Palo Verde Elementary School

Grew up here and went to Palo Verde, graduated from JLS, and Gunn High. Quite xenophobic to international students and 2nd generation Asian Americans. Absolutely no curriculum on diversity, SEL, or class differences. Also, how about EL program and SPED? This school is certainly not equitable like the other neighboring elementary schools. My only advice to the parent community is, LISTEN to your child. If your child does not feel comfortable with the teacher, your child should tell you and you need to bring it up to admin. And if admin doesn't bat an eye, talk to other parents, email the district office for student affairs. The teachers here, the bad ones at least, cruising for retirement think their union will protect their butt. Don't be complacent parents, teach your children that their voice matters. It's serious business if the classroom is not a positive nor supportive one. Don't ever be afraid to ruffle feathers and report, report, report if teachers disrespect, undermine your child.

The school has a very opaque method of determining the teachers for its students. While the school maintains that they try to achieve a balance for each class and try to place the students based on their particular needs, the reality is that the placement is done primarily based on behind the scenes lobbying by the parents. The school officially maintains that such lobbying should not happen. The reality, though, is that the aggressive parents work diligently to make sure their child is placed with the 'better' teacher. Children whose parents who are less involved in school activities or choose to play by the rules are grouped into the less popular teachers. This is a long tradition at this school, and the select group of parents, the management, and the teachers are all partners in this together. Externally, everyone maintains that classroom placement is done by the book. The reality is quite obviouse to everyone, including the children. This is very sad, but I guess those who live in 'Shalow Alto' should learn to play by the alternate set of rules or leave town.