Traughber Junior High School

All in all we have been pleased with this middle school. The teachers seem very motivated and committed and are always available if my son has questions before or after school. Lots of extracurricular options to chose from. The band program is phenomenal! The band instructor can be tough but always gives 110% when it comes to her commitment to the program. I always look forward to my son's concerts. There has been some theft but certainly nothing unusual for that age group, and the suspects have always been reprimanded.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know who posted the comment on August 23, 2006, but when I first moved to this school district, I got mediocre grades and thought the same thing until I actually started trying. Also, I don't know who posted the comment about the band teacher, but I never had that problem with any teachers nor did I hear anything about any of the teachers doing something like that. While it may or may not be true, the band teacher throwing things at students or throwing a tantrum and storming out of the room is probably just a rumor. When I went to this school, there was only one teacher at this school that acted unprofessionally, but she never threw anything did anything like that, she just yelled at students for every little thing and last I heard, she is no longer at this school. Other than that teacher, I had an excellent experience at this school and would've loved to remain at this school if I could have!

GREAT school. MARVOULOUS teachers. Great band and school to excced or meet 90% in all subjects on I-Sats. Grealt sattisfied. I am a parent who checks the school out for myslef. It really is a very very VERY good school. Yes there may be somethings life "theft historys" but teacher try hard to keep this off and it really isnt a thing that should influence your choice on this school.It is not like you have to lock everything up because of theifs it occurs because of misplacements and and yes people take things oftenly wrongly. The students are under good supervision and supervisors. What a great year my son has had. It has the best learning enviorment, technology, and a strict rule seetup to teach their students to make the right choice and to plan out a future that will effect you in a good way for the rest of your life. I say...GO FOR IT.
--Submitted by a parent

Traughber Jr. High is a GREAT school. It is actually 308's best middle school. 308 is one of the best districts in America. Oswego's district 308 is considered #58 in all of America compared to the thousands there are. The teachers are Great, and a very good learning enviorment. Mrs.Maxwell is just a FABOULOUS teacher she is highly respected and knows how to interact with the kids. There have been complaints from new parents, but my son goes there and tells me that she is one funny teahcer,respectful, and caring. She does say that she will throw a rubber chicken or a shoe, which she just says to kid around. She sometimes does as a joke but NEVER directly at a student or in any way to harm or hurt them. Her teaching skills are great. Traughber is a very good learning system and works to keep their students safe and educated, and to teach them the reponsiblities they need to make, and alsways give them the reminder to take the right choices. I am GREATLY immpressed with this school, not just the school but the District, no matter the other reviews, check it out for yourself. We ARE TRAUGHBER.
--Submitted by a parent

Good teachers but has a horrible, horrible history of theft. I know 18 people, including my child, who have had things stolen with no recovery, everything from gym clothing to books to other items such as electronics. There have also been numerous accounts of fights as a result of bullying. Whose monitoring the hallways, gym locker room, etc.??? And it's only middle school!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school has it all - academic programs tailored to each student's level, a caring and involved staff, and many extracurricular programs to keep your pre-teen/teen positively involved. I truly feel that there is a real partnership between the parents and staff for the good of the students. They don't put up with any disciplinary issues whatsoever.
--Submitted by a parent

All 4 of my kids went to this school, then on to OHS. The teachers here are fantastic. It isn't easy dealing with pre-teens/teens - I think this is the hardest age for everyone. But there are many activities for the kids to get involved in and the teachers, administrators, and (most) parents are very involved and don't allow any monkey-business. I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Traughber has been outstanding academically and socially for my 3 kids. The curriculum is challenging; there are many opportunities for outside activities, be it sports or clubs, and the staff and student population is very caring. The new school bldg is beautiful. 3 of my kids have been in Traughber's band program and the director is the most hard working and dedicated teacher most of our kids will ever experience. She is a teacher your kids will fondly remember 30 years from now. How she manages 200 students and all their noisy instruments is amazing! She takes kids from beginners with no musical skills to accomplished musical scholars by the time they are 8th graders, She instills high standards of behavior and expectations regarding practicing their instruments and being part of a group. Thank goodness she has a sense of humor that connects with the kids!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been in band for 3 years with this band instructor. She makes learning fun. Her methods aren't always the most conventional, but she is always professional. I went on 2 field trips this year with the 8th grade band, including one that was overnight. She is highly respected as are the bands at Traughber Jr High. The 8th grade band was invited to the Midwest Clinic in Chicago which is a real honor. This teacher holds the kids to a high standard and it's evident in their performance, especially when a guest conductor steps in to conduct and teach. The difference even in the first few months in 6th grade is amazing. I have seen patience, kindness, encouragement and fun from this teacher. If a parent has a problem, especially with this teacher, I would strongly suggest discussing it with the teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

Do you really believe the band teacher is outstanding? A teacher who swears, screams and walks out of class because she is having a tantrum does not get an outstanding mark in my book! She degrades the students with negative, biting sarcasm, has thrown her shoe and a rubber chicken at students, but still is allowed to work amongst these students. I have two students in band at TJHS and this is our first year in District #308. Never before have I encountered such a lack of professionalism and disrespect toward students. The emotionally charged behavior (extreme) would never be tolerated in the district that I work in. I truly believe an Anger Management course should be incorporated into SIP days for the staff at TJHS. Quite a few of them would benefit and it could lessen their stress, creating a more cohesive environment throughout the building.
--Submitted by a parent