Chief Umtuch Middle School

My experience with Tukes Valley Primary has been wonderful. My child is so bright, kind, and accepting. A lot of that comes with what is learned here. So far we have been here through Kindergarten & First Grade. We love the staff and family events that take place. We have fun memories with this school! Thank you Tukes staff for being there to educate our child!

We are so happy with our middle schooler's education at this school. The teachers are so encouraging and uplifting, The Creative Writing teacher sent an e-mail to me stating, "It's been fun to see (your middle schooler's) work as a creative writer this last semester. (Your middle schooler) truly has the gift of writing and I trust God will use that for His glory over the course of his life". What uplifting feedback. The science teacher sent a handwritten note home telling our child how glad she was that she gets to be our middle schooler's teacher.What are Middle Schooler's learning in the classroom? Science, hands on experiments, weekly, I think. I was invited to help out with a few of them. I should say, an e-mail went out to all parents inviting everyone to participate if they were able. History, granted the kids are learning about Ancient Civilizations, but the book points out which Biblical person would have been present and living in each era and location the students are learning about.English, the kids, recently, have been locating information in a text. What information are they searching through, history. The Challenger disaster, President Reagan's address to the nation, Christa McAuliffe and NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson. Math of course focuses on the difficult matierial but the Middle School Math teacher incorporates Bible principles into his classes. Bible is focused on a world view of Christianity. Our own youth pastor tells me this is good for our student. Our student's base of belief's will be grounded early on verses reaching college and having his base of religious beliefs knocked out from under him and having to rebuild because he was unaware of the world view of Christianity. We are new this year, so I can only speak of what we have found and appreciate about Middle School. The faculty and staff working with these kids have a solid understanding of child development. Kids are not written up because they are behaving like their frontal cortex's aren't fully developed, I mean eventually they are but after warnings have been given. These teachers work with these students and appreciate the gifts and talents of each kid. They understand that this age group is going to misplace their homework, say the wrong thing at the wrong time, or just say the wrong thing. there are consequences but in a loving and firm way. We were welcomed with open arms into this school, and we are very blessed and happy to be here.

I feel compelled to share my experience with Maple Grove as a concerned parent deeply invested in my child’s education and well-being. While the institution presents itself as nurturing, my encounters with the school’ have left me deeply dissatisfied and concerned. One of the most alarming issues I’ve faced is its lack of transparency and communication regarding instances of bullying and students’ emotional well-being. Shockingly, the school neglects to inform parents when their child is sent to a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) room or receives counseling support. When asked they stated “they are not allowed to notify parents”, which I have not found any policy affirming that statement. This failure to share crucial information deprives parents of the opportunity to provide necessary support during challenging times or help manage behaviors. Furthermore it comes off as nefarious to keep information pertaining to a child from a parent. Moreover, attempts to address concerns with the school administration reveal a lack of effective communication. Instead of offering constructive solutions or demonstrating accountability, officials make excuses and engage in circular discussions, leaving issues unresolved. This pattern only heightens frustration and disillusionment among parents who entrust the school with their children’s well-being. In addition to communication issues, the staff’s demeanor towards student and family events is concerning. Many staff members display rudeness and reluctance to participate, often hindering planned events. This attitude reflects poorly on the school’s commitment to community building and impedes meaningful engagement between the school and its stakeholders. The failure to promptly address bullying incidents and the dismissive attitude of staff towards student and family events not only jeopardize students’ safety and emotional health but also erode trust within the parent community. Consequently, Maple Grove fails to provide a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. In conclusion, I cannot recommend Maple Grove to prospective parents until steps are taken to prioritize communication, address bullying effectively, and foster a culture of openness and accountability. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported in their educational journey, and it’s crucial for Maple Grove to take immediate action to uphold these principles and start walking the walk and instead of being all talk.

Both of my children attended from Foundation Christian School from preschool through 12th grade. They were able to take college classes in high school which enabled them to be ahead in college due to not having to take some general education classes. Firm Foundation has a family feel, my children felt cared for and known. The teachers know every child and care for them on an individual level and do what it takes to help reach the child and help them learn best. FFCS also has a great sports and drama program.