Roots PCS

Posted: August 22, 2019

Please see my response regarding ineffective leadership...

Posted: August 22, 2019

Unfortunately, the 2018-19 school year was worse than the previous year. The administrators decided to take some of the advanced 3rd graders (my son included) and put them in the combined 4th/5th grade class. It was awful. When my oldest son finally came home using the words "war zone" and "hellhole" to describe the classroom environment, and after several attempts to work with the school, having meetings, talking to the teacher one-on-one, etc, I decided to withdraw the boys mid-year. I homeschooled them the rest of last school year and I have decided to return my 2 youngest to the school they went to for 2 years when they were younger, where we came from. It is very unfortunate that a lot of the valuable advisement and practices (such as mindfulness, respecting each other, being proud of their heritage) that are instilled in the children during their kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade terms at Roots is undermined and undone during their remaining years there, due to the negativity of the teacher in the upper grades. She definitely allows the children to be rude and disrespectful to each other, allowing the bullies to proliferate and become more bold. The older children lagged behind, not learning their basic skills, and it didn't help that she berated the children. Overall, I felt that at Roots, the whole "We are united African people" cultural front that they try to perpetrate is basically a façade. By way of observation, I feel that the principal is merely interested in her image (she does nothing to help or correct the unfortunate situations in the classroom). I found the whole experience to be quite stressful and so did many other parents I knew there. I felt that both the teacher of the upper grades and the principal were very negative toward the children (in their demeanor and lack of positivity and nurturing). The positive encouragement was absent from my children's school experience- all 3 of them.

Posted: August 22, 2019

My daughter is on an IEP and attended during the 2017-18 school year. On a regular basis, I would be informed by other children that my daughter wasn't listening and her teacher would tell me that she was not doing her work and being defiant. So she was having unproductive days on a regular basis. This was very disheartening because she had not had this experience at the previous school. Mind you, I had attended an Open House the previous school year to learn about the school and find out if they were able to work with children who needed extra help, and then followed up with them during the summer prior to the first day of that school year concerning my daughter and her IEP (she has a mild developmental delay and attention issues). We had a meeting during the summer and I had discussed my concerns about my daughter with them and provided them with her history. I found out later that not only was she being neglected but she was also being teased by the other kids (which didn't help things). Anyway, I realized that since my daughter wasn't able to be productive there and they weren't able to provide enough assistance to her, I resolved to take her out of the school. I reached out to my local school for assistance, and then decided to enroll her in that school. She did very well- had an excellent teacher and ended up on grade level!

Posted: August 22, 2019

I spent a lot of time at the school observing things and I also talked to my children a great deal and had regular discussions with them about their schooldays, and also talked to other parents regularly. I noticed that the children who were doing the bullying were allowed to continue doing so.

Posted: August 22, 2019

I had my 3 children in this school during the 2017-18 school year, and then only 2 there during the 2018-19 school year. I had taken them out of their old school (which was a positive and nurturing environment and I now regret that decision) because I was seeking a more culturally-aware, character-building and challenging environment for them. I was very drawn to the school because I thought it would be a place where the teachers and administrators would work to instill positive cultural awareness, which black children and people are in desperately need of. So we made our way to Roots PCS (a very small school). I was pleasantly surprised by the 2nd/3rd grade teacher. He set out to instill positive cultural images, awareness and beliefs in the children, and their work, art and the classroom itself reflected that. My second grader was anxious to go to school everyday, learn and worked very hard. He made honor roll both semesters. My other 2 children's experiences were less than awe-inspiring. While my oldest who was in the 4th grade did very well (doing 5th grade work- he's always been an excellent student), he was surprised to see that when the children brought candy to the teacher she was less strict with them, and that the other 4th graders were mostly lagging behind without advancing beyond basic skills such as long division and reading (at the appropriate grade level). As for my then-kindergartener, her experience was terrible. The school Special Ed teacher desperately tried to work with her and I'm sure her actual teacher tried to some extent, but it was clear that she was not getting the help that she needed. For one thing, there were no paraprofessionals and the Special Ed teacher was often required to work as a substitute for the combined 2nd/3rd grade class, so I took my daughter out of the school. The 2018-19 school year was absolutely awful! The boys were in the same class together (one in 3rd and one in 5th). They both hated going and wished they were in the other teacher's class. There was just too much negativity and not enough encouragement. Both of my boys have always liked school so this was new! Finally, one day my oldest said the class was "a hellhole" and "a warzone". I had NEVER heard him talk like that before! And my youngest son cried at the prospect of going back. I took them out and homeschooled them the remainder of the year...

