Deer Crossing Elementary

There seems to be a lack of communication between the teachers and administrators...teachers seem to be afraid to be completely honest with parent when something goes wrong with child or if teacher makes a mistake there is no apology given on behalf of educator nor from principal! Have a special needs child who has been misplaced several times and have never received a formal apology (scary)! When the school makes a mistake, its swept under the rug..if you the parent make a mistake, look out. I have had a lot of good, positive experiences as well so I do not think the school itself is bad. There just seems to be something "missing" as far as respect for the parent. There does not seem to be an open door policy to be involved, they are more secretive-like it seems, almost hush/hush. You are encouraged to volunteer, but cannot really communicate with anyone and it makes you feel alienated almost. At meetings, you are almost made to feel like your opinion does not matter compared to theirs. The principal almost "talks down to you" and seems arrogant. If your child has special needs, they have plenty of resources which is great but if you feel like they may need more, be prepared to advocate. Its a shame because the school itself, and many of the educators are great and really care.
But, as a parent, I am not 100% happy with my treatment so far and wish they would get a different "culture" with the attitudes and vibes of the school. And most importantly a better connection between communication of the educators and administration!!! If this could be done, they may have happier, more respected parents and may become a blue ribbon. Until then, forget it.

Test scores prove that this is a first class school!

School is disrespectful of parents and treats them as subordinates. There are other schools in the county where you have a friendly cooperative front office staff. This school used to be that way until recently.

DCES is a wonderful school. The teachers, staff, and administrators are top notch. I have had the pleasure of having children in this school for the past 6 years. In that time period we have had 3 different principals (all in their early 30's). I have found all of them to be kind, caring, knowledgeable, responsible, and committed to this school.

I really love the open door policy of this school. I have never had a problem reaching a teacher or an administrator with any questions or concerns I may have had. Phone calls and e-mails are always returned in a timely manner. As a parent I have always felt welcomed at this school. I have spent many hours volunteering and being involved in the PTA. This is a school where parent involvement is welcome and encouraged.

For the 2011-2012 school year we have a new Principal. Once again, DCES is lucky to have a Principal and Assistant Principal who care about their students. Our new Principal can often be found in the classrooms, the lunchroom, recess, and other school activities spending time getting to know her students. She has made an effort to learn the names of the students and their family members. School safety and the safety of her students is a main concern of hers, and as a parent I appreciate her taking the initiative in having a camera and buzzer system installed at the main entrance.

The teachers and support staff at this school are wonderful. Many of them have been here since the school opened.

As a parent, I fully support this school and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to move to this area.Close Quote

I wrote the positive review that was written below. Contrary to what one disgruntled parent has written below I do not work for the school or for Frederick County Public School Systems. I am just a parent of two children who have been or who are currently enrolled in Deer Crossing Elementary School.

It is unfortunate that one individual has taken it upon himself to slander this wonderful school, it's administration and staff that work very hard to teach our children in a safe and educationally challenging environment.

What this person calls a "Fort Knox" security system is actually an added security measures that has been recommended for all schools in Frederick County. (some of teh newer schools are built with these measures in place). Deer Crossing is actually scheduled for a more elaborate structural change that would change the main entryway significantly in order to have everyone enter into a more structured, controlled and secure manner. Due to the shortage in school funding and the additions/ renovations of other schools taking precedence, the decision to have the front doors to the school locked with the addition of a camera and buzzer system was the least costly way to maintain a safe building. As a parent, I support this new change. It only takes a few extra seconds to walk up to the door, hit the buzzer, and state the reason I am at the school, and to be buzzed into the building. Just a few years ago, this school was in a lock down situation due to a supposed individual with a gun seen running through the neighborhood adjacent to the school. At the time of that incident, the front doors of the school were always unlocked and I would hate to think of what could have happened if the individual had entered the school.

Age is not a requirement for being a principal. Additional education and certifications are required. The past principals Mrs. Hopson and Mrs. Hollenbeck were both in their 30's during their tenure at Deer Crossing. I had the pleasure of working with both of them through various volunteer opportunities at the school. Whether or not a principal is young or old does not matter to me, what matters is that my child is happy and learning in an environment that supports education, encourages parent participation, holds teachers accountable and keeps my child safe during the day. I find all of this to be true for Deer Crossing.

Deer Crossing is a very family involved school. Come out to any of it's after school activities, you will see teachers, staff, students and family participating in many events such as Science Technology Engineering and Math Nights, Reading Nights, School Plays, Multi-cultural nights, Family Fun Nights, Talent Shows, and so much more.

Not convinced, look at the test scores for this school. You can't argue with the data!

This school was amazing up until the new principal took over. The experience has been troubling. She is in her early 30's and doesn't seem to know what her job is, or her role in the schools' function. How could she, after all she is never there. I have heard stories from many, that this woman is trouble. You will have no control over your child or the education your child receives. Basic decisions are taken away from you while attending this school.If you want a good school, it is no longer this one. Happy school district hunting.