
Apr 1st, 2022