Memorial Elementary School

I have two children in 4th grade at Bloomsburg Memorial. This school has improved tremendously in some areas since switching principals recently, but is still far behind other schools in the area in particular in math, science and social studies curriculum.

Other parents who have left the District report that, particularly in math because of the curriculum used which emphasizes memorizing math "facts" rather then actual problem solving skills, after a move to a new school their children are far behind. And in fourth grade, my children (who have consistently high "evaluations" on their report cards) have needed extensive help at home just to be able to perform tasks as simple as locating the continents on a globe, understanding the difference between a country and state, and distinguishing between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Sigh.

Much of the curriculum in both science and social studies revolves around memorizing phrases and short sentences in which complex ideas are so oversimplified they are on the verge of being incorrect (or in some cases are actually incorrect), then being able to regurgitate them on command with little to no understanding of the concepts behind them or how to apply them. We are planning to relocate from this area within the next year and I am working intensively with my children at home to improve their skills in these areas so they will not be so far behind after the move. Their reading and writing programs are pretty average. It almost goes without saying that you should expect lots of teaching to the test in all areas. Be prepared to supplement at home.

Word of advice: Even if you qualify, do NOT apply for meal assistance or any other low income programs with the school unless you are prepared to have it brought up publicly and repeatedly by office staff at every opportunity. This is a town with a very high unemployment and underemployment rate and many families have been struggling and/or leaving, so this is a potential concern. I have both experienced it and witnessed it being done to others at pick up time, including mothers being literally chased and verbally abused (the old principal was well known and despised for this) and even reduced to tears in front of both students and other parents. Low income families and single mothers, especially if your child is advanced or has minor behavioral or developmental issues that require communication and cooperation with school officials, you may wish to look elsewhere - the Bloomsburg elementary school not listed on this site, W. W. Evans, has a much better reputation for communication, academics and tolerance of single female parent and low-income families. Although this is one of the areas that has has improved (but not quite enough) under the new principal.

Experience with the teachers has been quite mixed, from communicative and cooperative with parents to intensely insulting, snide, hostile and combative - but that's the way it is anywhere. Some of my individual experiences with some of them have been frankly bizarre, others quite positive. But all in all, it's pretty average I guess. Three stars for the recent improvements...but words of caution nonetheless.