Gowana Middle School

Two of my daughters attended Gowana and it was a disaster. They received IEPs for ADHD in 6th grade, but the IEPs were ignored and the teachers said the girls were simply lazy. I went to so many meetings, to no avail, and was treated as a dunce. (I have an MA degree.) The older daughter was able to turn it around with a good 7th grade team after a terrible 5th-6th grade experience. The younger daughter developed an inferiority complex and began hanging out with the wrong crowd. We pulled her out after 8th grade to home school. After 9th grade she said, "In middle school, the teachers thought I was stupid, and so did I. Now I know that I am not." My son is in 6th grade and is home schooled. I would not have another child attend Gowana, even though he doesn't have ADHD.
--Submitted by a parent

Gowana let's see, my son who is in 7th grade this year did so poorly in 6th grade that he did not want to come to school, but according to hos teachers he was lazy. A child who has been described throughout his school years as being enthusiastic, including in 6th grade out of one side of there mouth and lazy out of the other side. I had him tested in 7th grade with many barriers put in my way, he scored woth significan deficiencies. However had he been tested again he could test well the words of the school psycholgist he sisce is being tested outside the school and it was said "i cant belive the school has not addressed his learning disability!" Shen is sports focused if your child struggles or God forbid struggles but is passing forget about help! Mrs. Gawres....useless I requested homework be sent home the first day my kids are sick to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed, she quoted policy and then stated she contacts the teachers individully, that's great your the prinicipal of the school!!!! The counselers have to be pushed to do their job, special ed teacher inform my child she had other kids that needed her help isn't that an awesome message to send! Disappointing!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is large and the district is mismanaged. Shenendehowa is made for high achievers and is large enough to great resources for students with disabilities (learning or otherwise). If your child is just a normal kid, they will be like a ghost, and if your child requires extra attention but doesn't qualify for special services the chances of them falling through the cracks are huge. Shen is for big fish in a big pond or little fish in the big pond, regular fish better be highly self motivated because they probably won't be paid attention to. Parents need to be highly motivated and very involved to make sure their child doesn't slip through the cracks. On a positive note, with the help of a great Gowana Guidance counselor my small medium fish is doing okay. I was also a student who spent my whole k-12 education at Shen (as a student and as an athlete) so I have seen it from both sides.
--Submitted by a parent

Gowana has a lot going for it. The principal, Mrs. Gawrys, is excellent and is very involved. She knows all the students and that is very impressive considering how big the school is. When the sixth graders start, they are in a separate wing of the building. I really liked that because it is more comforting to a sixth grader to be in a smaller environment with only their peers. Overall the teachers are very good. My one piece of advice is to really stay on top of everything. If the kids fall behind for even a few days, it is difficult to catch up. Be very visible on your child's behalf. Check the parent portal every day. Gowana is a big school. That will always have its challenges. Work with the teachers and stay on top of the student beccause it is possible for them to get a bit lost in the shyuffle.
--Submitted by a parent

i go to this school and it is awesome!! all the teachers are good and it is a respectable school!!

The teachers are not that great. It is mostly the core class teachers that have given my children problems. Otherwise it is a wonderful school. Principal and Vice Principal really try to get to know the students. The nurse is very helpful!
--Submitted by a parent

Great, great school.... Top notch education - teaching staff a cut above... Principal Bush, in the know about EVERY THING that goes on...totally hands on... it's meaning is true...Gowana..means 'Great'..
--Submitted by Donna Halse, a parent