Rodgers Middle School

Most of the reviews on here are generic in nature, more than likely from irritated students so I thought I would place a factual rating in. Compared to other schools in the area, such as Bell Creek Middle Academy, this school is a 5 but there is growth still needed so I rated it a 4. Every school has three parts... teachers/staff, students, and parents. A great school has all three strong. I am giving this school a 4 star rating because I find there are a lot of positive strives and effort than there are negative from the three groups. They are heavy with sports, have an active FFA, and band.

With this school no longer receiving Title 1 funding, they do the best they can. The PTA pushes to lift spirits and focus on getting funds to improve the school. Utilizing technology is at a unusual point for this school as you have students who don't have access, but also they don't take advantage of Office 365 which is available to kids for free, this follows them up through High school for use. I think there is a gap here and it could be helped if a kind donor(s) could get the needed tech in place. Lets face it, everyone will need to know how to use tech and type and most of these kids don't know how.

Teachers
Overall the teachers look for effort from their students, not money or perfect behavior - but effort. Most teachers spend lunch breaks, before school and after school helping any student that asks. Supplies are well thought out and my kid does not have to carry luggage around to learn and function in classes.

The assistant principal is amazing as she will spend time finding out what is going on with your student, what behaviors can be modified. Ideas on questions to ask to dig deeper into your mysterious middle schooler. She listens and shows true care. I've never met an assistant principal like this from any private, choice, or public school before. She truly cares about her students.

The principal is very active and all over the school. I don't think I have ever seen him sitting down. An active principal is a great sign, they listen to the heartbeat and make sure there are things moving as intended. Every Sunday we receive a call with the next weeks "happenings".

Students and Parents
Every year you get a new batch in and you hope a new batch out as students move forward. Yes, there are fights (what middle school doesn't have fights?). There are some interesting rules for bathroom breaks because of kids skipping classes, but part of this falls to parents/kids relationships and home life along with having issues academically or needing more... kids aren't good at explaining how they feel right now. There are advanced classes available. The key is staying in communication with the teachers as a parent. I think that social media/parent communication needs to grow. I've been at schools with larger parent involvement. It doesn't mean they need to be standing at the school, it means they need to be mindful of things to come and understand what is expected of their kids. It is amazing how things can change when you start to do that as a parent with your kid.

Overall this school has major potential. I think if everyone took ownership of their spot at Rodgers they could accomplish so much more. Maybe clubs can focus on making the school better. Internally taking charge. Who knows, the sky's the limit!