Posted: August 22, 2019

The teacher of the combined 3rd/4th/5th grade classroom (yes all in one class) was giving 5th grade science packets to my 3rd grader... See response for effective teachers...

Posted: August 22, 2019

My boys attended during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years. The 2nd/3rd grade teacher is actually quite effective (my youngest son was in his class for the 2017-18 year). The teacher of the 4th/5th graders had my oldest son for the 4th grade and then again for the 5th grade. Now in the first year (4th grade), she decided to put him on the 5th grade level and he did the same work as the 5th graders for the whole year. When we came back for his actual 5th grade year (the 2018-19 year), she gave him the same exact work again. He was bored and hated going, due to the fact that he was reading all the same lessons and doing all the same things for the second year in a row (not to mention the environment was less than encouraging). I tried discussing this with her and she told me to my face that she would discuss it with him. He informed me of the discussion which was just her asking him if he wanted to do 4th grade work instead. But then for 5 days, she did give him more challenging and different assignments. After that, she went back to giving him the same work from the previous year. I then had to discuss it with the Assistant Principal, and things changed again but for only 2 days. Back to the same old after that. He hated going to school everyday (this is a kid who loves reading and learning and is an amazing student). It was a difficult situation. At the same time, my younger son was in the 3rd grade. They had decided to take the advanced 3rd graders and put them in the same class with the 4th and 5th graders. My 3rd grader was one of them and was coming home with 5th grade packets of work and thoroughly hated every minute of doing it. He told me later (some time after I'd taken my boys out the school) that he had resolved to stop doing his work- this also had a lot to do with the negative environment of the classroom. My son never felt this way in his previous classes. He had always tried his best, was enthusiastic about school and succeeded. My daughter attended Kindergarten there the previous year. I took her out mid-year because it was so hard for her there (she hated going and hadn't had this experience at the previous school). She has a mild developmental delay and attention issues and they were not able to effectively teach her at Roots. She did well when I put her in the local school, though. It's just a regular public school and she did well...

Posted: November 24, 2014

Public schools and some charter schools have failed African American students. Many have become roadways to the penitentiary. Roots is absolutely an excellent choice for African American children. The students at Roots receive much more than what the average school offers. The students are well rounded and are guided to look past the negative images of black people (in the media and in entertainment) and to see their future as players in the wider world. The students at Roots are taught to respect other races and cultures as they learn from their African Centered curriculum.

Posted: November 23, 2014

It is important to know that the teachers at Roots are seasoned and experienced. Many have taught there for 8 - 15 years. They know the curriculum, the community, the strategies of best practices in teaching. They see their mission and calling to help raise a generation of children that understand the history and culture of African people and the African worldview. Parents with an African-centered perspective know and understand that. Roots students are groomed to be the leaders of tomorrow's world. Two out of three of our graduates were accepted into Benjamin Banneker Academic High School for the 2014-15 SY. Two of our alumni now at Richard Wright Public Charter High School won the election for President and Secretary of their school student government. Roots turns out dynamite scholars.

Posted: June 24, 2014

I have to disagree. I do not believe Roots staff is stern, that's not what other parents and myself have witnessed. My wife and I both have come to the same conclusion...the staff at Roots do not pay attention to the children (they are on the phone, laptop, sleep, etc.). That is one of the main factors in being rated a "good school". I will just say I myself witnessed a male substitute teacher completely disrespect a female parent, yelling, screaming, the whole nine. I will never be able to speak highly of any school that allows that kind of behavior from their staff. Yes, I am another parent that has agreed to speak out about what I have witnessed.

Posted: June 24, 2014

All schools have room for improvement. I am more than sure that the staff at Roots is working on making things better. When you look at the overall picture, you must admit that Roots provide many things that the "Good Schools" do not offer and will never offer. The staff at Roots may be a little stern but they are caring and nurturing too. The fact that they teach the students their true history and all of the great accomplishments of African people is something that should be applauded.

Posted: June 23, 2014

I never have time to write reviews, but I agreed to write this today with other parents who are completely disgusted by this school and staff. My experiences at Roots have been horrible. From the confusion in the classrooms, to fights everyday, teachers gossiping about parents/children, and now I recently learned that my child walked from Kennedy St. campus to North Cap. St. campus due to the principal taking the eight graders on a camping trip in the school van. Did anyone think that idea was reasonable? Allowing minor children to walk on main roads about 10/11 blocks is definitely NOT a good idea. My daughter told me one of the boys was playing and was almost hit by a car. My thoughts were the school van was to transport the children to and from. I was not informed of this and I'm certain other parents weren't as well. I would not have paid the transportation fee only for my child to walk. The lack of leadership, parent awareness (not just to get $), and professionalism is the reason this school gets one star from me.

