'Disparaging Comments' Not Reflective of Stony Creek Elementary

teachers turned out in force on Monday night to the meeting to talk about the about Stony Creek.

Former Stony Creek teacher, Wissahickon Education Alliance Co-President, and current , Joann Groark, said, “To make disparaging and totally inaccurate statements about a school whose staff has done nothing but give tirelessly to their students everyday is truly disheartening.”

Patricia Reardon, a 3^rd grade teacher at Stony Creek, said the school has been insulted and demoralized by public comments at public board meetings and by comments in the newspaper.

Frank Deruosi, 5th grade at and former student teacher at Stony Creek said, “The Teachers at Stony Creek didn’t simply open a book and read from it or stifle their students curiosity with worksheets. They challenge their students, push them to explore, allow them to make mistakes, and allow them to grow both academically and socially.”

Reardon said at Stony Creek communication with families is welcomed and encouraged and the teachers work collaboratively with students and families for the best education.

“I take great pride in being a member of dedicated, talented and hardworking Stony Creek team,” said Reardon.

“The broad strokes of a few upset individuals must not be used to create a picture so dark that it taints the reputation of a truly remarkable school and a wonderfully talented and caring staff,” said Deruosi.

Parent Amy Ostroff also spoke about Judi Harris’s former fourth grade class. Last week, parents of Harris’s class met with Superintendent Judy Clark, Stony Creek Principal Gary Abbamont, and the personnel and curriculum directors.

“Their goal was to explain how our children are following the curriculum and are doing just fine with the substitute, but we parents certainly feel otherwise.  Several of us expressed our continued frustration with how this situation has been handled and how our children have been the ones suffering from it,” said Ostroff.

The Board made no statement on the subject.