490 SWAYING TREE Avenue
Saint Augustine, FL 32092

I will be leaving after this year. I heard stuff about it, but wanted to try for myself. Should have listened to everyone who warned me. If you’re a teacher, stay far away. Principal only cares about to things, himself and the SCORE the school makes. Kids don’t matter, only their test results. I feel sick during every meeting listening to him ramble about how we need to be better than the schools around us.

Teachers at Pacetti Bay Middle School often treat some students differently and unfairly. They give punishments for very small things, and it feels like certain kids are targeted more than others. I really hope the district reviews how students are being treated at this school.

The main issue with the school is two-fold. I think it begins at home. The kids need emotional support & true guidance at home. The teachers, I think, turn a blind eye and don't demand respect & discipline because they are not supported by the parents. When I was young (I am not old by any means), kids were to speak when a hand was raised, not to curse or talk filthy while class is in progress. Seems like the majority of kids have NO moral compass or respect. I hear stories of things discussed out loud (sexual immorality literally taking place in the school, lack of self respect and self worth, etc.) and that is what constitutes "normal" behavior right now in school. Maybe kids think they are being "cool". If teachers buckled down, would not accept this behavior in their class, sent the kids to the office and held them accountable then THINGS WOULD CHANGE. Problem at the core is "parents, don't parent" so the kids are unruly, rude, disrespectful and sadly morally bankrupt. They are raising kids that are entitled. Even worse, they stand up for their kids when it is clear that the child is wrong. The parents seem to have no accountability so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. So, teachers have no support and not a leg to stand on. My child went through something this year and I will say without a question the teachers bent over backwards to give their help and support, the guidance counselor went above and beyond to help and we got through the year working together. I do think math courses like Algebra need to be taught, white board & dry eraser taught...not watch videos & almost teach yourself. That's my one gripe. The rest is more on the kids lack of respect for the teachers & themselves personally. But that starts at home from birth...Unless your son/daughter has a true mental condition their behaviors reflect the parents. I said that to my kids, "what you do reflects on me & if I was a good mom...so don't disappoint me, be good, be respectful, be the leader, be nice...don't start a fight but never let someone put their hands on you. Give a warning first, protect yourself by any means. You might get in trouble at school (but you won't get in trouble at home). Also, the school needs to give the child that started the issue blame...not suspend both because they were both involved. Someone has to start it and that one should be the one given the punishment. What is right is right and wrong is wrong...that simple.