Goshen Middle School

I am saddened by the parent who is "not a big fan" of mainstreaming children with special needs. Clearly this person is not aware that inclusion of all students helps both children with special needs and their typical peers. This allows those with disabilities to learn appropriate social skills and academic learning that they need to be contributing members of their communities some day, and their typical peers learn acceptance and also cement new skills they have just learned by helping those who may be struggling. As a mother with a baby girl with down syndrome looking to move to goshen I hope most parents don't think like you do. But I am glad that Goshen strives to help all students acheive and does not believe those that are different should be locked away so those that are uncomfortable with things they don't understand feel safe from their own ignorance.

I go to school here and it is GREAT! The teachers are excellent.
--Submitted by a student

Great network of educators, administrators, students, and community members who work amazingly hard to provide excellence in education!
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child in the GMS and one who has went through GMS, currently at GHS. I have always been happy with all teachers and the modifications my children recevied for there learning disabilities. However, I am afraid things are shifting for the worse. The zero tolerance rules and no child left behind joke is putting too much stress on the teachers. I have had a heck of a time getting assignments posted on the web timely so I know current grades, ect. They have no time to help the slower learning students and manage a class size so big. This is the first year I am looking at alternatives to GMS. I still have one more child to pass through . I am also not a big fan of the special ed children becoming so included into main stream education and the school is really pushing this too.
--Submitted by a parent

I really like all of the programs they have set up, the teacher are very caring for all of the students, it is a great safe school.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a great school for learning. Everyone has fun and learns well.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter is in the 8th grade and every teacher that she has had has been great, I believe Goshen has made great strides to become an excellent school. Their sports are awesome and I can't wait for her to get into high school and rock it! Go GOSHEN!
--Submitted by a parent

Regarding the parent who sent her children back to private school, I have worked extensively with the school and teachers at each grade level and have yet to find the kind of environment described. This is obviously a case of my child does nothing wrong and it is ALWAYS someone elses fault. GMS is a great school with a caring staff. My children's teachers went above and beyond every year. I am proud to say my children attend GMS.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, we have been satisified with GMS, however it depends on so many different aspects. Most teachers seem to care about the kids and are willing to work with parents to ensure good quality education. We have however had a few 'doosies' where it's obvious that they are waiting for retirement, lack caring, compassion, patience, and overall goodwill in the classroom & good rapport with the kids and parents. Nothing seems to be done to address those issues, but rather, shirking responsibilities and placing blame. Counselors support position of teachers which doesn't help. Guess the teacher's union is strong enough to prevent them from firing. Principal seems like a good man who has a good rapport with kids. All Goshen schools say they want parent involvement, but what that usually means is allowing parents to do work for them, not active communication about their kids.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attends goshen. His teacher is excellent. She is very involved and caring.
--Submitted by a parent