Silver Trail Middle School

I agree with the 5/17/13 review. Based on our experience, there are instructors that have good teaching skills and listen to student and parent needs when they are raised. However, there are still many instructors that, when approached or questioned about their teaching methods or response to students who respectfully question why something is done, react in a very defensive and negative manner. This negative response is to both the parent and student. To the parents, as in our case, they simply defend why they do what they do without even considering possible alternatives simply because...."THEY ARE THE TEACHER!" I'm sorry, but that just simply is not a good enough response. The position of the faculty is that they are open-minded and willing to work with students and parents to make learning and overall school experience a positive one but when those faculty members that are not meeting this goal are actually challenged to meet this expectation, there responses are very disappointing. Therefore, these instructors (who have developed a poor reputation amongst students and parents) continue to remain less than average because of their stubborness to keep an open mind.
—Submitted by a parent

the school is exellent, very strict and the teachers very well qualified. they encourage students always to do extra curricular work to maximise their potential.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 kids in this school. My daughter is extremely bright & well behaved. She has an an okay experience, however she has never had anyone in the school help her meet her fullest potential. My son on the other hand is equally bright, but has required more attention & has hated his experience in this school. We have raised a child with leadership traits & not the type of child to sit quietly if he feels he is being mistreated by children or staff. He is finishing the year feeling that he has been bullied by kids & staff. The staff lacks common sense and/or the resources to deal with children as individuals. Their intrepretation of policies have also made us feel as if they are pro-bully. So if your child is not a drone that will always fall in line, this may not be the right school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 8th grade and has been going to Silver Trails since 6th grade. I honestly dont think his teachers care. They constantly lose his work. They mark him unexcused when I am one to call first thing in the morning when my kids are sick. The school needs a new staff or something. Not happy at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Let me first say that there are some really great teachers at this school, the environment is safe, and the kids are generally friendly & courteous. However, the Principal overemphasizes the school grade, to the point that EVERY student is required to take Reading & Research all 3 years. In 6th grade, this class was almost entirely FCAT prep worksheets. In 7th grade they did a research paper & read an award-winning book, but now (in the 2nd quarter) my son is back to doing boring FCAT prep worksheets. He's a level 5 reader & I really think he would have gotten a lot more out of a 2nd elective. His PE class was focused almost entirely on workouts rather than learning to play a sport he might actually be tempted to pursue outside of school. School moral is poor. There are not a lot of activities to get the kids or parents involved and excited. When there are, my son often has too much homework to attend. He does hours of homework most nights. The math department is excellent, though of course there is always homework in math. It could be a great school if they would concentrate a little more on enrichment programs and less on covering the basics for the umpteenth millionth time.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Silver Trail all three years, and I can honestly say they provided a safe atmosphere, with some fun loving & caring staff members. If you are looking into this school and you are a parent, I would recommend this school. There are no fights, no out of control students, none of that. Almost all of the students remember that they are in a school and act respectfully. The teachers are very easy to come to and really try to resolve issues! I can say I had a good experience going to Silver Trail and they really prepared me for high school. I think Mr. Lewis, Ms. Tchir, & Mr. Eichenbaum are wonderful teachers that have taught me things that I feel I will use outside the classroom. Ms. Raden, & Ms. Negron are wonderful! There are some staff members that I feel the school should get rid of, but other than that it is a wonderful school! (:

My daughters first year in middle school - was very nervous but now so happy with STMS. The principle is visible, open and friendly at the school not just behind a desk. The school is beautiful and clean, involved with local and nation programs like adopting a Wing in Iraq to send supplies to. My daughters says it best... this school ROCKS!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student at Silver Trail, and a current student at a local Charter school. In my new school, tons of kids make fun of me, whether its the way I look, the way I act, or my opinion on general interests like music. But at Silver Trail, nobody made me feel left out in anything. My seventh grade year at Silver Trail was one of the best school years of my life! Everyone was okay with who I am and nobody judged me. I made awesome friends and had great classes (good enough to get me straight A's for the first time). If you have the choice of schools for your child, please pick STMS. I know I want to go back there instead of staying where I am now.

Silver trail Middle School is a wonderful school! It is much better than any Charter or Private school out there. We know this from personal experience. The principal truly cares about the students. His door is always open and the students know that they can come anytime and share their concerns with him. We've done the Charter route but this school is by far the best school, educationally, emotionally, socially and physcally for our child. He feels very safe at Silver Trail Middle School.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is continuously being harassed by a girl in school. the girl's mother is a teacher, and she things is ok to harass my child everyday. I left a message with the guidance counselor, I've spoken to her in the past and she is very nice. I hope she can rectify this problem ASAP. The girl even put water on my daughter's lunch, so she couldn't eat it!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school soo much but there is this one girl who keeps threatening me the 6th grade administrator would only suspend her for short periods of time then she moved away and now she is moving back to silver trail again for 7th personally i think she should be expelled for her threats and all of the trouble she caused at this school she not only bullies me she bullies other children and does not listen to anyone not even the principal of the school. P.S. the girls name is Kaitlyn Snow and the

It seems that Silver Trail Middle Schools policy on bullying is overlooked. My son along with other kids are being bullied and seems as if the principal for the 6th grade looks the other way or turns it around. So much for a no-tolerance school policy. The same child that bullied my son has bullied others with just a verbal caution. Not acceptable
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school i strict but it keeps the kids in line. Also the teachers care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Yeah this school is strict but its awesome! All the teachers know what they are doing and are really nice. All my friends and I love this school!
—Submitted by a student

this school is a lot stricter than expected i just got here from elementary and wow its strict i mean chewing gum gets u a detention and they don't let u do anything but it is still a nice school i give it a 3
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school. My son was transfered at the end of the last school year because of problems with bullying at a supposedly 'A' school nearby. This school is like a miracle for him, he feels safe, he is learning, his behavior is outstanding and his grades are all A and B. Good job Silver Trail.
—Submitted by a parent

this is the best school ever! my daughter is in 6 th grade and I got scared at first just like every parent but they made me feel right at home!
—Submitted by a parent

So far so good. I just enrolled my son in this school in January. I feel that this is an excellent school. Great environment for students. The teachers are great and seem to really care about the students. Communication is the key. The students seem to all get along and the no fighting/bullying tolerance is Great. This should be enforced at all of our schools. Great Job Silver Trail
—Submitted by a parent

This middle have goten stricter. The New Homework policy, where they don't accept Zeros isn't so good. Why? Because basically If you don't do your homework you end up getting a pre-detention and if this contines on, you end up getting a detention and we all make mistake, However it could just be the teacher. The school doesn't seem safe to me, there still bad eggs out there.
—Submitted by a student

This middle school should be the model for all others. The principal is excellent, the teachers really care,and parents are always welcome to participate. All students can excel in this school. There are programs for every interest and level of learning.
—Submitted by a parent