6418 Thicket Trl
New Port Richey, FL 34653

My son went to this school for all three years and really enjoyed his time at Gulf Middle School. Our first impression of this school when we arrived was that it was old and outdated, which it still is, but after my son adjusted and made friends and took part in after school activities, it really made me feel better and at ease as a parent. Sure there were fights and things we heard about that my son described being toxic that went on in school, which happens at most schools, but the staff responds and situations are handled and parents are informed. My son chose to ignore those situations and go about his day, concentrating on school assignments,friends, sports and clubs. The assistant principals and teachers really do try if you reach out or have questions. Such as Ms. Mobley, Mr. Whitehurst, Coach Butler, Ward, Mr. Clemons among others. Gulf gets a bad vibe because of the location of the school, but really and truly its not that bad. My sons teachers and coaches had the nicest remarks about him and the school always has activities happening which you hear about every Sunday evening through a phone call. There are football games, dances, fundraisers, parent events, band concerts, fieldtrips etc. .Reach out if you need help but otherwise its up to you as a parent to talk to your kids and make sure they doing ok in school. Sports does keep kids out of trouble, so I highly recommend they try out and helps them make tons of friends. I definitely recommend Gulf Middle! Lets Go Bucs!

If you have an ESE student there, don’t expect much. My kid is supposed to be a senior this year but they haven’t enabled him to pass his sophomore year yet. And following the IEP, don’t hold your breath. Oh yeah, once the kid is trapped in the system there, they are never getting out. As a former special education teacher myself, the program is totally inadequate and I find it very hard to respect teachers who won’t do their job.

I'm tired of going to have lunch with my child and hearing the staff scream at the children to"shut up" . The teachers talk down to not only the children but to the parents as well. They pick and choose who gets recess. The school doesn't get information out in a timely manner. The way they are handling our children is unacceptable. My child comes home in tears most days saying the teachers don't give them enough time to finish work, and yells at them for not completing class work on time. I, myself, witnessed this on a parent involvement day. I understand the parents are supposed to raise their children and teach them right from wrong, but for the teachers and staff to treat children as if they do not matter is NOT how you reach or teach our children. I have had it with Cotee River Elementary's teachers and staff, they need more training on how to deal with children as well as parents. I have talked to many parents who feel the same way as I do. Don't scream at the children, teach them the right way, you do have an influence on our children, make it a good one.