Research Winchell Elementary School public Schools in Portage, Michigan

“When we moved to Kalamazoo, I looked at a lot of schools for my 2 children. I decided on Kalamazoo Public School Winchell Elementary because if their commitment to all children and their families. My oldest has ADHD and their staff and supporting interventions have made a world of difference in his achievement. Make no mistake, as his parents, we work with him daily at home, but it's all worth it because we can see the pride he takes in his school and his work. My kindergartener is having a great year too. He seems to be on track and enjoys being at school. My only complaints are 1) that recess is too short....a problem in all public schools...I blame No Child Left Behind; and 2) the school lunch is pretty lame. Winchell is a great school because of the staff, parents and students working together.”

“Hands down the best school in West Michigan. My son is in 3rd grade and I have never once had a single complaint. When the previous principal Mrs. Winfield left I was worried. But my worries quickly went out the door when I met Mr. Hughes. Filling Vicki's shoes was tough but he has done it. He knows all the kids names and he knows when he is talking to a parent who their child is. Everyone here is so caring and wonderful. Even the staff in the cafeteria are amazing! When you walk in the doors of Winchell you just know you are walking into a very special place for children to learn. Parent involvement is amazing. If you want an elementary school in Kazoo don't waste your time looking any further. The 6 rating is a joke. It's an 11+!”

“My son is in Kindergarten and before I chose Winchell I looked all over Kalamazoo and neighboring districts. I believe Winchell is the absolute best hands down. It has a very active PTO and parents that care about their children. The teachers are outstanding. They really care about the children. My son loves his teacher and she feels more like a friend to me than just a teacher. Vicki Bolten is Awesome and has made our transition very easy. She not only welcomes partents she actually encourage parent participation in many ways. We will be at Winchell for the duration of his elementary years.”

“First impressions are so important. The minute you walk into Winchell you feel the warmth and cheer that envelopes the school. I was immediately impressed with Mrs. Winfield, the school principal. She knows the name of every student - over 400 of them. The staff is amazing. It is immediately apparent how much time and caring goes in to the learning experience for the children at Winchell. It is not unusual to see several teachers there on Saturdays and Sundays. They are there to help your children succeed and they are great at it. Children hug teachers, teachers hug children and encouragement is everywhere. Winchell's environment is the most amazing place for children to learn and to grow.”

“My children attended three years at Winchell. They had previously been in another Kalamazoo school. The children loved Winchell. The teachers and principal made them feel welcomed, nurtured and interested in acedemics. The art teacher, Mrs. Murphy, is outstanding. The Girls on the Run program is great. The advanced courses have made my children excellent writers and students. The Principal is the finest my children have ever had. Two and a half years ago, we had to move to the St. Louis area and our current school system is neither nuturing, kind, academically challenging, nor encouraging. I wish my children were still in Winchell. Winchell and it's staff are one of a kind and are truly deserving of their Blue Ribbon status!”

“My children are currently in high school but attended Winchell from grades 1-6. the academic programs were above reproach. The educators were concerned and thorough. The administrators were also very thorough, professional, and very caring. Mr. Pierce was a life-saver. He was always there to encourage both students and parents. The availability of arts, music , and sports sparked great thngs from both of my children at an early age. They continue to express diverse interest in all these activities, based on a sound introduction at Winchell. Parents were and continue to be an integral part of the educational experience at Winchell and are encouraged by staff. My son is on his way to college and was able to do so, with a sound elementary education obtained from Winchell. Winchell is definitely a great school!”

“My son attended Winchell for his kindergarten year in 2000. I felt early on that there was a problem with him but didn't know what it was. I brought my concerns to his teacher and the principal's attention. My concerns were never addressed. In fact, I wanted to pull him half way through the school year. I let him finish the year and switched schools after his kindergarten year. He had to repeat kindergarten at another school, where a year later he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Because of the no fail policy this school district has, my child would have easily slipped between the cracks. My concerns were never addressed, and I was made to feel like a parent who was overly protective. I would never recommed this school to anyone.”

“My son has just started Winchell this year (midway through the year might I add). Ms. Trotter is his 2nd grade teacher. I am amazed at the interest the principal and entire staff take in the children. They seem to know each child by name and take great pride in seeing each one succeed. Though we have spent such a short time there, they have made us feel welcome and I would highly recommend this school to anyone researching the schools in the Kalamazoo area. I work for an agency that makes regular visits to all the schools in Kalamazoo county and find that this one stands out above the rest. Roseanne”

“The principal believes that all children have the ability to learn and that it is very important that parent's be involved in their child's education. Mrs. Winfield also is involved in the learning process. She talks to the children as well as the parent's. It is all for 'the children.' My daughter is experiencing her first year at Winchell. It is a wonderful challenge and reward; thinking, listening, comprehending and application.”