East Middle School

Hey I am graduating this year,and I have to say that this school was spectacular! The teachers are nice and helpful, I have great friends, and I learn a lot here. If you say this school needs to change, think again. I do not know of any bulling around school, and if so, the. Teachers would have caught it by now. I know there has been some students that came here that thought it was funny to dial 911, or to sell stolen stuff, but that doesn't make it a bad school. It is just a child that made bad choices. Say what you want about this school, but this school is the BESt!

I'm sorry to sussman And west middle school students but I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!! It's amazing!! <3 duh because I go there

I have been an EMS parent for the past 4 years, and I am looking forward to another 8 years more, the principal has made the difference, his involvement in anything that has to do with the school is remarkable, this past year he promoted the PIQE (Parent Institute For Quality Education) and it was a complete success, for a lot of parents was an eye opener and in consequence, more parents got involved. Every day when i drop off/pick up my kid at school I see him or the counselors walking around the neighborhood making sure the kids are OK. as a parent i really appreciate that. This year due to budget cuts some of the PE programs were cancelled, but he found a way to get pass those challenges and came up with a different PE program that is getting all the kids involved, and it's working!! Also our API scores are going up, and they have zero tolerance for bulling. EMS may not be perfect but the pro's are more than the con's. Overall we love EMS.
—Submitted by a parent

What is the truth about the homework? The posting regarding home are from one extreme to another. Bullying? And the school does nothing?
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is coming home with no homework from East Middle, they are hiding something from you. The English department REQUIRES daily reading of 30 minutes or more per day. The math department gives homework EVERY night. Science and social studies can be more involved and usually assign things in class that are to be completed at home. Since these concepts can be a bit more complex than math or English, it makes sense to have teacher guided practice in class before it goes home. Again, if your child is telling you there is no homework....you're being duped.....check with the teacher and sign up for the district's Zangle program. I think you'll be surprised at just how much homework your child in NOT doing.
—Submitted by a teacher

2009-2010 Is the first year (out of three in this school) where the budget crisis has noticably affected the quality of the school. That said, my belief is that the commitment of the majority of the teachers has shielded the school from greater harm. There are a few dedicated parents that stay involved in the school even though middle schoolers are notorious for not sharing information. Parent involvement is evident in open house nights, but the real work is in making up for the funds lost over time for extracurricular activities. The teachers put a lot of their own money into their classsrooms. Even though the economy has affected us all, parents should be willing to do the same.
—Submitted by a parent

100% agree with the most recent comment. While there are some great teachers, I do agree that not enough homework is given. My 8th grader is so used to having next to no homework (if any at all), and I have serious concerns about his transition to high school in the fall. Also, there is a major bullying problem that the school AND district do nothing about to fix. I, too, had heard great things about East Middle School (it's supposed to be the best in Downey), sadly this is far from the truth. Don't believe the hype.
—Submitted by a parent

I totally disagree with the parent that called for 'less homework.' My daughter attends EMS and she rarely recieves homework. My wife and I are proactive about her reading, and other lesson plans otherwise she would do no schoolwork at home. Test scores only improve when students actually learn the material.EMS should give more homework, specifically in reading. Homework should be particularly increased in the 7th and 8th grade as the kids are preparing to transfer to Downey high school. Less homework means lazy teachers, students, parents and lower test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

East Middle is considered a Distinguished school in our city, they have the higherst rank of students that participate in the STAR testing every year. The principal and all the faculty members are very involved in working to make the school a really great & safe environment for the students to learn and grow. They have an outstanding curriculum, and a great physical education program. I heard nothing to good things about East Middle School, and with the budget cuts they can use the money to help with all the school needs not just for this school year, but for more years to come. I want to give my support to a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is really awesome!! I just graduated from the class of 09 and theres no other way to describe this school other than perfect in every way. they have the best teachers and staff than the other middle schools in the district.
—Submitted by a student

The school is simply outstanding. I barely have words to describe this school.
—Submitted by a student

Well im a student and it is my last year here [whoot-whoot kudos too us class of 09!) well let me just start by thanking all the teachers there really great especially my all-time favorite miss.Awad!. And my pe coach mr.Fetter, even thought he made us run thanks for pushing me to improve. I love es1 and the fact i come out in a lot of videos [like the macarena starting video!] and finally all the woonder friend i made and thats just to many to name i love you all and thanks for the memories!(:
—Submitted by a student

I am a sixth grader at EMS, and I think my school is spectacular. I have advanced and honors classes and I've made so many great friends! I especially love my science teacher and I think my english teacher (though strict) helped me become a fabulous writer! I also love our broadcasting program, ES1. However, it bothers me that the students at East are very materialistic, but other than that, this school is awesome!
—Submitted by a student

I currently attened East middle school and I love it! Yeah it was hard 2 make friends in 6 grade but now in 8 grade the year has flown by! There are great people who work at east and have made my 3 years there wonderful.
—Submitted by a student

I think EMS is doing there part in advancing my child's education. Along with my hard work and dedication, my child will be on his way to success.
—Submitted by a parent

So far the school has been great. My only problem with this school is that my daughter doesn't get to shower after running during PE time. That is not good and very unsanitary, I hope they change that policy soon. The Principal is an awesome person thus far.
—Submitted by Edward Williams, a parent

East Middle School is OUTSTANDING! The quality of lessons & academic programs are exceptional. Social Studies and Science are my kids favorites. I have an 8th grader enrolled at East & 2 graduates. The office staff, teachers & coaches are so dedicated & they truly care about their students. My children have had the opportunity not only to participate but to embrace drama & music through the fantastic drama class and exquisite choir & band program. The teachers are very accommodating when you need to speak with them regarding your child. And in my experience they've always had my child's best interest at heart. When I drop my son off at school each day I know he is in the best of hands.
—Submitted by Arlene tanner, a parent

I am very impressed with the eighth grade language arts program at East Middle School. My son has completed several writing assignments including a comprehensive research report, creative writing assignments that include several forms of poetry, and an in-depth study of grammar; even spelling is taught and reinforced through the understanding of spelling rules. The expectations of the teacher are clearly stated and each student is cognizant of what is expected in order to receive a high mark. With an API of over 750 (800 is perfect), I see the results of good teaching firsthand.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic program at East Middle School is superior to any I have seen in the district. The teachers, in particular one eighth grade language arts teacher, are some of the finest in the state. To think that EMS ia a public school that accepts all students and still scores high on state tests is amazing.
—Submitted by a teacher

I think that the last parent reviewer needs to do his/her homework. Similar schools comparison is the best gauge for how a school is performing, and East is performing in the 90th percentile.
—Submitted by a teacher