Howell L. Watkins Middle School

It is very fun at Hl Watkins mr David is the best math teacher but he is only for 5th grade but you get fun Friday and parties but he is also strict. The 7th grade math is mrs rudich and or mr Williams. The pre med program is fun to and these mentors come in and talk about there different fields of work. This was the best 3 years of my life and I would go to that school again if I had the chance. And they have a new principle because the old one went to dwyer high school. But forget what other people tell you because this school is the best

If you really love your kids then you should take them out of that school. My daughter was there for sixth grade the first semester she did great, then she started acting up. Her math teacher Mr.Davis hits children and everyone in the entire school knows about this yet they do nothing to stop it. There's always drama and fights. She also told me ISS is the funniest place in the school because the person there lets the kids do whatever they want. I'm taking her out of that school and she's never going back.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids both attended HL Watkins in the Robotics program. They had wonderful teachers and Dr. Sheffield was an amazing principal. She has gone on to high school but hopefully the school will stay on the path she has set. Mr. Perry is an amazing teacher and mentor for the kids as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school has an outstanding staff and administration. We have two wonderful choice academies. These academies are both honors programs and are taught from 6th to 8th grade. We have small class sizes and offer advanced classes. Our Math Department offers high school Algebra and Geometry. Our extra curricular activities range from debate to chess clubs. We offer all the major sports including flag football.
—Submitted by a teacher

Most Teachers are concerned for students wellbeing.
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from this school. After going here for three years I'm really going to miss it. I've dealt with having to let go of one principal and having another. It turns out that the principal we had before was ten times better than the one I had this year. Now they have a new principal, and hopefully she'll make the school better. Yes, the school went through a few things- such as violence, and horrible teachers, yadda, yadda, blah, but it really is a wonderful school. At first, I had my doubts, but now that I'm leaving I realize it's a great school to be at. As long as you concentrate on the work, you'll get by. This school has prepared me for High School completely. I'm positive that if I were to go to any other high school, I would'nt be as ready.

the school will be a little better now that there is a new principle. just give it a chance. and now that assistant principle richard brown is there, the kids will be alot better
—Submitted by a student

I wish my daughter never had to go there. They teachers are incompetent! The children skip classes have no respect. They might have a new principal but how long will it take he/she to clean this crap up. My child should not have to be afraid to go to her on school. So therfore my child should not go there. J.F.K is way better!
—Submitted by a parent

I think H. L Watkins rocks. i attended to this school 3 years. And the teachers are so kind. especially mr. keppler and dr walcott. they are the best teachers eva...
—Submitted by a student

Help is on the way! Finally, after incompetent, ineffectual, and 'invisible' leadership, a new principal will take control. Teachers at this school are extraordinary, but due to this mis-placed principal, and her total lack of leadership, knowledge, and committment, they have had to work to control discipline without support.
—Submitted by a parent

i have gone to watkins all three years or middle school. We are not the best school. We have our problems, but what school doesnt. Some of the teachers are great, others not so much! This year you can deffinatly tell that they are working to make it a safer and more comfortable school for students!
—Submitted by a student

As a parent, I am terrified to drop my daughter off at this school in the morning. The only reason we agreed to let her attend Watkins was because of their Medical Science Academy. They have no control of thier students, you hardly ever see parent participation in any after school functions, and the teachers are not as good as everyone says. Bottom line is that my daughter will be going to a different school next year, one that I will feel safe leaving her at.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school rocks! I see that the teachers are able to work with and/or control the students more in the aura of the 'Horse Whisperer', using positive words and encouragement rather than punishment. I see almost every student at this school being respectful and generally trying their best to perform scholastically as well as community-wise.
—Submitted by a teacher

The school would be a much better place if the violence was better kept under control! Children should feel safe at school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had nothing but a great expierence with this school since my son started in January. I say 5 Stars.
—Submitted by a parent

That is the best school ever
—Submitted by a student

The school is okay overall. I feel the teachers have little control over their classes. Often have been frustrated over the lack of professionalism by the staff. There is little accountability with the teachers relative to the students participation. There is little to no support outside the classroom for students. Sporting programs are poor at best. Almost no sense in having them.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has excellant Asst Principals, however my daughter has told me more than often that the Principal is never there. She says he probably doesn't know any of the childrens names. I really feel that great leadership starts at the top. There are some great teachers there then there are the others who bring the moral down in the student body. They bring there personal problems with them to work and they don't know how to relate to the students.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has lots of technology available for student use. They offer advanced and gifted level classes for high achieving students and ESE and intensive classes for students that need extra help. Teachers are easy to get a hold of via email or phone call. Grades can be tracked online.
—Submitted by a teacher

Teachers seem to be frustrated with the fact that their recommendations on students who need additional academic support sometimes falls on deaf ears. My son was in need of an AIP, which two out of 4 teachers recommended but the faculty in the office does not seem to treat these as a priority. Leaving the student to suffer the consequence. I have mixed feelings about teachers. Some seem to be very interactive with parents...I have not heard a word on others in the entire year.
—Submitted by a parent