Bunker Hill Elementary

First and most importantly, I would highly recommend this school. The special education program is great. I was worried moving from Northern VA to WV as far as my son's education was concerned. I did extensive research and chose a home based on that research. I wanted my son in the Mussleman school district. Every elementary school in Berkeley County has an autism program. I have been very happy with his teacher and his progress this year, even moreso than I was with the schools he attended in Prince William County, where he was bused far from home to attend.

With that being said, I am at a loss for words when in comes to the office staff at this small school. I understand safety and security come first, and that people are very busy working, however the woman in the front office are off putting at best! From the get go I felt uncomfortable talking with them. It came off a snobbish at first, then I realized it was maybe just a small town, I am an outsider attitude, but come on. When I was transferring him to the school at the beginning of the school year, they behaved as if we had moved from Alaska or Germany, but his school is closer to the Virginia border than it is to our home. Fine maybe they don't get many transfers, maybe they were busy. I just sucked it up and my son started school. However throughout the year, so far, I am continuously uncomfortable in the front office, they are very unfriendly and seem to "rule the roost" in every degree. At one point this year I spoke to my son's teacher about various things, and I mentioned my feelings about the office staff and asked about speaking to the principal or vice principle to kinda leave a review, not to complain or be crazy, and the teacher actually lowered her voice on the telephone and said she had heard similar statements before, and would pass along the info. She sounded scared, as if the women were possibly listening to the call. Creepy!! Then I never ever heard from anyone else in the school. The principal, who I have never seen nor know their gender or name, is brand new this year, and may have given the office staff permission to run things, but overall the unfriendly, snobbish, judgemental tension I feel walking into that office is bizarre. I have called twice this year to speak to my son's teacher about general things, and both times the women (same one I believe both calls) pressed me for more info. I just said general questions about my son, no rush, teacher can call me back, and both times I was asked to be more specific.. WTF?! Seriously, no. It might be a small school in a smallish town compared to Lakeridge Virginia, but its not Mayberry, stop acting like it, or start acting like it. I am confused at the weird treatment and so grateful my son will be at the intermediate school next year.