Gowana Middle School

Posted: October 1, 2013

When you see National School of Excellence on the sign outside of the school you set high expectations for me as a parent. My two daughters have gone to Gowana and this school has lived up to my expectations. The addition of notebooks, tablets and chrome books shows that they really are trying to take education into the 21 century. Most all of the teachers use the parent portal to post grades, assignments and use e-mai to communicate. As a busy family it really helps keep us a parents engaged and on top of our students work before problems can arise. I am very glad I bought my home in this school district as it is large enough to have all of the bells and whistles but small enough for us to feel like we have a community. I look forward to my son attending Gowana in the future.

Posted: April 20, 2012

Gowana let's see, my son who is in 7th grade this year did so poorly in 6th grade that he did not want to come to school, but according to hos teachers he was lazy. A child who has been described throughout his school years as being enthusiastic, including in 6th grade out of one side of there mouth and lazy out of the other side. I had him tested in 7th grade with many barriers put in my way, he scored woth significan deficiencies. However had he been tested again he could test well the words of the school psycholgist he sisce is being tested outside the school and it was said "i cant belive the school has not addressed his learning disability!" Shen is sports focused if your child struggles or God forbid struggles but is passing forget about help! Mrs. Gawres....useless I requested homework be sent home the first day my kids are sick to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed, she quoted policy and then stated she contacts the teachers individully, that's great your the prinicipal of the school!!!! The counselers have to be pushed to do their job, special ed teacher inform my child she had other kids that needed her help isn't that an awesome message to send! Disappointing!

Posted: April 4, 2012

This school is large and the district is mismanaged. Shenendehowa is made for high achievers and is large enough to great resources for students with disabilities (learning or otherwise). If your child is just a normal kid, they will be like a ghost, and if your child requires extra attention but doesn't qualify for special services the chances of them falling through the cracks are huge. Shen is for big fish in a big pond or little fish in the big pond, regular fish better be highly self motivated because they probably won't be paid attention to. Parents need to be highly motivated and very involved to make sure their child doesn't slip through the cracks. On a positive note, with the help of a great Gowana Guidance counselor my small medium fish is doing okay. I was also a student who spent my whole k-12 education at Shen (as a student and as an athlete) so I have seen it from both sides.

Posted: August 14, 2011

Gowana has a lot going for it. The principal, Mrs. Gawrys, is excellent and is very involved. She knows all the students and that is very impressive considering how big the school is. When the sixth graders start, they are in a separate wing of the building. I really liked that because it is more comforting to a sixth grader to be in a smaller environment with only their peers. Overall the teachers are very good. My one piece of advice is to really stay on top of everything. If the kids fall behind for even a few days, it is difficult to catch up. Be very visible on your child's behalf. Check the parent portal every day. Gowana is a big school. That will always have its challenges. Work with the teachers and stay on top of the student beccause it is possible for them to get a bit lost in the shyuffle.

Posted: April 29, 2011

i go to this school and it is awesome!! all the teachers are good and it is a respectable school!!

Posted: September 21, 2006