Barcroft elementary/ south Arlington crisis

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

This is what happened at Oakridge, which in addition to being overcrowded as a percentage of building capacity is also the largest elementary school in the county in raw numbers. They are projected to have 800+ kids by 2018. It's ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

"young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving" haha get back to me when they look at public schools, most will high tail outta there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

"young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving" haha get back to me when they look at public schools, most will high tail outta there.

Obviously they haven't been. Not at Oakrige. Not in my neighborhood. Most SFH owners were ok with the status quo. We are not ok with the changes that are happening around us. Many people were confident their kids would get a good education before. We are concerned with an overburdened system, and no apparent planning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

Hey neighbor! I'm one of those couples with a baby and we're watching this closely. I doesn't seem that the county is planning ahead. After all, this is the same county that said South Arlington would remain the land of single adults, but there are kids everywhere now.

Also, in another post... " A minority of households in Arlington have kids in the public schools so if parents don't show up and take a seat at the table--including in discussions about things like housing policy or the countywide facilities study--the needs of the kids are going to be drowned out." Is this really true?

Did they really say that south Arlington would remain the land of single adults? Really?!!! I mean honestly, where do they think first time home buyers are going to flock? The people with young, elementary aged children? My neighborhood is either 70+ hoarders or under 40 with kids. As newer construction picks up we are starting to see more middle ground. I swear I think the county just projects what they hope will be.
" gosh, we'll hand out a loan for a 300 unit 100% affordable high rise, and hope that there won't be too many kids... And they won't need ESOL. I'm sure it'll all work out."

I guess it will, if their idea of working out is chasing the middle class out of south Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

Hey neighbor! I'm one of those couples with a baby and we're watching this closely. I doesn't seem that the county is planning ahead. After all, this is the same county that said South Arlington would remain the land of single adults, but there are kids everywhere now.

Also, in another post... " A minority of households in Arlington have kids in the public schools so if parents don't show up and take a seat at the table--including in discussions about things like housing policy or the countywide facilities study--the needs of the kids are going to be drowned out." Is this really true?

The TJ study group--and to be fair, it is county owned land, so they needed to involve county stakeholders and not just school stakeholders--included reps from the Planning Commission, Transportation Commission, Environment and Energy Conservation Commission, Parks and Rec Commission, Sports Commission, Urban Forestry Commission, seven civic associations, the County Fair board, Friends of TJ Park.....and 2 people from the APS Facilities Advisory Council and someone from the TJ PTA. Surprise surprise! This group did not support building a new elementary school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

Hey neighbor! I'm one of those couples with a baby and we're watching this closely. I doesn't seem that the county is planning ahead. After all, this is the same county that said South Arlington would remain the land of single adults, but there are kids everywhere now.

Also, in another post... " A minority of households in Arlington have kids in the public schools so if parents don't show up and take a seat at the table--including in discussions about things like housing policy or the countywide facilities study--the needs of the kids are going to be drowned out." Is this really true?

Did they really say that south Arlington would remain the land of single adults? Really?!!! I mean honestly, where do they think first time home buyers are going to flock? The people with young, elementary aged children? My neighborhood is either 70+ hoarders or under 40 with kids. As newer construction picks up we are starting to see more middle ground. I swear I think the county just projects what they hope will be.
" gosh, we'll hand out a loan for a 300 unit 100% affordable high rise, and hope that there won't be too many kids... And they won't need ESOL. I'm sure it'll all work out."

I guess it will, if their idea of working out is chasing the middle class out of south Arlington.

Most parents flock to areas in Fairfax County and Arlington with highly rated schools.

[Anonymous]

For those of you commenting on Randolph--it is no longer under-enrolled. They are now slightly over-enrolled and that will continue to increase. It does have a higher FARMS rate than Barcroft. That said, I have visited the school and will be sending my children there when they are old enough. I am very comfortable with it. The overcrowding situation does concern me and I hope that the county moves quickly on a new school The demographics worry me less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

"young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving" haha get back to me when they look at public schools, most will high tail outta there.

I am the PP - I understand that it what people keep saying ( that people like us will want to move ) I am a teacher ( not in ACPS) and I promise you, we will not be moving. Over crowding without admin support concerns me more than anything else. But a strong teacher can control a large group of kids - as long as the entire school is on board with expectations and training is available for new teachers.

