H J MacDonald Middle School

Academically speaking, I felt HJ to be middle of the road. Leadership was truly lacking. I had administration that spoke in a derogatory manner of one of my children by name to other parents. One of the guidance counselors also told my other child that he was the 'good one'. Of note, my children have not been major discipline issues for anyone. They have never been in fights, been suspended, etc. If you call the school to discuss your children, do not expect help. They are slow to return calls, and when they do they spend as little time as possible with you.
--Submitted by a parent

h j m is an OKAY school. Yeah there are problems that need more attenntion but all schools have their weak area. the progams I think are great, tey have many clubs such as: history, odesey of the mind, math and science clubs. So this gives anyone that is not a 'great athlete' the chance to be involed in other after school activties. Now the discipline area is one of the areas that they have to work on. Now the students that attend the school are not bad they just have problems. They just dont ack out for no reason because theres always a reason. S i would reconmend this school not as a person with secondary 'veiws of the school but a student that veiw the school 'first hand'.
--Submitted by a student

My son is starting 8th grade. I am not thrilled with this school. They need to 'step it up' with the discipline plan. I have to really stay on top of things with the teachers and administration to get what I want done for my son. They really need to CLEAN the school. The bathrooms are HORRIBLE! If I had to do it over again, HJ would not be my choice of schools, I would NOT have moved to New Bern, NC. High School is in two years, I am looking into other schooling now. NB, HS NO WAY! TOO MUCH Violence not enough discipline. I feel these teachers & administration are AFRAID of the these kids. Dont reccomend at all.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel as though this school in adequate. The extracurricualr programs are excellent along with the avanced placement programs also. My child has been able to suceed since coming to this school. I've felt as though I've made a good decision. This school is fitting for any young child. The H.U.G. program is an excellent way to keep the parents involved with the school along with the many parent and open house nights. Overall I'm very confident in the capability of the education in this school.
--Submitted by Betha Gerklin, a parent

We are a military family who moved to New Bern two years ago and chose a living area specifically for the highly rated Brinson Elementary and HJ Middle MacDonald Schools. Brinson has lived up to its reputation and more, however HJ MacDonald is almost a total disappointment. Discipline, core subject proficiency and faculty turnover are the problem areas. There seems to be no set standard for behavior or disciplining the children. Our child has experienced repeated problems riding the bus (overcrowded, bullying, etc.)- not to mention a pick up time of 6:05 am. While the school s aesthetics are great, academically it is substandard; especially with regards to mathematics. Unfortunately this year is shaping up to be a challenge as 17 of the faculty members left for unexplained reasons. On the plus side- great band program and the Academically Gifted program is good. Bottom line-wish we would have chosen Tucker Creek in Havelock.
--Submitted by Jimmy Canada, a parent