James Martin Middle School

I go to this school my name will remain a secret this school is very safe, it might be on the news more then the president lol but it is very good. I love this school there maybe a little problems but its all right we are all safe. I am tired of people saying its bad, im here to change that.
—Submitted by a student

I have been happy with the care and support the teachers have shown my son. He trusts that the teachers are there to teach and explain things to him. He has had to learn that he needs to take more responsibility with school work, and the teachers have been able to hold him accountable in a nice way.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school we learn from each other that to be come succesfull we must find are own path that we can't depend on some one else to do for us.
—Submitted by a student

hi i am a student at martin middle and yes there are many problems that this school has gone thru this year but i know that the major concern for us students is saftey.. i am am sure that this school will make drastic improvments as class president of 07-08 school year there are some changes that need to be mad .Adnan Zanzibar
—Submitted by a student

This schoool needs 2 have better discipline rules 4 children. It is very dirty cause of the rude disreapectful students. They need more rules and new teachers who are more harder.
—Submitted by a student

i go to jmms and the teachers there do not explain objectives clear enough the only expect you to memorize the objective for the test or assesssment the next day the whole supposed idea is for teachers to teach the kids not for them to memorize but for it to become a part they can never forget
—Submitted by a student

My son recently began attending James Martin ater attending Alexander Middle for his first middle school year. Overall he is happier at James Martin, but I did notice that every day I ask him if he has homework, and just about everyday he tells me no. That surprises me. I also ask him if he has any projects or reports and again th answer is always No. Everytime I visit the school, I hear the same thing, teachers or aides yelling at the top of their lungs at the children which I dont approve of. The student services office need work.
—Submitted by a parent

This school needs more parent involvement. Took me three attempts to get sons schedule changed but worth it now he is in AVID and that is all that matters. Takes hard work and dedication in this world. Too many people give up! I am not one of those parents. I have 2 children in this school this year. I also have one at Vance High in Special needs class and know first hand that you need to push until something happens. Also not just be a talker but a participant. Not stand on the sidelines telling everyone what needs to be done. I am pretty pleased with the first 2 years of having a child and now children in this school. Thank you all staff at James Martin Middle your efforts are shown we all need improvements and it take special people to teach our children. Debra B.
—Submitted by a parent

My Child Loves This School And So Do I!
—Submitted by a parent

I have tried on numerous occasions to contact teachers without success. I have an A/B student who recently earned a D with no notice or warning from the teacher (with whom I attempted to have a conference on several occassions without success). The lack of concern is unbelieveable!
—Submitted by a parent

It amazes me how we can always find room to judge and belittle others. In a world where the responsibility for learning is placed on the shoulders of the educators, there is no wonder that no one is learning. Learning is an internal process, educators can only teach and facilitate the avenues of learning. They cannot FORCE students to learn. It is a wonder that our parents do not reflect upon what they have taught their children. Values, Respect, Integrity, Honesty, Pride, Commitment and Spirituality are all lacking from the students of JMMS. As an educator at JMMS, it frustrates me that most of the complaints that arise regarding the school come from parents who have children who demonstrate the lowest levels of respect for the learning process. Parents are frustrated because THEY have failed their children moreso than the educators, but its simply easier to blame someone else.
—Submitted by Needing Support, a teacher

My child has attended this school for 2 years. Within a couple of months I noticed a change for the worst. The teachers appear either nonchalant or afraid. There is no expectancy level from the teachers for the students. The principal seems kind enough but lacks direction and the ability to execute.
—Submitted by a parent

The school along with the staff are trying, but the bullies have taken over and I think they need security in order to make a real difference in this school. My child is afraid to go to school daily and is threaten a lot. We are changing ASAP.
—Submitted by Tracy, a parent

It s funny to hear my concern over and over again. My family and I just relocated here and my son has had nothing but troubles. He was taken back as well with how different the kids are or how different the staffs handle situations. I am not very happy with the staff and getting someone to return your phone call is a full time job. Parents really need to take more control of their kids, it s not the responsibility of the staff at JMM, I think that s part of the problem!
—Submitted by a parent

Do not send your child to this school!!! just as some of the other parents said, we too are recents transplants to charlotte. Our child has never had any problems with peers before this school. She hardly ever has homework.She doesn't even have a math book. The administration is less than desirable from our experience(on her first day) the violence is unbelieveable. To make a long story short, we will be moving this summer to a better school district!
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved to Charlotte from Phoenix and I was shocked that this school doesn't even provide a math book for my seventh grader. Furthermore, he can't even take his workbook home. His homework isn't graded and we have no idea if he's making any progress. The teachers seem to be trying to help, but they spend more time disciplining the kids than teaching. Please help me find an alternative. I'm ready to move out of this district immediately or place my child in a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is good, the extracurricular activities are great and the school is trying very hard to improve the safety, but what the heck is going on with the lunch prices? In order for your child to get a nutritious meal, the parent has to pay approximately $5.00 per child/per day. With my two children in this school, I am paying $50.00 a week for lunch. Is the school board aware of this? Because we are new to the system, I gave my kids $2.00 a piece on the first day (which is what the pamphlet says). They had fries and a drink for lunch. Without a good meal, you cannot learn. These ridiculous prices need to be amended in a major way!
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty is wonderful. There is something for everyone as far as student needs or acedemic ability. Orchestra and art are excellent. Safety and behavior is a concern. It may be improving.
—Submitted by a parent

Like the previous parents said, the racial bullying at this school, and bullying in general is a big problem. The students behave wildly, the teachers have given up and don't seem to care, or they know there's nothing they can do. There is an tremendous amount of violence at this school, and the school is overpopulated. The only thing I can say that is positive about this school is that the Principal is good. He tries his best to make James Martin a good school, he can't do too much when the students in general don't feel comfortable in their environment! This scool is like a lock down for our children - not an environment for learning! We just moved here and I've pulled my student out of this school and put him in a private school where he's in a safe environment and is not scared everyday at school.
—Submitted by a parent

As you can see, this school is really overcrowded. I don't see how they expect my child to get an education with that many people in the school! The reason why there are so many behavior problems is because of it's population problem. But besides that fact, the teachers here are horrible! My child is forever complaining about how the teachers handle situations badly and stereotype a lot of the kids(but not her personally). My daughter comes home every afternoon and when asked what she learned in school, it's hardly ever anything new because of teachers' inability to teach and behavior among her peers.
—Submitted by a parent