Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School

my children are in grade 6 in the SAS program. The school is perfect, but the problem is some of the teachers. I heard that some teachers yell at the kids. Teachers also do not explain assignments or homework to do. Each class must be supervised so they do not have these problems. Otherwise the school is perfect and the programs they have are excellent. There are teachers that are excellent and love their jobs.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in 8th grade at Holmes, and it's been a great experience overall. Some bullying in 6th grade, but it's almost disappeared entirely by 8th grade. I don't know what the 1/23/12 poster is talking about. Jeans are a part of the written dress code; my child wears them every single day. Also, her classmates participate in after school sports and teams. They have lockers, but they don't use them for a reason. I'm sorry this child was bullied and left after one day, but in my child's experience Holmes has been good about disciplining bullies. I've found that, although they are urged to let teachers know about bullying, many kids don't, for fear of being labeled a "snitch."
--Submitted by a parent

Just might possibly be the worst school ever. Scratch that, it is DEFINITELY the worst school ever! I came from private school (big mistake) and only lasted a day until I was offered drugs, bullied, and yelled at by a teacher (profanities). I tried the next day, and it was even worse. I had a kid in my HONORS ENGLISH class who literally knew NO english whatsoever. So my teacher translated to spanish. There were no sports teams, after school activities, or lockers. Not even books for everyone. There are just about a million kids who are all mean. I have no trouble making friends but people were SO mean! The food was horrid, and you can't wear jeans! (?????) I ended up crying and going back to my school that I am so happy to have. PLEASE DO NOT send your kids here!

I am digusted with the treatment of my child! This is my third child to go through this school. Last year my daughter had the best English teacher and the best Algebra teacher. I was hoping that my youngest would have the same experience. Instead, his 7th grade year has been disappointing and traumatizing! Some crazy woman who is allowed to insult and belittle the students has taken over the honor English, and my sons math class has been changed three times! There are hardly any electives or activities. Although my other two children had great experiences at Holmes...this year leaves a lot to be desired.
--Submitted by a parent

My son came here in the 7th grade and is now an 8th grader. With the expception of 1 teacher last year, his teachers have been awesome! Especially this year. He is in 2 honors classes and the rest of his classes he has excelled in. He also is involved in the after school sports programs and loves them as well. His councilor is great and very on top of it.
--Submitted by a parent

Horrible school. Have taken my children out. Rude unresponsive admin staff and terrible teachers who think nothing of yelling or grabbing the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a 6th grader at this school for 2010-2011. This school is a very strict school. Most teachers violently scream at the students. The attendance office staff are rude and disrespectful to students and parents. Although some of the other staff and teachers treat kids nicely. This school thinks that they are doing the right thing but in reality they are disrespecting the students! also teachers will asume you did everything bad and you did the the bad things. i suggest DO NOT take your children to this school. And this is out of my own expirience.

I am a 6th grader at Holmes Middle School and i am here to tell you something from the inside. Students talk about inapprobriate things. They also use foul language. If you believed what they said you would not want your children to attend. As a 6th grader i hear a lot of things and to tell truth it was gross! The teacher do not support children and they yell at them. They are aggresively strict. if your child didn't even do anything the teachers would find a way to blame it on them. I am telling you for your own good. That's what I think of MY school. Also the P.E teachers are really strict too. I once took a long time changing and one of the teachers threatened to keep me after schoool to sweep. I am a girl. In conclusion send your kids to a different school 2011

If your child is going into 8th Grade and needs RSP, watch out - the RSP teacher is terrible. And they have yet another new principal - the current one didn't even stay 3 years but is apparently moving to VRHS #4. I am an involved parent but am so glad to be out of there!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends this school, is in the 6th grade SAS portion of the student body. So far, so good. She has made new friends, and has kept in touch with her grade school ones as well. The teacher's that she currently has, have been very supportive, and she is very happy. I will not tolerate bullying or ineffective teachers. If you are involved, you will receive what you need. Do not be a complacent parent. Get involved with activities, and participate in all fundraisers.
--Submitted by a parent