I.S. 34 Tottenville

Ive had a wonderful experience at this school. Sure, it may not be the most modern school out there, but I've made soo many memories here. I was in the peer leadership program and I've made soo many friends> When I go to highschool, I'm acually going to miss the activites they did with every grade like...6th grade feild trip.....7th grade trip to Philidelphia...8th grade hat day...game show...great adventure trip...I'm also going to miss all the teachers. They were the kind of people I could go to if I had a problem with anything. I give this school two thumbs up!
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at !.S.34. I do not think that the teachers are hard on the students or the after school programs are not good. I like this school alot and i really like all my teachers. My favorite is Mrs.Russo. I think shes the best reading/science teacher. The main reason is because everytime i had a problem she would always help me and never really yelled at me when i did somthing bad or it took me for ever to get a lesson done. I dont see why all these parents are writeing bad reveiews, i just dont see anything wrong with this school. The foods good, the punishments are equal, teachers are nice and helpfull, therea alot of kids so everyone has a friend and is not alown. I think these parents are not giveing this school ask much credit as it should really have.
—Submitted by a student

I am sorry but all you parents are wrong. THis school is the best school on Staten Island. The programs are excellent and the honors program is amazing. I have been in honors all of my time at I.S.34 and I have been challenged and have learned alot. All of the parents that say that there is no difference between honors and regular classes are wrong. The teachers are extremely dedicated to teaching. They may goof off some times but that is only because the students and teachers have such strong bonds. Now there is a algebra class for the higher level students. I am in this class and we learn highschool level math that the regular honors and other classes are not doing. In conclusion if you say anything negative about this school you are incorrect.
—Submitted by a student

it's my son's first experience in junior high. I have to say that I'm so impressed with the level of commitment from the teachers and the staff. My son comes home happy. That's what we want for our kids while they're in school! The academics are rigorous, but the kids have a blast in school too. Phone calls are returned promptly...if not the same afternoon, then the next morning. Great school..Kudos to the staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I think this scholl is great i love all the teachers or most of them the younger ones have no idea what there geting into but oh well. Most of the teachers that have been there fo a while no how to make it fun to be in school and not tourcher. I love the music and LA program but I feel the math program could be updated.
—Submitted by a student

I think the teachers and the rest of the staff here at this school are very nasty. What gives them the right to talk to the students the way they do. Everyone has an attitude. No after school programs are available to you unless you pay for them. The school is so old and needs to be brought up to date. It's more like bootcamp. I can't wait for my child to graduate from here.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to this school its a lovley and funn to be at the food and teachers and evreybody working and going there are nice people!
—Submitted by a student

It is not the same school it used to be. I feel most of the teachers cannot wait for the bell to ring. The technology program is extremely lacking in educating the children or entertaining the children. What after school activities? What student body council? What future leadership training?
—Submitted by a parent

i feel that this school is excellent!! The teachers care for their students and try their hardest. The english department is outstanding. The music department is a very giving department and works their hardest to notice each childs given gift. But remember..the music department depends on only 2 teachers, Mr.Blaine and Mr. Barr and trust me...they try their hardest to teach each and everyone of their students the proper music knowledge. The teachers of I.S.34 are very involved with the school and what goes on in it...each and every teacher gets involved with school activities. I give the teachers a big thumbs up for their hard work.
—Submitted by a student

My child is in the top honors program at I.S 34-I am extremely disappointed with this program. He is learning the same material, and at the same speed as all the 6th grade students. What is the purpose of an honor program if the children are not challenged? In addition, after the parent-teacher conference, when some parents complaned about this issue, some teachers started giving the honor students more work- but it was busy work, and they were not going to learn anything from it. Lastly, for one science/math teacher it seems marking assignemnts is a problem- she has about 18 assignments/tests to mark since Sept., and only 5 have been marked. How is this teaching the students anything. If your child is in honors, I would look for a better school, which is what I am doing. The music program is very good, and there is minimal extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

The best school I have ever been involved with. Mr Cannizzaro is wonderful and there were many dedicated teachers there.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school is going downhill. It is not like it was years ago when my nephews went there. Teachers have a hard job there, but it does not give them the excuse to curse of call students names such as Knuckleheads or curse them or tell them that they blame their parents for not doing a good job with their kids. What gives them the right? If you cannot deal with the children, then you shouldnt be teaching. The principal should also retire because I think he is burnt out. He is all for the teachers and not for the students. He is not a fair principal and I think that the school should be evaluated by the chancellor on a surprise basis. I cant wait until my child is out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school use to be good way back when. I don't think that some of the teachers take the time to really help the children that need a little extra. Some of the young teachers think that they know it all and try to be tough, and forget that they were once a child too. I cant wait until my child is no longer in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't think they fairly evaluate children for the music program. They do not provide an equal opportunity to foster a childs thirst for knowledge. It seems as they want a child to come in and know it all so they do not have to teach.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School! Wonderful teacher parent relations.
—Submitted by a parent