I had high hopes for this middle school when selecting a magnet school for my child. During my school tour, although an older campus, I liked the fact that the school was sponsored by Verizon and provided children with iPads. The fact that this school had a STEAM program and clubs that my child would enjoy was something to consider and ended up being the top 3 choices. The STEAM director is well organized and I enjoyed the fact that there were opportunities for kids to get to know each other before school started during their summer bridge program and a 2-day orientation. However, I was under the impression that the STEAM Magnet program was an actual program like GATE but it turns out it is an elective class. I thought the same group of students would be in a program specifically designed and centered around STEAM Magnet. my child was accepted into a GATE program but I chose Sutter and I'm beginning to regret my decision.
I still have high hopes for this school but so far I'm not a impressed as I once was. Kids are constantly pushing one another and rude. My child has been hit by a ball during PE (not on accident) and has been pushed multiple times. Kids constantly cut in line and no one is monitoring the lines. I would think that by middle school kids understand the concept of standing in line and waiting their turn!
During dismissal, at the gym, there is pushing from the crowd of kids in the back to the front as they all exit the gym / PE area. This is a safety hazard and I notified the staff but I don't know if anything was done because it still happens. I guess preventative measures aren't a priority until something bad truly happens or maybe they are under staffed.
The last incident that left this school questionable is the fact that when my child asked for help/ clarification on an assignment the "educator" responded with "we already went over that". Excuse me but of all the years from K- 12 and at university and work onboarding I've never had an educator or trainer tell me that. I don't know about you but if a child is learning complex concepts (or an adult) they do not always grasp the knowledge immediately. What is wrong with a teacher going over what they taught with a student to clarify the instructions or concept being taught. Isn't this what teaching pedagogy is all about? Not to mention, isn't education also about equity and inclusivity? I hope educators and administrators remember why they went into teaching in the first place. This is not a self- directed asynchronous class. Teachers should be willing to go over concepts students don't understand but I guess at least the bare minimum was done. They showed up and taught the class. I get it teachers have left education in droves however, those who choose to stay should teach and not refuse to go over concepts just because you "went over it already". As a nurse, my professor didn't tell me, 'we went over how to draw blood already.' No, they were happy to review it with me after they taught the class. Students shouldn't be afraid or taught that that they cannot ask questions or clarification. After all, learning involves asking questions and asking the teacher for help.
As for students and the school, my hope is that it becomes a safe place for students to be able to actually enjoy school and learning. My child was so excited and now they don't enjoy going to school. The spark and joy of learning fizzled out. School should be fun and safe. A place that cultivates a positive learning environment. Not fear of being bullied, pushed or being "different". Student safety should be of utmost importance when it comes to attending school. In addition, being a school proud promoting student inclusion and positive environment. There should be clubs and opportunities for all students to get to know each other. it's almost October and clubs haven't started yet (which was one of the reasons my child chose this school to begin with). Are the priorities just to "get by"? Don't tell parent that student safety is a priority just to pacify the situation. When you tell parents something will be done about student safety, they expect something to be done.
Again, I'm hopeful. I wish as much effort goes into the entire school as the Magnet teacher put towards the program and the summer bridge program. It was organized and full of promise. The reality of the school and program doesn't match the caliber of what I perceived the STEAM Magnet program to be. I get it burn out can set in but it shouldn't be at the expense of children's safety and education. Just how burn out in the healthcare field shouldn't be at the expense of their patient's lives. I hope more educators are like Ms. Boswell. I don't know the extent of what she does at Sutter but from my interactions with her and what I've seen she is perceived to be an organized and caring educator. read more
