Escanaba Middle School

We repeatedly raised concerns regarding our child's section 504 accommodations and whether they were being implemented consistently. We communicated these concerns in writing and participated in meetings regarding the accommodations we had in writing and understood to be part of the plan and had to repeatedly advocate for them.We have also raised serious concerns with school and diocesan leadership regarding staff interactions with students when a teacher threatened a student. These concerns were not based on rumors, they included instances we personally witnessed and matters that were directly reported to us and that we subsequently brought to administrators. What has been most troubling to us has been the response after concerns were reported. We did not see the level of transparency, accountability, or corrective action that we expected from a Catholic school entrusted with children. Communication from Principal Brief has also been an ongoing frustration for the parents at Holy Name. At times, obtaining straightforward answers to questions about policies, accommodations, and student safety concerns involving their children's education or well-being, they should not have to continually pursue administrators simply to receive clear answers. The amount of lighting, side-stepping, and walking back statements that Michelle Hogan Brief does is unbelievable. There are teachers and families at Holy Name whom we care about deeply, and our children have had positive experiences there as well. That is part of what makes our experience so disappointing. We want this school to succeed and expected its leadership to demonstrate the Catholic values, accountability, professionalism, and commitment to children that families are promised.I strongly encourage prospective parents to ask detailed questions about how accommodations are implemented, how concerns about staff are investigated what safeguards are used when adults are alone with students (they do not follow VIRTUS training), and what accountability procedures are followed when a parent reports a serious concern. Ask for written policies and commitments in writing. This review reflects our family's experience and our interactions with the school and its leadership. I hope meaningful changes are made because the students and families at Holy Name deserve a school where concerns are taken seriously and where parents can have confidence that policies and student safety will be consistently followed.