Hackettstown Middle School
Hello! I am hoping to get some views (the good AND bad) with regards to the middle school. I have heard some not so great things about antiquated procedures and am trying to make a decision as educated as possible without having children there as to whether to consider relocating before my children will be in 5th grade. I know there are ups and downs wherever you go, but the sheer fact that 5th graders change classes and don't have any grass for gym class alone is concerning me, so any and all opinions from those with children there and/or teachers in other local districts about academics/procedures/etc. would be appreciated. Thank you!
HtownMamaHi HtownMama, I can't give a view on the Middle school, but would not share your concern of no grass for gym class. You can do any school fitness activity without grass. The kids can play flag football in the yard after school. I would focus on academics, teachers, atmosphere, safety. The more old fashioned the teaching, the better. The evolution of teaching created by academic professionals has not improved the workforce. And 5th graders everywhere change classes. They are preparing emotionally for the next level. Plus, they can move to classes that are more reflective of their level of ability.
maja2 The key word is "antiquated", and that's what Hackettstown schools are. That said, the education, teachers and majority of the staff are exceptional. I have no doubt our child has received a quality education. The sad this these schools while structurally maintained, have never undergone a proper renovation. The gym, auditorium, classrooms are old and outdated, small and inadequate compared to other towns.
It's not Roxbury, Mt. Olive, Chester, and probably couldn't be due to the size of our town, and what that would cost. The previous principal at the middle school was wonderful, but the town couldn't retain him. Instead they went with a former gym teacher, with a Napoléon complex. She's arrogant, lacks social skills, rules by intimidation. She's completely wrong, but again I haven't had to personally interact with her. Just heard the stories and have seen for myself how she handles herself during school functions where parents are present.
But again. The teaching staff, and most of the administration are really good. The middle school is a bit of an odd duck, considering it's footprint is straight out of an inner city school.
Class changes at 5th grade shouldn't be a concern. In Roxbury back in the day we changed classes for math and English preparing us for all class changing in 6th grade. It's no big deal. Kids today mostly handle that change really well.
Don Where I grew up before they built a new high school at the outskirts of town, both elementary and high school were one block from Main Street. Similarly, nothing but pavement for the whole school system. It was that way for years.
Back then we started changing classes in third grade.
GC Correction, I'd say the middle school principal come across more "Joe Clark" than Napoleon.
No offence but having "grass for gym class" should really be the least of your concerns. I went to private school, and there was no such thing as "grass" to play on. Say hello to the good old gymnasium, blacktop, etc.
In regard to changing classes, I agree with maja2, they all start to change classes around that age. It starts to prepare them for HS, and give them a little more to be responsible for. Kids these days are pampered WAY too much.
Look at the average academic grade, the school rank opposed to others, the crime/drug stats for the area, their extra curricular activity options/teams/groups your child can join if he/she is interested, and of course the ethnicity ratio.
I would be more interested in school policy regarding behavior, discipline, cell phone use during school, etc Middle School is tough enough as it is.
3wbdwnj I can't comment as to any discipline as our child hasn't ever been disciplined. They've achieved high honor roll the entire time in the middle school. Cell phones can be brought, but must be turned off, not just volume down. Usually they're left in the backpack in the locker. Oh and lockers are a 7th and 8th grade privilege. School isn't big enough to provide the 5th and 6th graders lockers.
All grades are somewhat segregated too. 5th and 6th on certain floors and 7th and 8th on others. They don't even mix them on the black top or at the start of school.
Cell phone policy is a little stupid in this day and age. But I get they don't want the distractions.
ETHNICITY RATIO.... I’m just trying to figure that one out? What it means, and what it has anything to do with the education of your child...
Havaclue Meanwhile taxes in mount olive, roxbury and chester are about 3x what they are in Hackettstown. Those who are in love with Morris county should go back to Morris county
I don't know how it is now.
HMS was awesome when Marie Griffin was the principal! Team approach to education, and she fostered such a warm, caring and inclusive environment. And my kids got a top notch education with outstanding teachers. Why they moved her I will never know.
When I went to HMS a long time ago, we used to sometimes walk over to Morgan Terrace to play on the grass or use the ball field there for gym. It's half a block away. I don't know if they still do that.
hktownie Never said I was in love with Morris county. I grew up there, and yes, overall it's a better county so get over it, I did.
And by the way, our taxes in this town are pretty high as they are for what we get. Sure they'd be astronomical if we had Morris county schools. And taxes aren't 3x as much. Maybe Chester, not Roxbury or Mt. Olive. In fact due to size and retables, their taxes are on par or in some cases less than ours.
