My experiences with Avery Elementary, Canton, Georgia

[mjones0428]

Thank you BobKovacs for writing! I'm heartbroken to have to pull her from the Alpharetta school that we have loved so much, but just can't afford that anymore, so having that "warm and fuzzy comfortable" feeling about another school seems out of reach after reading some of the posts. I did check the zone for us and even though we are right at exit 19 and Hasty is like 2 minutes from us, we are in the Avery zone, so about a 10 minutes drive instead (better then the 45mins-1 hour to Alpharetta though).
Thanks again for writing. It helped calm the nerves a bit. I was going to contact Avery and see if they give tours to parents so we can find out all about it and see the kind of vibe we get from the teachers and administrators there (of course checking out how clean it is too LOL) But I'm sure its fine. I mean schools are inspected and have standards to meet. I'm from NY state and loved my school. I just want our daughters to have a great school experience here in GA.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by MovedfromFL

Wow, I am saddened that these types of things happen in today's classroom. I am a former 1st grade teacher turned stay at home mom for now. Back in FL, I would have never, ever dreamed of doing those kinds of things in my classroom. In fact, my Principal would have escorted me from the building if anthing like you described went on. A teacher like that should NOT be in education at all.

My husband is a teacher here and we are appalled at the things that go on in Georiga's schools. There is a complete lack of Principal leaderhip and basic competency. I had a really good Principal back in FL and she knew how to run a school. Here, even the most basic safety standards are overlooked. I could go on and on with specific examples (esp one where the teacher should in fact have been arrested for breaking the law, but the Principal looked the other way), but the bottom line is I do not want my young kids going to the schools here. We are moving back to Florida this summer.

I can't imagine why a principal would not be responsive to repeated concerns by parents. Your next recourse would be to take it to the superintendent. That happened occasionally in FL and boy did that shake things up.

What are these horrible things going on in GA schools? We were thrilled to get transferred OUT of FL. My youngest was stabbed with a sharpened pencil in 5th grade, and nothing was done. And, we lived in upscale Weston, which is considered by FL standards to have good schools. An isolated incident, but one that could happen in any part of the country. We just happened to have more issues with the FL schools than we have ever had here in GA.

I hate reading posts where people lump an entire state's public school system into one cesspool.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by mjones0428

Thanks again for writing. It helped calm the nerves a bit. I was going to contact Avery and see if they give tours to parents so we can find out all about it and see the kind of vibe we get from the teachers and administrators there (of course checking out how clean it is too LOL) But I'm sure its fine. I mean schools are inspected and have standards to meet. I'm from NY state and loved my school. I just want our daughters to have a great school experience here in GA.

I'd still call and ask for a tour- don't take my word for it- I'm sure they'd be happy to give you one. Just be sure to do it soon, as things tend to get hectic toward the end of the school year, which will be here again before we know it.

[TheDoc1]

I was truly saddened and shocked to see so many negative comments about Avery. My daughter began kindergarten there in 2010 and we could not be happier. The school is now under the direction of Ms. Letitia Cline, and she is absolutely wonderful. My child began kindergarten painfully shy and a little awkward around strangers. Her teacher was patient and kind, and worked with every student as though they were her own. My daughter demonstrated a great deal of growth last year. This year, our experience is equally fantastic. The level of differentiation in her 1st grade classroom is outstanding. Her teacher goes out of her way to make sure that each student feels welcomed and loved. I have had great experiences with the library and the front office staff, as well. Granted, I've never had cause to visit Ms. Cline, but I must say that my impression of her is excellent. She is out front every morning, rain or cold notwithstanding, and she greets every student by name. We have considered moving, but this school is one reason why we will not. I hope that my Avery experience is the new norm!

[mamabear123]

Originally Posted by JPCstear

I just came across this site, and am hoping to help anyone trying to make a decision about their child's schooling in Canton, Georgia...specifically Avery Elementary.
I have four children at Avery Elementary. Last year was the school's first year open, and three of my children had fine teachers. However, one of my children had a first grade teacher that used tactics such as witholding bathroom breaks for discipline, calling the children names such as "baby", and singling out children who have slight learning disabilities. After many repeated attempts to notify the principal, Georgann Toop, my concerns went ignored. I had to pull my child out of that class halfway through the year to homeschool. After those experiences, my child is not the same. My child was forced to forego bathroom breaks, coming home many times after sitting hours in wet pants. After speaking with other parents at a later time, we realized there were many children in this class who were neglected by this teacher. All of these parents insist, as myself, that we attempted many times to notify the principal of this. If you have a child here, or are thinking of changing to this school, please be careful. Pay attention to your child's comments. And, stand firm against this administration. Our children deserve better.

I would love to know who this teacher is. My son is attending 1st grade this fall and last year, Avery proved to be a not so great school. I would love if you could message me the teacher's name so that I can avoid this type of child cruelty tatics. Thanks for posting. This teacher must still be there because another mother pulled her child out of Avery last year after 1st grade because of the same tatics.

[ToucheGA]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

You can (and should) file a complaint with the system superintendent and simultaneously with the
The Home of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

However, I wouldn't file the complaint, unless other parents will back you up and do it simultaneously.

I would, even without support from other parents, write the Superintendent and CC the entire school board.

The largest issue here is that the Principal ignored your complaints/concerns.

Yeah, what she said.

An editorial to the local newspaper might also draw some attention to this matter (and families who are considering enrolling their children in this school.)

[mamabear123]

This year, Avery has a new principal. I am hoping and praying that she will turn this school around. When the school first opened, everyone was bragging about how great it was, but not so much the last couple of years. I think we all know why (principal). I am optimistic that this new principal will hold these teachers accountable and provide a safe and effective learning environment for all of the students! Oh and I totally agree with "lastminutemom". A complaint should have been filed and taken all the way to the top to Dr. Petruzielo. I can only hope that this teacher has been fired. Hoping for the best this year!

[Sound of Reason]

Originally Posted by mamabear123

I can only hope that this teacher has been fired.

Why?

Because you don't see eye to eye with them on the administration of a classroom setting.

If the teacher is providing opportunities to go to the restroom, and if the child is not taking advantage of them, then you really have no basis for such an assertion. The only exception is if the child has a bladder or bowel problem.

[ToucheGA]

Originally Posted by Sound of Reason

Why?

Because you don't see eye to eye with them on the administration of a classroom setting.

If the teacher is providing opportunities to go to the restroom, and if the child is not taking advantage of them, then you really have no basis for such an assertion. The only exception is if the child has a bladder or bowel problem.

The OP sated:

...one of my children had a first grade teacher that used tactics such as witholding bathroom breaks for discipline...

If I am reading this correctly, the teacher explicitly prohibited children from using the bathroom during bathroom breaks, as a means of punishment. This is grossly inappropriate.

Furthermore, it's impossible to determine if the administration saw eye-to-eye with the parent, since the principal apparently never responded to her complaint.

[Sound of Reason]

Originally Posted by ToucheGA

The OP sated:


If I am reading this correctly, the teacher explicitly prohibited children from using the bathroom during bathroom breaks, as a means of punishment. This is grossly inappropriate.

Furthermore, it's impossible to determine if the administration saw eye-to-eye with the parent, since the principal apparently never responded to her complaint.

If the child was not allowed to use the bathroom during class bathroom breaks, that is one thing. It is an entirely different thing if the child did not get to go to the restroom when they claimed they had to go. The kid could have been lying, or in the least exaggerated his/her level of discomfort and intentionally wet himself/herself in order to get back at the teacher.

Most classes go to the restroom enough during the day that this shouldn't be an issue.