Booker Middle School

All I have to say is RUN as fast as you can... I have 3 children in this school a 6th grader, 7th grader and 8th grader. My 8th grader just got excepted into SMA, my 7th grader is an A, B student and my 6th grader is a good student as well however he has a learning disability. Today my 6th grade son was in a fight. And let me say this is NOT EXPECTABLE in my home. The other child PUNCHED my son in the face twice before my son who practices jui jitsu put him in a choke hold (so he could not punch him anymore) until a teacher got over to them. Let me add the teacher that saw the entire fight WALKED over to them as my son was getting punched in the face!!!! There were many students watching this including my other 2 students. Who could not get involved because my 8th grader would risk his going to Sarasota Military Academy and my daughter because obviously she is a girl. Both boys are being suspended. BOOKER MIDDLE SCHOOLS fighting policy IF YOU ARE BEING ATTACKED you are to cover your face and scream until an adult WALKS over to you. Because there is no sense of urgency unless its them thats getting beaten up. This is no joke this is what I was told by this BS school.
--Submitted by a parent

Tis is the best school I've EVER gone to. It has many great teachers, kids, and regular staff members.
--Submitted by a student

Booker is a great school that is getting better every year. I see teachers who love to teach and really care, also students who are excited and engaged. This is my fourth child through middle school and this is the best middle school experience any of my children have had. As with any school the individual experience any student has is dependent on parent involvement. I would like to see more parents actively involved in the PTSA and eating lunch with their kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to BMS for all 3 yrs, and was in their gifted program. It was great. The teachers were nice and all. But the school in general was what I had a problem with. Whenever there's an event, such as the Renaissance, its not organized. There's been a few fights every now and then. But the staff does a good job preventing them. All in all, its just an okay school. Didnt really enjoyed it much as I hoped.
--Submitted by a student

I've been teaching at BMS for 8 years and love it! The staff is like a family to me. We've had our share of trials and tribulations, but with excellent leadership, both at the school and district level, we CAN excel. Our students are very diverse - another reason why I love teaching there! They are extremely talented and creative, but of course, they are still children! I look forward to continuing my quest to help mold these students into responsible and caring young adults!
--Submitted by a teacher

BMS is a great school! But with any school it is all what make. Students need to take advantage of all it's resourses. Parents need to volunteer and stay active in their childs education.
--Submitted by Major Tracey A. Stark, a teacher

My child has gone to Booker Middle School for 2 years. BMS has a wonder Visual and Performing Arts department, but I'm not impressed with the quality of many of the teachers I have encountered. I've also had difficulty getting Parent/Teacher conferences.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that BMS is a great school and getting better everyday. They are starting a Civil Air Patrol program for students. The staff is staying on longer and not leaving every year. I seeit getting better and better. The have Gifted, VPA, Sports, and a good afterschool program.
--Submitted by Tracey, a parent

Students Opinion- My grades and Fcat scores dropped two grades. The dicipline dropped alot, too many kids talk back and some of the teachers act like they have no heart and don't help kids try to get their grades up instead they let them do what ever they want no one should ever do that. Also sometimes I think we should have uniforms because for 2003-2004 everything dropped and thats not good also the shirts getting tucked had made everyone try to get out of Booker.
--Submitted by Garcia Garcia, a student

I don't think the kids need to have their shirt tucked in. I'm not sure if it's standard for all middle schools to have that dress code or not. If it's not then I think that this school should have the dress code polished.