Fairgrounds Middle School

The leadership in this school is awful! The principal, just as another rater mentioned, has a very bad attitude when addressed by parents about concerns. The assistant principal, Mrs. Coffey, is by far a better!! Although there appears to be a discipline policy, it is not followed. Favoritism shows its ugly head when it comes to consequences. There is very little positive recognition. Some of the teachers are GREAT, but unfortunately the number of great ones considering how many there are in the school, doesn't allow for another star in the rating. The online parent portal is useless. It's information too late. Especially when teachers do not allow for late work. Communication takes A LOT of effort on the parents side, and you will be lucky to get a response. Again, there are some good teachers that are really good with communication, but majority seem to think communication with parents is not necessary no matter what type of student you have. I could say much more, but let me just say this, if there was another option for me to place my currently attending students, I would move them in a heartbeat!! Change the principal and this school could have potential!
—Submitted by a parent

Too soon,maybe later. I need more time to decide. This is why I am on this site, to learn more about this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a 6th grader here. While the efforts of most of the teachers is great they offer candy as a reward tool mostly on a daily basis which I do not agree with. I am finding the support of the school principle is absolutely lacking he has a really poor attitude with parents when asking questions or having concerns the vice principle is much better. I feel that too much is put upon the kids to figure out on their own. Bullying here is a large issue here especially in after school sports and programs with little teacher involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

School bussing and the acts said or done by students during this transfer activity is poor. This area seems to be a gap in that it's easier for the bus drivers to claim they heard or saw nothing rathe rthan get involved. This only condones the offending students words or actions and worsens the overal atmosphere on the bus.
—Submitted by a parent

My child used to go to Fairgrounds, and the level of support is amazing. I just love the idea of teams, and honor, extension, and foundation. being in honor has really helped her achieve her full potential!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a 6th grader at Fairgrounds. In our experience, the teaching staff is good; however, the upper level leadership is severely lacking -- in particular with regard to discipline. There is absolutely no consistency or standardization in how the kids are disciplined; two students may commit the same infraction and yet receive completely different punishments that do not fit the 'crime'. We've also found that general communication is often last-minute. Also, not a huge fan of the trimester system.
—Submitted by a parent

this school has excellent education so im hearby declaring this school excellent

Fairgrounds 2006-2008 Is EXCELLENT they have improved all their behaviors and have been learning WAY better then elm and pennichuck! Im very PLEASED keep up the great work
—Submitted by a parent

Im very dissapointed with the school system at fairgrounds. The school board does not have control of the children. They use detentions as a prime source of disapline. This doesnt not faze the students at all and they continue to act in a very imature way.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed, Everything seems to be the child's responsibilty when they are absent it's up to the child to figure things out! Poor effort on the treacher's behalf. Do they really care about he children, or the paycheck?
—Submitted by a parent

The 2002-2003 school year was a tough one for Fairgrounds as the school was attempting to transition from a Jr. High mentality to that of a middle school. There may be one or two teachers that are not the best, but on the whole when any adult commits him or herself to training a child for the future betterment of our society I would say that he/she deserves accolade and not put down. The area I see as the weakest in the school is discipline and that is simply because parents have tied the hands of administrators and teachers to use detentions as the sole disciplinary resource. These detentions do not even faze students. Suspension is only utilized for the severest of offenses.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 5 childern i the nashua system and fairgrounds jr high school seems to be the worst for the teachers and extra effort i am disappointed. Everything seems to not be thier job. My chilsd loses in that.
—Submitted by a former student