Bug3 hasn't a clue. I guess you pay only $2k a year for property tax here. I pay nearly $12K. I can pay that almost anywhere including Morris county. What this horse and buggy town needs is consolidation with Mansfield and Washington, kill off the duplicative services and overlap and only then will you get your money's worth. But that's a topic for another thread.
Bug3 maybe if you're living in a mansion in Chester it's 3 times more. The average property tax isn't over $20k in those towns. LOL...
Metsman In most cases for a comparable house, the property taxes in Hackettstown exceed those in Mt. Olive and Roxbury. All because of retables. This state needs consolidation desperately.
Bug3 is most likely a renter.
Thank you all for your input! I certainly wouldn't make a decision based on lack of grass/change of classes (although the grass/distance from city were part of the reasons we moved out here before having kids). I was just pointing out that those were the two things I was able to notice as someone without kids in the school which sort of rubbed me the wrong way. Then I heard from some teachers in other towns whose kids go to HMS that their teaching is outdated and that it's not as good, which is why I came here for advice on those things, since they are obviously the most important parts and I'm not sure how else to gather information. It's my understanding that ratings are supposed to be taken with a grain of salt; is there truth to that statement? Or any particular rating which is most accurate (seems there are lots of different ones).
Can anyone talk about this binder which needs to be carried around? Again not a reason to dismiss the school, but I have heard that there is a lot of emphasis on this binder and that a portion of grades are based off of them being exactly as teachers specify, points being taking off for the littlest of things. I'd rather my kids stress about the actual work than the way holes are punched on papers in a binder. Or is how this was described to me exaggerated?
Thank you all again! I appreciate this forum as a resource for an educated decision!
Hey metsman
Here's the list..its significantly more
https://patch.com/new-jersey/pointpleasant/every-nj-towns-2018-property-tax-bill-newly-released-list
HtownMama.. I never used the public schools.. I sent my child to private school.. You could always go that route.. Pj middle school is an awesome school... Private school isn’t for everyone.. But for us, it was the best decision.. My son son got an awesome education there..All the schools are on one campus now.. Awesome teachers, and wonderful education!
Bug3 I lived in Roxbury in the Succasunna area half my life. My parents sold their house in 2009 and at the time the property taxes were $6K per year. A guy I work with lives in that same area and pays $10K for his place. I'm sorry but your numbers are way off.
Is this thread about TAXES!! I’m a little confused? By the way the school system I was referring to, is Pope John in Sparta... I would look into if I were you.. We have no regrets..
Metsman
I didn't post any numbers...just said taxes are alot more almost 3x. And then posted an article...not to mention 2009 was 10 years ago...I think you are a bit dated ( lol)
Even if we go by your article it's still not 3 times more. Mt Olive is $10,107 on average and Roxbury is $8,984. Hackettstown is $8,354. Your math is a little off buddy. LOL...
Philliesman There are some cheaper houses in Washington Twp Morris where the taxes are not much higher but you get excellent schools. Why not try that route?
MTSO Mets, Bug isn't comparing apples and apples. Not even close. I'm sure that home in Chester is larger than anything in Hackettstown. I know someone in Mt. Olive paying close to $20K, but the house is close to 5,000 square feet more and has an in ground pool, and 5 bathrooms.
We are very happy with the HMS education quality. Our child loves their teachers, feels safe and is happy there. The school itself is old, yes. However, its very charming. Go take a tour. Small class sizes, diverse student body, excellent teachers who care....those things matter. Facilities could be better.
Education is what you make of it. You will always find a bigger, better, nicer school. It's the teachers that count and HMS is loaded with great teachers.
As far as outdated teaching....our child's state test scores are high in all categories, so it can't be that outdated of a teaching style if students are succeeding.... both with achieving A's and getting benchmarked higher against their peers across the state.
Our child was excited and relieved to be able to change classes come 5th grade. It gives kid freedom and a sense of maturity not to have to be escorted by a teacher in a single file line.
There is grass for them to play on...down at Morgan field a block away. This is where field day is held.
The binder is only an issue for 5th and 6th grade. Its not a big deal at all. It's used to store their papers in one place and expected to be in order. This is a simple life skill. If a child can't handle a binder you have bigger problems. Lol. They get lockers in 7th and 8th grade so the one big binder goes away.
Harris Please be aware that this district is undergoing many changes for the upcoming school year. The middle school also. They’ve changed the block scheduling and have replaced aides with special education teachers. The plan is for a leveling system to be brought back. The class times will be longer and the arts will be cut back esp if your child is in need of academic help. There are currently meetings with the principal that you can attend to find out more info. Just look on the Hackettstown School Districts main website.
Jac’s mom And Hackettstown will also have to deal with busing this year. Due to a line move that should never have been made, we get to now pay for buses that only select people can use based on where you live. Thanks David Mango.
