Von E. Mauger Middle School

Both my children have gone there. I truly believe they are ther to support the students and educate them the best they can even with all the recent budget cuts
--Submitted by a parent

My experience with this mediocre elementary school was horrific to say the least. Both of my children now attend Immacullata High School which is not only far more superior when it comes to education, but also the environment is disciplined. My biggest complaint about this school..... NO DISCIPLINE! On several occasions I entered this school to retrieve my children only to see hallways cluttered with papers and books. The staff doesn't seem to care that the students leave their books all over the halls. As I walked down the hallway I noticed wall locker after wall locker over flowing from top to bottom with garbage and clothes to the point where they can't even be closed! The students seem to be running wild in this school. There is no visible form of order, and the staff appears more concerned with being the students friends, rather than being the educators and disciplinarians.
--Submitted by a parent

This year was my first experience at Mauger, as my oldest is in fourth grade. The elementary school teachers (Hazelwood) try to scare you and say that the teachers don't care as much and it's a big school. That was not my experience at all! The principal, Mr. Heidt is down to earth, approachable and really seems to care about all of the kids. He interacts with them at their level, he doesn't talk down to them and he has complete control; the kids really seem to respect him. My child has Ms. Scheller and Mrs. Morgan this year. I can not say enough wonderful things about Ms. Scheller. She is a fun teacher that is very creative and really teaches the kids grammar, poetry, writing, literary discussion. I have seen an incredible improvement in my child due to Ms. Scheller's diligence in the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Mauger and I have to say I am very proud to work with the teachers there. Parents don't always get to see what goes on behind the scenes. You will never meet more teachers that care so much about their students. We all go above and beyond. Purchasing student supplies with our own money. Having children come to our classrooms in the morning because they didn't eat breakfast. Being not only an educator but being THERE because there are so many parents in our district that simply are not. Mauger teachers care, maybe it's time the parents stepped up and started being a team with the teachers instead of fighting us every step of the way. We want to raise the bar, not bring it down so they have a false sense of achievement. Don't you want that for your child? We DO Care!
--Submitted by a teacher

I am a student and throughout my experience I find that in many circumstances that the faculty or school officials are very discrimative. My brother has always been denied a.p classes even with perfect scores. I also find that some teachers choose favorites and lower standerds for those favorites. I've also encountered teachers who deducted points foe having a paper that was 'too long' with no set maxinium amount.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is will be in 6th grade this year.I could'nt be happier that she is a student here. She has blossomed academically and intellectually. The teachers are awesome especially Mr. T who encouraged his student to excel in anything they do. hopefully some of the teachers will learn from him..
--Submitted by a parent

I attended Mauger as a child, at that time it was 6th - 8th. My oldest just graduated 8th and my youngest is due to start 4th there in the fall. We are currently looking to move, due to this school. There are a few good teachers, but a few too many bad ones. The school is grossly under staffed and over crowded. Behind on academics, the after school program seems to be getting a little better. The principals run it more like a juvenille hall then a school. But the BOE will continue to ignore the problem and will never admit to making a mistake.
--Submitted by a parent

The Middlesex Board fo Ed had better wake up soon! The children are out of control and the curriculum is horrendous. They are more worried about now to not pay to help the children rather than pay for them and make them sucessful, independant children with high self esteem - and as educators isn't what they are paid to do? The majority of the teachers walk out the door at 3:15 and don't look back. It's a shame that as parents we have to request teachers at every grade since we all know who the ones are that will not help and won't be there to boost the children up. In each grade we have teachers who care, but there aren't enough of them and thanks to tenure they stay. We also don't do enough to keep the non-resident kids out of the system. It's time to wake up folks!
--Submitted by a parent

I think that the school district in general needs to pay attention to their children's educational needs. It took me nearly four years and the hiring of an attorney to get my children tested for learning problems and it was only after I became really aggressive that my children received the help and services they needed. I believe this was due to the fact that they did not want to spend money and all I have to say is that is a miserable excuse for allowing any child to fail or become so frustrated they quit. Finally both of my children are classified (they are twins) and are doing much better in school. The team teaching they are provided is a better level of education and I can see they are finally moving ahead. The teachers the girls have are wonderful and are doing a magnificent. It was a tough fight.
--Submitted by Karen DeSantis, a parent

I will be graduating from this school monday night and I dont like this school now more then ever! The board does not take care of this school! It is hotter inside then outside, this could be a medical problem! I would say that Mr. Coowen is the first good thing done by the school! He is the nicest principal I have ever had! He talks to students as people, and he understands our world, and vocabulary. I just wish i had him when I came to this school. I also think that gym is the worst subject. The girls have to play 'softball' on the soccer field, and when the boys need a new ball they make the girls play kickball! We have many girls who play sports and I find this sexist, rude, and unfair!
--Submitted by Jillian, a student