Tradewinds Middle School

My child is in the 6th grade and is on the honor roll in advanced classes. My family is low income and minority; which I only mention to advise those that believe low income equals low self esteem and education. My child thrives here amongst a very diverse student population. I turned down Carver's IB programme to keep her away from the belittling attitude of Boca/Delray's unaccepting attitude toward minorities.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is basically a 9-4 daycare. The majority of the students do not want to learn. The majority of students have no respect for themselves, staff, subs, or teachers. The root cause is attributed to being a low- income SES school; uneducated parents, etc. Student misbehavior is rampant, and the students do not care. To be fair, there is a small minority of students who want to learn. Unfortunately, those students are outnumbered by the students who just don't care. What a shame. In the end, Tradewinds Middle School does a big disservice to the community; take a clue from the NY School System. Students who don't want to behave should face expulsion. Lets place the blame where it goes.......

The principal (Dr. Howell) runs the school like a boot camp. Kids must act like robots, or the teacher is viewed as unsatisfactory. If you break the rules (even having your shirt untucked) you will not be allowed to participate in any after school activities. This makes many students feel negative about academics and they get a I don't care attitude. Middle school is hard enough hormonal wise, and adding more negative feelings is not helpful.
--Submitted by a teacher

i love tradewinds because of our assistant pricipal Mrs J Smith. I love her so much nd i hope she'll come tis school year of 09-10. I u mrs. Smith!!!!!
--Submitted by a student

Speaking as a student who has talked to my parents about this, I do not like the way the school handles situations. When drama begins and the school intervenes, they ask for statements from other students who were not involved, which makes sense, but the administrators don't understand that some students may lie to get others in trouble. Besides that, tucking in your shirts when they are a reasonable length does not make sense to me, and I shouldn't have to wear a belt if my pants fit correctly. The academics are poor, in my opinion, the teachers teach well for the most part, although they have to stick to a certain teaching plan, they should be allowed to teach what they have to teach the way they want to teach it, for example, doing more hands-on things or contorting projects to mould to how the students learn best and fun.
--Submitted by a student

even though we do have fights, Tradewinds is an awsome school it is very fun and we hav a staff that tries to keep their studentshappy w/ dances and other creative ways.|TRADEWINDS IS AWSOME PERIOD|
--Submitted by a student

I went to this schol for two years and i had a great time a met some great people and the teachers were great they were like having a parent a school you could talk to them about any thing -----Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from that school this year. 2008, I was there 6-8 && i miss more than ever, the teachers are awesome, the experience was incredible, and dr.Howell rocks (the principal), i've had my best memories there. This school really prepared me, i would recommend any student to go there. I loved every minute of it!
--Submitted by a student

My son loves the school because it is very safe. The principal is visible and accessible to all parents and students and this is the first time my son enjoy going to school.
--Submitted by a parent

this is my son's first year at tradewinds,so far I feel he has learned a great deal. therefore I'm very pleased.
--Submitted by a parent