Oakdale

[goodintentions]

Okay - so I have a grandson starting Kindergarten at Oakdale this year. Anybody know anything about that school?
I am nervous as heck to send him to public schools - someone please tell me it will be fine!

[fedupinwaukegan]

I know under the old principal, Mackie? , that I'd always heard good things about the school. I don't know lately how it is doing. You can always go look at the school report card to get some information. This will be the first time kindergarten has been at Oakdale for awhile I think, because of the neighborhood school thing.

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As a grandparent you can also volunteer at the school or in the classroom -check out the situation for yourself! There was a grandparent volunteering in my child's room last year.

Anyway, it should be fine. Get to know the principal so you have an advocate on your side if needed. Also, I send my kid's with a little gift the first day -never hurts to show the teacher that your family appreciates them.

[Harold]

Dear good intentions, I think you know, deep down, the answer to your question. Do yourself a favor and take the time to visit our various[ taxpayer funded] middle schools and high school. The proof is in the pudding. I was disappointed. I believe our school system has devolved since 2005. Find out for your child's sake.

[coyote]

All I can do is speak from my own personal experience. A few years back, I had both my children at Oakdale. There are some nice teachers, some not so great. We moved north of the area and discovered that my youngest was illiterate. Thankfully, he had an excellent teacher that worked hard with us to bring him up to class speed by end of year. My advise pay attention to tests, papers, etc. your grandchild is bringing home. If there is a whiff of phonetic spelling allowed, discourage it immediately and be willing to be teacher as well at home. Good Luck!

[goodintentions]

So I went to the open house last night and met with his teacher - checked out his classroom. I think its going to be a good year for him, I'm excited!
Thanks for the input everyone - I was afraid to be sending him into Waukegan Schools. But I do believe in Waukegan - I am a product of Waukegan and I want to have faith! :-)