Purcell Junior High School

My child went here two years, one of the years she was bullied and treated hatefully, her teacher that year did try to handle it and help but then covid happened. When she was sent back after she was put in the same class as a boy who had bullied her badly. She had things taken and her teacher state that if a kid were to steal something it would be because they needed it, implying that they are teaching kids to steal if it’s something they need. Told me from the second day of school what kind of dosage I should have my child on as far as medicine. Told me that she was to smart for a 504. Implying heavily that kids on those kinds of plans aren’t intelligent. Wouldn’t allow us to take school work home after my child had covid and had already completed online work, and was sent back to school to a stack of paperwork. Took me stating that my child could be moved to get work done as an excuse to move my child to beside her desk for 2 months (the entirety of the school year). Had another teacher state during a parent teacher conference that my daughter doesn’t focus during RECESS and so by that “Mrs. (insert teacher name) isn’t in the wrong on her not focusing” elementary school recess to be clear because apparently children aren’t even allowed to be children at recess at this school. I know she has trouble focusing, that is exactly why I asked about alternative plans and was absolutely turned down and told “she’s to smart for that” plans like that are specifically created for children like my child who have trouble with focusing, etc. instead of ostracizing, we should be allowing them to use the resources allowed, and definitely not implying that any children are better than others. I understand second grade is harder, and that my child does need to focus, but to go this far, with all these children have been through let alone home things. To go so far as to instill these bad mentalities and to defeat a child’s mental well being before they are even out of elementary school is heartbreaking. It’s second grade not a military school, and we need to understand that because a child is different doesn’t make any of these things excusable, acceptable or otherwise. There’s a reason my child was scoring almost 4th grade on tests in 1st grade homeschool, and also beyond excelling in kindergarten and pre-k but wasn’t doing as well when I’m 2nd and I think it all comes down to having the correct resources and patience for children who may not be neurotypical.

Excellent Principal, counselor and teachers, I highly recommend this school and staff.