Posted: April 12, 2014

My school is Roots PCS. My children have attended for the last 3 years. It is a great family environment where the teachers and staff sincerely care about student success. It is an African Centered environment where African history and culture is celebrated. Parent involvement in the classroom is not only welcomed but it is mandatory. Class sizes tend to be small so there are many blended grades which allows the children to learn together and from one another. The classrooms are open-classrooms which can make for a noisy environment and some children may have difficulty focusing. In general, this is a great place to learn and grow. The children often take field trips and truly take advantage of being in the Nation's Capitol.

Posted: October 19, 2013

The most compelling characteristics of a successful school are those of its graduates . Roots PCS, as well as its sister school Roots ALC, has a stellar history of producing graduates who, armed with successful learning and learning techniques from the school, are making significant impacts in all sectors of society and throughout the US and the world. The small school atmosphere, coupled with caring teachers and a challenging curriculum, as well as an emphasis on and appreciation of the importance of culture and history, combine to make Roots PCS a unique and excellent school for the leaders of the future.

Posted: August 1, 2013

This school emphasizes the African heritage of it's students. My daughter came from a school where she was the odd one out so to come to a school that teaches her strength of character and pride in her look, her history, herself; is beautiful. The teachers here focus on building esteem and encouraging outside learning. It's not only about education of the mind but it is about empowering a community. They stress the importance of parent involvement, they embrace the children each day with hugs and affirmations. They teach them meditation, yoga, dancing...my 7 year old is learning on a third grade level. They offer free classes for parents on finances, health, better parenting and so much more. I love this school for the community it offers to the children as well as the parents. It feels like a safe, small, place of comfort in a large urban city. It offers free food to children that may not otherwise eat. The teachers often take the children home or to their home on the weekends to help the working parents. It feels like a family filled with warm, caring, wise, joyful members and for young children, I couldn't ask for much more than that.

Posted: July 17, 2013

My daughter finished her first grade year at Roots PCS, her teacher spelt her name wrong the entire year, even when she corrected him....

Posted: July 17, 2013

My three children have attended Roots ALC and Roots PCS for over 6 years now. The children are completely out of control. When I arrive to pick my children up I constantly see teachers with their heads in a phone, laptop, or pad with earphones on. I was a huge supporter of Roots until I realized the truth. Needless to say my children WILL NOT return for the upcoming school year.

Posted: June 6, 2013

Roots is a VERY special school.. I am grateful that my son had the privilege to attend both Roots PCS and Roots ALC. My only regret is that I did not enroll him into the school at an earlier age.

Posted: June 5, 2013

I am a staff member at the Root PCS..I love working at the school because not only does the board members, principal, staff, and parents are committed to educating our children. Day to day I look forward to being in the presence of African children as they blossom and grow daily. I am fully committed to the struggle in the excellence of educating black children. I have been in this struggle for over 9 years at the PCS and 8/2 with the ALC. I along with my co-workers are strongly committed to what we do daily. In this African village we work striving to be a unified front. The parents also work as a unified front in their effort to support our staff as well. We have been showered with love and appreciation for our hard work and dedication. Oftentimes our parents come and share their talents with our students. Never has there been a time where a parents does not stop and lend a hand to the staff and children. I love working as a member of this team as well as working under the direction of our principal Dr. Bernida Thompson who serves on the African Centered board of elders. Mama truly is dedicated to the education of our children.

Posted: June 5, 2013

ROOTS is an awesome school. Three of my children have attended roots since the infant center and I have twins that will be starting in September. Roots is a place of love and true educational values. Roots teachers take the time make sure that your child gets a full understanding of classwork as well as self values. Roots is a school that shows teaches inner strength and peace and the school gave my children a positive outlook on wanting to learn as well as wanting to be apart of a family. I felt and still feel comfortable about leaving my children somewhere where it is just like being with family. A place of safety, love, pride, courage, and education. I am so thankful for roots and will always support them in whatever they do. Thank you roots for the best 13 years for my children's education and the future years for my little ones on the way.

Posted: June 4, 2013

Our child has been a part of the Roots family since she was 6 months old, and we could not have dreamed of a better educational environment for her. Now 5 years old, she's a bright little star, well-rounded, self-confident and truly happy. She absolutely loves school and is performing two years above her grade level! While we as her parents certainly do our parts, our child's performance is a testament to the solid foundation, committed teaching staff and nurturing, family-like environment the school provides.