Stephen Mack Middle School

I am an 8th grade student at SMMS, and have gone through all three years here. the staff is amazing, never putting forth anything but 110%. The administration is even better, working tirelessly for the benefit of the students. Below, I read " the Principal is abrasive and I have seen her roll her eyes at students on many occasions which I feel is very inappropriate". This is not true. the principal is by far the best I've ever had, and I've gone through three diffident districts. She personally knows each and every student and would never do anything of this nature. She is always present at school, always helping. As far as the staff, I know for a fact that all of them love her very much, and share my opinion. Just to give you an idea of how much we all love her, during assemblies she will walk up to the microphone to begin. when she dose this, the whole school is instantly quiet and attentive. no one asked us to do this, but we do every time. we show her the most respect and love, and she gives it right back. She is the backbone of this school, and an exceptional principal. Test scores and personal opinions alike will tell you that SMMS is by far the best school in the state.

We started 2 1/2 years ago. I've had 3 children attend SMMS so far. This is how I see it: Excellent administration, excellent teachers and support staff ( with only a couple exceptions), excellent building structure and classroom setup, great kids attending (not at all like the Rockford peers my kids had to put up with for years), they're not asking for donations at every turn ( only about twice a year), and a friendly environment all in all. These teachers really go the mile for their students...you can feel the love.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 students that attend this school and I am extremely happy with Stephen Mack. We moved to this area because of the better district and wish I had done it sooner. My student have excelled in academics and sports, the school encourages parents and teacher participation. I did not give it a score of excellent because the Principal is abrasive and I have seen her roll her eyes at students on many occasions which I feel is very inappropriate.
--Submitted by a parent

We have sent two daughters through this school. We can't say enough about how the teachers at Steven Mack. They have all been wonderful caring teachers. Our youngest struggles a little bit and the teachers have gone out of their way to help her. This year as an 8th grader, our daughter has really been applying herself and her teachers have taken ownership in her education and goals. It is so easy to keep track of how the kids are doing because of the schools web site. This school has made a huge difference in our kids lives and the teachers, the staff, and leadership is first rate. We can't say enough good about the job they have done.
--Submitted by a parent

i think that stephen mack middle school is the best place for kids to learn and socialize.They use helpful tips and everthing. you should consider smms!
--Submitted by a student

I highly agree with August 2003 review. Moved here in 2002. I heard the school dist was great. I totatlly disagree. The principal is not fit to be in charge. He doesn't believe that his staff is ever wrong and that the parent is ever right. The teachers are too busy giving students detentions over ridiculous things instead of communicating with parents regarding their grades. I am constantly going to the school or sending letters to see how my child is doing. The teachers never call unless its over something petty. They never call or send a letter about my childs grades unless I constantly ask for updates. A teacher insists my child is ADHD even though my Doctor says different. This teacher went as far as to tell me that the previous school obviously didn't care and just pushed my child through school.
--Submitted by a parent

I really disagree with the bad review. My nephew is starting his second school year at Stephen Mack. He has a lot of special needs and some emotional development problems. He has failed miserably in other school districts and was held back twice. His most recent report card showed a C-average, definitely the best he has ever done in school. His parents would never dream of sending him to another school.
--Submitted by a parent

They need to get a better principal in this school. I am highly disappointed in the leadership he has shown. There is no such thing as chorus at this school, as this program has been cut (after having a very successful one year). Some of the teachers are fantastic, while some are mediocre at best. Do not dare to challenge the school on any issues that you see fit as a parent, because they do not feel that *you* know what you are talking about. Extremely closed minded when it comes to discussions on educational issues that a parent may bring to the forefront.The special education services are extremely lacking in this school. If you have a child with ADD/ADHD or any other type of special needs that are in the realm of emotionally disabled, do not send your child to this school. They do not have a clue as to how to educate these children.
--Submitted by a parent