Memorial Middle School

I am an 8th grade honor student in Memorial, and i love it. I came to Memorial in the middle of the 6th grade, and i'm not going to lie i was pretty scared, I had heard so many bad things about the school, but my mom told me to at least give it a try. I did, and i am so great-full to have said i went here. The teachers are amazing, such as Ms.Snell. She has been my Language Arts teacher since ive been here, and she has given me so many opportunities, such as applying to the Rockdale Magnet school. I am also not the best math student but my 8th grade teacher Ms.Anthony has really gotten be to like math, by the way she relates to the students. Sure there are a few behavioral problems that we could improve on, but that can be fixed. Other than that Memorial is a wonderful school, that is no where near what i heard and thought it would be like. All you have to do is give it a chance.

this school is amazing the kids and teachers are so so nice... i loved it

I am in the gifted program and love this school and the teachers in it. It is an amazing school and the principal is awesome and fun (but a little on the strict side). I have earned several awards that would not have otherwise been available if I had attended any Newton County school. I adore all of my teachers and, unless your child is constantly in trouble, they will more likely than not develop a great relationship with the faculty. The students there are like family and I couldn`t imagine life without Memorial. This school has made AYP for the past few years or so. An accomplishment that Newton County schools can only dream of. I am proud of how hard my teachers work to give me the best education and brightest future possible. The extracurricular activities are stellar and allow the students an even closer relationship to the faculty and student body. Thanks to Memorial Middle school, I now have a better chance for getting a job in this dying economy. And you have to remember that the principal has to think not only about your child, but the safety of other children as well (such as me). In adition toi that the schools are having budget cut after budget cut and funds matter.

I totally agree with those who say this school is for the birds. The principal, Mrs. McMahan, is as phony as two left shoes. She does not manage her staff well. All she does is put on a fake smiling and southern accent to try to win the parents over. Trust me, fair discipline does not happen here. The front office secretary, Ms. Dunston, has the tendency of looking down on parents and cutting them off when they request her services. She is truly a joke and a watchdog in every way for the principal. Ms. Leslie, who retired a month ago, was the best thing that ever happened to the front office @ MMS. She was truly genuine and often went out her way to help people. For her replacement , the principal has hired another "ghetto fabulous " secretary, to compliment Ms.Dunstan. This is all an effort to trick the parents into believing that she is a fair principal. Many of the teachers are unfriendly and act as if you are bothering them too much when you are actually seeking their help. Thankfully my child is leaving this school this year. I am truly saddened for the students that reside in this school's district. If you are new to this school , please don't fall for the "okie doke".
—Submitted by a parent

I don't even have the words to describe how unsatisfied I am with this school. The 6th grade teachers that my child had were unprofessional and "ghetto" to say the least. Very unresponsive and seemed to totally lack common sense. The principal is even worse. She makes excuses for her staff and NEVER follows through. I don't think she has a clue. Her teachers tell her the sky is made of green cheese and she believes it. Even the substitute teachers are sub par. I am looking into another school for my child for the next school year. At this point, I'd rather move to another continent than to send my child back to Memorial. I advise you to do your research and find somewhere else for your child to enroll. This middle school is for the birds.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a lot of bullying at this school and administration has a lackadaisical response--at best. My son befriended a female student who was bullied so severly that she developed an anxiety disorder and depression. If you are considering residing in the area districted, please save your child and select another district. The teachers have the appropriate credentials and many have advanced degrees; but, what they have on paper they lack in classroom management. The teachers can't manage their classes or the students and the administration can't manage the teachers. My son told me of two fights that happened while teachers were present in the classroom. This is unacceptable. We are exploring other options for the 2011-12 school year.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an honor student, no behaviour problmes, good grades etc. In my personal opinion I think Memorial could do better. Discipline is a big problem. If you are a parent reading this, and your not comfortable w/ lots of peer pressure. Then this is not the right school for you. MMS is a really good school, but ceartin problems should be taken and handled more seriously. I got a lot of bullying and peer pressure, and those ARE 2 OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS. Awesome choice because of all the extracurricular but they could do a lot better in discipling students on certain acts and behaviours.
—Submitted by a student

My thoughts upon the school is I am not impressed. The teachers are not equipped to handled certain special needs students and the school is lacking knowledge on how to handle kids on their individuals childs needs. And the tutoring is for the birds if you are in need special time and you learn different your in a world of let down. (Don't aspect it good luck with that if you are)
—Submitted by a parent

mms is a great school but i wish that the teachers would be more active including trips and classwork sometimes i just dont get that school sometimes
—Submitted by a student

