River Bend Middle School

We also had a problem with bullying at this school. My child was bullied and so are many others. Since this has never happened to my child before attending River Bend (or since), I believe it was the culture and lack of discipline at this school that caused the problem. The administration made only minimal effort with short-sighted solutions and no serious consequences for the bullies. I do not believe the parents of the bullies were ever informed of their kids behavior. Despite months of complaints the bullying became worse over time as the bullies became more aggressive. The student body is so accustomed to this behavior they stand by silently. This is unfortunate for those being bullied, and in particular for the bullies themselves. Being permitted to treat others this way will harm them too. My family is out of the situation but sincerely hopes the school will take more proactive steps to stop and prevent bullying activity at the school. The teachers noticed when the bullying affected academic performance, but failed to take effective action. The guidance counselor is friendly with the bullies and unwilling to have difficult conversations with the bully's parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I have both six and seventh graders in this school. This school has great programs like Strings. I am concerned with some a couple of teachers that need to show a little more structure in their classrooms. I have had complaints from both kids. They are saying kids talk during class and the teacher does not send them to the principle and they do not respect the teacher, making it hard to learn the lesson being tought. Now on the other hand, there are teachers that have great passion and care for all students and have great communication with parents thru email and calls. I think this is vital in a world that we the parents have to work and do not know what might be happening during school time. I wish they would make this a mandate for teacher to follow. Communication is vital to student success. If the principle address the problem areas I would be happy to give them a 5 out of 5 score, but at this time I must give them a 4 star. i do recommend this school but make sure you have good communication with your childs teacher or they might fall thru the cracks. Good Luck!
—Submitted by a parent

Academically - very good school Extra curriculum activities many programs that will challenge our kids Teacher student interaction teachers keep challenge all the students tare want to achieve their higher potential Teacher parent interaction very strong as long as the parent is involved in its child education Security I feel very secure while my kid is in school Student help school has programs that can work individually with each student Teacher accessibility teachers return phone calls or emails in less than 24 hours and take the time to talk with parents and students at all time. Teachers take the time to address personal questions and work with parents and students Secretary When you call the school they are very nice on the phone and very prompt on delivering your phone calls. But they are not very friendly, I never felt welcomed in the front office, they do not
—Submitted by a parent

Academically the school has been good and I most of my sons teachers are excellent. The music program is awesome! On the other hand there is a huge problem with bullying. My 6th grade son has been picked on, threatened and teased. As a result he went from a straight A student to grades slipping. Without our help and encourarement he would have failed 3 classes. This has not been a positive environment and it is very upsetting. The guidance counselor has been a good resource. Unfortunately, she hasn't been able to stop the taunting. At least once a week something else happens. Needless to say, we aren't happy and won't return next year.
—Submitted by a parent

River bend is a great schol we just move to this area and all the teacher really help my children in every way possible become comfortable A+ I currently have a 6th and 8th grader.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically a great school. However, needs to work on embracing more of a strings program to compliment it's great band and chorus programs. Also, needs to look at after-school extra-curricular drama production as just that - extra-curricular. Should not be used as the central high-light of the school. Focus should go back to the academics.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two daughters attend River Bend and have found it to be a positive experience for both of them. The school has rules that it enforces which results in respectful interactions between students and staff. The arts programs are absolutely top notch with enthusiastic teachers and a principal that is amazingly supportive. The team concept allows for individual attention to each child. The office staff, counselors and school nurse are caring and helpful. Most teachers are highly qualified and supportive, and there is a wonderful program in place for gifted and talented learners. The PTA is active and parents are always made to feel welcome on campus. As a military family, we've experienced lots of schools in lots of states, and I can say River Bend is one of the best!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a major issue with teachers favoring students and not paying attention to the individual needs of students. Also the students are seperated into groups: black/hispanic group,white/asian,and everyone else is just pushed off to the side and ignored. Also racism issues are put aside even when teachers are notified about them.
—Submitted by a former student

One of the best area schools for comprehensive arts and music education, with a superb guitar and orchestral strings program for young musicians. Fighting an underlying problem with bullying (symptom of our culture of violence): citizens are actively working with the sheriff's office, SRO program and politicians to combine forces to change this. School board is being held accountable. The elementary school and high school on either side of this school have no significant problems in this area. Corrective adjustments are in process. Overall, parents are involved and actively seek to participate in activities and academia. This school has great potential, is in a wonderfully culturally diverse population with limitless opportunities for students.
—Submitted by Beverly Miller, a parent