Norfolk Public City Schools

I recently moved to the Norfolk Public School area, and enrolled my daughter in one of the many Norfolk City Public Schools. 

Coleman Place Elementary is a newly contructed school, located in the Norfolk City area.  Upon entering the school, it is a very large school, with both downstairs classes and upstairs classes.  This school has grades third to fifth.  It's halls and classes are very clean and well kept.

The office and administration has a very professional atmosphere and the staff are very cordial to visitors entering the school.

Since I have been here, I've had the opportunity to speak with other parents tha live in the neighborhood.  To my surprise, some of the conversation regarding the teachers at Coleman Elementary is not very positive.  I had the opportunity of meeting a neighbor that just recently, in the month of March (close to the end) of the school year, actually removed her son from Coleman Elementary and placed him in a private school, paying in access of $2,000 for the remaining part of the school term.  This was a $2,000.00 that she could not afford, but when given the choice of having her son disrespect (as she said) and called names, she decided that she would have to find the funds somewhere.

During the spring break I decided to question my child and ask her how she was doing at school.  How she was getting along with her teachers, as well as if she had witness any teachers disrespecting students.

To my surprise, she said that she did not have any problem, but that she had witnessed some kids being treated badly, by teachers...but as she called it, "they were the trouble maker children". 

Well, my major concern is whether or not a child is a "trouble maker" child per se....  I do not think that belittling a child in any way can ever have any positive affects on that child.

It scares me that teachers are not being held responsible for there behavior, as teachers.  I see each day in the private sector workers and service providers are being held accountable in many ways.  From companies hiring mystery shoppers, to workers having to account for every moment of there days. 
If the private sector finds it necessary to hold there workers responsible, then it why can't the schoo board do something about holding teachers, that feel they have some kind of special priviledges because they have been there for a while, accountable for there behavior.

No one wants there child to be called a dummy, or being bullied by teachers and staff members.  We as parents pay the salaries of these teachers, and our kids should be given respect.

If you are a parent of any Norfolk City School, please do not hesitate to leave your feedback here.  Also contact me for more information at:  esvaexchange@peoplepc.com

I recently sent my childs report card back to school, with a note requesting that the teacher contact me so I can set up a meetin with her to see how my child is performing in school.  I called once today to ask the office to be sure that the message has been delivered.  It is after 6:00pm and I have not yet received a call.  I'm wondering just how long it will be before I get a call from my childs teacher.