Vineland Middle School

All of my children have attended Vineland Middle and still have one the is in elementary. I have always promoted this school and my children have excelled there until this year. Staffing has changed a lot they brought in Gene Padilla and Toni Cortese we never had any bullying problems with teachers bullying students these two teachers intimidate students by name calling or pointing out flaws of certain students Padilla follows students and hovers over them gets in there face yelling and screaming at them when students go to the office to seek help Padilla repeats what he thinks the version should be while the student sit vulnerable to this. Griego has tried to help students and parents as much as she can and is much appreciated by all of us. It pathetic when staff try to hide students from Padilla to keep him away from the students. There is a major bullying problem in this school and I pray that they remove these teachers from the school so our children can feel safe again.Children are not getting the education they deserve because they do not feel safe. My children will not attend this school until Gene Padilla is gone and hopefully Cortese as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Vineland Middle School all three years. I found that when I had moved and went to a high school out of district I was not prepared with basic educational standards. The teachers are mediocre when it comes to teaching. The math department was good, but everyone else did not compare. The kids who attend are obssesed with popularity and are very cruel. What do you expect from a small community.
—Submitted by a student

I have had 2 children already go through Vineland Middle, with one more currently in Vineland Middle School and my experience has been nothing but horror. The school only cares about the state test scores (CSAP), and they judge your child on how well they do on these tests. The school does not look at the child as a person, but as how much money they can get from the states for your childs test scores. The main issues have been with the Principal and counselor; most of the teachers at the school take a different attitude toward the children. If you have another choice of school to send your child to, I recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Vineland Middle School this year. So far, I am extremely disappointed. She has not been doing well this year, but we've been unable to discuss this with the teachers. They are only willing to speak between 3:10 and 3:30. Both my husband and I work full time and are not available during that time. They will not budge. My daughter is failing because we can't get her help in math. The school does not offer a tutoring program either, and we can't afford to hire one. I am planning on pulling her out of this school soon. Don't send your children here if you have a choice.
—Submitted by Amy, a parent

My child will be starting at Vineland Middle school this coming year. Already we've had a better experience than we did with the elementary school. The office staff was organized, efficient, and plesant, actually seemed to know what they were doing.
—Submitted by Amy F, a parent

My daughter has attended VMS currently for sixth and seventh grade. The teachers and staff have given my daughter the opportunity to develop skills which, she will utilize throughout her life. Life skills such as education that is useful and interesting which, supports self-motivation. The curriculum provides her with a challenge to advance. Another wonderful aspect is that the principal, teachers, staff and others affiliated with the VMS mission, offer the opportunity for her to develop leadership skills, and to participate in student council which, not only intiates leadership skills but also the motivation to be a follower. I believe in order to be a good leader one has to be a good follower. Finally, I appreciate the support the teachers and staff have given; they work with me and listen to my opinion to ensure an individualized learning and rewarding experience. My daughter will attend VMS for eighth grade.
—Submitted by Kathleen Williams, a parent