159 Mitchell Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

We had a lot of issues with this school and thankfully moved to a better district. I had heard they did not take bullying seriously but was disheartened to see first hand just how lax they are in addressing issues. I had several issues as the years went on with kids being unkind that escalated to bullying. I had text proof, my kid had witnesses and they checked the cameras when incidents occurred, this only led to a "chat" with the counselor for victim and offender, no real consequences, no real change. They always just blew it off saying fill out the bullying form, which we did, nothing changed. The only time it was addressed is when the bus driver saw my child in tears one day and got sick of the other kids tormenting and put in for the kids to be suspended temp from the bus. When that happened, the kids who were suspended would walk past our house and yell inappropriate cuss words. Upon reporting this as well to the school, another chat with the AP. The kids did stop stalking our house, but it made going to school feel unsafe as these were older students. My kids new school (out of state) addresses things totally differently. My kid has done very well, made great friends. When a peer was being teased, the new school addressed it immediately and the offender got ISS for 3 days, just for teasing, which is where it always starts. Another peer started rumors towards my kids friend, and that kid got out of school suspension for 3 days, just for starting a rumor. This is how you address bullying. JMS has a lot to learn. My student's experience with special ed was not great either, but that story is too long to tell.

Oak Ridge High School has done everything right during COVID. They provided distance learning in March 2020, socially-distanced summer school in June and July. They opened on a hybrid schedule in August to keep children and staff safe. They had to make hard choices like limiting attendance for events or doing those events online. They also gave families the option for 100% online schooling. Teachers have been video teaching on Wednesdays for students who are struggling and they gave grade amnesty for students to make up work for past terms when if it became overwhelming. AVID teachers reached out to parents and students regularly, and the counseling department worked tirelessly at supporting students who struggle with mental health. The school gave free lunch AND breakfast to all students, and the school has a pantry to help families who were in need with things like extra groceries, school supplies and cleaning supplies.We couldn't have asked for a better group of teachers, staff and administrators. This has been hard on EVERYONE, but these folks have gone above and beyond to help their students and their families.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the way my son's teacher gave him additional attention as he struggled early on with grasping math concepts. He has since progressed really well. My son also had the opportunity to be on the Safety Team and Chess Club. Both helped with his self esteem. Im thankful for the extra curricular activities Woodland has to offer.