Veterans Memorial Middle School

I have two students at VMMS, in 6th and 7th grades. Both years, I've been disappointed by the lack of communication from the teachers. I had one teacher call me three months into the school year last year to inform me my child was missing several assignments (some of which she had turned in and had to be tracked down), some of which dated back to the beginning of the school year. Why wait until that late to notify a parent of a problem? My 6th grader needs an IEP, which I've been requesting since September, and still haven't been successful at getting a response in April. The principal is very nice and responds quickly to communications, which is about the only positive I've experienced in the school, other than a friendly office staff. The school events that I've attended have been disorganized. We've received letters both years claiming my kids have several unexcused absences, all which either should've been excused (with doctors notes turned in!) or were times my kids were in school but arrived late due to their bus arriving late. The school seems to be disorganized and lack communication skills.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in the 6th grade and this the worst school I've ever experienced. The principle over looks a lot of bad behavior in the students as well as the teachers My would feel as though she was on the battle field fighting for her life daily. no matter who I called the Newton county school board did nothing.Because it is mostly a black oriented school the atmosphere is like a bunch of caged animals, and no one cares.Majority of the teachers are very nasty ans rude...Do not bring your child here. it is not productive or safe.The children are very angry.The cafeteria serves food that is raw,frozen or burnt. Daily there is a problem and no need to report it because it will make it worst for your child . I ended up withdrawing my child and moving her somewhere safe, so she could enjoy school as a child in USA not in as a child on a battle field. This school has really scared her mentally and pray she can heal from it all.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is alright. Sure its not the best school ever. Alot of the teachers interact with the studnets to learn But its certainly way better than Dekalb county schools.

My child is a 6th grader this year. Although he had a rocky start, all of his teachers, except for one, have been very supportive. Thankfully, the other teachers picked up the slack. The school is packed. Some kids do not have home training. Some teachers are not helpful. That affects everyone. It was explained to me that some teachers do not assign as much homework because there are complaints from parents and half of the students do not turn in homework. Thankfully, my son's teachers have given us lots of online resources to practice everyday. Parental involvement is key. Always has been. Always will be. If you expect to have your kid go to any school and succeed without you, I have beachfront property in Iraq to sell you. Veterans is not perfect but I do believe most staff try their best.
--Submitted by a parent

I posted in December...I stand by my original post. The parent NOT being involved in their child's education is a diappointment. Children DO need to be TOLD what to do. They are not old enough to make the major decisions...they need guidance. They need just enough freedom to spread their wings, but if you let them totally go they lose track. There is a balance at VMMS...if the parent is involved, the teacher's are more involved in the child's education. I know first hand because my child is on the honor roll because there is communicatio between my husband and I with the school administration/teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

they have alot to learn. If your child is doing outstanding dont be suprised when they come here and go downhill . As all schools ,it does have it pros and cons.they are very strict but need to learn that it doesnt work like that in a time like this.Kids need to understand and dont want to be told what to do every step along the way.It is way to overcrowed which is disappointed because liberty was suppose to open in time for this school year. If your really looking for a great school send your child to clements ,where teachers actually take the time out to listen and help .
--Submitted by a parent

I am soooo not impressed with this school! Some of the teachers are unresponsive and have lackadasical bad attitidues when inquiring about my child..it makes me sick! People warned me about the aweful expereinces they endured with this school but b/c our school system is so great..parents can't choose freely where their children goes to school in their district! This school is a joke!
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that this school is great
--Submitted by a student

This is my son's first year at Veteran's. The school year started out pretty rough. However, it has smoothed out some. I am concerned about the level of education of some of the teachers. The School Administration need to understand for a child to come from Elementary school where there is parental involvement to a middle school where PTA/PTO meetings are not important, the kids see the division between the school and the parents. I know things get busy and perhaps there's not enough manpower to have PTA/PTO meetings. If this is the case, then we have a serious problem. We need to show our kids that the parents and the school administration are on the same team, and that is to give them a better education and to ensure that they maintainigood behavior. Veteran's is not the only middle school that does not have a strong parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have gone to VMMS and all received great scores on their report cards but do not score well on the state mandated tests and their reading is not up to grade level. I have been trying to get them extra reading help and doing all I can at home but the grades my children are receiving on their report cards do not seem to truly represent what they are learning and absorbing. I think this sends a message to the students that as long as you turn something in-no matter how sloppy, incomplete or down right wrong it is- you can get by in school. That is not a lesson I want my children to learn.
--Submitted by a parent