Darlington Middle School

The teachers here do not seem to care if the students suceed or not. They do not return calls, they do not answer emails, the only thing I can see they do is attempt to teach the kids without having to actually do anything. When my son starts missing homework assignmens, how about a call? Or even an email, you don't have to talk to us parents, just write me an email...or even answer mine! But I get no communication from the school unless I march myself into the building and demand to talk to someone. Then it's never the person who can help. I am trying to get my son out of this district and into one where the teachers actually care what's going on in the school and with the students. If you can not do the same, my prayers are with your children.
--Submitted by a parent

I must first say that DJH is overcrowded, I'm surprised that we have not had a costly incident. I'm really not sure if the teachers are really concerned with each individual student because of the number of students trying to serve. I know that there is a standard for teacher to student ratio but I'm really puzzled about the quality of instructions at DJH. I really do think that some teachers try to approach parents before it's too late but most of them don't. I am ashamed that we could not play our last football game because of not enough eligable players. School starts in August.... Why does afterschool and before school assistance starts in November. 1 nine weeks late and in the middle of another. Our Music program is great, who knows about the others. We are not up to date with technology, facility, and instructions. Yes, I know we are getting a new school, but if we don't get new techniques we will still be lost.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents need to carefully consider if this school is right for their child. I did send my children there and wonder if I have made a costly mistake. I watched one child withdraw and fade into the background to survive. My other child survived by taking on the tough attitude of the general population. Both suffered a decline in academics. I am not sure either will ever recover from the lack of educational experiences that they should have received. There was a definite lack of timely communication from teachers. Teachers worked long and hard but seemed more concerned with preparing for PACT testing and covering required materials than with meeting the needs of the child. As a parent of a special needs child, I was especially disappointed in the failure of the classroom teacher to carry out the agreed upon IEP accommodations. Stay involved, initiate communication, and pray daily. Good luck!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is overcrowded, probably because it is the only Junior High in Darlington! Some teachers get back in touch with concerned parents, but most do not. Many of the kids get lost in the shuffle. It is very frustrating trying to stay involved with my son's education without the educator's feedback. I am taking my son out of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

First and foremost I would like to say that Mrs. Jeffords the school principal is a wonderful, caring, involved and proactive person at the school. My comments are not to bash the school or its staff but to help bring about change and improvement to the school for everyone. The teachers must be able to identify when a student learns differently than others and give them the necessary tools to be successful as well as have an open line of communication with parents that have made it known at the beginning of the school year that they are concerned, involved parents. Teachers must make parents aware of a students progress as soon as a pattern is shown or on the first offense. For example: missing homework, low scores on classroom/homework, low test scores or anything that may raise a red flag. This information should be shared before Interim Reports are sent home. This approach allows the issue to be addressed immediately. Secondly, someone must find out what is happening to the revenue that needs to be put into the school. I'm sure it's there but, the question is 'what is happening to it?'
--Submitted by a parent