South Miami K-8 Center

This is my first year at south miami, and i have to say that it has been a wonderful experience. First of all, as a working parent, i have always felt guilty not been able to volunteer more regularly. In our previous school, there was a cliche of parents who would control the few volunteering activities, leaving the rest of us feeling like outsiders. Here at smk-8, the faculty, administration and everyone else welcomes you and appreciates whatever you can do to help; there's always something to do. The administration, in particular the principal, has been phenomenal; doing a lot with the few resources given by the district. The only problem i see is lack of parent involvement outside of the magnet programs. The magnets have great support, but the school's pta doesnt have as much help from parents. On any given pta meeting, you can count 10-15 parents at most. That's sad, considering that this is both an elementary and middle school. That lack of involvement is the parents' fault, not the administration. There are many opportunities to get involved, but it is up to the parents to show interest.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been a blessing to me and my daughters. I have had nothing but excellent cooperation from all the teachers and the principal. My older daughter gave me some headaches her first year there but the principal worked with me and heard me out. So rarely do you see such dedication and excellent teachers such as Mrs. Millan, Mrs. Montoya, Mrs. Signori, Mrs. Moreiras, Mrs. Court and all of the others that have been involved in my children's education... This is definitely the cream of the crop when it comes to caring and involved teachers, of course there are always exceptions to the rule but like I said for the most part I couldn't have asked for a better school or staff!
--Submitted by a parent

Even though this year I'm very satisfied so far with my son's 1st grade teacher, I've been really disappointed since last year, when he was Kindergartner at this school. The system could work a lot better in many aspects, but as a parent and member of the PTA I don't agree with many of the procedures the Principal Mrs. Court try to set. Parental participation is not encouraged. Parents' suggestions or complaints are not taking into consideration at all. Several times I tried to talk to her and she turns around and walks away, she is such a busy person, not that we all are. For example: first graders go to lunch at 10:30am and then, AFTER LUNCH, they go to PE class. Call me crazy, but I think that is a little RIDICULOUS... maybe they change it once a kid barfs in the middle of the class...
--Submitted by a parent

this is a verry good school for parent that are looking for some excellent teachers for the most part. but the principal/ leadship is thw wrost. we all know here mane the only thing that lady cares about is here 4inch heels and here 90,000 dollar car there could not be a wrost principal that here.
--Submitted by a parent

We can not believe that in two months our daughter will have to leave SMk-8 center!!!! This school had been wonderful for our daughter, since she entered at grade 4. Now that she's ending 8th grade, we feel really sad. She had the privilege to be supported by wonderful and very dedicated teachers, and a very efficient administration staff. Now that she bloomed in a confident and successful art student, we are sure that she is ready to go on this successful path. Thanks to the special dedication of Mrs Polin and Mrs Beard the head teachers for the magnet CAT program, our daughter was accepted into DASH after 100% acceptance in all the Magnet high schools she applied to. So thousands thanks to all the teachers and staff. You can be proud of the work and education you bring to all the students of SMK-8!! THANK YOU>>>
--Submitted by a parent

My children attend this school and they do a really good job at blaming parents if the children aren't successful. They seem to be more concerned about their image than about the student's. They make parent's feel like they aren't doing their job's and they rarely give good reports.
--Submitted by a parent

Every child should have an opportunity to attend a school similar to South Miami. The diversity is representative of the real world both culturally and economically. My sons are completly excited about school. Ms. Signori, Ms. Montoya, Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Djurik and Ms. Coscuella and Ms. Gonzalez (5th grade) are very dedicated and attentive to their students. Traveling to South Miami is definetly worth the drive. As for volunteering, I have never encountered any problems. Parents are welcomed and encouraged almost weekly via emails to support the school programs. The assistant principal is professional and knowledgeable. However, my only complaint is that there should be more administrators for such a large school. One rarely sees the principal because she is probably overwhelmed managing both an elementary and middle school. Hopefully, the budget crisis will ease providing more funds for additional administrators. South Miami is a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel very blessed to have my daughter attend South Miami K-8 Center.She is in Mrs. Kuentzel's 3rd grade gifted class and I feel as if she won the lottery! Mrs. Kuentzel is extremely caring, listens to the students and parents and truly makes learning fun.She even does educational activities with her class on weekends! My daughter loves her and loves this school.My daughter is also in the theatre magnet program with Mrs. Montoya who does an amazing job in teaching the drama students.She is very creative and energetic.The academics are excellent and so are the arts. Mrs. Pinkcombe (art), Mrs. Harrel (music) and Mr. Whitley (P.E.) are outstanding,as well.The administration is visible throughout the school and I always feel welcome to volunteer and informed thanks to the PTA.I have only great things to say about South Miami, its teachers, administration, parents and students. It gets an A+ from me.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a big problem in that parental involvement is discouraged rather than encouraged. The obstacles that are placed upon parents, all in the name of 'school policy,' are ridiculous. The parking situation is impossible, and the parents are truly made to feel as if they are a disturbance. We as parents must be involved in our children's lives and education, but the administration seems not to care about that at all. The shocking part about it is that this is a Title I school! A parent cannot even attend an honor roll assembly without being made to feel as if they were the grade school students that must sit down and shut up. It is sad that such good teachers are not supported by a good administration.
--Submitted by a parent

I personally feel that in lieu of all these 'budget cuts' which is no secret, the administration has done their best to keep parents informed and students motivated. I remember when the dismissal was a disaster! Now it's very safe and orderly. I believe anywhere you send your child there are good and great teachers. I truley believe parents have a responsibility to get to know the staff and teachers and bring the great out of them. Even for adults it's hard not to be discouraged. ($$) I recommend this school because of the commitment the staff has to the safety of these kids
--Submitted by a parent