Sela in Washington City Paper

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They hired an African-American principal with many years in urban education and an Executive Director who had ran a successful charter school. For their Hebrew curriculum coordinator and language instructional staff they hired 100% native Hebrew speakers. Many people on their Board are also Hebrew speakers - and I found this in about 5 minutes on their website. We feel very lucky to attend, and are excited about the intro Hebrew classes they are planning for parents.

NP here... PP - could you tell us exactly what about learning Hebrew makes you excited? Is it something spoken in your family? Are you Jewish? Or truly just excited to introduce another language, any language? I think there are a lot of people here that are very interested in hearing this. I hope this doesn't come across as snarky, not my intention.

1. I am African-American.
2. No.
3. No.
4. I speak multiple languages and want that for my children.
5. I don't believe that Sela's concept is a "joke" and frankly find the folks who insist that it is to be speaking in the same code (bigotry of low expectations) that the largely white/upper middle class DCUM set use to bash many other charter schools in this city. Middle class/working class African-American children are as capable as your children to excel. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They hired an African-American principal with many years in urban education and an Executive Director who had ran a successful charter school. For their Hebrew curriculum coordinator and language instructional staff they hired 100% native Hebrew speakers. Many people on their Board are also Hebrew speakers - and I found this in about 5 minutes on their website. We feel very lucky to attend, and are excited about the intro Hebrew classes they are planning for parents.

NP here... PP - could you tell us exactly what about learning Hebrew makes you excited? Is it something spoken in your family? Are you Jewish? Or truly just excited to introduce another language, any language? I think there are a lot of people here that are very interested in hearing this. I hope this doesn't come across as snarky, not my intention.

1. I am African-American.
2. No.
3. No.
4. I speak multiple languages and want that for my children.
5. I don't believe that Sela's concept is a "joke" and frankly find the folks who insist that it is to be speaking in the same code (bigotry of low expectations) that the largely white/upper middle class DCUM set use to bash many other charter schools in this city. Middle class/working class African-American children are as capable as your children to excel. Period.

In all the back and forth I've read about Sela on DCUM (and I've read a lot), I've never seen anyone call Sela a "joke". I've seen people question whether it will be truly secular; I've seen people argue about the utility of Hebrew as a learned language beyond the religious and Cultural uses; and I've seen people point out the science is showing benefits to bilingualism in child brain development, regardless of which language.

But haven't seen anyone call it a joke, so it's puzzling where you're getting that from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:


You are sadly mistaken if you think that Hebrew is an important business language. It isn't. Sure, there are great things happening in Israel and Scandinavia. But the business is being done in English. There is no need to speak Hebrew unless you live in Israel. Even then, you can get by without it. That's the truth.

Seal should just drop that non selling point and stick with the "bilingualism is good, no matter what the language" idea instead.

Agree. Trying to convince people about the importance of Hebrew on the world stage is ridiculous.... Because it is simply not true.

Go with bilingualism... Or even, we did not get into any other schools and Sela is the best of the lot of the schools we did get into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They hired an African-American principal with many years in urban education and an Executive Director who had ran a successful charter school. For their Hebrew curriculum coordinator and language instructional staff they hired 100% native Hebrew speakers. Many people on their Board are also Hebrew speakers - and I found this in about 5 minutes on their website. We feel very lucky to attend, and are excited about the intro Hebrew classes they are planning for parents.

NP here... PP - could you tell us exactly what about learning Hebrew makes you excited? Is it something spoken in your family? Are you Jewish? Or truly just excited to introduce another language, any language? I think there are a lot of people here that are very interested in hearing this. I hope this doesn't come across as snarky, not my intention.

1. I am African-American.
2. No.
3. No.
4. I speak multiple languages and want that for my children.
5. I don't believe that Sela's concept is a "joke" and frankly find the folks who insist that it is to be speaking in the same code (bigotry of low expectations) that the largely white/upper middle class DCUM set use to bash many other charter schools in this city. Middle class/working class African-American children are as capable as your children to excel. Period.

In all the back and forth I've read about Sela on DCUM (and I've read a lot), I've never seen anyone call Sela a "joke". I've seen people question whether it will be truly secular; I've seen people argue about the utility of Hebrew as a learned language beyond the religious and Cultural uses; and I've seen people point out the science is showing benefits to bilingualism in child brain development, regardless of which language.

But haven't seen anyone call it a joke, so it's puzzling where you're getting that from.

NP, but did you actually read any of these posts. For example: 22:00 - for "joke" reference? Looking forward to a successful year at Sela!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They hired an African-American principal with many years in urban education and an Executive Director who had ran a successful charter school. For their Hebrew curriculum coordinator and language instructional staff they hired 100% native Hebrew speakers. Many people on their Board are also Hebrew speakers - and I found this in about 5 minutes on their website. We feel very lucky to attend, and are excited about the intro Hebrew classes they are planning for parents.

