Murdock Middle/High School

My child goes to MMHS. I was NEVER informed about a lockdown!! However, I am aware of the police being called to an after school fight. Winchendon is a "clicky" little town and so are the schools. Information only seems to make it to select people (PTO, friends of the faculity ect) . The same kids get the good teachers, the leading role in the school play and are on the starting team for sports. it's a below average to average school at best.
--Submitted by a parent

I have never had a problem with any of the schools or teachers in Winchendon. My children continue to score well on MCAS so they are obviously learning what they need to know. I follow them with their homework, attend open house and parent/teacher conferences, I actively involve myself in my childrens education because I believe that's a key component, the same as actively involving yourself in your medical care instead of leaving it all up to the doctors. There was an issue not long ago with a LOCK DOWN in my childs classroom, caused by a student with issues over reacting. I believe it was handled properly and all my questions were answered with satisfaction, barring personal and protected information. I believe my children are getting as good an education in Winchendon as they would in any other public school.
--Submitted by a parent

Like all schools, success at Murdock really depends on the values of the family & the effort of the child. Education can't be forced on a child. I know bright kids who fail because of poor effort and parents who blame the teachers, while other kids work hard and are well educated. My oldest child graduated from Murdock and is academically successful in college. While not all of her teachers were great; what percentage in any profession are? I am thankful to the teachers who nurtured her interests in literature, student government, and music and who maintained high standards so that she knows the value of active engagement. My second child is currently enrolled and is also doing well academically. He has developed good relationships with several teachers and is regularly presented with opportunities for enrichment and leadership. Overall, I give Murdock high marks for the quality of its staff and for their wise use of scarce resources available.
--Submitted by a parent

Well, regarding the last post, I must say each and every time I've contacted a teacher regarding my children, their grades, behavior or whatever, I have always received a reply. Of all the teachers my children have had, there is only one they have complained about. They even bumped my son up a grade level in math when they realized he wasn't being challenged enough and he still continues to get honors each and every quarter (sometimes high honors). I can't say Winchendon doesn't have their problems (all schools have issues) but I can say my children are getting a good education~
--Submitted by a parent

I have several children attending the various schools in Winchendon. I believe that the teachers in Winchendon are some of the worst in the state. The majority of the teachers do not care about the students and most of the children are in fear of them. It seems that the only reason why they became teachers is because they believed it would be an easy job with a good schedule to work around having a family. If you are not there for the kids and just wanting to get through each day then get out of the profession. My kids have never been formally disciplined at Memorial and M.M.H.S. however they have had fear instilled in them from their teachers. Why? Teachers are not there to intimidate their students. The only time a teacher shows that he or she cares about the student's academic achievement is when it is MCAS time.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has high school spirit with high expectation in the academic and sports/clubs. It is great and I wouldn't have my kids go anywhere else. I don't think they would either.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has done very well at this school. They have challenged him academically, as well as provided many opportunities for extra curricular activities. I never have a problem getting my son up and ready for school as he enjoys school so much. I think this says a lot when you have a child, at 15, who likes school and his teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

The MMHS system is what you make of it. My children are very successful in this school and yes they are involved in many different programs including sports and student council. The education they are recieving here has proven to be quite beneficial for their future endeavors. Most teachers are at this school for the right reasons, to teach because they enjoy the experience of seeing the children learn. I can't honestly say one thing bad about it.
--Submitted by a parent

Ilive in gardner and my 2 boys go to winchendon 1 in memorial and 1 at murdock they love it there and so do i teachers are great make my kids want to go to school ty for all that you do
--Submitted by a parent

As a recent Murdock graduate, I must firmly state the immense amount of pride I have simply knowing where I have come from. Murdock provided me with tremendous opportunities and laid the foundation for me to attend college now. I know that I will be successful in life, as I was there, and I owe a lot to the teachers I encountered in every discipline. I wish more people would stop dwelling on some negative aspects of my old high school and start seeing all of the great things that have been happening.
--Submitted by a former student