Betty Kiefer Elementary School

I am a parent of a sixth grade boy who attends Betty Kiefer Elementary. Currently he comes home with hours of homework every night including math, spelling, band, typing, reading, science, and random projects to color and/or build. While I think that these subjects are important to every student in the U.S.; I do not believe that being the number one school should be the focus of the curriculum. My child claims that he is allowed 8 minutes for his math homework in the classroom, and even less for his science. I have never heard of so many kids complaining about their homework load and hating their school for this reason alone. The number one focus for the school should be the student and their growth as individuals in this community, not how many words per minute that they can speed through. It is no surprise to me that the other issue with so many children is their incompetency in comprehension. I would much rather my child gets his wish and goes to a school who is fine with being in fourth place for top schools so he can get a deeper understanding on 15 problems rather than a high-speed race to knock out 30 or more. Honestly, I am not impressed with the "focus" of this school.

Missy Dunn: I believe Betty Kiefer is an excellent school with wonderful staff, teachers & students. I also believe more attention should be given to the arts; true art (not color this picture), music, & outside activities-hands on with nature. Excelling in Math, Reading & Science, etc. is only part of the picture. For the student to truely excel & achieve, a focus on well-rounded activities should be a goal. Not all children are the same & they often need outlets for their own personal creativity.

I'm hoping now the school can take a bit of new direction.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to the parents.