Donald D. Siegrist Elementary School

Posted: February 2, 2026

The school and most of the staff are wonderful, with a few serious exceptions. One 1st grade teacher is overbearing, short, and rude to her students. After serving as the summer school principal, she seems to be on an authority high and treats children harshly.
There are also major concerns with the students-with-disabilities classroom. The teachers in that room frequently play around, chase each other, and spray one another with a water bottle. At times, they even spray the students, which feels more like trying to train animals than caring for children.
The school is far too small for the number of students it serves. Every usable space in the building is full. In an effort to lower class sizes, additional teachers were added, which only worsened the space problem. Some student support educators have been teaching from carts in the hallways, and educators who provided interventions for struggling students were let go simply because there was no adequate space for them to work. This in particular was truly a tremendous loss for the school. In all honesty, the building needs to be expanded. There is a need for a larger health room, a bigger library, more classroom space, and additional common areas. The roof still leaks even after extensive repairs, the technology does not work consistently throughout the building, and the storm shelter areas are not sufficient. These conditions make it difficult for the school to properly support students and staff.
Bullying is another major issue. Students who bully others are only mildly reprimanded, and the administration rarely takes meaningful action. The principal shows favoritism toward higher-income families, certain staff, and students in sports such as football and cheerleading, who are treated more leniently.
While the school does not have widespread behavioral problems, it is deeply concerning when a student can repeatedly bully, fight, and disrupt class without real consequences. Simply sitting in the front office is not enough.
Overall, these issues create an environment that feels unsafe, unfair, and inconsistent. Until there is a change in administration or the District enforces clear, equitable standards, the school cannot fully provide the supportive learning environment every child deserves. However, it still is the best overall elementary school in the district.

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted: May 27, 2025

I went to this same school for elementary and now my son does as well. We had a great experience with his kindergarten teacher, she was wonderful. His first grade teacher has been nothing but problems, suggesting I put my son on medication. She doesn’t know how to problem solve and calls me with the most minor problems. As a teacher and a mom, she should be able to problem solve. She also seems to have favorites and it’s very noticeable. The front office is so disorganized that I was called on three different occasions, saying my son was absent, when he wasn’t. Do you know how scary that is for a parent? To get a call like that when you know your child is at school. They call and text us with useless information but then don’t inform us on any of the important changes. For instance, completely changing the lunch menu the morning of and expecting elementary students to just adjust. It’s insane. I wanted so badly for my son to go to this school and it’s so much different now. It is one of the biggest clusters I have ever witnessed. They have 7 people doing one job and the right hand never knows what the left hand is doing. Truly disappointed with this school and particularly the teacher. If a kid has too much energy or is a little high strung, they would rather you put them on medication to turn them into good sheep that follow in line. This has by far been our worst year at school. I will say the “assistants or helpers” they have, helped my son more than his actual teacher did, because they actually cared.

Posted: May 27, 2025

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Posted: July 27, 2018

Diagnose children and call in family services for special needs children without training or knowledgeabase.

Posted: July 27, 2018

No education for teachers after speaking with 2 separate superintendents they receive the minimum required by the state.

Posted: July 27, 2018

No education for teachers even after speaking with superintendent.

Posted: July 27, 2018

Horrible, if you have a student that is out of the norm with any sort of disability you can not send them to this school.

Posted: July 27, 2018

Elementary not a homework intensive environment. 1-4 grades

Posted: July 27, 2018

Not adequate training to diagnose children needs if they have special needs.

Posted: July 27, 2018

This school has no training on special needs children and transfers them to Compass and makes accusations without any sort of training or education.

Posted: August 5, 2010

I have been very happy with the school district; and, I'm even happier that this next year they are changing the bell schedule so the kids don't have to get up as early. The school does have mostly white children; however, more African-Americans are moving into the school district, which really pleases me. (My kids are biracial.) Also, they are acknowledging the stronger military presence because of Ft. Leavenworth being so close. So far I've been happy with the teachers and administrators. Also, I felt my kids were very prepared for MO's annual test - they both did well. I am looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Posted: January 21, 2010