Research Jones Valley Kindergarten-Eighth Grade public Schools in Bessemer, Alabama

“My child attends JV K-8 and I believe the Board made a horrible mistake trying to convert this former middle school to a K-8. It is really sad when instruction is last on the agenda. There is no respect for the children or the parents. We all work hard to provide for our families and deserve to have a school in our community that provides more than sub standard services.”

“I totally disagree with the two responses dated May and February 2006. I have found the atmosphere at Jones Valley K-8 School to be conducive to learning. The principal doesn't focus on solely on discipline, but rather balances his time being the instructional leader that he was hired to be. I believe that before we point the finger at someone else, we should remember there are three fingers pointing back at us. In other words we need to look at ourselves before judging others. I think there are no finer schools than Birmingham City Schools and Jones Valley is at the top of the list.”

“I have 2 sons that attend this school, which does not concentrate on learning but rather on discipline. This school thrives on suspending students as a form of discipline. The teachers are very uncooperative and they are not receptive to any new concerns from parents. The teachers only come to work for a paycheck, not because they truly want to teach the children. Students are expected to show low-self esteem and are labeled disrespecful when a they try to explain any situation. The teachers tend to take the words of other students complaints without justification. This school needs a complete overhall of teachers, and the brick itself. It is a terrible school, and does not breed self-respect, self-esteem or a comfortable learning enviorment for children. Children are often made to feel small and their complaints fall on deaf ears. Jones Valley is a terrible place to send any child.”

“There is more attention paid to the disruptive children in this school rather than the students who want to learn. I went to the school to check on my child and the teachers did not know my child, then labeled my child as quiet, mannerable, and sensible. I took it as compliment at first until I received his grades, they are awful. I 've asked for his teachers assistant in helping him improve, with no results...It's like if he's not a trouble maker he does not get the attention he needs. I even had a teacher tell me that they dont give homework because majority of the students won't turn it in. It didn't make sense to me at the time... but it's just another example of the difficult kids getting their way. I am really dissapointed in this school... this district.”