D A Smith Middle School

I have been extremely disappointed with this joke of a school. The lack of discipline by the staff is obvious at every school event. This school is full of gang activity. The kids running track had gang signs spray painted on it for weeks before anything was done to fix this. You can not walk down the halls without hearing constant profanity and students throwing gang signs. The amount of bullying is ridiculous and constant. The teachers play music during class filled with profanity and suggestive lyrics. The majority of the teachers are glorified babysitters. The gang activity that goes on in this school (11 yr olds - 13 yr olds) is sad and continuous with no consequences. My children will no longer attend Ozark City Schools at the end of this year. They are not being educated and I fear for my daughter's safety every time she walks into this school. If the school does not make major changes, these students will not be educated or prepared for life. If the school continues down this path it is only a matter of time before a tragic event occurs.
--Submitted by a parent

i am not pleased at all with this school.my daughter has had so many problems with bullying and NOTHING has been done.i have even gone to the guidance counseller and the principle also.my daughter has even taken the steps to do this herself.they talk about a no tolerence for bullying.the counseller even told me that my daughter shouldn't come to see her to often because people will start asking questions.how can our children get a proper education with these kind of people running the school.she will soon leave that joke of a school and attened a a better one. i hope eventually they start practicing what they preach but i think they have a long way to go on that one
--Submitted by a parent

We are not pleased with DA in the least bit. Change is definitely needed for our children to recieve an appropriate education. The first change should be with our superintindent. It is sad to say that the superintindent has chosen to put saving money before what is educationally appropriate for our children. The best thing Ozark City Schools could do is to get rid of our current superintindent. He is bringing our children down!
--Submitted by a parent

This has been a very good year for my child this year and we look forward to next term. I would like to request the administration please give the 7th and 8th graders back their break time. I don't understand why it was discontinued for these two groups and only at D.A. Smith. All other schools have break for everyone. You know it makes for a long day when you don't get a break and a lot of children don't get breakfast. By break time they are pretty hungry. Please give them back their break time. It is also a time of being with friends and they need the social interaction as much as the food. Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

We have had a wonderful experience in our first year at D.A Smith Middle School! The instructors have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure learning and safety are top priority. The administration works to highlight individual students success and build leadership skills throughout the entire student body. We are also excited about the gym and building renovations beginning soon. The active PTO is working on plans to improve the schoolgrounds. The relatively new Superintendent has implemented school improvement, safety, and dress for success plans that have made a positve affect on our entire school system. It is a great time to be an Ozark Eagle and we are looking forward to a bright future.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year at DA Smith and it has been one of the best years she has had. They offer so many opportunities for the students and parents to become involved in the school. I also appreciate the efforts that they make to recognize students for their successes and encourage them to always do their best. I am excited about renovations being made to the gymnasium and look forward to two more years of doing what I can do to support my child and the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Though the advantages of school planners and email correspondence with the teachers, the negative atmosphere supersedes anything postitive I can say of the school. Bad behavior is not being curbed, but rather it is tolerated, the students well being is not being looked after as it should be the educators responsiblity to do so. Worse yet, the faculty does not follow through with the issues at hand, but merely avoid it as the white elephant.
--Submitted by a parent

I am amazed at the difference a change in leadership has made at this school. It is orderly, positive and brimming with enthusiasm for teaching and learning. In addition, it is one of the few middle schools which recognizes that the abilities of children differ and serves them accordingly; therefore, children who WANT to learn are in class with others for whom school is a priority. Families can be as involved as they please and the focus every day is on academic success. We have greatly enjoyed our time at DA and will miss the staff and environment immensely.
--Submitted by Debbie Patton, a parent