Westbrook Middle School

My experience at the Westbrook Middle School is that special education student s needs are not met. Mr. House is not involved and never attends any meetings; he defends teacher s bad behaviors instead of correcting them. The lack of supervision is evident as teachers blatantly do not follow IEP or 504 recommendations. How is it possible for a child (and there are many in this school) to receive all F grades years after year without any intervention. Isn t this school embarrassed at all or blaming the parent is the answer to all their problems because then they don t have to put in the work to help kids? Environment speaks volumes and the demoralization and bullying in this school by some teachers creates an environment of aggression and violence which parents are aware. The budget asks for more special ed teahers, but without support for the cause what is the point?
—Submitted by a parent

In my experience I found that special education student s needs are not met. Mr. House is not involved and never attends any meetings; he defends teacher s bad behaviors instead of correcting them. The lack of supervision is evident as teachers blatantly do not follow meeting recommendations. How is it possible for a child (and there are many in this school) to receive all F grades years after year without any intervention. Isn t this school embarrassed at all or blaming the parent is the answer to all their problems because then they don t have to put in the work to help kids? Environment speaks volumes and the demoralization and bullying in this school by some teachers creates an environment of aggression and violence which parents are aware. tThe budget ask for more special ed teachers, but whatst he point if the leadership does not support the cause?
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school! And this is coming from a student. We have so many sports, and activities to do as well as different classes. The school is fairly new and I haven't yet met a teacher I would consider mean. I love Mr.Pennella, Mrs. Sanford, Mr. Baxter, and Mrs. Overchuk. Mr.House(principal) is really nice. (if you are a good kid) My classes are: Science > History > Gym > Break > Math > Spanish > Lunch > Family Consumer > Language Arts. P.s. the person who tom burns wrote a review about is one of my friends.
—Submitted by a student

I have a young daughter in 6th grade who has spent her last two years at the middle school and she loves it. The classes are challenging and the school atmosphere for a middle school is second to none. Mr. House has done a great job and has built a very positive learning environment. Kudo's to Ms. Overchuk who is phenomenal---This town is the best---Tom Burns
—Submitted by a parent

Westbrook Middle School is not a bad school. However the principal is unreasonable about any change. Special Ed children are not able to get what they need and it is definitely because of Mr. House, the principal. He is a very black and white lined person. Unless there is change in positions, It will never be a good school.

Still lacking administration that will follow through. Communication extremely poor. A handful of teachers that are very good, yet some so poor it is mind-bending. Persistance as a parent is key. The school has a philosphophy of punishing all for the poor behavior or choices of one or a few. Not happy with this school as a parent. No problems with the grammar school & no experience to date with the high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Big changes have been happening and since long overdue are being well received. More policies and procedures are being followed from the other 2 schools that have better results and provide district consistency. Sept. 2005 a new school building will be open for 5-8 grades.
—Submitted by a parent

The Westbrook Middle school is a fun, great place to make friends,have a good time with teachers, and still learn with a stress free environment without smaller brothers and sisters annoying you. The principal and the staff are very protective and make students feel comfortable there.
—Submitted by Kate Fuller, a student

Lacking administration that follows through, Reacts to pressures of individuals threats resulting in unfair treatment to students.excellent teaching staff. Non supportive administration.
—Submitted by a parent