Converse Middle School

This year my child is attending the fifth grade and has been having some problems at school with other students being inappropriate and mean. I know it is hard for the teachers to keep parents posted on everything that goes on in the classes but there is a point where we as parents need information and phone calls. The grade 5 guidance counselor has contacted us on several occasions to keep us informed to the best of her ability. This is greatly appreciated. There is one counselor who has two grades of students to keep tabs on and she needs more help. The Vice Principal also seems overwhelmed with student behaviors and discipline. I think more help needs to step up to the plate here and help out. The team concept is only going to work if there is a cohesive team with a cooperative positive attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

Before moving out to Palmer my son was a great student, he loved school. Now I have to force him out the door. We moved while he was in 5th grade and he had a very hard time adjusting to the middle school concept. Now in 6th grade I still see him having some problems as he does not look forward to the school days. I am not happy that the teachers do not keep you informed as to how the child is doing especially if their grades are suffering.
—Submitted by a parent

I find leadership in CMS to be self serving and not at all about our kids at all
—Submitted by a parent

I have not had positive experiences with administration here. The new Assistant Principal is very professional. The Principal not so much!
—Submitted by a parent

I find the school to be lacking in extra help for the children in need. They offer extra help after school but do not focus on helping the children with homework and classwork that was not completed. They do not offer summer school which is a huge disappointment. The MCAS scores for this school are disappointing which also points to the poor teaching skills. It appears that someone needs to step in and get this school on track for a better future.
—Submitted by a parent

Im a 3rd year student at CMS n I love it. sure it isnt wayyy high tech. but you can learn a lot from the teachers who are super-duper nice! 'give my school a 9 star out of ten! ( yuo're the best teacher ever, Mrs. Catherine Reed!')
—Submitted by a student

great results with limited resources...wonderful faculty.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a student at CMS. It is okay but i need to be more challenged. The school could use more money to improve supplies and the actual building. Its my 2nd year here and the teachers i have met are very friendly. I'm glad to go to this school. Even if its not the best. Even though our school test scores are way below average there are some students who keep the scores up. Not all the students here don't do well on their tests. Don't judge the school by the scores. If your child is doing well in school they won't all of a sudden do bad when they move here. Just think about it. Would you not go to a school because some kids aren't as bright as others? I know I wouldn't have that attitude. Let your kids come here. It's just a school. Like any other.
—Submitted by a student

My child is in his second year at CMS. He's learning at a higher level than I remember from my middle school days. He loves his teachers. I like the team set up and the fact that all the teachers work together.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that CMS is a wonderful school.My oldest daughter is attending the 5th grade this year and absolutely loves it.The after school program is awesome.We came from Springfield and my daughter was struggling there and here she is getting the help she needs to help her excell.I think the teachers/staff she has are wonderful.Keep up the good work! March 29,2007
—Submitted by HAMC, a parent

The academic standards at this school are extremely low. Students are given high grades for performance that would be C-level at best in most other schools. The difficulty of the course work is way below what it should be for middle school. Students are not challenged and are thus left unprepared for higher education. The arts are not at all well-supported. I am pulling my child out of the Palmer schools and I would advise any parents who care about the quality of their child's education to do the same.
—Submitted by a parent

Converse Middle school is an amazing school. All of the teachers and staff have a great outlook on every students education. One of my children is graduating from cms this year and my second child has attended cms for two years now. Unfortunately, we've purchased a house outside of the school district and my third child will not be able to attend this great school. The after school program, cougars den is great! Cms's values are above the very best! Cms praises all of its students with a great reward system. The teachers care, staying after and even giving parents their home phone numbers! You will not find a school district like this one! My daughter just returned from space camp in al. a school activity, field trips are great, every child is bused to school. I can't say more..palmer schools are amazingly terrific, a great educcation!
—Submitted by rebekah c, a parent

I am the parent of a child who graduated from Converse Middle School. The level and quality of leadership in this school is outstanding. I am also a public school teacher, and have been for over 20 years. My child received an education in a setting in which it was obvious that the academic staff were well trained, educated, supervised, and supported. It was in this setting that he finally become a confident, comptetent learner.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! I am a former student that recently moved to Florida. I attended 5th and 6th grade at this school. The teachers are very friendly and helpful. To me this is the best school ever. It is challenging but just at the right level. My favorite teacher there is Mrs.Linda Perry. She teaches 6th grade math.
—Submitted by a former student

Converse Middle School has been a good expierence for my children and for involving me in their progress or what not. Very involved in the children in the school. Mrs. Rathbone (now principal) is a wonderful lady and a good asset for the school.
—Submitted by a parent