Olympic View Elementary School

Posted September 3, 2009

We moved here in the middle of the school year. My son had been in preschool for a year, and kindergarten for half the year before we transferred from California. He was enrolled in OVE and placed in class with a teacher, who I was told, was quite good. I asked to volunteer in the classroom, and was told that they preferred parents volunteer in the library, lunchroom, office or on the playground- not in the classroom. As a parent who volunteered on a weekly basis in her child's class since he had started school, I was a bit taken back by this. Six weeks went by. I went into the class often to talk to the teacher about how he was adjusting and was always told that everything was going well. Then, I get called into a meeting with the principal and teacher. Apparently, even though my son was slightly ahead academically, he was 'a little rambunctious, and sometimes aggressive in class.' When I asked why his behavior wasn't brought to my attention earlier, I was told by the teacher that he didn't have time to talk to every parent every day about what their kids were doing wrong. I thought that was total bs, since I made it a point to approach him on an almost daily basis to ask about my son's progress. I was informed that since his birthday in in October, my son was only accepted to the school on a probationary status. I was not informed of this at the time of his enrollment. The teacher and principal requested that I withdraw him from school and send him back the next year to start all over again. It was a heartbreaking experience for both my son and myself. He cried every day for the next week, because he couldn't go to school. Then when it was finally time for him to go back- he didn't want to. His second try at OVE wasn't much better than the first. His teacher this time around was so disorganized and chaotic, I'm not sure how any of the kids learned anything. I volunteered in the class and was appalled at how out of control everything was. You can't give a group of five year olds three tasks to do, then just let them go and expect them to do it with no help. You'd think a teacher would know this. My son is now in third grade (although he should be in fourth), and it's a fight to get him to go to school or do homework. It kills me that this little boy- who LOVED school, who woke ME up every day, eager to get to school, now hates it. I believe this is a direct result of the experience at OVE, and the teacher's incompetence as an educator and unwillingness to work with parents to help their children. I feel like by not telling me the truth about my son having issues in class, he set my him up for failure because he didn't want to deal with his behavior, or me as a parent. I always got the feeling that the teachers at OVE didn't want to deal with parents. You drop your kids off in front of the classroom and an aid takes them in. You went to pick your kids up and an aid brought them out. The only time I was able to communicate with the teachers was when I went to them. OVE, to me, represents everything that is wrong with education in this country today, and I strongly recommend against sending a child to that school. Almost every parent I know with a child in OVE complains about the school. Several have requested that their child switch to OHE, and some have even put their children in private school, even though it is a huge financial burden.
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Posted September 26, 2008

I had two daughters attend OVE. My oldest went through the 5th grade and my youngest went to 2nd & 3rd. I have to say that the teachers were good with what they had to work with. I know the academics that the teachers are using are below standards and the students progress lack because of that. The only reason some children are passing wasl is because the teachers commit most if not all of each lesson preparing for the wasl. I know the money for this area and school is just not there to make improvements on any level. The PTSA is lacking at this school, the knowledge base is just not there to have a great PTSA. I have since been to a superior, above average school and now know how they operate. I see now what my children missed by attending OVE.
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Posted April 24, 2008

As a military family our transfer into and out of OVE was effortless thanks to an outstanding office staff. My son needed extra help in math and accomodations were made for extra help, and all of my sons needs were met in that area. We are now on the East Coast, and while the schools here are a bit ahead of the Oak Harbor schools, both my school age children were able to adapt easily,and continue to do well. Thank you OVE!
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Posted March 25, 2008

I think if someone is going to give a bad review of a school and express regrets, they should offer more information. I have visited this school often and find the office staff and principal very receptive and the school atmosphere is inviting.
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