I am pleased to add this school to Yelp. JVE is a Title I school, which means that it receives…read moregrants in order to provide a great education for kids from all walks of life so that they meet "challenging state academic standards"*. Which means that when my daughter, Ronni, was struggling with reading, she got the extra help, and she is now reading above her expected reading level. Plus, in 2013, JVE received the honor of being named a "National Title I Distinguished School". Which means that they did what they set out to do- got kids the education that they needed. Which means that they were one of the schools in the top one percent- yes, one percent- in the nation to do so. JVE teachers do not mess around.
So, education is great in general at this school. The Pre-K is super. Those rugrats can get bussed if you ask, and they get dismissed at three p.m. Ronni loved it. Ditto for Kindergarten and on up. Kids are challenged and become math freaks and history buffs. Ronni gives me daily math quizzes. She has been doing small science experiments that create huge messes. Yep, she's trucking!
This school has free breakfast, and a reduced or free lunch if you qualify. They have services for "Exceptional Children" (autism, visual and hearing problems, emotional or intellectual disabilities, speech problems, and traumatic brain injuries). They got ELL ("English Language Learners"), which is big in my book. (My dad came to the United States speaking not one word of English. He does now, and became an electrical engineer along the way.) AIG ("Academically or Intellectually Gifted) is offered, too. And after-school care and summer camp to boot. They do come attached with a reasonable price tag, but, as a parent, you can work harder or play harder when your kids are still at school.
Sometimes special math, science, and reading nights are held in the evenings. Musicals every year. Ronni has stopped lip syncing and has graduated to almost-fainting at the musicals. In third grade, the kids start playing recorders. Art, and I am proud to say that Ronni's art has been shown in the county art show for the past several years. P.E. is much loved, errant basketballs and all. Guidance classes take place, as well as book swaps. And don't forget library! I always catch Ronni reading her library books. There is an on-site therapist, which is excellent, and a school psychologist. Every year, the fifth graders go to Washington D.C. They come back more mature and exuberant for even more learning.
JVE's principal is simply amazing. Our kids's education is her passion, and she does a fine job with our future. Most of the teachers are terrific. You can reach out to them, and they help. When I thought that Ronni had a learning disability, they got right on the investigation. When Ronni had an illness that resulted in a lot of missed school days, they understood, and made sure that she reached milestones at a crucial time in her schooling.
Reported bullying is dealt with swiftly and justly. I have to hold back sadness and anger when I think about what some kids- what my kids- have to go through and went through. It is reality, but one that I will always try to effect with wisdom, humor, and slipped slang. Like: I am happy that some bullies are out of my kids' lives and are on on the road to juvie. ("Juvie" in that statement is purposeful slang.)
Yeah, some teachers are tough. Some can mostly be wonderful, but have an irrational moment from time to time. Some don't get high-functioning autism and find it hard to connect with kids like that. Some teachers forge across that chasm, and try to make things easier. I am glad that the teacher that made my daughter sit on the floor is gone. Some of these aforementioned facts are not abnormal or isolated. They happen in public schools across the country.
You want a kid who knows that Abraham Lincoln had a tough childhood? Or one that knows the "new math" that leaves my mind reeling? Then put 'em in JVE. They will come out with so much knowledge that you will feel, like, well, not smarter than a fifth grader.
If you need tips on dealing with autism in schools (e.g. how to communicate with teachers, how to make a communication booklet, IEP**s) or requesting learning disabilities services, just message me.
*Quoted from the U.S. Department of Education.
**Individualized Education Program
