H. E. McCracken Middle School

And how often do you, as a parent, call the teacher with your concerns? Do you show up for Open House? Do you request homework when your child misses school? Do you volunteer once in awhile so you know the names of your child's classmates? How often do you badmouth a teacher in front of your child? Do you fill her head with: "You don't have to listen to those teachers." or "Why did you get so much homework? Can't these teachers do what they should during school time?" Just remember, my dear, public schools can't turn away students, as private schools can. What you call "can't be bothered," might just be "are totally understaffed and overwhelmed with precious little parent support." What have you personally done to help this situation--besides griping--which really doesn't help a thing? I hope your daughter is in private school this year...I'm sure her academic performance will have proved dramatically.

I truly think H.E. McCracken is a terrible school, my daughter is in the 9th grade, the teachers can't be bothered with the children. None of the students know where they stand grade wise until they get their interim reports or report cards. I wished I had enrolled her in a private school when we moved here 2 years ago. I can only hope the high school is much better than this poor middle school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child sufferd hair loss dur to stress that a 6th grade teacher took great pleaseure in putting him through. I encourage you to listen to your children. If they say a teacher dislikes them you should listen and look into it.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a student a mcCracken middle school, I love it here:) I'm a straight A's all honors student. Teachers are very strict dress code and disapline and also have very high standerds. Most teachers have a citation on hand every where. All rumors about this school are false before I came here I was worried because of the rumors but soon learned they were all fake. I also later learned that you can NEVER slack off because your grade can drop in an instant. Creative arts classes are outstanding, we have journalism (we have a school paper), health, P.E, band, chorus, drama, and lots more! This school may seem crowded but the only time were all together is before and after school which is only 5-10 minutes long. Over all this school Is outstanding, increadable, challenging, and I recommend this school :)
--Submitted by a student

I coulnd't be more dissapointed with this school. My mom and I just moved here from Georgia and the school here are far behind the schools there. The only difference between the honors classes and the regular classes is that the honors classes move just a little bit faster. The classes are just as easy. Also, the teachers spend more time helping the kids that need more help and leave the kids that need to be challenged behind. If you are thinking of sending you child to this school. I strongly encourage you not to.
--Submitted by a student

could not be happier. We pulled our child from Cross after 5 grade i could not be happy with the education at the middle school I would recommend this school ove r the private school down the road no comparison ap classes sports wonderful,,,,
--Submitted by a parent

Very very disappointed, but expected it. Our child went from honor roll in private school to c's and b's. The yelling and overcrowding in the classrooms make it impossible to hear or learn. We will not be back.
--Submitted by a parent

I totally agree with the cold insensitivity toward the parents. I email and go to the school frequently only to be greeted as if I'm an enemy. I find the inconsistantcies impossible to keep up with. This only hurts the children because if the parents don't understand or incapable of following, how are we to help our kids? And to the last review about parent involvement??? I can't get cooperation, much less a friendly attitude. Why would I want to be involved with teachers and staff that act as if 'we the parents' are pests? Most, but not all staff seem as though they are miserable. If you don't enjoy your job, get out!!! Find a different career. We want teacher of whom we pay with our tax dollars 'to want to be there' because they love and care, therefore want to teach!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very sad to see how many parents have complained about this school. We must remember our schools are only as good as WE ALL make it. I am a parent of 2 middle school sons. (1-8th, 1-6th) I do volunteer and am truly disappointed in the lack of public volunteering at this school in general. I see the same parents, grandparents, and faculty helping students and making them successful. I teach my children by walking my talk...'be the change you want to see in the world!' It starts at home folks! I encourage you to visit the school and observe. All student have the choice to be their best. This school needs more parent involvement - it is clear that those are the students who score very high on all achievement tests! Regardless of the overcrowding & ethnic diversity, this school has improved the past 2 years!
--Submitted by a parent

it is the best school ive ever went ,we get to have pep rallys ,and field trips ,and more!
--Submitted by a student