NP here... PP - could you tell us exactly what about learning Hebrew makes you excited? Is it something spoken in your family? Are you Jewish? Or truly just excited to introduce another language, any language? I think there are a lot of people here that are very interested in hearing this. I hope this doesn't come across as snarky, not my intention.

1. I am African-American.
2. No.
3. No.
4. I speak multiple languages and want that for my children.
5. I don't believe that Sela's concept is a "joke" and frankly find the folks who insist that it is to be speaking in the same code (bigotry of low expectations) that the largely white/upper middle class DCUM set use to bash many other charter schools in this city. Middle class/working class African-American children are as capable as your children to excel. Period.

In all the back and forth I've read about Sela on DCUM (and I've read a lot), I've never seen anyone call Sela a "joke". I've seen people question whether it will be truly secular; I've seen people argue about the utility of Hebrew as a learned language beyond the religious and Cultural uses; and I've seen people point out the science is showing benefits to bilingualism in child brain development, regardless of which language.

But haven't seen anyone call it a joke, so it's puzzling where you're getting that from.

NP, but did you actually read any of these posts. For example: 22:00 - for "joke" reference? Looking forward to a successful year at Sela!

I'm PP, I did read that and I stand corrected. I realize the reason I didn't connect that post to PP's post above about that being "code" is, as another Af-Am parent here, I don't see the connection between the view that Sela is a workaround option for families who really want a free Jewish Day School, and her impression that the anti-Sela talk is code for low expectations of Af-Am students.

Don't get me wrong, there is PLENTY of coded racism on DCUM, but to say Sela would be good as a private school but is a joke as a publicly funded charter - what does that have to do with expectations of Af-Am students at all??

[Anonymous]

I have no dog in this fight, but I do find quotes like this troublesome:

"All of the families featured in the curriculum are Jewish. But Lody calls this a “technicality.”

“Israeli culture is heavily influenced by Jewish life,” Lody says when asked why people of other religions are not represented. “I think that’s actually a plus for us because it will expose our students to a culture that they might not be familiar with.”

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 25% of Israel's population is not Jewish and the other two major Abrahamic faiths are represented. Does this school not then find itself in a unique position to teach these children about people of all three faiths and the political realities of their living in close proximity to one another? THAT would be a big plus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no dog in this fight, but I do find quotes like this troublesome:

"All of the families featured in the curriculum are Jewish. But Lody calls this a “technicality.”

“Israeli culture is heavily influenced by Jewish life,” Lody says when asked why people of other religions are not represented. “I think that’s actually a plus for us because it will expose our students to a culture that they might not be familiar with.”

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 25% of Israel's population is not Jewish and the other two major Abrahamic faiths are represented. Does this school not then find itself in a unique position to teach these children about people of all three faiths and the political realities of their living in close proximity to one another? THAT would be a big plus.

I also find the focus on Israeli culture troubling, especially given the persecution of Palestinians by Israel. I see nothing to celebrate there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no dog in this fight, but I do find quotes like this troublesome:

"All of the families featured in the curriculum are Jewish. But Lody calls this a “technicality.”

“Israeli culture is heavily influenced by Jewish life,” Lody says when asked why people of other religions are not represented. “I think that’s actually a plus for us because it will expose our students to a culture that they might not be familiar with.”

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 25% of Israel's population is not Jewish and the other two major Abrahamic faiths are represented. Does this school not then find itself in a unique position to teach these children about people of all three faiths and the political realities of their living in close proximity to one another? THAT would be a big plus.

I know 2 non-Jewish families who will attend Sela and they are highly interested in whether and how the history of Isreal as a country will be covered and how/how much other cultures in Isreal will be studied/discussed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have no dog in this fight, but I do find quotes like this troublesome:

"All of the families featured in the curriculum are Jewish. But Lody calls this a “technicality.”

“Israeli culture is heavily influenced by Jewish life,” Lody says when asked why people of other religions are not represented. “I think that’s actually a plus for us because it will expose our students to a culture that they might not be familiar with.”

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 25% of Israel's population is not Jewish and the other two major Abrahamic faiths are represented. Does this school not then find itself in a unique position to teach these children about people of all three faiths and the political realities of their living in close proximity to one another? THAT would be a big plus.

I also find the focus on Israeli culture troubling, especially given the persecution of Palestinians by Israel. I see nothing to celebrate there.

I don't find the focus on Israeli culture "troubling," I simply think they shouldn't cherry pick only the Jewish elements to teach, especially if they do not want to be accused of violating the separation of church and state as a public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They hired an African-American principal with many years in urban education and an Executive Director who had ran a successful charter school. For their Hebrew curriculum coordinator and language instructional staff they hired 100% native Hebrew speakers. Many people on their Board are also Hebrew speakers - and I found this in about 5 minutes on their website. We feel very lucky to attend, and are excited about the intro Hebrew classes they are planning for parents.

NP here... PP - could you tell us exactly what about learning Hebrew makes you excited? Is it something spoken in your family? Are you Jewish? Or truly just excited to introduce another language, any language? I think there are a lot of people here that are very interested in hearing this. I hope this doesn't come across as snarky, not my intention.

