Robert Taft Middle School

I'm exctly where you are, how sad. Now Even worse they changed their counceling program. They don't even meet the students at all! Sad they change a students outlook on school nd their whole future!
--Submitted by a parent

I am going to taft now and I think it is the best school I have ever been to in my entire life. Now since some kids have gone to wheeler it hasnt been as crowded as before and I would recommened it to any other 6th, 7th, or 8th grader.
--Submitted by a student

I love this school, organized and very good. My old school (hanoiver central) did not have this many oppurtunites!
--Submitted by a student

Last year I attended Taft as a seventh grader. I am now at the new middle school, Wheeler. There was way too much overcrowding there. They should have either made an addition or added another school a LONG time ago. Everything was always dirty and it wasn't from the construction, either. Desks were old, no money for anything new. It was horrible. Wheeler is much nicer!!
--Submitted by Alyssa H, a former student

Yes the school is crowded - that is why another middle school will be opening Fall 2007. I have had nothing but a positive experience with this school. My son is a 7th grader and has had a hard time adjusting. Ms Harlon has been such a great help. This staff knows how the mind of a young teenager works. I have been allowed to check his locker for missing books and assignments. My son's teachers keep me informed and encourage parental involvement. They genuinely care about their students. Every child will have a different experience at Taft, but if you need help you don't have to go far. The teachers and staff really do care.
--Submitted by Lisa, a parent

Too many students in core subjects (up to 40). Core subjects only taught 40 minutes.per day. No parent involvement. Extracurriculars for athletes and academic teams. Nothing for average kids who really need to feel like they belong. Too much down time during the day in 'Guided Reading,' Skill Enhancement, and Team Instruction. Time could be better spent in core subjects, foreign language, computer applications...... Several teachers show too many videos. Teaming concept causes many of the problems such as over-crowding; teachers have two prep periods instead of one, which keeps them from teaching.If I had another option, I would not be sending my child here.
--Submitted by a parent

My son keeps failing and nothing seems to be done. there is no extra help and conferences are focused on behavior not curriculum help.when you are on the 'bad' list, no matter how hard you try, you're a target.my son trs but he truly doesn't get the lesson and not one teacher cares.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of an eighth student at taft. I am very pleased with the staff. When my sons grades began to fall the teachers let me know immediately, and helped me by sharing various possibilities to help my sons education. They set up a conference and each one of the teachers are there to share their concerns . I know that they truly care about the well being of their students.
--Submitted by lisa, a parent

The Vice Principle does a lot more that the Head Principle. The teachers are great. Need more room in our classrooms.
--Submitted by T.j., a student

As a past student of this school I feel that they were very inadequate. They have horrible organization and make it so that students can't be diverse and meet more people. My brother attends there now and I was appalled to hear that he was not allowed to take band and be in art, music, shop etc. When i attended those classes were required and band was fit into our schedule. Also with their new setup my brother is in the same classroom for half of the day with the same students so he doesn't get the chance to meet very many other people that he'd be able to meet if he switched teachers. My biggest complaint though is their over use of study hall or 'large group' projects. I was involved with many projects that hurt all my grades because one person in the group did something wrong.
--Submitted by John, a former student