Winder-Barrow Middle School

I HAVE NOT been happy with Winder-Barrow Middle since the new principal arrived two years ago. My son is currently an 8th grader and my younger boy will be coming up in just two years. I just hope Dr. Wood is gone by the time he arrives. My oldest really enjoys most of his teachers, and thinks he has learned a lot this year, but the administration was not very supportive when my son was being bullied. Like the poster below, they kept saying there was "no proof" and that the kids who were doing the bullying were "entitled to due process", like this was an actual court system! Also, the administration values athletics more than anything else. I almost saw both the principal and AP get kicked out of a middle school basketball game for yelling and screaming at the referees. My oldest boy told me that when the football team won the championship the whole school was required to stand up and clap for them? Where is the standing ovation for the kids that make all A's? Or the band kids who do great? If Dr. Wood is not gone by the time my son gets to middle, he will be going somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I am VERY unhappy with the Principal Dr. Jennifer Woods, she plays favorites and when kids are being harassed she does NOTHING because she states there is no proof??!! But until something happens is when she will do something? There is an officer at the school for this reason, ALL threats and complaints should be taken seriously and taken time to be looked into and parents notified. This is the second year with this Principal and I have to say I hope they realize what a horrible job she is doing and gets let go, before a child get hurt physically even though the victims of bulling are emotionally scared and that doesn t seem to bother her. I think a principle should care about EVERY student not just the ones she feels are likable to her. I will be transferring my daughter do to the bulling and the lack of involvement from the principle. She refuses to help out with the bully situation and I have to say is I am VERY disappointed with the lack of example n leadership she shows.
—Submitted by a parent

the school has turned around magerly, for the better. the new principal is very nice and young iknow you worry about the location but is it like a family when you walk in my kid hasent started but is so excited please join the family the expeirence is fun for children and adults i would like to be as involved as possible and i beleive i am but i think others need to join in
—Submitted by a parent

I have to admit that when I arrived at WBMS w/ my 1st daughter I was afraid and skeptical b/c of location and age of the school. I vowed that day that if 'one' thing went wrong I would pull my daughter out and we would home school! My mind was already made up! From the 1st day we had a GREAT experience and my daughter had a beautiful year! And now our other daughter is going to the same middle school and loves it! I believe that as a parent of 5 daughters, I have lived all sorts of circumstances and I just think that middle school is a tough time for both parents and children. It's important to learn how to differentiate b/t a 'bad' school and a difficult 'age'. Keep this in mind when looking at this or any other school. Lift your school spirit!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that I am very disappointed in WBMS. We relocated from over 800 miles away due to my husbands career. My daughter will not complete her 7th grade year at WBMS. Do to our concern we are moving to a different school distract. I also feel that the 7th grade Math and English teacher's are attacking the parents instead of working with them. I am very involved in my child's education and prior to WBMS had no problems communicating with teachers or staff members. I feel that unfortunately my daughter has had to suffer with 2 very negative teachers this year, which has had a big impact on her adjustment to middle school. My daughter is currently on the WBMS honor roll and a band member. However, she is looking forward in leaving WBMS.
—Submitted by Danielle Morton, a parent

I am very unhappy with the school. I think there is not enough extracurricular activities and to much time on the children's hands. It is in a bad area of town and has needs a lot of upgrades. I think that we need to clean up that school and remove the trouble kids so our children that really are trying can feel comfortable in school. I would check out the school before moving in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

I am offended by the comment made by the reviewer who said this is the worst school. This school is a positive learning environment that comforts and encourages their students to succeed. I find it interesting that they stated we were in a 'bad' neighborhood. Just what are you implying about the neighborhood and its residents? This school does not have a bad teacher turnover. Look at GWIN! We have a fabulous principal, excellent teachers, and offer a variety of activities for children. I don't think you will find a more supportive and loving staff. The only thing lacking would be parent support, which is needed in every school for that matter, and yes sometimes the county puts us at the bottom on the funds. We are by no means PERFECT. However, I think WBMS stands apart from all other Middle School and I would not want to work anywhere else.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have a college education and I attended WBMS. Two children that have been to WBMS and if you are involved in your children's education they will have a good experience. WBMS is a great school with good teachers/staff. Thanks to Mrs. Judy for all of the community work this school does and that reflexs through the students. I as a parent, proud and happy to be part of this school and as a partner in education and mentor I encourage you to be part of this student/teacher/parent program as well.
—Submitted by a parent

This middle school was our worse nightmare! WBMS is obviously on the bottom of the priority list for the Barrow County school board. It is in a horrible part of town and there is an unbelievable teacher turnover every year. There is a major sense of unorganization in this school. I was happy to leave this school behind.
—Submitted by a parent