Totem Middle School

Totem is doing a great job. The most recent MSP test scores showed Totem Students beat every other Middle School in Marysville on Math, even 10th Street. The teachers all use the same disciplinary tools so there is continuity in discipline. They have pre-teach classes where students go for an hour depending on which subject they need extra help in, and it has an extended day starting earlier. There is a lot of emphasis on taking responsibility for your self and striving to improve. Having the co-op there helps increase parent involvement. I just wish more kids were in the co-op classes they have quite a few vacancies still. Mr. Kalahan has done an excellent job turning this school around, he is committed and involved he goes to the PTA meetings and helps where he can, he seems to be very open to innovative and creative problem solving. This school has greatly changed in the last couple of years and I would absolutely recommend it especially the MCEP(co-op) block classes.
--Submitted by a parent

The Staff at this school are very rude. Parents mean nothing to the principal and teachers. The teachers treat these students like they are worthless. The students carry no rights here at all. The buildings have been ran into the ground. This is a older school witch I don't believe is a problem as the age of a school doesnt make it better or worse. The problem is the staff. the teachers and the principal absolutely don't want to do nothing about the school and it's poor and very unsafe conditrion. How are our students gonna learn in this enviroment. The teachers here are all over paid and under qualified. They don't deserve to teach our kids, If they can't respect the building. As a communtiy we need to stand together and demand a complete restaffing of this school. Every staff member here needs to be let go, hopefully with a new staff the buildings can be cleaned up and the students can recieve the education they deserve from a public school.
--Submitted by a parent

Totem was the recipient of the 2010 Washington Achievement Award for the most improved test scores over a three year period. There is much more work to be done, but for those who visit Totem they can feel the energy of change. I am impressed by the changes in Parent Involvement. A parent is welcomed at the office by a parent liaison and helped with whatever they need, including finding a place to volunteer. The Totem PTSA is a strong, vital and growing organization. My student is in the new MCEP blocks 6-8. MCEP has partnered with Totem to bring our parent involvement and partnership philosophy to middle school. MCEP k-5 is the highest rated school in Marysville, and it is great to bring this type of learning to Middle School students at Totem.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to enroll my student. I was concerned about security. The school is on a main street and it would be easy for a student to leave without anyone noticing. I was on school grounds for quite some time and not challenged. I'm very concerned reading the student comments in this forum. I see multiple spelling/grammar errors. If this is what education is getting us then I must think of home schooling. I also saw some of the same type of errors in the parent reviews.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school is great! It realy has changed alot scince the past few years with this only being my second year i can realy see that the teachers are realy helpful caring and understanding. Totem is a school where we can be family, the staff is very understanding and will help you with ANY problems. But i do think they realy need help on remodeling it. in some parts it does look like it needs help like paint and stuff.But otherwise i would recomend this school to any body who would like to have fun and learn realy well..
--Submitted by a student

Both my son and daughter are attending Totem. I think the faculty try very hard to do the best they can with the students. It seems to me, there are alot of parents who need to take more responsibility for their students poor scores. There is high capacity learner classes for those who can keep up. There are extra classes and tutoring for those who fall behind. My kids and I have loved Totem. I have volunteered and worked with some of the students here. I believe (whole heartedly) that the poor school rating has much more to do with the parents in this area than the faculty. Totem Middle School is great!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is entering her second year at this school, and I must say that I think this school is not the same school that other reviewers are talking about. Granted some are old reviews, but I think that it's only fair to say that I can name at least very 4 attentive and committed teachers that are helping my daughter grow into responsible, professional adult. Thank you, Totem staff!
--Submitted by a parent

My opinion on Totem Middle School is that the staff needs to really work on their teaching skills. Alot of teachers grade harshly to those students who do their best work possible. Teachers need to pay attention more to what the students have to say, but mostly they want to listen to what they wanna hear. Which makes them seem very careless. Above all of these cons, Totem does do a very good job with taking care of big situations which is helfpul. Totem needs to step up a little and try to to the best needed.
--Submitted by a student

This school is poorly managed. Not only is it painted like a jail with bars everywhere, but teacher involvement is terrible. Teachers here do not pay attention to the students or help them when they are struggling. they are also very disorganized and will lose papers then say the student didnt turn the paper in. The only good thing about this school is their music program. i would not recomend this school.
--Submitted by a student

I love this school! this school is one of the least troubled schools of the area. Sure, it may have the people who make fun of you and stuff, but doesnt every school have that? The teachers are really good. Some of them fall short but on the majority they are good i would recomend this school to anyone!
--Submitted by a student