Research Totem Middle School Public Schools in Seattle, Washington

“The teachers and administration spend most of their time focused on petty disciplinary issues rather than motivating the kids. The band program is good, though.”

“Well it lives up to the standards of fwps district-- My daughter is a very smart girl who needs to be challenged and inspired not subjected to riducule, shame , and violence. This school just makes ends meet- my child improves their wasl scores and they destroy her spirit. How sad.”

“My son attended Tomtem with mixed results. Great Science and English. The principle and VP have been approachable and strive to help the students learn in a good atmosphere.”

“Totem Middle is a great school in transition. Totem became a Middle School this year and have made many changes. Transition for the students went smoothly and my child felt supported, safe and ready for the change. Totem supports all students regardless of their ecomonical or cultural background. The staff at Totem is excellent. Parents need to be involved, stay involved and respect the hardwork and dedication that is put forth. Many things have been changed to make room for the necessities such as reading, writing, math. Some of the changes are not popular. Parents need to remember what Totems goals are and support the needs that are important.”

“Totem Middle School is a wonderfully diverse school with excellent leadership. The Principal and Assistant Principal exceed my expectations everyday. It infuriates me when others speak about the low socioeconomic status. Regardless of race or income level every student at Totem receives great academic instruction and leadership. Totem has recently changed from a Jr. High to a Middle School. Cheerleading is great in a high school setting. Our educational dollars need to be spent on reading,writing and math skills and getting our kids up to grade level not the old ra ra ra! I am amazed at how high the level of parent involvement is at this school. Those with opinions should really step forward to help not berate. I challenge all the parents that have both positive and negative opinions to come forward to discuss them with our leadership.”

“The Federal Way School District has instituted some sweeping reforms. This school is now a middle school, grades 6-8. Electives have unfortunately been limited to just one, and they are mostly music. The teachers are teaching to state standards at this school, reading is done school wide for 20 minutes daily. Reading scores are dramatically increasing. Extracurricular activites are plentiful, with an activity bus that runs one hour after school dismisses. Study Club for students needing help are the primary riders of that bus. Contrary to what the first parent wrote, I feel that this school has fine leadership. Cheerleaders would only contribute to more problems that occur when you have the wide socio-economic levels that we have. Broad ethnic diversity is one of this schools strengths.”

“Educational approach is archaic. Needs new leadership to invoke spirit in the program. They can't even have cheerleaders because the principal says so. There are many parents who are low income who could contribute to this review if only you didn't have the e-mail reqirement. They are too poor to have an email address!!”

“I think that Totem is a great school my child loved it the teachers were great and the principal was also great!”