Eric Dahlstrom Middle School

A new year, a new leader and 300+ tranfer students from ailing Barton and Simon MIddle Schools. Class sizes are jumping to 30 students because of the transfers. I am so glad this is my kids last year in this increasingly over crowded district. The teachers at DMS are amazing, but I am not sure if they are prepared for the HUGE classes. While I realize that the kids from BMS snd SMS deserve a good education, does it have to come at the cost of my kids? I moved here for DMS, now I am moving again to a smaller district - Dripping or Wimberley- for the same reason I came here. I just hope the stressful conditions don't affect my childrens educaion this year.
—Submitted by a parent

Hi I am a student at Dahlstrom Middle School. DMS has the best education you can give your child. The teachers and staff stay late after school to give your child the time they need to do their best that they can do. They put their own time in to making your child succeed. I am an 8th grader and have been here all 3 years, and even though we got a new principal she try to do the best for us. I reccomend this school for anyone who wants their child to succeed! Love your fellow 8th grader J _ _ _ _ _ _ :)

I am a proud Mustang Mom! I have had multiple children go to Dahlstrom and have volunteered there for 11 years now while each of them went through school. I only have GREAT things to say about it. I know getting a new principal always shakes things up, but I have always found an open door and ear when it comes to Dr. Thurman as well as the staff. They all do an outstanding job! I wouldn't have my kids go anywhere else! GO STANGS!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at dhalstrom middle school and I'm in 8th grade. i believe that although dr. thurmans policies are strict they are in the best interest of this school. i am a football player and compete in many other sports. as for the previous comment downsizing my school, i believe that our school is not bully free and some students are racist at times they are just retaliating from other problems. some parents think that social classes exist in school but nobodies perfect every child gets bullied. especially the popular ones. The teachers are great and overall the students are outgoing and warm to new and shunned students. please don't let a few bad reviews spoil your view of my amazing school. GO MUSTANGS oh and HIT BY A BUS for my fellow 8th graders;)

Hi I'm student at dahlstom middle school, i really like the school it makes me feel welcome. They have so much to offer as well. I love the pricipal and the vice prinipal as well. I really love this school, I've never had any bulling of any sort and never heard of someone getting bullied also. Go mustangs! :D

hated it, very racist students who d not have any respect for themselves, teachers, or the school facilities. teachers do try but students make it impossible many times reports of substitutes calling children names and very cruel ones. students take pride in public vandalism and other approve of it. very predigest . i am sorry that some people try to make it a good school while most students cannot control themselves. i am a former student. glad to have moved.

It is a new beginning for our principal so I can only base her leadership on the short few months thus far. She has a VISION of direction, following the DISTRICT POLICIES that have most always been there but not strongly enforced, putting our teachers accountable for reaching out to their students for the better as the teachers put their students accountable for themselves. Our school should be rated at the highest level and I feel she is the right leader for this job! Stirring things up a little but for the better of our students!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children go through this school and I find it is a warm, positive and inviting middle school. The principals know all the students and the curriculum keeps them challenged. The students seem to accept what each wants to be a part of--band, athletics, UIL competitions--without judgement and support each other. Unusual for a middle school! Mrs. Gartzke has been wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school...they focus on your childs education! The teachers are fabulous and the learning environment is very positive.
—Submitted by a parent

Great attention paid to students with learning disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Dahlstrom Middle School because the teachers are fabulous and my daughter has loved being there!
—Submitted by a parent

Hi i'm a student at Dahlstrom and I enjoy it so much. I'm in the 6th grade and am enjoying this year just as much as every other happy 6th grader. The teachers are great. The principal makes school awesome (so is the vice principal) The band teachers are fun too. Amazing athletic program. There is just something about Dahlstrom that makes a lot of kids want to go to school.
—Submitted by a student

We are fairly new to the Buda area and our daughter is in 6th grade, so we do not have a long history with Dahlstrom, but from the viewpoint of somebody new, we and our daughter love the school. She is doing great in her classes and seems to have teachers that really care about her. And, we have seen the Principal out in the hallways being encouraging to the kids. I feel like our daughter is in a safe and positive environment. When we moved to the Austin area, It was difficult finding a Middle School that seemed to have the attributes that we were looking for. Therefore, we are extremely pleased with Dahlstrom.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our sons second year at Dahlstrom, and I think the teahers here are great, They've always listened to any concerns we've had and have always been more than willing to help our son with any of his subjects. I belive it's good that the teachers give the students responsibilities, so that they know there are consequences if they disregard them. Its a Life Lesson to be accountable for your own actions. We think the school is very good, considering how many students attend, and the how many people are moving to the area. I commend the teaches for keeping up with the high standards they have set. Great job Dahlstrom Teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, please bring these concerns to the attention of our administration! As a teacher at Dahlstrom, I generally enjoy the working environment, but it is impossible for us to address your concerns if you do not voice them. Thank you!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have had 4 children so far attend Dahlstrom with my oldest being a Senior this year. They have had the same principle since that time. She is very hard to deal with and listens very poorly to parent concerns. I am not too sure that she does have 100% concern about her students. I have not been happy with her.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a hard time getting teachers to keep me informed about my son's grades. The kids do not bring home progress reports for each class and I don't usually get them becuase he 'lost it' or 'it's not passed out yet' I understand that he is responsible for this but I am ultimately responsible for his well being and grades. The teachers complain they have too many kids to contact me about my son's individual grades. I understand they have many kids but any teacher knows that that is part of being a public school teacher. Instead of discouraging parents who want to be involved and care about there children's education they should be eager to work with them to give the kids the best education possible. I
—Submitted by a parent

Classes have too many kids. They dump a ton of responsibility on the kids but don't teach them how to learn to be accountable, causing them to fail. I will say the music program is very good, and certain teachers are very good, but overall this school is not great and does not handle individualism in children well at all.
—Submitted by a parent