Research Breakthrough Magnet School public Schools in Westfield, Massachusetts

“I attend BMS(Breakthrough Magnet School.) I am in 7th grade and I started last year and I felt like I have been there for my whole life. The staff and faculty are so welcoming. Also my attitude has improved greatly.”

“I was a former student of Mrs. Neumann-Johnson s Project Breakthrough in 1991-1992. It is satisfying as a parent to know what was once an idea became a pilot, to a charter school and now the breath-taking superstructure known as Breakthrough Magnet School and now my child can benefit from it. I use the word superstructure because this school really captures what makes a difference in the quality of a school. The entire staff and even the children are courteous and always greet with smiles. My child s teachers always give updates on my kid s progress and encourage involvement from myself and mom all the time. Her vocabulary, writing skills and social interaction have improved dramatically since September. There are no empty seats at school functions due to parent involvement. It's a great, family oriented environment for children to learn in and my child and I are proud to be apart of it.”

“My daughter started in the fall 2006 and now we're in April '07. In these 8 months my daughter's behavior has improved dramatically. Even at 4 years old, the program works! I speak on a regular basis to her teacher and also have our conferences. Any issues with my child's behavior is handled immediately in a way the encourages her to make better choices. I have particpagted in field trips and class activities. Her grandfather has also helped out in her class during center times. Family involvment is great. The school also offers classes to the parents. The principal is remarkable-the best I've ever seen anywhere. Very open and friendly atmosphere. All staff arfe required to learn every student's name in the school. I'm thrilled that all my children will be attending (I just wish it went up to 12th grade!) Focus is character development-something we all need continuously!”

“my sons behavior has got so much nicer, he wants to go to school. he dose his home work extra... its the small things that makes it so much nicer! and knowing that I can go to his classroom, and be part of that, nothing compares to that.”

“Teachers Love their jobs and it shows. They are incredible with the students. The teachers are in constant contact with the parents. The breakdowns to break through program is awesome. It has helped my son so much, now my daughter attends too. They also start spanish in pre-k.”

“My four children have travelled from the suburbs to attend Hartford's Breakthrough Magnet School where students are not only held to a very high academic standard, but are also taught the valuable lessons of personal responsibility, independent thinking, interpersonal communication skills, and more. The remarkable director and talented staff are a cohesive unit, structuring their academics to include the crucial component of reinforcing the character curriculum through modeling, encouragement, and coached practice. Parents, guardians and grandparents are also invited to attend 7 week training courses in this approach. Our students become confident, capable and well-suited to face the challenges of the diverse world they will inherit. The atmosphere at Breakthrough is creative, supportive and uplifting. At Breakthrough my children are taught to face the worls as a BRICK, not a marshmallow. B stands for turning Breakdowns into Breaktheoughs, R - Responsibility, I - Integrity, C - Contribute, K - Knowledge”