Hancock Middle School

I just removed my child from this school because he was being bullied for his religious beliefs, not only by his peers buy also by the staff. The guidance office fails to protect these children during a crucial time in their development. It appears that they are more focused on discipline than helping figure out the underlying issues of children who come to their office. The staff and faculty are rude, condescending and refuse to give you any information about their procedures and actions. My child is a straight A student who was in the gifted program and placed Advanced-Advanced on his MCT's. He was taking advanced classes in 6th grade and then in 7th was denied the opportunity to continue because we were told the advanced classes were full and that their system runs on a three year average and since our child had only been in the district for one year he automatically went to the bottom of their list. They also refused to show me information that could explain how this happened. If you are a military family or any other type of family that has to move in and out of communities for your job, do not send your kids to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

As the grandmother of a student at Hancock Middle School, I must agree with the post written by the parent on Feb. 26. I have said it before and will again: this school concentrates on punitive measures in the treatment of students rather than the more productive actions of energizing and focusing students in an appropriate direction with interesting classes and progressive learning techniques. Too bad the tone and energies at this school can't be redirected in a more productive and rewarding direction for the benefit of all.

I have had nothing but negative experiences with this school. Teachers do not communicate what so ever. Discipline is more valued than education itself. My children have no homework ever. Teachers and staff are hostile. Children are given detention over something simple like not pushing in a chair. The staff dress unprofessional and wear flip flops to school while a child is given detention for a hemline of a school uniform. School uniforms are only available at the beginning of the year making it diffucult to upkeep uniforms. Why should a child ever have discplinary record over a school uniform?!!! Cameras should be installed in every classroom to enforce proper behavior of the hostile staff
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred our child to this school and it was the best decision. The principal is quick with taking care of problems. The teachers respond in a timely manner and the office staff are very helpful. The academics are up with the other schools in southern MS.
—Submitted by a parent

Structured school with little room for students to socialize during lunch. Seating is fill in as you go in line, very limited elective choices. Teachers will not meet with you after school you must go in the morning before school or during their planning time. Academics were average and students were given little homework. No opportunities for working parents to be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Hancock middle is a wonderful school. The teachers are very suppaortive and do their best to see that the kids succeed. Though some of the rules may seem a little ridiculous, it is a good school. The students don't receive very much homework either.

The teachers here use scare tactics, they keep saying the 7th grade teachers are going tear us apart next year and that if we don't work harder we will fail this year and that are life depended on every test. One of the teachers call out all of our grades then yells at the student's that got a bad grade. She said that she might see some of us again next year. She scared all of us, we were afraid that we might fail the MCT2.

This school was terrible! I withdrew my children after 3 months. The test scores are great, but that is not the only thing that makes a school. This school has a problem with bullying that goes beyond the normal kids will be kids. The teachers and the administration turn their heads to it and when you talk to them about it, they turn it back on your child. I would never send my kids back to this school, and I would not encourage anyone to send their child here. I was fooled by this being rated a 9. I would like to give this school no stars.
—Submitted by a parent

The Teachers needs to focus on the kids at our School.I feel the School system is failing our children whom attend at HMS.
—Submitted by a parent

I find that the school does not help my child in their learning process. They seem to worry more about test than the child.
—Submitted by a parent

Hancock Middle School is a great school. The teachers really care about the students, and the school has many methods of keeping us updated about grades. I love the parent online option. Teachers are also very good about using email to communicate.
—Submitted by a parent

Hancock Middle School,is a fine school.I mean we get great education,and have alot fun at school.We have a lot of activites at our school.Our basketball,boys and girls are unbelieveable,they both won the conference championship,girls playing against bay middle,and boys playing picayune.This was the first time in history that we did this.*Go Hawks*.We habe plenty of dances at our school,they are really fun just hanging out with our friends,but i wish that they will just let us have our cell phones there.Us 8th graders right now are havein the best year,and last year ar HMS.All of our teachers taught us well from 6th-8th grade.Well thats all you need to no about our ahh-mazz-inn school!
—Submitted by a student

This is the best school ever.There are great teachers and staff.The education is well taught.Its a great place to go to school.The dress code could be better.I think it's unfair.We should be able to express ourselves with what we wear.Many people agree with that but i understand why we must have a dress code so i don't get so mad about it.
—Submitted by a student

My children used to go to HMS. Also I used to be a substitute teacher for Hancock County School District. After my children transfering to 2 different schools in the other states due to Katrina and my job changes, I could expressly tell you that all schools in Hancock were excellent academically offering well disciplined atomosphere. The teachers supervise the students closely, which provide the secure environment for the students. Academically, they never leave the students behind, no matter a gifted child or a challenging child. The teachers always show their concerns and provide their advice to the students and their parents in time. Unfortunately, the school district that my children are attending now don't have reasonable school policy to protect the students fairly even though more students go to colloge nearby. You will be sorry if you don't have your child in Hancock County School District.
—Submitted by a parent

HMS has a very good concept by having each grade level being contained to its own wing, however there is severe bullying at this school and the teachers look the other way. Complaints by parents fall on deaf ears. This county cares more about finances than the students themselves. Majority of teachers are top quality, but a few are burnt out and take their frustrations out on the children. I wish Mrs. Wilkinson would do surprise classroom checks or cameras would be added to each classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is great in this school, but there are some drawbacks as well. The education, in my opinion is very poor. There is very little advanced courses available, and some of the teachers don't really focus on the subject that they are teaching. It is a good school for a safe environment, but as far as education goes, I would suggest looking at other options.
—Submitted by a teacher

The school is structured in wings to give each grade their own space, and in each wing are teams, where the kids spend most of the day with a set group of other kids. This is a perfect set-up for my 8th grader. He has felt secure in the wings and teams, and thus, does better in school. The principal is outstanding and has great respect from the students. She raises her hand and they stop talking and listen. She allows alot of fun things to go on which is a real treat for budding teenagers who want variety and a chance to chat with each other. I can't say enough about the school...the fact that it achieved a 5 star rating is proof enough.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and faculty of HMS are very professional. The teacher's main goal is to give their students the best education possible. They strive to give their students a glimpse of the world and the keys to make it theirs.
—Submitted by a parent

Good School. Often I believe more emphasis is placed on discipline than education. Excellent physcial facility. Many dedicated teachers. A good principal.
—Submitted by a parent