Middle School 142 John Philip Sousa

As a former student of 142, I echo the sentiments of the teacher below. I entered as a student and graduated under Dr HW Brindle. Where academics were of the utmost importance. Lack of respect and disobedience were never tolerated. Truth be told, we (the students) had such a great fear of that towering man. Looking back, I truely appreciated having Dr Brindle was a principal and role model. To hear that such a great school has diminished in standards and integrity, is so sad.

I m a retired faculty member of John Philip Sousa. I served for twenty four years. Dr. Hill Brindle was the Principal when I arrived. The downward cycle of the School started with his replacement who served nine and one half years. He retired under the threat of being fired. Unfortunately, some of the Staff members whom he hired remained. The series of Principals who were goverened by their taste for a Larger Pension, either stay the mandated three years or; were relocated to completed the time needed. The children suffered because neither the City or Union cared! At fault were the parents who wanted "bragging grades' instead of earned grades for their childre.
—Submitted by a teacher

did nothing to stop it if you are a good parent and want the best for your child do not send them to this school

I am a 2009 alumni of John Philip Sousa. In graduation I was salutorian because of my many acheivements. As i read over these reviews that were posted by my fellow students I find great humor. To me I believe any school can be great if you want it to be. A school can never be bad, the students are the only ones that can determine that. I attended Sousa for 3 years and I know within myself i never made smart choices so to me i hated the school. On my final year in John Philip Sousa i realized the importance of my education and suddenly i found myself loving this school i claimed i hated.So i recommend this school to anyone who is ready to control their education because if you are ready then you will enjoy John Philip Sousa
—Submitted by a student

i am an 8th grader in sousa and i like it it has many different programs and the principal is always having educational events where the winner could win money or a gift card for many different stores. So sousa is a very nice school and the teachers teach you like your their own.
—Submitted by a student

I currently go to Sousa. For the past 3 years (8th grader) this school is good but some the students don't make you concentrate on your work. The school is great but some of the students that attend this school ruins it. I do not recommend this school for a person who is serious on there education. ( Love the teachers, some are serious towards your education).
—Submitted by a student

i am student at Sousa and i think the school is very interesting including the way we learn and meeting the new teachers.the school is the best
—Submitted by a student

I am a current student at John Phillip Sousa. I am going to the 7th grade next year, and so far the school is the best. I recommend this school to a lot of my friends parents. And other adults who are looking for a junior high school to send their kid.Sousa has a very fun and interesting ways of learning.
—Submitted by a student

Hi i am a current student at sousa it is the best. Learning there was type interesting because the teachers pursuade students but the lessons are fun.There are several extracurricular activities to do like dance , music, and cheer , i am in the dance team and being there is so exciting , even dancing for the school to see.
—Submitted by a student

i like the school im in it i like mr chibelli and all the teachers,all teachers will get along very very well with all of the students, for any parent who would want there child to go to any junior high school it should be sousa i love it no dought about it sincerely ron alexnder riley jr
—Submitted by a student

this school was awsome when i went there from 06-08
—Submitted by a parent

I am a senior at Sousa, and I have to say that I have leardned a lot in my time at this school. The teachers really do care, and some of them are so funny. Which really helps the students pay attention more. There are hardly any fights, and there are a lot of extracurricular activites. Like the dance, step, and cheer team, and I was on the dance team, trust me it really is fun. However, the best part about this school for me is that if you are a senior and you would like to take the Math A regents you can. There is a course that offers that, and I am also doing that. It's tough but it can be done. One more thing, the teachers grade really hard, but just keep your head up and you could have a great GPA. Mines is 95
—Submitted by a student

This school is great. All of the teachers connect with the students.
—Submitted by a student

Yes, this school is a great school for all students. Who ever comes to this school, you will learn so much in the school. I will recommend you to come or visit the school and check it out, you will like it
—Submitted by a former student

Ibeliev this school to be an excellent school. Many people are afraid to send their children here, however, I had 3 of my children graduate from Sousa and has excelled through school. My eldest daughter even recieved a scholarship and attended Spellman snd went on to college, while my other two graduated children are currently in High school and are doing great. My other daughter is currently and 8th grade senior and is president of her academy, The academy Of media and Arts. Onna scale from one to ten, I give Sousa a 10.
—Submitted by Diana Wood, a parent

This seems like a great school considering the area that I reside in. Very diverse!
—Submitted by a student

I have attended Sousa for 2 years so far. The 2005-2006 school year will be my final year. Sousa has many teachers who cares about us. The education given to us is good. I got into the prep classes at Bronx Science because of that school. I'm on the Sousa Storm Step Team. The team is really good and you have to be on top of your school work to be on any of the teams. I believe that parents that say there isn't enough 'parent involvement' shouldn't be saying anything if they aren't on the PTA staff or anything staff including parents. I am not a parent. I am a student that attend this school. That walks down the halls in this school. The students knows how it is in this school. Not the parents! Sousa is a great school!
—Submitted by Laura Jones, a student

The months before my son was to go into middle school I was beyond stressed knowing the options we had. Lots of people told me about how Sousa used to be. I chose to disregard other peoples' opinion and sent my son to Sousa. My son is a very nice boy but not the best student academically. He had the best school year yet at Sousa. We love it. He has good grades, there are lots of extracurricular activities, he also has lots of well behaved school friends. I think some of the teachers could do a better job at parental contact, not a justification but that may be with many schools. There were a few dedicated parents but not many considering how many students are enrolled. I think there should be more. This was such a hard decision for us to make, and I am glad we chose Sousa.
—Submitted by K D, a parent

My child has been going to sousa for 2 years this is going to be her last year and the school has really change for the better the teachers are nice like you all are friends and they care about you and your grades my daughter is sad that she is leaveing the school because she will miss her teachers but she knows she is prepared for high school with the education she recieved in sousa.I recomend this school to any child and to thier parents consider the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been the worst public school yet I have seen when you walk inthe school you hear nothing but nosiy class rooms and teachers trying to take control they need some serious support. my son has been been going to that school for 11/2 yeears and his academics has gotten worse
—Submitted by ayisha texidor, a parent