Siegel Middle School

We're 1/2 way through the 6th grade year. You've got to be kidding me? We have a teacher (female) in Bschool that intimidates the students to a point of fear of asking questions. I wonder why some students don't have awesome grades in that class environment? It has been made very evident that parent involvement is tolerated at a minimum. Teacher and principle exhert power and authority over 11 year olds,,, awesome. Why don't you pick on someone your own age?
—Submitted by a parent

So far? I'm not impressed. AT ALL! My child has been in this school less than 2 weeks and has been in tears a half dozen times at least. She is appalled at the fact that the teachers are allowed to and do tell the students to "shut up!" They yell and criticize, not TEACH! If the students already knew the material, there would be no need for the TEACHER!! The dress code is enforced on a pick and choose basis and does not include all students. Just in case anyone was wondering, the rude language and critical comments have not been made to my child specifically so this should not be brushed off as a disgruntled student. It's across the board and I guess the long term students are just used to it. Absolutely ridiculous! I will be educating myself on this state and county and plan to see some changes immediately!! How dare this school demand respect from students and not offer the same?!
—Submitted by a parent

school is adequate with some great teachers but principal lacks ability and vision to properly inspire staff . principal also shows poor judgement in creating/enforcing school policies
—Submitted by a parent

The principal bragged to me that he once made paddles in shop and also let me know that the only reason that they stopped paddling students was because "Too many parents are lawyers and doctors and some kids bruise easily." I was deeply saddened by this statement. I would like to express thanks to all of the parent who are lawyers and doctors who would do something about their children being abused in this way.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school with teachers that care about the students

I love Siegel. im in 8th grade, and still hate tucking in my shirt. But rules are.....well, rules. It's a good school... we may not all have had good teachers but you have more the one and everyone at least likes two!! the sports are great.. im a runner. you never know what talent you have til you try it.. Siegel gives you many oppertunities...take advantage of them. all in all, it's a great learing environment and the teachers really care.
—Submitted by a student

This is my first year at Siegel and I am in 7th grade. So far, my overall thoughts have been a mixture of positive and negative. To start off, I think the structure of the school could've been a bit more organized. Understandably so, there is often a lot of traffic going on in the parking lots at dismissal time, but no where near as organized as Erma Siegel's (my previous school). I agree with the tucking-in rule for safety reasons, but the administrators can sometimes go a little too far with the rules. The teachers are generally kind and helpful, but I do agree with the fact that some of them seriously need to get fired for their rudeness and lack of disciplining skills. I am, however, impressed with the wide variety of after-school opportunities here.
—Submitted by a student

My experience at Seigel Middle was not great. I think the school is run more like a dictatorship than a learing place. Some teachers are nice and helpful, but the majority is not helpful. Teachers tend to worry more about the dress code than about the way things effect us. Also there is alot of verbal bullying that the teachers seem to turn thier backs on. It was as if they didnt want to acknowledge that the school had any forms of problems. I did meet some of my best friends there so that was a positive.
—Submitted by a student

I like siegel. I have made good friends there and everyone is very nice. Teachers are very nice. But sometimes teachers can ruin students school experience by putting down student sprit. There is a fine line in which students must walk and if not done the exact way teachers want it the student will be in serious trouble, which can either be a good thing or a bad depending on how peolpe see things. The school teaches us alot of responsiblity though.

My daughter is going on her 3rd year at Siegel Middle. She has truly 'blossomed' in the positive atmosphere. The teachers are very knowledgable about the curriculum and teach with varied strategies. The principal can seem stern, but he seems to have the best interests of the children in mind. I appreciate it that he doesn't cater to the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is very happy at siegel middle. She has got a great education and I couldnt ask for more
—Submitted by a parent

All the negative reviews are surprising. My daughter has had a wonderful year at siegel middle. The teachers have been accessible and encouraging. My daughter has extreme physical challenges. The principlal has responded to all my questions and to the needs of my child. She is also intellectually gifted. She has been challenged by her teachers and learned much.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is kept at a very cold temperature which would obviously make students uncomfortable, as well as having a dress code which would perpetuate an unpleasant learning experience. Both boys and girls are required to tuck their shirts into their clothes. This not only discourages individuality, but would be a distraction to students like my daughter, who have a problem with their body image. This is an archaic practice. This is not the 1950s'. The students are only given 4 minutes between classes, which is an inadequate amount of time to use the bathroom if needed, or to gather materials needed for classwork.
—Submitted by a parent

As this school year comes to an end, I am hoping for a better experience for my child next year. If it were possible I would have my child attend any other school but Siegel. The teachers incompentent as well as just plain rude. Parents are not encouraged to get involved with their childs teachers in fact when you show interest in what is going on in the classroom the teachers become very defensive. This makes me wonder if they are hiding something. One teacher in particular should retire, she is probably the most miserable woman I have ever met. No compassion, but you better have your belt on and your shirt tucked in! If more energy was spent on getting to know the students and less time worrying about a belt, perhaps it would be a positive atmosphere for a child to be in.
—Submitted by a parent

Well my son had a okay experience. I don't believe that children of different backgrounds are given a fair opportunity at this particular school. There is not much diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

Siegel Middle School has proven to be an excellent choice for my son. This is his second year (now in 7th) and he really enjoys it. We are pleased not only with the teachers, but also the extracurricular activities such as band, sports, etc. Siegel welcomes parent involvement in all activities. It's a great school!
—Submitted by Laura Williams-Marcum, a parent

The principal is stern, can be cocky, but also fair with discipline issues. The teachers are not concerned with peer pressure and language, etc. I know they are not babysitters, but it would help if they would open their eyes and try to worry about things that affect students vs. worrying so much about if they have on a belt. The teachers are rude to the students and don't show much compassion. They try to hide things going on in the school to protect their image. I'm looking to private schools for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

At Siegel I can honestly say, every student is treated fairly and treated the same. There are no favorite privileged few here. The schools academics are wonderful and the administration and staff are to be commended. My kid follows the rules and never has one single problem, but then again, we don't expect special treatment. If you want your kid to learn send them to Siegel.
—Submitted by a parent

The other feedback is correct. This is a dictatorship! The principal should take anger management classes. I can't believe this man is allowed to be in the school setting. He is a time bomb waiting to erupt! To be fair, some of the teachers (mainly the 7th grade) are wonderful. However, some of them are so old and can't teach very well anymore. I think they must be there to just get a paycheck. This school is beautiful but needs an administration makeover!
—Submitted by a parent

Siegel Middle School is definitly 'Setting Higher Standards'. The teachers, staff, and administration are always going the extra mile. Because of grants written by teachers, administrators, and staff the school has recieved money to incorporate a wireless laptop lab that teachers can check out to use in their classroom. This enhances learning and definitly teaches skills that the students will need as adults. There are sports and clubs that allow every student to find a place to become involved from trap and skeet teams, a Siegel Cares for Pets club (helps out the local humane society), to Art Clubs, Choir, Jazz Band, Cross Country, Beta Club. You name it and Siegel has it. Yes, there is a dress code. It is county mandated and enforced by the teachers and administration. It keeps allL of the students and teachers safe. Siegel is a fantastic school.
—Submitted by a teacher