[Anonymous]

I live in S Arlington- between Penrose and Columbia Heights- I think it is called Arlington view- regardless there are tons of pregnant moms, infants and toddlers all around. No one I have talked too is considering moving. We are zoned for Patrick Henry so we don't have a dog in this fight but will be watching closely. I think it is naïve to assume that people will be moving or that people living in townhouses or apartments do not have school aged children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in S Arlington- between Penrose and Columbia Heights- I think it is called Arlington view- regardless there are tons of pregnant moms, infants and toddlers all around. No one I have talked too is considering moving. We are zoned for Patrick Henry so we don't have a dog in this fight but will be watching closely. I think it is naïve to assume that people will be moving or that people living in townhouses or apartments do not have school aged children.

I am the PP - I know they will/do have kids - which will need to be addressed, and it seems have been over looked recently. But I think a bigger number of children will be coming from SFH who were previously owned by retirees and now have young families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

Hey neighbor! I'm one of those couples with a baby and we're watching this closely. I doesn't seem that the county is planning ahead. After all, this is the same county that said South Arlington would remain the land of single adults, but there are kids everywhere now.

Also, in another post... " A minority of households in Arlington have kids in the public schools so if parents don't show up and take a seat at the table--including in discussions about things like housing policy or the countywide facilities study--the needs of the kids are going to be drowned out." Is this really true?

Only 15% of Arlington households have kids in the schools, which is a slight increase from 10 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

"young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving" haha get back to me when they look at public schools, most will high tail outta there.

I am the PP - I understand that it what people keep saying ( that people like us will want to move ) I am a teacher ( not in ACPS) and I promise you, we will not be moving. Over crowding without admin support concerns me more than anything else. But a strong teacher can control a large group of kids - as long as the entire school is on board with expectations and training is available for new teachers.

Try to ignore trolls. I'm sure there are contingents that would be pleased to have this problem go away. Some on the other side of the county that have benefitted from a laid back south Arlington. We haven't been the loudest advocates for ourselves. Older home owners in the south who don't want any changes of any sort- no new schools, no new transportation, etc... The county board who suggested we need to deal with being crowded a little longer before they worry about our problems... The affordable housing lobby- well intentioned, but focused on the immediate problem at hand and unwilling to consider all aspects of certain issues...
If we'd just shut up and move away it would be so much easier for them.


But screw that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

"young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving" haha get back to me when they look at public schools, most will high tail outta there.

Obviously they haven't been. Not at Oakrige. Not in my neighborhood. Most SFH owners were ok with the status quo. We are not ok with the changes that are happening around us. Many people were confident their kids would get a good education before. We are concerned with an overburdened system, and no apparent planning.

+1 There is very little concern among S. Arlingtonians that I know (at Oakridge, Claremont, Drew, Henry) about the quality of the instruction our kids are getting. We're concerned about the fact that there is no more room. You can't shove 10 lbs of potatoes into a 5lb bag. (Unless you are a Kardashian.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live between Glebe and George Mason - currently zoned for Barcroft. Although I do not have school aged children now, we will in the next few years.

I think the county is forgetting to consider the huge turn around of SFH in that area- and the number of children who will be coming from those neighborhoods in addition to the apartments. Of our old retired neighbors who have moved out in the past few years - every single one was replaced with a young couple with a baby or is currently pregnant - and no plans of moving.

Although I have noticed a few families moving into the new Glebe townhomes with babies- my husband believes most will move to single family homes before the children are school aged ( similar to what happened in cameron station in alexandria- they built a new ES thinking those homes would need a local school, but most families moved before their kids were that old.)

I agree that most of the high end apartments at Pike 3400 and potentially near food star will be young single/newly married couples without kids in school.

Hey neighbor! I'm one of those couples with a baby and we're watching this closely. I doesn't seem that the county is planning ahead. After all, this is the same county that said South Arlington would remain the land of single adults, but there are kids everywhere now.

Also, in another post... " A minority of households in Arlington have kids in the public schools so if parents don't show up and take a seat at the table--including in discussions about things like housing policy or the countywide facilities study--the needs of the kids are going to be drowned out." Is this really true?

The TJ study group--and to be fair, it is county owned land, so they needed to involve county stakeholders and not just school stakeholders--included reps from the Planning Commission, Transportation Commission, Environment and Energy Conservation Commission, Parks and Rec Commission, Sports Commission, Urban Forestry Commission, seven civic associations, the County Fair board, Friends of TJ Park.....and 2 people from the APS Facilities Advisory Council and someone from the TJ PTA. Surprise surprise! This group did not support building a new elementary school!

Agree with everything you said, PP - just wanted to note how much the bolded above infuriates me (the concept, not your comment). I don't pay taxes to the School Board, I pay them to the County. I am tired of hearing about the problems of building on "County owned land."

[Anonymous]

the root of the problem starts from the top... not SB or CB, but WF, as in Wakefield HS. if and only if you fix Wakefield, all problems go away.