Conway Middle School

ok i guess. still too early to say

As a new parent to this school for my 8th grader, I am highly disappointed. Meet the teacher was scheduled from 5-7 at the same time as the local zoned elementary school, so if you have a student at both schools how are you are supposed to get off work, drive to each open house and do both within that time? I am sure it would be doable, but Conway had no signage or any sort of organization. All the staff were so busy chit chatting & catching up with all the students and parents, which is great, but this is a short amount of time to pick up your student's schedule, walk through the school and meet the teachers. Administration should have been clear to make this a productive and informational event. There should have been signs for the guidance counselors sitting at tables in the cafeteria. Unless you know who everyone is, you will be completely lost. It was utter confusion and chaos. Even now when I talk to some of the staff, they are "polite", shaking your hand, but do not listen to what you are saying and are very dismissive. They see you standing there but are too busy talking to each other about personal stuff to address you. Then you have to interrupt them because you have business to talk about, and then they are rude and condescending. It's basic poor customer service. Drop off & pickup is chaotic too with no one there directing traffic. The only person that I have met with that seems to know what they're doing is the staffing specialist (that's why they have two stars instead of one). We came from Freedom Middle - last year they had the best front office staff and ESE specialist. The previous year's Principal was awesome and is now at Boone High, so at least I can look forward to next year. I am a very involved parent and have 2 children with IEP's in OCPS. Over the past 9 years I have been active as a PTA/PTSA member (past board member and chair), SAC (including SIP committee), ADDitions volunteer and chaperone. I am not a typical parent complaining about some nonsense like school board policies that are out of the control of the admin. I'm highly invested in my kids' education. I have a law degree and forgo working so I can ensure my kids succeed in school. I'm just hoping this school proves me wrong.

Conway has been a horrible experience in almost every way. The administration is shockingly ineffective and unresponsive to parental concerns. Part of the huge bullying problem seems to be provoked and encouraged by the school's handling of bullying situations, by actually giving more power to the bullies and punishing the victims. The curriculum is concentrated on only two subjects. The school inundates the kids with advanced content without teaching them anything. There is a huge problem with cutting and depression amongst the students, which honestly is not surprising. As a parent, i am overwhelmed and ready to throw the towel in; i can only imagine how a middle school student feels. There are some great teachers and the sixth grade guidance counselor is wonderful, but there is only so much they can do under such horrible leadership.

My daughter went here for all three years and graduated just this past year and now our son is going into 7th grade. We love Conway Middle! They have so many programs and opportunities for their students. My children have not met a teacher they did not like yet....