Etna-Dixmont School

Etna-Dixmont School is an excellent school. Contrary to what another reviewer thought, the current principal at E.D.S is not "Extremely biased and unfair to students" or rude in any way at all. When a child faces a problem such as being bullied, the current principal will do everything in her power to make sure that the issue is appropriately dealt with. She never is unfair to students and she deals with student behavior with a justified punishment. Concerning the teaching quality, If a child is willing to put forth the effort needed to succeed, any teacher on staff is willing to put forththeir effort in to help them succeed. E.D.S. has a particularly strong middle level math department, with an excellent math teacher who is committed to "meeting every student halfway", meaning, if a student is willing to take out of her own time to help a struggling student to succeed, teachers that are that committed to their students are hard to come by, but at E.D.S. , if a child is willing to take the extra time to learn, any teacher there will be more than willing to help.
--Submitted by a parent

At the current time with the current principle (The principle during the 2009 school year) the school is a true train wreck. Unmotivated students occur from unmotivated teachers (not to say that all the teachers are this way). This school is too focused on disciplining the smallest misbehaviors, when they should be more concerned on teaching students. The principle is: - Extremely biased and unfair to students - She drives away the few good teachers that the school is blessed to have. - She does not truely care about childrens education. - She treats midddle school students as if they were 1st graders. - And she is rude to all students. If I could give her a lower star rating than 1, I would. This school has some serious cleaning up to do. The first thing to go should be the principle.
--Submitted by a parent

This small school has a lot to offer. We moved here two years ago and have been very pleased with the school. If we have an issue, it is addressed. Our kids are receiving a very good education
--Submitted by a parent

My children love the Etna Dixmont school. They are constantly investigating and solving problems that challenge them to think deeply. Instruction is individualized and the teachers communicate well with parents. We receive weekly newsletters from both the principal and teacher. The PTF is extremely active, sponsoring many activities for children. We are lucky to have such a wonderful school in our small community.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a school which is desperately lacking in parent-teacher connection. From where I sit, most teachers do not show interest and/or have any time to be bothered with staying in touch with parents who have children that do not learn the way their 'typical' students learn. The guidance program what guidance program? There is no art program for those learners who thrive on being creative. There is little focus on preparing students for real life other than health class. Too focused on teaching to the curriculum, not to the child! This school, like so many others needs to be more open-minded and creative, not rigid, narrow-minded, and punitive. Kids need to be shown respect and inspired to work through example.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is to focused on discipline and not enough on education. School should be fun, if the child is not having fun while learning and in a atmosphere were he/she can enjoy them selves then how will you peek there interest enough to learn anything? They are so busy trying not to get in trouble for little insignificant things that they don't have time for learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has definitely gone through changes over the past 15 years. I have seen 5 pricipals thus far and I think it has alot to with staff and student morale. When a priicipal comes in and drains the life from a school it's hard to keep rejuvenating with each reign. The school needs more parents to get involved I see the same dozen or so parents at most events supporting the school. As new parents come in they should be informed of ways that they can help. The upper level needs more guidance in the area of student counsel and class officer position. Academically the spelling program is ugh and while all the focus is on 'No Child Left Behind' other students sit and mildew the day away. All students deserve to be challenged and to have their minds constantly thinking. I try to keep hope that things will improve.
--Submitted by a parent

Poor school. Has gone down hill over the last 10 years. There are a few wonderful teachers. There are other teachers that do not interact with children very well. Principal brushes issues asside and does not take care of things. Principal does not return phone calls to concerned parents. School has a strict sports academic policy which is stricter than surrounding districts. This leaves a disadvantage to students when they move up to the highschool level. Discipline procedure are unfare and biased and differ from teacher to teacher. Minor issues, such as supporting your head with your hand and elbow may result in a checkmark leading up to a detention.
--Submitted by a parent