Buchanan Middle School

Wow! The atrocious grammar, writing skills, spelling and lack of punctuation seen in most of these reviews from both students and teachers alike should give anyone a clue as to just how bad this school is!

I went to this school in the 80's and the principal used to beat kids with a big wooden paddle. She hit me so hard once that I still have lower back problems to this day. Also the teachers were so inattentive and self-absorbed that not one of them picked up on the fact that I was already an abused child and that is why I was shy and sometimes wouldn't/couldn't answer their questions. Their solution was to send me to the principal to get beaten even more than I already had to endure in my home life. Also, I honestly have not even one good memory from this place nor can I even remember one teachers' name. Also, despite this horrible place, I went on to become very successful after years of struggle. Bottom line, instead of helping...the faultily at this institution made my life much worse. School is supposed to be a safe place and that was definitely NOT my experience!

This school has turned around considerably in the last few years. Administrators and teachers appear to be very invested in the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was horrible in the years of 2007-2008. losts of students faught,dropped out of school and once set the bathroom on fire.later in 2008-2009...we got a new principle and new teachers.the music program is was incredible and teachers worked their hardest to teach kids but we only had a few electives.my 8th grade year 2009-2010,it has been more than an honor comming to this school.we got more electives,a new clinic,more support from teachers and i have inproved my fcat scores from then!!!! im so happy i came to buchanan and if you send your child here,you won't regret it either.:);)

This school is great im a 6th grader and i already learned so much. The teachers are really nice and i made great friends. All the rumors about this school ain't true and i was scared to come here but i finally got over it and now im glad i came I LOVE BUCHANAN!!! HAve a grreat year buchaneers!!!!
—Submitted by a student

This school is the best school in the world. My stuedent is doing so great all striaght 'a' im so proud
—Submitted by a parent

(a student point of veiw) i am a sudent at buchanan middle school and this is my last year there honestly i dont like it that much are school is poor so we never get to do anything the only dance we have is the eigth grade dance only avid and stem classes can go on field trips everyone else has to wait till after the fcat even though im learning the same thing they are.we have one prep rally a school year but the band is pretty cool even though the teacher is strict but if you heard the band play you wouldnt belive that they were middle schoolers . we dont have any clubs or an art elective.the teacher write the school news paper and only tell how good the school is.the teachers usally have to supplie the classroom with there own money.
—Submitted by a student

I am a teacher at this school and have enjoyed myself up to this point. I have been in three different counties and at 4 different middle schools. Buchanan has been by far my best experience. I have noticed that many parents in the recent years have started to forget how different and difficult teaching is. Many students have begun to challenge teachers much more than in the past; but instead of students and parents owning up to these issues, teachers are suddenly to blame. Communication with teachers is the key, and the last week of a nine weeks does not count as communicating. I look forward to working with every student, everyday at this point in my career. So I agree with the parents who understand that Buchanan isnt in the middle of tampa palms but they see that it is a diamond in the rough.
—Submitted by a teacher

I feel this school is inconsistent with discipline. I don't feel there are enough great teachers with a passion to teach. There are a hand selected few that I would ever want to teach any of my other children. I am a very 'involved parent' and I don't feel the admin staff really support this.This is last years observations. Already this year I left messages for the asst. principal and no return call. What kind of message does that send to parents!
—Submitted by a parent

this school is so great i am very proud of my child for goin to this school and the principal and staff are great
—Submitted by a parent

my children are doing so well here at buchanan we love this school.the staff is so great and are proud to be part of the faculty!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers range in ability, some wonderful, some not. most not .
—Submitted by a parent

Just an example of my experience, i emailed five of my sons teachers and one guidance counselor and only got one response back.Also i have been to meetings with these teachers and was told what he doesn't get done in class he will need to do at home...I was shocked because i was under the impression that they let the children do what they want just so they are not bothering anyone and let the parents teach them at home, because they could not guide them in the classroom while sitting there for hours on end. Just an experience i have had and i am sure there are good teachers at buchanan .Its been a lesson learned for me and i will fight for my child's education by making sure he has a teacher that can teach,has a passion to and believes no child should be left behind.
—Submitted by a parent

The previous postings are quite a surprise to me, as my experience has been the complete opposite. Buchanan's teachers are very dedicated. My son loves this school, and is very fond of several of his teachers, who take a real interest in these students. I can e-mail any teacher and get a reply the same day. I have had my two older children educated at Buchanan and both have gone on to graduate college. I believe it is what the children/parents make of it, actually. Yes, many children do come from lower economic areas, but from my experience, since my son has friends from both affluent and less affluent families, I see parents who care and are involved. I hate to see Buchanan get such a harsh review in previous postings, so I want to let Great Schools know that there is another viewpoint.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is low, most students are from lower economic areas. Teachers range in ability, some wonderful, some not. There is a non-violence program in place for 2005-2006.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school has proved to me time and time again that students are not there #1 priority. I had 2 children attend this school, both failed now that they go to a different school where the teachers are involved they both have not only passed but have also been upgraded. This school needs to pay attention to the parents and listen to what we have to say.
—Submitted by Kim Cable, a parent