Durant
San Leandro, CA 94577

I have a son in college, a jr at SLHS and a 6th grader. All three went to or are currently attending BMS. Let’s face it: middle school is rough for everyone. Kids, parents and teachers. This is not to say that things were always easy BUT the teachers care a lot about their students and new admin is def motivated to help kids to help themselves. My older boys have fond memories of their time here and my youngest is enjoying his time. Keep up the tough and important work, BMS teachers and admin staff.

My son’s experience in 9th grade left a lot to be desired. First off, at back to school night ‘for equity’s sake’ we aren’t going to let you go through each class on a schedule and have the teachers present to you, instead you can wander through at your own pace. This meant parents didn’t get to learn much at all about what was being taught. This was pretty appropriate since they typically don’t teach much in the classes. My son’s ninth grade English class consisted of op-ed articles from his favorite biased news organization. All year he taught a section on ‘thug life’ where they studied rap songs and BLM. No real books, discussion, no feedback on assignments. No final, no due dates and no homework. My son’s ninth grade got an A with the least amount effort ever. When I asked the principals why there were no due dates or homework they sang the praises of ‘grading for equity’.That was one of the worst classes. He also had an elective course on college and careers where the teacher told me they learn about what is special and unique about themselves. The entire class is plastered in several sexual identity flags and descriptions. I think every child should be feel safe, accepted and comfortable at school but I really don’t think we need a class for kids to focus on their unique traits and sexual identity. I think a class called college and careers should focus on colleges and maybe even careers. My son’s ninth grade passed ninth grade with great grades since all the grading standards have been lowered in the name of equity. They basically send the message to minority kids that since they can’t do it on their own because the system is against them, they will dissolve all challenges, give them a A and send them on their way. They act like they are against racism when they actually treat minority kids like they are incapable and victims. It’s really unfortunate. At the end of the day, unless your kid is in honors or CP classes (where the teachers are more likely to actually teach) they won’t learn much here.

Our child is thriving at this school. She's been in the dual-immersion Spanish program and can read and write in Spanish at her grade level. The school provides many opportunities for parents to be involved and for children to explore their own talents and interests. We love Washington and everyone we know with kids there loves it as well. We're wrapping up the year of covid and remote learning and ha ve been extremely impressed with how the school managed and supported students all year long.