Rosanna H.
My son started preschool at Oneonta when he was just 3 years old. He had Ms. Theresa’s class. He learned how to be more independent at such a young age there (putting on his shoes, buttoning up his own shirts, etc.) He also learned to read, write and use a lap top in preschool! It impressed us so much that we decided to check out the back building for grade school. We weren’t planning to have him stay past preschool, but seeing how much he was excelling at Oneonta made us consider keeping him there. Not only was Ms. Theresa the best (so patient, kind, attentive, and my son’s favorite), she took the time to really know each student. Not just education wise, but also their personalities, what they liked and what they didn’t like, what they were good at, what they needed more help with, etc. Then the pandemic hit during the last year of preschool, but the school made it work. They made the transition from preschool to kindergarten work. Classes were on zoom until it was safe enough for the kids to physically go back to school wearing masks and keeping safe. The school put in the effort and time to keep cleaning the classrooms and playgrounds more than once a day! We decided to have our son continue his education at Oneonta and until this day, he is still there. Currently in 4th Grade with Ms. MaryAnn, who is, according to my son, one of the main person that keeps the school running smoothly. She’s also the reason he loves math! She also takes the time to really know each student. It amazes me how attentive she is with each student of hers. My son says he loves when she reads parts of their chapter books to them because she makes the funniest voices that keep them engaged! Everyday I am so grateful that my son has had the best teachers all his life, thanks to Oneonta. Even her aide, Ms. Zelma is the best. She is the sweetest and my son always feels comfortable going to her for questions and help with anything at all! I can always see how she genuinely cares for her students. My son also had Ms. Vangie for 1st-3rd grade. Ms. Ning and Ms. Carol were assisting her. Truthfully, all his teachers were like family to us. Ms. Vangie and Ms. MaryAnn know how to be strict, yet still be so kind to the students. They had high expectations for their students, were very inclusive and supportive and focused on student achievement. These teachers have definitely helped shape my son and his friends to be the amazing kids they are now. Our kids are so well rounded and happy there. Oneonta provided effective classroom management, collaborative development, parental involvement and community engagement. Oneonta has had a very safe and positive school climate. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made as a parent, to keep him there.