428 Henry Street
Shelton, WA 98584

I agree with the most recent post. This is my child’s 3rd year at Evergreen and I am noticing some changes this year and very little seem to be for the better. A problem my family experienced this year is finding out about the bilingual program’s lottery system that began 2 years ago. I found out the day before school started that my kindergartener was not “chosen” this year, so I have a 2nd grader learning in Spanish, a valuable skill for her, and a kindergartener attending regular, in-English class at a low performing school. We literally moved to this town for the bilingual opportunity for my kids, so it’s disappointing. They should encourage families to be on this journey together. And all siblings should be expected to have the same opportunity! If there is so much demand for the program that they are having to turn people away I hope they can eventually expand the program to meet the needs of the community!

I was a substitute teacher for 6 years in every school- the elementaries are well run, safe, and above average. The high school was a totally different experience already having taught and retired after 36 years. The music and computer depts are exemplary, but the failure to prevent the in class use of cell phones brought the student apathy to a whole new level. The administration is in one word permissive- I walked out to never teach there again when the school board, under pressure to maintain school enrollment- dropped the social studies graduation credit level to 25%- that was a D grade now- not the traditional % of 60. The in class participation is the lowest of any high school in 48 years I taught. Opposite of a conservative school.

Excessive bullying and constant fights. Kids are grossly disrespectful and disruptive. Staff doesn’t do much to curb the awful behavior. Communication is lacking at best. Subs won’t even accept jobs because it’s such a terrible environment. I could go on but I think you get the point.

Our student was new to the district in 6th grade. Very tough transition. I did not know it would be so hard to communicate to teachers! FYI - The best ways to get communication is by going directly to the teacher in the morning and by email. Our kid is very smart, is responsible and never had an issue with homework. He is very shy. I have learned the shy GOOD kids get missed. The school offers quarterly incentives and they get to go on fun trips. To do this they earn, Seals. I was surprised to learn my son didn't get enough to go on the first trip. I thought, wow there must be a problem, nobody has contacted me, conferences went great, what's going on? Found out from 3 teachers, that they didn't "know that he was interested in seals". That took me by surprise. I thought this was a system that was equal. I told the teacher my son said that other kids that mouth off or are rude in class also receive seals. His science teacher acknowledged it's not a fair system. So now my kid has a complex. There is an English teacher that is great in 6th grade, MS. Conkling. She has been the most communicative and has helped my son grow. Another real bummer for me is they don't like volunteers. I've never been to a school where they didn't need or want them. They say they do but when you ask it's 4x a year and I've only been called once. I believe in keeping the families connected not shut out. Keep our community United people! For those who work full-time, I think think this school has a lot of improvement to do to keep you informed and make sure your child is feeling welcomed and fully educated. I found out our son is a little behind in math. I asked his math help teacher was he has him working on, he said Kahn Academy! I was shocked. He has 12 students in his class and puts them on an elementary grade computer program. I said, so they get one on one help? He replied if they need it. I know that EVERY student should get the opportunity to receive one on one especially in a class of twelve. Where's the teacher and student relationship here, the trust? I recommend, if you can, find another middle school. I've heard great things about Pioneer and Grapeview. Best of luck to us all. I hope this school improves.