Just as Jac's mom said...lots of changes coming up for this year at the MS. I am personally not a fan of the new principal. She lacks people skills IMHO. She is not very friendly or approachable.
concernedparent Last year for us in the Middle School. I won't miss that principal, she's terrible and should go back to teaching girls gym.
I'm surprised no one mentioned the mold. Yes we have high levels of mold in probably all the schools at this point. Could possibly be related to the high temps and lack of AC in any of those buildings. Again what year is it? Somehow Hackettstown schools missed the central air fairy. I keep looking where to dock my horse when I pull up.
Don -
You as usual are ranting and have no clue as to the facts. do some research once in awhile.
I must be making pretty good sense if you came out of the woodwork. Please enlighten all of us on the facts Bill.
Don could have put A/C in w/o complaining about the cost and tax hike, but complains about a bus or 2.
There’s always a few bad eggs in any educational institution..actually in life itself (a good life lesson for kids). Kids are more resilient than we think. As long as they have a few good mentors..they will do fine.
My daughter had a few nasty teachers from elementary up until high school, but she focused on the good teachers who really cared. It’s a life lesson for children. Throughout life they will find people who care and many who don’t.
They need to learn this and learn how to deal with it.
Positive HtownMama,
I work in the school. Believe everything that Don, Jac's Mom and Concerned Parent have said as it's all true. The only real bad thing is the principal, as she is as Don and Concerned Parent have said.
magpie 
Ziggy My mom who taught 32 years in NJ public school system told me when I got a job in NJ public schools ~20 years ago....principals come and go....it's the teachers/staff who are the glue of the school. The middle school I currently work in had 3 principals over the course of this past school year (Sept. '18 - June '19) + another NEW principal was appointed on the last day of school (June 26)….so talk about disruption, etc. BUT we made it work with what we were dealt.....more stressful on the teachers/staff.
Each district/school has good/bad to them. I teach in a magnet school system that families pick school based on their magnet focus NOT on geographic location w/in district (ie. neighborhood school). Parents/students apply for which school they want to attend based on their magnet focus. As someone said earlier - education is what you make it - this will follow students into college and then beyond. You can get into the BEST college but that doesn't mean you will get a job/career, etc.
SS2cats The line was moved several years ago to avoid a costly school building program. It worked without a hiccup. The schools are being realigned this year to consolidate grades in one building. The busing is for the handful of students who would live outside of the state designated radius to walk.
As for the mold, the schools are tested continuously and it is remediated as soon as it is found. I’d guarantee there is more mold in many of our homes than was found in the schools, but we aren’t forced to address it – we just live with it and probably don’t even know it’s there.
So Don, are you advocating for spending the money for new schools with AC? Have you ever addressed the BOE or The Mayor and Council with your wishes?
I have never complained about paying for upkeep and improvement to our schools. It's archaic that there isn't some sort of AC in all the schools. We made sure we had a proper football field to showcase without losing face to other districts. Priorities you know. You sound like a current or former BOE member. Tell us all about how the high school auditorium mold remediation and reno wasn't even put through the insurance but passed on to all of us. I know several former BOE members who served through that and the furnaces and the Mango hire. Oh the tales of mismanagement they weave. The cast of characters and their personal agendas.
And yes I've addressed this. Deaf ears just keep raising the taxes with nothing to show.
Don -
You are as usual misinformed. None of what you say is true and you would know that if you would bother attending or watching the videos as I do.
Once you do your research please tell us ignorant masses exactly what reference document or BOE meeting you watched that supports your conspiracy theories. Better yet tell us which meetings you approached the podium to voice your concerns then we can all applaud.
Plenty of real issues to complain about without making up things that aren't true.
Don,
As the BOE President, I can assure you that the auditorium went through our insurance carrier. They did not want to pay at first, but through the efforts of the Business Administrator they paid for the remediation. It wasn't mold, the roof leaked and exposed old asbestos and ruined the walls and stage.It should be ready for the fall play season. Please come out to enjoy the new space, it will even have AC.
If you don't believe me, OPHRA the insurance and asbestos remediation records or come to our next meeting, introduce yourself and get all the answers and information you wish. There is nothing to hide.
If you would like to continue this discussion, I would be happy to conduct it face to face as I will not comment further or respond.
The next meeting is at the HS Library (air conditioned and renovated) on August 20th. If you can't make that one, here is the link for the other meetings.
https://www.hackettstown.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1552935&type=d&pREC_ID=1674247
The invitation is open to all who are interested in what's going on and being done in the schools. Also, the BOE will be conducting a series of meetings to develop our Strategic Plan and it can only be done with the input of the community. Please attend those meetings when they are advertised. I do not have a date yet, but it will be soon.
Mike Herbst 
littlelu Commenting is no longer available.