Shakerag Elementary School

Posted November 15, 2009

It is a shame that our children go to a school where the emphasis is completely on being a platinum level school, or as in our mission statement, one where it is the goal for all children to meet or exceed expectations. It would be nice to be at a school where the standardized test scores, were not the primary emphasis in our children s educational experience. We are focused on raising children that not only excel at school, but in life, and have social skills that allow them to be successful both in and out of the classroom. While yes our children are receiving a great education (or so we are told by their test scores ) a fundamental ideal is not embraced at our school, that Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing~Harriet Braiker. Are we teaching our children to be problem solvers that through failure and hard work can persevere and achieve perfection or is that success is measured by being perfect on a standardized test? We question whether we have sold ourselves short by conforming to the ideologies that children are only successful through a single minded focus of achieving the highest possible test scores, regardless of what may be sacrificed along the way. A child who does not spend their free time outside of school getting further educational enrichment and tutoring and even Coach Textbooks to study for our standardized tests, and instead, is focused on non educational activities that enrich their lives and makes them a well rounded individual through sport, arts, community, church and volunteerism is a minority at our school. We are thankful for the dedicated teaching staff at Shakerag, and have been fortunate to have some fantastic educators for our children. What we know is that our children have learned to be good test takers at Shakerag, what remains to be seen is if they are lifelong learners , we have had to teach that at home.
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Posted November 6, 2009

Its not a school we all are like a family here.Though we are diversified culturally so much at this school..we all believe in each others value and respect each other.School provides us all the facilities ,they let the parents involve so much with the school.Proud to be a part of this school.
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Posted October 31, 2009

Great school!!! Teachers, staff, parents and kids are wonderful!!
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Posted October 29, 2009

Shakerag has the best combination of supportive and involved parents, forward-thinking administrators, compassionate and hardworking teachers, and students who are prepared and eager to learn compared to any other school I've worked in for the past 17 years. Cultural diversity is something we live and celebrate every day, while also celebrating what it means to be an American. I feel fortunate to teach in such a nurturing school!
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