Hastings Middle School

this is an amazing school. the teachers are incredibly helpful, and funny. they make learning an easy thing to do instead of a task. the kids love it there. i should know, i am one! there are only a few things i would change about HMS. the staff has always been helpful and easy to go to and work with. our school offers many after school activities, educational and physical. our school is very goal oriented and has the best in mind. the kids.
--Submitted by a student

Last year (2003/2004) my daughter had some very personal problems which she discussed with a female guidance counselor at this school. Going through adolescence she only felt comfortable talking about these problems with the female guidance counselor. At that time the school had two male and one female guidance counselors. The female guidance counselor was great and really helped my daughter. This counselor resigned and moved to another state. She will be missed by many female students. One would expect the principal to hire a female counselor to replace the one who just resigned. The principal at this school has hired another male counselor. Now this school has three male counselors and no female counselor. Myself and many other parents believe this is just another example of this principal s lack of intellectual choices which are best for students.
--Submitted by a parent

We were students at Hastings Middle School, we graduated from the middle school this year(2004). We strongly dissagree with all of the parents who thought negativly about the school, teachers, and principal. It's a great school. We learned alot! The principal has never neglected parents, students, or co-workers. We think more people should go to the Hastings Middle School if you could choose. The school has alot to provide. Including: Raider Reading (two hour reading block of intensive reading instruction, for those who need help with their english), 8th grade Social (three realy good teachers, they make Social fun and easier to learn), 8th grade Wood Work (the teacher in that class is helpful, and has dicipline), 6th and 7th grade Tech. Lit. (teaches you skills you will need for life), and extra-curricular activities such as: music classes, sports, and after school activities such as task force: tought by Hastings Police
--Submitted by Jessica and Brittney, a former student

The Hastings Middle School continues to tout the National School of Excellence reputation, but, in fact, the present administration has rolled back or terminated most of the programs that won those three awards. The principal who received those awards for the community was a visionary who not only backed his teachers in discipline matters, he affirmed and cultivated their creativity in the classroom. He was a visible presence and led by example in his accessibility to students, faculty, parents and the community. The current administrators may be principals, but they certainly are not leaders. You can call a pile of wood chips an amphitheater; you can coddle scofflaws and call it restorative justice; you can tell us you have a dynamic, young administration leading us into the 21st century. It appears to me, The Emperor has no clothes.
--Submitted by a parent

I believe this is one of the better middle schools. It has many activities and opportunities for the childern including music programs and academic extra-curriculary activities. The teachers and counselers are very involved with the students.
--Submitted by Sonja Waters, a parent

National School of Excellence is printed on every written communication by this school. Their web page says they have been recognized three times as a National School of Excellence They fail to inform parents when these awards were awarded. They were awarded in 1984/85, 1988/89 and 1992/93. The school did earn this award three times, but under the leadership of a Principal who people loved and respected. Ask anyone who knows him. Due to health problems, he retired. I was a student there when the first award was given. My daughter is now a student there. All of the student programs which made the school a School of Excellence have been abolished by the present Principal. This Principal is plagiarizing awards which he did not earn. The teachers, support staff and all other employees at this school are devoted to education and deserve better leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

We have relocated quite a bit as a family, and I have to say that no school has ever taken care of my kids the way Hastings Middle School has. My kids are so happy now and are doing much better in their classes than ever before. There are so many after-school opportunities here! Lots to do! Thank you to everyone at the school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am amazed by the bad review of the middle school! Both my children have gone through the middle school and were served by very hard working, well-prepared teachers. The leadership is young and dynamic and the couselors are among the best I have ever seen.There is also an absolutely great after achool program called Oasis. I can only assume that the parent who sent the bad review is one of those people who has an ax to grind.
--Submitted by a parent

While I have disagreed with administrators from time to time, I have not had the experience of unresponsive leadership. I find that when my views and wishes are communicated clearly, the administration considers what I have to say. I've learned that cooperation means I must do my part even if I don't get my way. I also sign my name to things so that I may take responsibility for my opinions. This helps make Great Schools Great.
--Submitted by Barb Matz, a teacher

The leadership in the middle school is plain terrible. The Principal will rarely follow through with any complaints or concerns. Parents are told to 'tough it out'. The school and district seem to discourage parental involvement. There is no PTA, and if you try to engage the district to start one, you are questioned thoroughly about your motives. If you can avoid the Hastings Middle School, do it!
--Submitted by a parent