Suwannee Middle School

SMS has gone downhill dramatically in recent years. For a small rural town, I don't understand why there is so much violence and so little supervision at school. i believe upper management is burned out and there is a fatalistic attitude about bullying. This year alone, one child committed suicide and another was life flighted to a hospital after a fight. The new school superintendent is making changes, however, so I'm giving the school two stars just to express a little hope for our school.
--Submitted by a parent

The only reason I am rating them w 1 star is because you have to give at least that to complete this. This school is completely OUT OF CONTROL! The bullying at this school has become a tragedy. The leadership of the school leaves something to be desired and instead of them being ashamed as they should be, they do nothing but make excuses. That ended for us the last year my child attended this school and was sent to the hospital via ambulance because he was pushed into a metal pole and landed on the concrete beneath his feet. I was told he ran into the pole when infact he was pushed by another child from behind that had been reported on several previous occasions for bullying my son. The teachers want you involved or so they say....however when you try, you become bothersome. 504 plan, HAH! Yeah right, the only plan they have is to get themselves thru the day and the concern is NOT our children! F F F F F F, THATS how I grade their papers!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attended this school , and I have transferred them to a much better school, and both children improved beyond belief . I cant say anything good in the way of educational professionalism , or the all around experience(s) with this school . I'd give them a 0 , but it wont post till I give a 1 rating. I dont see how SMS gets a rating as it stands now , but check the florida school ratings in where it stands in the ranking of the state of florida standings for higher education... there is too many schools better than this one. Best thing I've done for my kids in the education department by transferring them out of SMS to a better school. And I got great results! SMS needs an overhaul , out with the old , in with the new!
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are wonderful, but school needs more supervision and a more innovative approach.
--Submitted by a parent

SMS is a great school but some of the teachers could use an attitude ajustment. They think that this children should know every thing right off the bat and that the children should be able to do some collage age algabra in 6th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter transferred in the fall to SMS (the staff was very helpful and friendly when we registered her and it was nice to have a principal to tell a child 'we are happy to have you with us'). she came home happy the first day and this has continued. she is motivated now and has learn the joy of reading, thanks to her Reading 180 class. I think her comment as we pulled into the school last week says it all 'This is the Best Move I have ever made. The academic programs are well planned to meet the student's level and needs. I attended your recent band concert and was totally overwhelmed with the abilities of your young people and the teacher. we as a family would like to get involved and help the school whenever possible. Thank you for your good enviorment and your striving to give our kids a quality education.
--Submitted by a parent

SMS is a good school, though there's a problem with littering. It seems that all the teachers care about is getting you throught the FCAT. Yes, that's important, but there are many other things the students need to be prepared for.
--Submitted by a student