Updated review on Manzanita SEED?
We got assigned to Manzanita SEED and were wondering if anyone could share updated insight into this school. The reviews on BPN seem slightly out of date and recent reviews on greatschools aren't very good. I get the impression that it used to be a great school but it's not as good as it used to be? Our child will be entering TK. We are non-Spanish speaking full-time working parents with no flexibility in work schedule, so any insights on drop-off / pick-up logistics and after school program will be much appreciated. Do they use behavioral charts? How do they discipline kids at this school? Do they give homework for TK/K? Are lunch hours reasonable? Do they have music/arts/PE? Do kids get plenty of recess / movement time? We live in North Oakland and work in SF.
Thank you.
Parent Replies
We live a couple blocks from Manzanita Seed and just met a neighbor who has 2 children there. This mother spoke very highly of the school-- she mentioned that they had a music program (don't know more specifics) and that the principal had recently left. She also said she was very happy with their after school program (andI lol I know from doing my own research that the Oakland JCC picks children o from Manzanita SEED and brings them to their site in North Oakland for after school care.
as a former teacher, I would strongly suggest asking to go on a tour of the school. You learn a lot about the culture of a school when you spend time there!
Hello. I worked at SEED for 7 years and my daughter is a current 5th grader and also attends the after-school program. I agree with the previous post that prospective parents can learn a lot from a school tour. I myself took 3 days from work to visit prospective middle schools for my kid. Additionally, current information about after-school program enrollment and lunch schedules is best obtained from the school. This year there were 1 music teacher and 1 PE teacher. However, budget cuts have been announced for OUSD and sites are always impacted. I would ask about plans for next year. At the same time, this will most likely be a factor in any traditional (aka noncharter) public school in OUSD, unless it happens to be located in a more affluent zip code where the PTA/PTO fundraising can compensate for budget shortfalls. In terms of language background, some of my more successful students have come from non-Spanish speaking households. I'd say that more important than language spoken at home are the literacy skills students have when they first enter, motivation and individual differences in language acquisition. Finally, when we received the Title 1 award in 2010, I had 18 students in my classroom. These days, thanks to the state LCFF language on "school-wide' averages for k-3, classes may have up to 26 students, which definitely affect teachers' ability to serve individual needs. At SEED, the 5th grade classes this year have exceeded the state cap of 31 students in order to avoid combination classes. Again, I think these issues will be present in many other district elementary schools next year, not just SEED. I will be happy to give you my perspective on any other questions that you may have.
My child will also be attending in the fall. I toured so many schools and fell in love with Manzanita seed. I spoke with parents and teachers and really felt the inclusiveness of the school. I am looking forward to next year. They have music one day a week, arts & PE. They have an after school program, though it's not large. I'm excited to hear that the JCC has a pick up program since I work in North Oakland. Time will tell with a new principle but I think the teachers are good and the school has great parent support.