Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 20:56     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Anonymous wrote:Not to hijack, but I have seen many posts about weak teachers in the lower school. Is it really that bad in the lower school?
We are currently an applying family.
Would love more details from OP as to why the teachers are perceived to be weak. Many thanks.


I have two children who have been in LS since kindergarten, and their teachers have been wonderful. My kids have formed close bonds with all of their homeroom teachers; they have been challenged to take greater risks; they feel safe and supported; and they love school. There have been many changes at the school since we've been there, but they've rolled with them. I feel comfortable that my children will be academically prepared for any high school environment, and equally important, I appreciate the benefits they derive from the school's investment in the arts, PE, and character education. No school is perfect, and as anywhere, there are stronger and weaker teachers at Norwood. However, we have been very satisfied with our children's experience.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 20:44     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
I agree with 17:01 and the recent posters. We have two kids in Norwood and they are doing fine. To the poster with the negative comment, did you ever wonder why the teachers may be recommending tutoring? Is it possible that your DC may actually need tutoring? I hope you find a school that is a better fit for your child.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 18:50     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Maybe it's time for you to find another school. Both my children thrived at Norwood and are way better human beings for having spent 9 years there. It might just not be the right fit for you because, in my experience, it's all about the fit. We are grateful to Norwood for the whole child experience it gave my children and for how the school helped us produce 2 confident and kind children who were well prepared to take on high school.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 18:49     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
The Norwood posters appear to have a "Princess and the Pea" quality -- hyper-sensitive to everything. Older teachers are tired, newer teachers don't know what they are doing, appears to be the mantra. The only real negative about Norwood coming through on this board is the parent body. Fortunately, this is probably a DCUM phenomenon where the 3% annoying crowd drowns out the perfectly pleasant 97%.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 18:22     Subject: Re:Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
I have posted some of the not so positive comments but I have also given the school credit where it is due yes the kids LOVE the school and everyone is really nice. Yes the music and arts are great. Yes the facilities are the best. Yes there is a lot of diversity. Yes the families are good and friendly. Yes the staff is friendly. No real meanies at Norwood, well maybe, but they are nice to the kids.
But sadly some of the negatives hold true.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 17:57     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Anonymous wrote:I am a current norwood parent and I have hesitated to chime in because I didn't want to give power to any of these threads but after reading this last post I feel compelled to write because the OP does not speak for all at Norwood. I have a lower schooler and middle schooler and we love the school. The teachers are kind, tough when they need to be, and devoted. The balanced program at norwood is what we as a family believe in and love the art, the science, the reading, spanish (for our family), and handbells. Yes there has been change at norwood and there will be a bit more with a new head on the horizon. Instead of being worried about it, we are enjoying the fact that the school is looking at all aspects of the program. They did a parent survey for the first time in years and that showed me that they are willing to take a close look at everything. The new ms head and ls head are great. Have there been a few bumps sure but i am willing to give them a break as this is their first year and there is a lot to learn. To families that are looking at Norwood I would say welcome, I hope to meet you as a new family next year. Don't listen to the few who have decided to vent on an anonymous board.



Why a survey "for the first time in years"?
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 17:40     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Not to hijack, but I have seen many posts about weak teachers in the lower school. Is it really that bad in the lower school?
We are currently an applying family.
Would love more details from OP as to why the teachers are perceived to be weak. Many thanks.


Long story, starts with leadership in the LS. The old head of the MS (US) was great, she left and the new one seems OK. The LS suffers from much change and no one willing to stand up to teachers, some of whom are there to sail into retirement. They really don't want to be asked to do much. They LOVE tutors.


Not a Norwood parent, but at another local private, and this hits a chord. "Lazy" teachers, at any school that is charging the bucks these schools are, should not be tolerated.

The day someone at our school suggests we hire a tutor is the day that I insist that the fee for that be deducted from our tuition bill.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 17:36     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
I agree with 17:01, & I too have a LS & MS child. The school has been a wonderful experience for our children. The teachers are amazing and have really understood our children. Our kids cannot wait to get to school each day - they love school, they are learning and growing, and that is the work of those teachers. I encourage you to visit classrooms, speak with the faculty & children and see for yourself. If amazing things were not going on in those classrooms (both lower & middle school) we would not be there.

Our children are thriving, and if other kids aren't, perhaps this isn't the right school for them. Luckily there are many wonderful schools (both private & public) for people to choose. This one is the right one for our family, and I hope it will be for you too OP.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 17:01     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
I am a current norwood parent and I have hesitated to chime in because I didn't want to give power to any of these threads but after reading this last post I feel compelled to write because the OP does not speak for all at Norwood. I have a lower schooler and middle schooler and we love the school. The teachers are kind, tough when they need to be, and devoted. The balanced program at norwood is what we as a family believe in and love the art, the science, the reading, spanish (for our family), and handbells. Yes there has been change at norwood and there will be a bit more with a new head on the horizon. Instead of being worried about it, we are enjoying the fact that the school is looking at all aspects of the program. They did a parent survey for the first time in years and that showed me that they are willing to take a close look at everything. The new ms head and ls head are great. Have there been a few bumps sure but i am willing to give them a break as this is their first year and there is a lot to learn. To families that are looking at Norwood I would say welcome, I hope to meet you as a new family next year. Don't listen to the few who have decided to vent on an anonymous board.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 17:00     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Anonymous wrote:With a graduate from several years ago .... I'd say yes. 7 and 8 were really good, with the prize teachers. Not sure if things have changed since Suzy left though.


You know, each year we hear "wait until the next grade, you will see...". Can you please clarify which grades you are calling really good?
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 16:36     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Anonymous wrote:Not to hijack, but I have seen many posts about weak teachers in the lower school. Is it really that bad in the lower school?
We are currently an applying family.
Would love more details from OP as to why the teachers are perceived to be weak. Many thanks.


Long story, starts with leadership in the LS. The old head of the MS (US) was great, she left and the new one seems OK. The LS suffers from much change and no one willing to stand up to teachers, some of whom are there to sail into retirement. They really don't want to be asked to do much. They LOVE tutors.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 13:20     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
Not to hijack, but I have seen many posts about weak teachers in the lower school. Is it really that bad in the lower school?
We are currently an applying family.
Would love more details from OP as to why the teachers are perceived to be weak. Many thanks.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 13:11     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
So you have to wait until 7th? What about 5th and 6th.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 13:01     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
With a graduate from several years ago .... I'd say yes. 7 and 8 were really good, with the prize teachers. Not sure if things have changed since Suzy left though.
Anonymous
Post 02/08/2013 12:17     Subject: Norwood Middle School: What do you love? Not love?
We have had some weak teachers in the lower grades so are particularly interested in the quality of the teachers and the experience, i.e., is the middle school worth sticking around for?