Middlesex Elementary School

This school, and its sister middle school, have pulled themselves up academically in recent years. Unfortunately, however, the SOL scores for the Middlesex high school remain dismally low. Despite the improvement for the elementary school, I took my daughter out because she was not sufficiently challenged (and was bored). I recently found out the school doesn't even conduct spelling bees, which I cannot understand - what message does that give to kids about the importance of mastering the English language? I know that MIddlesex is a relatively poor county, but how much can it cost to open up the cafeteria one night for an hour or two? One last note: the county really should cough up a little money to train the ladies in the front office how to act (even if they don't feel like it) like normal, friendly human beings.
—Submitted by a parent

When my daughter first started at the school I was very happy with the school. The school has a small school atmosphere and the staff seems to get to know the kids. They were also very good about recognizing parents. I have been very pleased academically as well. However, My daughter had never had a problem with bullies until she came to this school. I am very disappointed in their lack of concern for all students. I spoke with the teacher several times about the issues my daughter was having in school. I told my daughter to speak up as well and she got brushed off. There was a point when I thought the school was doing their part to handle this. I was led to believe by the teacher that the kids bullying my child had been sent to the principals office after an incident . But after my daughter refused to go to school one day and I went into the office. They claimed to know nothing about it. Even though I stayed on top of it after that they seemed to just sit on their thumbs. I will be glad when I can find another place to live outside of this district. My daughter used to love school but now hates it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very impressed by this school. My child has been diagnosed with ADHD. The teachers and staff have been very willing to work with us as we find the best medication and treatment. The school works closely with parents to help all children with their needs. The principal keeps all parents informed about school events and needs with phone / text messages. My child's teachers have been fantastic, caring professionals. I couldn't be happier with our school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not that impressed with the office attendees or the principal, they seem stressed out when I am in the office. They have never said,"hi!" when I walk in. During Girl Scout Cookie season I was rudely approached and told "now is not a good time". When offering free clothes to students at the school, I inquired as to how does one register their child? They did a one up and down on me and assumed my needs were of no importance and said to me, we sent home applications in the childrens folders of the needy students. You would know if you got an application"
—Submitted by a parent

To not be allowed to walk your grandchild to her class, what has school become prisons without bars or hiding something...we are asked to get involved they say, and yet we can't even walk a child down the hallway to their class....we are talking a (5 year old)...very distrubing...

In 2010, Middlesex Elementary School is led by a Principal and Assistant Principal who appear to be a team. They held a creative event last night at our local FOOD LION that was absolutely superb. It involved and engaged entire families to support math reasoning and practical application in a familiar setting. It was well organized and allowed parents to meet and greet one another at the end over refreshments set up in the store. What an awesome project to promote academic success at ALL GRADE LEVELS in the school and in the community. WELL DONE MES!
—Submitted by a parent

Let me just say that my experience with Middlesex Elementary has been nothing but positive!!! Having one child that is reading above his grade level and another child that is having some difficulty is certain areas, the school has worked to meet both of their needs. The ladies in the office know just about every parent by name and make it a point to learn who each child belongs to. Not only is Mrs. Banks, the principal, doing an amazing job making sure that the students are being taught, she also takes time with parents and provides a safe and loving environment for the students to learn. The teachers are nothing short of amazing!! The best decision I ever made for my children was to have them in the Middlesex School system!!
—Submitted by Heather Morton, a parent