The Sycamore School in Arlington???

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone,

So, I've got some mixed feelings swirling around right now about The Sycamore School. On one hand, it's been a decent place for my kids to learn and grow. But on the flip side, I just found out that some of their favorite teachers are leaving, and honestly, I'm pretty bummed about it. (Check the ratio on the website)

It's tough when you build that connection with educators who really get your kids and make learning fun. But hey, change happens, right? Still, it's hard not to feel a bit disappointed.

And then there's this whole gossip thing going around. Apparently, some of the kids are reporting some pretty wild rumors being spread by the admin. Not cool, guys. School should be a place where everyone feels supported and respected, not where rumors fly around like confetti.

Anyway, just needed to vent a bit. Here's hoping things settle down soon and we can get back to focusing on what's important – giving our kids the best education possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey everyone,

So, I've got some mixed feelings swirling around right now about The Sycamore School. On one hand, it's been a decent place for my kids to learn and grow. But on the flip side, I just found out that some of their favorite teachers are leaving, and honestly, I'm pretty bummed about it. (Check the ratio on the website)

It's tough when you build that connection with educators who really get your kids and make learning fun. But hey, change happens, right? Still, it's hard not to feel a bit disappointed.

And then there's this whole gossip thing going around. Apparently, some of the kids are reporting some pretty wild rumors being spread by the admin. Not cool, guys. School should be a place where everyone feels supported and respected, not where rumors fly around like confetti.

Anyway, just needed to vent a bit. Here's hoping things settle down soon and we can get back to focusing on what's important – giving our kids the best education possible.

Vague rumors reported by kids at a school? Shocking. Unheard of anywhere else in the educational world, no doubt.

Any actual details that could be traced or checked? Who, what, when, where, that sort of thing.

[Anonymous]

You’re saying that we shouldn’t believe children?

Seems a little defensive to me…

[Anonymous]

I"m the first poster from '24 here to defend the other parents. I should say that I think admin is posting as a teacher. Just yesterday, parents received notice that another fantastic teacher is leaving. My child came home in a funk. Maybe it's that, maybe it's something else. The situation with the HOS is "their way or the highway". And they are not always right and yes, often emotional. It is starting to be majority SN and yet they don't have the staff to support the kids/teachers. For example, while they've always had some HFA kids, there's a non-verbal one there now. How's a teacher to manage that along with 9 other kids? Easy, add a support staff w/ SPED cred. but that's not what TSS does. That's probably b/c it wasn't designed to be a SN school. It's still got it's place like you need to leave somewhere mid-cycle. Or your kid is really, really self-directed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I"m the first poster from '24 here to defend the other parents. I should say that I think admin is posting as a teacher. Just yesterday, parents received notice that another fantastic teacher is leaving. My child came home in a funk. Maybe it's that, maybe it's something else. The situation with the HOS is "their way or the highway". And they are not always right and yes, often emotional. It is starting to be majority SN and yet they don't have the staff to support the kids/teachers. For example, while they've always had some HFA kids, there's a non-verbal one there now. How's a teacher to manage that along with 9 other kids? Easy, add a support staff w/ SPED cred. but that's not what TSS does. That's probably b/c it wasn't designed to be a SN school. It's still got it's place like you need to leave somewhere mid-cycle. Or your kid is really, really self-directed.

The head of school uses the word “shocker” often. Just throwing that out there.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]I"m the first poster from '24 here to defend the other parents. I should say that I think admin is posting as a teacher. Just yesterday, parents received notice that another fantastic teacher is leaving. My child came home in a funk. Maybe it's that, maybe it's something else. The situation with the HOS is "their way or the highway". And they are not always right and yes, often emotional. It is starting to be majority SN and yet they don't have the staff to support the kids/teachers. For example, while they've always had some HFA kids, there's a non-verbal one there now. How's a teacher to manage that along with 9 other kids? Easy, add a support staff w/ SPED cred. but that's not what TSS does. That's probably b/c it wasn't designed to be a SN school. It's still got it's place like you need to leave somewhere mid-cycle. Or your kid is really, really self-directed. [/quote]

Yes, exactly. It is very much self directed and self paced. Being self paced and mastery based is what brought us to TSS. Unfortunately, the curriculum has been underwhelming and not even sure they follow state standards. My child reports that there is often disruption in the classroom. They sell co-teaching and student to staff ratio, but given all the staff departures and no new hires there’s no way they have the appropriate support in the classroom. Although admin says otherwise. My child also shares that teachers sub in all different classes, especially now, are they all versed in each of the subject matters? It seems that not only is student learning falling through the cracks, but so is teacher support. To lose 4 teachers in 4 months, but not hire teachers specific to those subjects? Admin refuses to give much information beyond what’s shared in news letters and if you ask more it’s met with defensiveness, specifically the HOS. My child loves their friends at TSS and truly what has kept us there for the remainder of the school year. We are not sure about next year.

[Anonymous]

There webpage speaks to the importance of Mindfulness, but their is no Movement & Mindfulness teacher anymore. It’s other teachers subbing during their breaks… we pay 32,500 a year and it’s increasing next year, yet still no new teachers to replace the ones who left..

[Anonymous]

Current parent here, this is why our kids are not returning next year. Staff retention is big issue for us, we want our kids to form relationships and trust with their teachers and how is that possible if each year so many leave? We have watched it happen time and time again. In a school with 20-25 employees, 5 leaving that we know of so far in one year speaks volumes to HOS management and admin. In the last several years, we have watched over 15 teachers leave.. similarly our children love their friends, but they will be attending another school for the 2024-2025.

[Anonymous]

The Sycamore School has potential, but unfortunately, its administration, particularly the head of school, lacks the necessary experience. It's disheartening that the head has never taught a day in her life, echoing sentiments shared by others. This lack of firsthand teaching experience may hinder the school's ability to effectively support its students and faculty.

[Anonymous]

If other parents feel this way please send an email to board members or admin.

How does one file a complaint on how the school is run? Since they aren’t affiliated with APS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If other parents feel this way please send an email to board members or admin.

How does one file a complaint on how the school is run? Since they aren’t affiliated with APS.

current parent here. I don't feel compelled to do so and I"m pretty confident that she's carefully picked her board and carefully feeds them information. Not wasting any more time and money on this school other than to show parents what's going on. Again, it has its place but I think it's a very temp solution while figuring out the next permanent move.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]If other parents feel this way please send an email to board members or admin.

How does one file a complaint on how the school is run? Since they aren’t affiliated with APS. [/quote]

current parent here. I don't feel compelled to do so and I"m pretty confident that she's carefully picked her board and carefully feeds them information. Not wasting any more time and money on this school other than to show parents what's going on. Again, it has its place but I think it's a very temp solution while figuring out the next permanent move.[/quote]

I’d have to agree. We’ve had meetings as well, it’s a run around and concerns are met with defensiveness. Also, I believe the HOS is HR. Doesn’t seem professional or appropriate. A new school next year is the best choice for our family.

[Anonymous]

Are there really multiple parents from this small school posting here (or is this all sock-puppeting)? Very hard to tell with it being an anonymous board.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]Are there really multiple parents from this small school posting here (or is this all sock-puppeting)? Very hard to tell with it being an anonymous board.[/quote]

I can only speak for myself, my child will not be returning and we informed TSS through a survey.

No doubt some sock puppeting from administration posing as a teacher. Good catch!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there really multiple parents from this small school posting here (or is this all sock-puppeting)? Very hard to tell with it being an anonymous board.

It is also very hard to tell if some people are admin loyalists…