Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School

Bennie Dover is improving everyday. As the parent of three children (two have since moved on to the high school, one is still in the school now), AND a teacher in a neighboring district, I have been very focused and aware of my childrens' education. There was a point a few years ago where I had some concerns over behavior and administration. It seemed like expectations were set low enough for everyone to achieve an A (way too easy). In the past 3 or 4 years, there have been massive changes in accountability. The staff have gone through extensive training in more effective methods, and the student behavior is no where near the reputation that some other reviewers have mentioned. Not quite a 5 yet, as there are still areas of improvement (such as consistent discipling, availability of special education and other aids/support staff, and availability of technology and assistive technologies). They are now piloting an extended day program to help make up for language or learning deficits - very promising! Looking forward to next year!
—Submitted by a parent

It is not organized. There is no dicsipline. The teachers are always looking over there shoulder at the principle and vice principle. and I heard that it used to be better a few years ago. Should have listened to people who said to not move to New London unless you can afford the catholic schools or can get lucky with the lottery in the magnet schools. The local newspaper does not cover what actually happens in the school. You have to hear it from your kid or from other parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Good teachers, bad students, incompetent Administration. This is a dangerous place for small children who cannot defend themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was on track regarding education and behavior until 2009, when the outstanding Principal abruptly left. The new Administration appointed a new Principal, as a political favor, who was unqualified and has since driven the school into the ground. Teachers and staff have left or are planning to leave, parents with means are pulling their kids out or moving out of the district, and the ill-behaved children have won and are terrorizing the other students. It is a shame to see how quickly things can deteriorate with an incompetent leader. What the Administration needs to do is to listen to the teachers and parents. They need to admit their mistake and find another way to pay back the political favor before a child is seriously injured. Children cannot learn when they are fearful of going to school. The teachers are aware of the Principal's "hit list" born out of nothing more than personal feelings. There are going to be lawsuits because of the vindictive and immature behavior of the Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is an overall great school, it just needs a little work and the behavior can be a little better as the enviorment.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at bennie dover jackson middle school. I think this school is great. Some parents think that bdjms is a bad school but to tell you the truth its a very good school.
—Submitted by a student

Hello I am a student of BDJMS. I would like to point out several things about my school. Bennie Dover has many opportunities for any student willing to apply themselves. We have a Jeopardy club which focuses on broadening the knowledge of any student willing to spend an hour after school. This group also competes against the other schools in the Groton, and last year won the tournament. We also have a brilliant Enrichment program led by an excellent teacher. I find the quality of the teachers extremely high. The class sizes are low with under 20 for the most part.
—Submitted by Christopher, a student

My name is naomi and I think bdjms is a good middle school. I dont think that just because I went there. I think this because the teachers are hard on you but they only do this because they care
—Submitted by a former student

I dont care who says that Bennie Dover is bad..I had a great 3 years year and really its not that bad yes we do have kids that dont have respect..but were kids and were not from the up town kids that have millions of dollars..so what if we sometimes walk all over the teachers every body does and Im not talking about our school..But anyways Ive had my good years even though I know I gave the Teachers,Dean,Students,B.Lo a hard time but who cares im out of here I want to say thanks to all my favorite teachers..Mr.Nelson, Mrs.Williams, and Mr.Richardson..Thanks guys I had a great 3 years.. Symone class of 2005
—Submitted by a former student

This school is great. I had some of my best years here. I loved my teachers. They taught me well. I loved Mr.Martin, Mr.Richardson, Mrs.Banks and all my other teachers. Whoever talks bad about this school needs a reality check. Not everyone in this school is so bad. It's the kids who don't respect their school. I'm doing great. I go to Grasso Tech and I'm in IST!
—Submitted by Alice Benton, a parent

overall the teachers are okay. what i worry about is the discipline in the classroom,it's horrible. my son comes home and tells me horror stories about the kids in his class running all over the teachers. he is a minority in his school, and has been on the receiving end of racial comments. my son is dyslexic,has adhd, and has a visual perception problem. we have been fighting the school system ever since he was in the 4th grade to get him the individual help he needs. we have gotten the run around, and have even been told that the school can't afford to test my son for dyslexia. Having moved from the south, i have found that the schools in new london lack a great deal of things.i guess it all boils down to money, which new london schools don't have any of. be prepared to fight!
—Submitted by a parent

I have found that the very few teachers that will help are in the minority and by the looks of the national average, our students don't have a chance for further education. My daughter's education is being way laid and no one seems to care. I am trying to change schools but with no help from the faculty. Being patronized is not helping my child in her education. I will strive to do what I can to teach my child at home, because her learning at this facility is not happening.
—Submitted by Julia Culbusky, a parent

My best years of schooling were here! Everyone is always really friendly and if you need help with something there is always someone to see.
—Submitted by a former student