Haggard Middle School

My daughter attended Haggard for three years, and I saw the principal one time at one school event. Unacceptable. The staff at this school is just OK. Not a lot of longevity, and high attrition. After three years, I was pretty underwhlemed by Haggard.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Haggard for a few months during a transition. The teachers went out of their way to help her integrate into the school as a 7th grader. She had come directly from a 6th grade elementary program and was able to adjust quickly with the support offered. The teachers immediately recognized her academic strength and moved her to honors courses despite her only being at the school for 3 months. She loved Haggard and was sad to leave but I am extremely thankfull for the help and support we received from the staff during our short time there. It was also a diverse school but very inclusive and accepting. Overall a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had both a son and daughter attend this school for all 3 years. My daughter did very well, as she always does. My son struggled every year. At the end of this 8th grade year, he had failed Math and had to go to summer school (which I felt was a waste of time because he is still not prepared for 9th grade math). Overall I think Haggard is a good school, but they are not prepared to deal with kids with different learning styles. And they all 'teach to the TAKS', which I think is very unfortunate. The teacher's paychecks are directly linked to how the kids perform on those TAKS tests, so for many of them - that is their motivation. It's a shame, because the kids end up not really learning what they need to learn to succeed and are pushed through 'the system.'
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, the teachers work very hard with the students. I think there could be a few more extracurricular activities for the 6th graders to participate in, but educationally it's a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school's smaller size is a plus. Kids and teachers seem able to get to know each other a bit more. There is a large assortment of classes for the high-achieving or gifted student, but electives are rather sparse. If your child doesn't want to go to speech, drama, fine arts route, there's really not much available. Other Plano middle schools seem to offer a wider variety of electives and include practical life skills courses and more technical education. Seventh and eighth graders only have one year of such electives available. The social environment of the school is somewhat unique within Plano. Kids hang out in boy-girl groups more so than at other middle schools. There appears to be a lot more physical affection openly visible around the campus. This can be disconcerting. Students also loiter outside the school after classes let out for the day.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a small middle school for the Plano District. The staff and teachers are very well qualified, the curriculum includes pre-AP, honors, PACE, and regulars classes that are interesting and challenging. They encourage critical thinking and community envolvement. There are a variety of clubs and sport for children to participate in and because the school is smaller, they have a better chance of playing. The teachers at this schools are especially warm and caring. I suffered a critical illness while my child was at Haggard. The teachers and staff spent extra time with her to make sure she was ok and frequently emailed me to check on our families situation. It made a really rough time much easier for her to handle and was certainly above and beyond what I would have expected from the teaching staff at any school.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that Haggard Middle school is a very Fun school.. My Son and Daughter both enjoyed going there and wish all the fellow student luck!
--Submitted by a teacher

Haggard Middle School was an excellent, smaller middle school until Debbie Holland was made the Dean. She is unfair, rigid.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family are new to the PISD this year. Thus far, we are pleased with the overall education that our son is receiving from Haggard Middle School. We are so pleased with the teachers and the quality of advanced programs that this school has to offer. The teachers at this school work very hard to engage and help the students think 'outside the box'. I know that my son is challenged, motivated and excited about school when I hear his enthusiam about the things they are learning and doing. Keep up the excellent work Haggard teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

The academic program for students enrolled in regular (not honors or advanced) classes is adequate. Teachers exhibit concern for the most part and strive to help students meet school and state standards. Teachers show a willingness to spend extra time and energy on concepts that the students do not understand. The discipline is above average. Extracurricular programs are high quality.
--Submitted by a parent