James M Coughlin Junior Senior High School

This facility is fine, it is structrally sound, and the conditions are not as bad as everyone makes them out to be, the school is big and old. So it's not perfect, when I graduate, I will be proud to be an alumni from this school. Its not infested to the point where its a problem, you will see a cockroach at most twice a year, and people need to just accept that as an old school, its may have them. This school is top of the line in technology with every room possessing a smart board, computer for the teachers purposes, a giant library and a grand auditorium. Teachers are excellent and well educated and fair, extra help can always be found. We have an excellent football team, as well as track, soccer and newly founded lacross team. We have excellent club activities such as Key Club, Go Green Club, and Langauge Clubs (Spanish, French & German) and an excellant Drama Club. Though the school, like most schools in the area, lack an LGBT club. Students are always provided with what they NEED by the staff. The cafeteria food is above average. I reccomend this school extremely to anyone will to make something out of their lives.

I did my Student Teaching at Coughlin from January-May 2010. Out of the 3 high schools in Wilkes-Barre, Coughlin is far and away the best academically. It helps that many of the students, teachers, and parents care across the board, as learning is a team effort. Their sports programs are strong, and their fine arts department is strong as well. Since the building is over 100 years old, the facilities are increasing need of major renovation. However, the pros greatly outweigh the cons at this relatively superior area high school.

This facility has no air conditioning, no availability to get hydrated via water fountains, students are not free to get a drink when deemed necessary in intense heat conditions. There is no heat in the fall and winter months. If any parent had these living conditions at home it would be deemed as neglect and unfit living conditions and children services would be involved. How is it that we can house many students in a facility that is not equipped to handle seasonal weather and make it a safe environment for teens. Also, I am bein told that the students on many occassions, especially in the basement area have seen quite frequently: cockroaches. I have to wonder of the food is ok to heat under these extreme unfit conditions.