Ponderosa Elementary School

I had a really bad experience here growing up. I was transferred from los cerritos to ponderosa. I believe I started 4^th grade in ponderosa and was there threw 5^th. I was put into a special ed class of sorts and the teacher there at the time was Mrs. Mary Schaeffer. I remember her being very abusive to the children to all of us really. She would scream at us if we didn’t get an answer right. She was Irish. Sort of a joke I tell about her to this day is that she had an Irish temper. But I don’t think that is any excuse for what I had to endure in her classroom. I used to ride the buss every morning to school dreading it. I was so stressed from this woman that almost every morning I felt like I was going to vomit on the buss. My stomach was always in knots. The funny thing is the kids that did speak up against her were usually considered the «troublemakers» So no one believed them when they told the principle that Mrs. Shaffer was abusive. The rest of us kids kept our mouths shut. I still remember how she mistreated us to this day and I think about it from time to time and hope that she was found out and fired. I also remember Mrs. Schaeffer acting so sweet when either the principle or one of the kids parents was in the classroom. I think she had most people fooled. What I couldn’t figure out is why the teacher’s aide didn’t say anything. She was such a nice lady. Mrs. Sallee was her name. But I think she was the only one who witnessed this other then us kids. I believe I was there around 1996 to 1998. I’m 24 years old now so I really hope she Isn’t teaching anymore. I’m sure all the other teachers there are very nice.

I was a student here from 3^rd through 6^th grades back in the early early 80’s. Let me tell you, that I learned the MOST from my 6^th grade teacher, Mrs. Lyons. She has since retired, but she really got me ready for life in general.
This school was really great and from what I understand is still wonderful!

I went here from Kindergarten to 3^rd grade and I had some of the best times here growing up. They really were good nurturing students and helping them grow. They had all these activities, shows, and it was more than just an education. They rewarded excellence in everything from academic to behavior and kept the students always on their best. The principal was great and a very kind and easy person to talk to as were the principals aides. All the teachers I had were pretty great as well. When I moved to Florida after 3^rd grade you could really see the difference between the school systems.

My child has attended Kinder-​5^th grade. The principal is very compassionate & involved in student activity & success. I think the campus is beautiful & the teacher truly care about their students.