11308 E Smart Ave
Independence, MO 64054

Deeply disappointed and concernedAs a parent, I am heartbroken and outraged by the way my daughter has been treated at Nowlin Middle School. From the start of the school year, she has faced persistent bullying — not just from students, but also dismissive and unfair behavior from some members of the staff. What’s most disturbing is that I believe she’s being targeted because of her skin color. My daughter is Black, and instead of finding a safe, supportive environment, she has been met with hostility, exclusion, and discrimination.She comes home in tears almost every day because of the way students treat her. Many of them are openly racist, use hurtful language, and show absolutely no sense of respect or kindness. What’s worse is that the school seems to look the other way. When we’ve brought these issues up, we’ve been met with coldness or defensiveness from the very people who are supposed to be protecting and supporting students.The staff have been incredibly rude and unhelpful — not just once, but repeatedly — for no valid reason. I expected better from a place of learning that claims to care about all students.Until there are real changes — in leadership, culture, and accountability — I absolutely cannot recommend this school to any parent, especially families of color.

I provided honest feedback for each of the questions above. I also want to address an incident that occurred on December 14 during second hour, when an announcement was made that school was canceled. Students were instructed to wait for their parents to pick them up and were remaining inside the school so they could stay warm while waiting. However, staff members repeatedly yelled at students and threatened suspension if they did not exit the building. Considering it was December and extremely cold outside, I find this situation unreasonable and concerning. Forcing students to wait in freezing temperatures or face suspension is unacceptable.

My son loved Sugar Creek elementary school.