Talbert Samuel E School

Talbert middle school is an awesome school. The size is relatively small compared to most other middle schools in the area which allows for a nice warm, and personal environment. All of my teachers were caring, helpful, and very understanding. Administration is always very professional as well. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a great school!

I took my children out from Sowers and got a district transfer to attend Talbert. The BEST decision I could have made for my children!!! Hands down this is a GREAT school. The office administration and teachers here are amazing.

Unbelievable and dedicated staff. The science department is hands down the best I have ever encountered.(@HS or jrHS) the teachers routinely go above and beyond to provide for their students.
Mr. Howard is amazing. He is funny, witty and has an acute working knowledge of all things science. He uses a technology infused teaching method that captivates his students. He is strict, yet universally loved. Perhaps it is his plethora of characters and costumes that keep the kids on the edge of their seats! (my personal favorite is El Cheato, the luche libre masked czar of test taking)
Mr. Wood is equally amazing. He has been on many scientific expeditions, even living in Antarctica for months at a time. While away he shares his unique experiences with his students via Skype & video blog. His unique experiences prove to be scientific fodder for the young mind.
Mrs. McNally too has an ability to reach children who in other classrooms are not as successful. It’s this ability to connect with all her students that makes her another amazing asset to Talbert.
Mr. Sotolango, besides being a dream boat, brings enthusiasm to the classroom everyday. He is a favorite amongst students and can often be found during his 30 min duty free lunch dominating students from the soccer field to the basketball court.
I could go on and on. Mr. Fockler, Mrs. James, etc etc… Talbert is by far the best middle school option in FVSD!!!

I was hoping my daughter who is about to be promoted to HS after 3 years at this school would pick up the basics that elementary school didn’t bother assuring she knew. (Like spelling and keyboarding, to name the obvious) But this trend of ignoring spelling horrors continues.
My daughter who spells horribly, and hunt and pecks every paper, has no idea of how it works in the real world. Why would she? She constantly makes honor role, gets medals and recognition. She is told she is among the brightest. More awards and recognition. Yet she is on a dreadful path. If she doesn’t get a proper education… this will impact her entire life. I would never hire her… I refuse to hire people who can’t spell. What to do? I suppose hire a tutor to teach my honor roll kid to spell.
Education is failing. I have 3 adult children educated in the midwest, and the difference is astounding! The trend now seems to be to teach to the test. I care less about how this school system scores on standardized testing than how MY kids — (one of them supposed to be an honor role bright one) will fare in the real world. Now — just like she left elementary school without the tools needed for middle school, she will leave Talbert Middle School in a few weeks without the tools in her toolbox needed for HS. Basic spelling. And, I can count on her doing it with medals around her neck, and a false sense of brilliance. My kid is smart — and she is driven, and I am proud of her. But people — she CAN’T spell.
I have been disgusted by her A’s on papers that are C material. This happens with my 6^th grade daughter, too, who is not driven, and will be hurt even more. We should not need to hire tutors for basic education. But after 3 years at this school, I can say with confidence that spelling and grammer have not been very important. When my adult kids turned in a history paper with poor spelling — that paper was not given an A. THAT is the education I expect. I don’t know if this issue is a state wide issue, or a school district one.

I think one huge disservice is the big push to make every kid feel so special. EVERY kid in elementary school is student of the month, and recognized for some real, or made up achievement. My kids don’t know why I am harping on spelling and grammer, when their teachers don’t. Dumbing them down is going to have a great and long lasting impact on our society.
Another problem with this school is that the little girls can wear shorts that barely cover their panties. I have no respect for that. That’s another issue entirely.