1. I am African-American.
2. No.
3. No.
4. I speak multiple languages and want that for my children.
5. I don't believe that Sela's concept is a "joke" and frankly find the folks who insist that it is to be speaking in the same code (bigotry of low expectations) that the largely white/upper middle class DCUM set use to bash many other charter schools in this city. Middle class/working class African-American children are as capable as your children to excel. Period.

I am the pp from above, and wow. I never said Sela was a joke, and if that was stated above that is someone else. I am interested in where parents' heads are and what makes them excited about Hebrew immersion. Period. Does that make me racist?

[Anonymous]

^not a racist but a jerk. It is abundantly obvious to everyone with a modicum of a brain that the vast majority of parents at Sela chose it because it is the best school their kid got into and they got shut out of others that they preferred over Sela. Not b/c they are particularly interested in Hebrew. They are trying to make the best of their lottery results like everyone else... Give it a rest.

[Anonymous]

I am a non-Jewish Sela parent and the article had a lot of inaccuracies in it - including about the curriculum. Sela has a completely separate curriculum from the NY school referenced in the article - a curriculum that involves studying the wide variety of ethnic groups (from many faith communities) who make their homes in Israel, and other countries around the world where Hebrew is studied and spoken. Sela is the only charter school in the country that teaches all subjects in both Hebrew and English. As a person of color in the United States, I always find it interesting when people act as if Israelis don't have a culture worth studying, or hyper-focus on social justice issues in Israel as if America and Americans are in any position to judge any country on civil rights issues. If you don't want to send your kids to Sela, fine, but marginalizing cultures, languages, etc. - smacks of something pretty insidious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^not a racist but a jerk. It is abundantly obvious to everyone with a modicum of a brain that the vast majority of parents at Sela chose it because it is the best school their kid got into and they got shut out of others that they preferred over Sela. Not b/c they are particularly interested in Hebrew. They are trying to make the best of their lottery results like everyone else... Give it a rest.

I'm none of the posters above, but YOU are actually the jerk here. The PP was responding to an actual Sela parent who said they were excited about their child attending, and the PP was asking what they're excited about. I agree with you that most of the families going to Sela this year are probably doing so because they didn't get into their top choices, but it's also true that most of those families are not necessarily "excited", but more "at peace" with having what they hope will be a good option even if not their first option.

An actual parent above said they are actually excited, and PP is asking them about that. PP is not beating any dead horses, and frankly PP asked as nicely as anyone on DCUM every asks anything.

So it's really you who needs to give it a rest and stop beating up on people who are actually responding to a specific thing that someone above said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a non-Jewish Sela parent and the article had a lot of inaccuracies in it - including about the curriculum. Sela has a completely separate curriculum from the NY school referenced in the article - a curriculum that involves studying the wide variety of ethnic groups (from many faith communities) who make their homes in Israel, and other countries around the world where Hebrew is studied and spoken. Sela is the only charter school in the country that teaches all subjects in both Hebrew and English. As a person of color in the United States, I always find it interesting when people act as if Israelis don't have a culture worth studying, or hyper-focus on social justice issues in Israel as if America and Americans are in any position to judge any country on civil rights issues. If you don't want to send your kids to Sela, fine, but marginalizing cultures, languages, etc. - smacks of something pretty insidious.

People can study anything they want, the point is whether or not tax dollars should be paying for this particular charter school, I still say NO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a non-Jewish Sela parent and the article had a lot of inaccuracies in it - including about the curriculum. Sela has a completely separate curriculum from the NY school referenced in the article - a curriculum that involves studying the wide variety of ethnic groups (from many faith communities) who make their homes in Israel, and other countries around the world where Hebrew is studied and spoken. Sela is the only charter school in the country that teaches all subjects in both Hebrew and English. As a person of color in the United States, I always find it interesting when people act as if Israelis don't have a culture worth studying, or hyper-focus on social justice issues in Israel as if America and Americans are in any position to judge any country on civil rights issues. If you don't want to send your kids to Sela, fine, but marginalizing cultures, languages, etc. - smacks of something pretty insidious.

People can study anything they want, the point is whether or not tax dollars should be paying for this particular charter school, I still say NO.

Ditto. Non-Jewish Sela parent, you are conflating the discussions about whether Sela will be secular and the value of Hebrew as a world language with a discussion that is NOT occurring re: the value of studying Isreali culture. Those 3 topics are not all the same. I am not judging whether Isreali culture is worth studying or not, but as PP correctly said, the question is which schools and subjects are appropriate for public tax dollars.

On the "Legitimate for public tax dollars: yes or no?" question, me, I'm not decided yet. A whole lot will depend on what I hear from the families that I know who will be attending on what the curriculum actually turns out to be. But if it walks like a Jewish Day School (just with a LOT of non-Jewish students enrolled) and it talks like a Jewish Day School, I will not be supportive of it as a "secular school focused on language and no religion to be seen" which is what it has received its charter based on.