Driswood Elementary School

The administration, teachers, professional staff, and fellow parents make this school the best elementary in all of Jefferson County. It hasn't always been perfect or easy, but neither is the task of educationally, socially, physically, and behaviorally advancing a large number of children from various backgrounds. Communication as a parent, remaining involved and remembering to trust professionals within reason, of course, is key to helping your child receive the best a public school has to offer. And this school and staff have a whole lot to offer. Take advantage of what's there and remain educated on the policies that govern the school system, and get involved with shaping those policies and then complain effectively by using your vote and voice with the BOE. Nobody has ever helped a child by writing a bad review on Google, I can assure you. Yes, I am a parent and this is my real name and I am fortunate to have my youngest child at DES. I would only eliminate things that have been implemented by our elected officials in Charleston and Washington, and keep seniority for teachers, standards of professional experience and education levels of all teachers and employees high instead of lowering them as has been done out of desperation to fill vacancies. These slots were created by laws and regulations that inhibit the development of the highest standards and also implementation of policies that force educators into a corner, remove their ability and fierce desire to focus on a love of learning, as most have chosen their profession to fulfill that promise to their communities. Despite circumstances created by a serious lack of financial support and politicians failures to focus on the importance of education and every child's rights to a learning environment of excellence, that actually is the backbone of our entire nation's future, Driswood is dedicated to helping develop some of the greatest minds, creative thinkers, and healthily empathetic individuals the world needs. Until our entire school system and lack of focus on the importance of public schooling changes drastically, faulting excellent and dedicated staff and educators in such an unsupportive and restrictive environment is not the answer anyone can use to make a difference. Instead, seek out what's right and fight for what isn't, and you'll likely find administration, teachers and support staff agree with you about what your child needs to thrive and become the best version of themselves they can be. They're working with such little funding and support and it's those restrictions that create problems, not the people who have tasked themselves with doing a job under so many restrictions and unnecessary rules they deserve to be given superhero capes. Thank you, everyone at Driswood for helping my child to form a foundational love of learning she will rely upon for her entire life.
5 7 years ago (10-03-2018)

In a long time ago in a galaxy far far away (sorry, I had to), I was a student at Driswood Elementary School. For me, it was not the best experience. However, if you like the thought of Raggedy Ann dolls having cameras inside them and being placed around the school to scare/stalk children (this legitimately happened on the school year 2012-2013), then Driswood will make your dreams come true! If you enjoy sitting silently in a dark cafeteria and getting in trouble when talking during lunch, then again, Driswood is the perfect school for you! Another thing is that when students get to be dropped off in the office for arrivals/ dismissals, one gets to be stared at through the dead eyes of the office staff, and they act as if (whether students are leaving or returning) the student is a criminal in jail. However, when in the office, all one should do is sign their child in, but Driswood enjoys making things difficult. However, this doesn't go for all staff. Only some office administration (they could be gone now- hopefully Driswood has improved since I left this school in 2013). I still hold to what I have said- Driswood brings bad flashbacks from the past! This is not the fault of the teachers, but the administration! Parents out there and students too, As a former student of that school, let me say I am truly sorry. And I wish you good luck.
1 8 years ago (06-09-2017)

It would be a great school if Kelly Osborne quit Or got fired
1 8 years ago (29-11-2017)

The Administration at DES is very difficult for the teachers to thrive. This may account for high turnover of teachers. The teachers are very capable but are not supported by the Administration. Teachers lack supplies and support for their ideas. Parents are subjected to a closed door policy that doesn't even permit lunch with your child there unless you give a 48 hour notice. To have lunch with my child I have to sign my child out of school and sign him back in. The atmosphere of the school is very cold and not warm or inviting for students and parents. I would NOT recommend this school for elementary education. This principal has been accused of misinformation, manipulation, misappropriation of funds, changing answers on students standardized testing, threatening to eliminate the PTO, as well as rationing office supplies to include copy paper. Our kids deserve better than this leadership. The teachers I have experienced have been GEMS... Diamonds in the ROUGH.... and the rough is the leadership. If your child attends DES then please support your teacher and keep your eyes aware of the leadership activities.
1 12 years ago (06-03-2014)

Most of the teachers are great, but the administration lacks compassion and refuses to treat everyone fairly. Beware of the two five-star reviews - Mriscin is a teacher at the school and Osborne is the son of the principal. That should tell you a lot - no parents left positive reviews, so school personnel and their families try to bolster the school's rating.
2 10 years ago (05-01-2016)