Arizona Middle School

This year my daughter started 6th grade at Arizona. I was hesitant because I know the school was having issue. Last year my sister dealt with the principle and vice principle not taking care of issues. They act like they don't care. This year new principal. So far he is amazing. Trying to get more activities going and he is really interacting with the kids. My daughters teachers are helping her. She's struggled and her teachers this year are taking the time to help. The only thing that needs work on at this school is the parking, I wish they had someone watching it cause people don't know how to drive.

My son started Arizona the beginning of his 6th grade year 2013-2014. Right away he started getting bullied. I went into the office to speak to the school principal Traci J. Vaughan. She brushed it off like no big deal and she would be contacting me the next day. Sadly I'm still waiting on that phone call 1 1/2 later. She did absolutely nothing! Her staff said she had gone on vacation for a week. She didn't even let Her staff know about the incident. When I spoke to the vice principal he had no clue about what was going on! The bullying has continued over and over, time after time I have walked into the office to speak to the principle and when she's not out on vaction, she's unavailable. My son is now in 7th grade and the bullying has only gotten worse! He comes home beat up. He has new bruises on him daily and a bloody lip. He gets kicked down to the floor and punched in the face and pushed into the mud. This school has major issues! I've been kicked out of the office by the principle and she's said she never wants to speak to me again! She's told me I am overreacting and I am an unprofessional person. She said my son and I are a problem to her!

This school has no reviews from 2009-20012 and only 1 in 2013. There are great reviews from 2008 and before. These reviews are definately outdated. This school provides students with limited (if any) opportunities for extra curricular activities. Cheerleaders, soccer team, and any other sport at this school is only based on who you know and does not give all students equal opportunity to join a sport. In the past, school is undoubtedly the best place for children to be involved in sports. This school does not promote that. You can only be a part of the sports team or activities, if you know someone who is doing the picking and choosing. The college promotion program (AVID) at Arizona Middle School is not for everyone to join. In fact they interview your student and then send a letter whether you are accepted into the program or rejected in being college bound. My daughter took the initiative and wanted to be a part of this program. After 1 interview with 1 person, she received a letter of rejection. So, basically there are no activities that your child can be apart of unless they interview and are approved by the interviewer. This leaves a student with no opportunities to improve.

Middle school is difficult. Not everyone gets along, but staff tries their best to stop and prevent bullying. The teachers are fun and most know what they're doing. Arizona isn't the nicest looking school but many students, staff, and parents try and keep it clean. It's fifty years old, it shouldn't look brand new and perfect. Overall, Arizona Middle School gives students a good education and makes things fun. I loved my three years at Arizona and I will miss it when I go to Hillcrest.