Connect: Glencoe

Anyone out there have kids at Glencoe, or planning on Glencoe?   We're a few years out, since our daughter is only 1.5, but I would love to listen in on conversations as we start to imagine...

Glencoe
K-5
825 SE 51ST
Portland, OR 97215

Phone: 503-916-6207
Fax: 503-916-2628
E-mail: osbornr@pps.k12.or.us

http://www.glencoe.pps.k12.or.us/

Comments

[LTF]

It's our neighborhood school, but we're not there yet (this coming fall our son will enter kindergarten - somewhere!). Everyone we've asked who goes there has said very positive things. One downside for me is that the after-care (if you need it) has no bathroom or windows - it's in a trailer out back. Sorry that's not much to add. i, too, would love to hear more from someone who's had a kindergartner there under the new principal. Thanks! I love this forum!

[L]

I'm considering Glencoe for us, and we'd move to the neighborhood if it's our top choice - I did go to the Kindergarten Roundup and it seemed impressive - organized, structured, etc. Principal seemed smart and focused. A mom in the n'hood there said "it's more traditional than most pdx schools, but the kids seem to love it." I wonder about what the Kindergarten teachers are like and would love input.
They do informational tours with classroom observations on most Fridays at 9am, call to sign up - 916 6207. Their next one is on March 7 (which happens to be deadline day for school choice). I'm hoping I'll understand the school more then.

[JEA]

My son began at Glencoe in 3rd grade and will be a 5th grader this fall. He loves it. Classes are a bit large but teachers generally have aids to help, especially if there are children with special needs so it isn't overwhelming. Classrooms are a bit small and packed but again, the flow and kids are happy and active. Robi, new principal, is great. She is a slight woman who seems serious but has a soft heart, is very involved and knows most of the kids by name(and temperament) and keeps things in perspective. Have heard lots of complaints from the kids about the music program with the new teacher last year who will be returning. Apparently, there are few if any instruments and the children sing "annoying" songs to a tape recorder. Art is taught by volunteer parents and although the projects are great (there is an end-of-year art show), wish there was more art incorporated into the program. My son has also been in their aftercare and has loved all the teachers, including Jen who is the director and awesome. She is responsive, thorough, on top of things, and has a great sense of humor! Involvement from parents is plentiful but although I offer to volunteer each year, seems to be done by the few "martyrs". Playground is huge and there are lots of pockets where children can't be seen, even with lots of supervision. Children are just let out of class when the bell rings and not accounted for which makes me nervous, but maybe it is different for the little kids. All in all we are happy with the school.

[KG]

My daughter started at Glencoe in first grade coming from Montessori preschool and kindergarten. For us it has been a great transition. For a large school (500 students) it feels smaller because K-2 are on the first floor and 3-5 on the second. Other than seeing her 5th grade reading buddy, she rarely crosses paths with the "big" kids. We like the fact that there is a librarian, music program, ant art infusion. Most importantly, my daughter absolutely adores school and is developing a love for learning so we feel like it has been a great fit