Margaret Brent Middle School

Our son is new to the public school system and I heard lots of horror stories regarding MBMS. So far, none have come to fruition. We've had our issues with teachers and administration this year, but so far the good teachers have outweighed the bad. I do have an issue with homework. There virtually is none, which is not the norm nor the recommended by the Maryland Dept. of Education. When addressing the principal regarding this, he stated it was too much of a burden for the teacher to plan. Basically, typical liberal weak jargon. However, many of the teachers are beginning to step up to the plate and assign homework on their own after myself and some other parents voiced our concern, as well as backing up our concerns with state funded research. MBMS typically teaches to the lowest common denominator, which I'm finding is the case for most middle schools in St. Mary's County. Hence, as a parent, I am supplementing at home in the science class he has, which is taught by a teacher that would rather talk football than astronomy, by his own admission. The counseling office is outstanding as well as the liberal arts teachers. Science department is weak, but we are coping.

I was a bit apprehensive about my son starting school at MBMS this year. I had heard the communication was nil. So far, I have found that to be anything but the truth. All but one of his teachers is really great at putting up the homework on the HAC website. His social studies teacher even called us to say she was proud of him for being one of 4 students who made an "A" on his first test. Other teachers have been highly communicative as well. One teacher and the counselor were very kind regarding our son's sensitivity to noise when the teacher picked up on it during class. Our son struggles in keeping track of things and understanding assignments correctly, yet we've managed pretty well and we're into October already. He loves Marg. Brent and says the teachers treat him like he's "not a little kid". He loves the independence and responsibility. Now if I can just figure out how to get that one teacher to communicate and to follow her own policies....

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As a teacher, I love this school! I have been teaching for 6 years and am new to this school and I really like it. Despite the usual stresses that come along with being a teacher, I feel that the administration really tries to help out their teachers when they are in need. The discipline is strong and the students learn early on the consequences of their actions. I used to teach at another middle school in the county and I love this school much more!