Although the principle possesses good comminucation skills, the teachers need more training in patience. How are students supposed to react in a positive manner as far as learning and discipline if day in and day out all they listen to is constant screaming from their teachers. Respect is a two way street!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends MMS (6 grade). I am blessed to work at home so I can be more involved with my children at school. Unfortunately, there seems to be limited opportunities for parents to get involved at MMS. I've dealt with the Principal more than once. He is responsive and gets the job done. I can't say as much for the VP - I had to show up at the school for action to be taken. The band has had several teachers w/in the past 3 years - not sure of the past but the new band teacher is on the ball! Not at all pleased with any of the other teachers. The office staff is above average - very helpful. My child complains of the constant fighting, never soap in the restroom, and always needing to check the date on food. Overall, I'm disappointed coming from Barksdale.
—Submitted by a parent

I recently transferred my daughter from Conyers Middle School. I was hesitant to have her in Memorial due to all the rumors and things that had been said before about this school online and locally. I have to say many reviews were way off-base. Granted, my daughter is in the PC program, so my experience may vary from others. However, I found them cooprative and encouraging to my child as a new student, as well as welcoming me as a parent in participating in may things going on in the school. Staff was pleasant and much more welcoming than at CMS. The school is much cleaner and upkeep more up to par to what I am use to. The cafeteria food is superior to CMS. The only drawback thus far is the lack of lockers, so kids have to share. This is my 1st review o stay tuned-it may change?
—Submitted by a parent

We believe that administration is progressing to establish a balance of serving its students, parents, and teachers. Unfortunately, there is a wide disparity in outcomes due to more tolerance extended for unprofessional teachers compared to discipline of its students. As parents and professionals with a strong appreciation for education, we have been shocked at the unprofessionalism demostrated by some of the teachers as it relates to interacting with parents and students, as well as handling academic reports and assignments. We believe there are some who truly have a heart for being there, but there are others who really tarnish the image of this school and reduces parental confidence in the system. Another point - parental presence and questions are not welcomed by most of the teachers we interacted with. Volunteer for a fieldtrip or PTA event, great. Ask valid questions and you're shunned or marked. Our hope springs eternal~
—Submitted by a parent

I would have to chime in simply to agree with the other statements. Memorial could be better. I am concerned about the leadership in the school. I had a problem with my child called the school, no response. Called the VP, no response. Went to the school and the problem was handled by an administrative assistant. In saying that I should commend her for her professionalism and more than effective method of handling things. However, this was an issue that required the attention of a Administrator. I am sorry to say that I feel Memorial is on the road to serious disrepair, which is terrible for those of us that still own homes here and have more children that will have to attend this school.
—Submitted by Brandylyn Swafford, a parent

I must express my views of Memorial Middle School as a current faculty member. This school has seen its better days--that's an absolute. The students have no chance of success until the Superintendent decides to place strong and experiences leaders in the school. The students are out of control and discipline is a low priority. Instruction suffers due to the lack of student control. The teachers are not supported by the administration. I don't know what the future is here, but it isn't looking real good.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have seen a deterioration in the level of instruction provided to my child this year. I am very disappointed that the administration and the teachers have not been able to initiate a school-wide discipline practice that supports student learning. Attempts to be more involved have been fruitless. Although I have had complaints, I also provide suggestions, many of which were reverted back to my child. I am very disappointed that each year their is more deterioration in the stature of this school environment. I am praying my son through successfully.
—Submitted by a parent

Memorial is a great school and I think our children can get a quality education. Parents, the teachers need your support. Please assist where you can. It is for the benefit of your students. When parents get involved at their child's school, they seem to focus better and they seem to be willing to learn. I think we can make a difference at our school.
—Submitted by Darlene Valle, a parent

Teachers seem dedicated but the kids here lack guidance and discipline mostly. Kids here are lacking guidance from parents but there are a few kids and parents who are right on the ball. Few gems, mostly a lost cause.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have found that communications between home and school on safety issues surrounding internal/external events is very insufficient. Parents have to seek out, information to reassure themselves that their children are safe.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Memeorial Midle for the past two years. I only have good things to say about this school. The teachers are very concerned about my son's progress and have been quick to respond whenever an issue arises. I only wish that I had the time to be more involved, however, I am an educator as well. I know some of the problems that the teachers and staff encounter on a daily basis and I can ONLY off them my prayers. I only hope that they become more consistant witht the dress code and I wish the new pricipal all the best. I am saddend by the fact that my student has been rezoned. Keep up the good work MMS!
—Submitted by Angela, a parent