basis woes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Thus, BASIS has chosen to provide a great deal of support to struggling students, e.g., the STARS program last spring, the summer program, the remedial math and reading programs, the peer tutoring program, extensive teacher hours, etc.

- Sorry - did not meant to have the whole thing in quotes - Reposting - hope I get it right

I am a supporter of the school's concept and I want it to be successful for all students. However, I'm tired of hearing about the STARS program and current Basis parents should stop referring to it. I am the parent of an incoming 5th grader. I have asked the school about the STARS program every since lottery day which is when we received notice that we were in. I thought they may be starting it late but last month I was informed there is no STARS program at all this year, just the 2 week summer school option that doesn't seem to have aftercare or meet on Fridays. Because my DC is ahead and I can work my work schedule for 2 weeks around this limited summer program option, I am less concerned. I also am familiar with Saxon 7/8 which is considered the top text for that level of math, so I am less concerned about him being put in that level for math in 5th. The PP was incorrect when she said that Pre-Algebra was the lowest level of math for 5th graders.

However, the point of this post is to point out that for the kids whose math is not up to Basis standards, they will not have the opportunity to do STARS and at best will get 8 days of morning only math instuction in the summer program if they can swing the schedule. I would have been more comfortable with my DC in pre-algebra for 5th if we had access to STARS. As the daughter of a mathematician I believe certain fraction, decimal and percent calculations should be able to be done mentally and for that a lot of practice is needed.

BTW - Saxon's Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 text are not rated as the best text although from memory I think they were considered in the B range which is still very good - most texts at that level don't rate that high. Saxon 7/8 was rated an A- and the only text to receive that designation from my research. My biggest concern is that by opting for a the lowest level math my DC may not receive the top level of instruction that others receive in his other courses since I was told that they determine classroom placement based on math level. But we'll cross that bridge wwhen we get to it.

[Anonymous]

PP Above, You are incorrect, BASIS is offering 7 weeks of Stars this summer for a total of 23 days of instruction, plus 2 weeks of BOSS program.

[Anonymous]

PP - from "Sorry" on down should not be in quotes. Only posted a few times on DCUM - still learning how it works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Thus, BASIS has chosen to provide a great deal of support to struggling students, e.g., the STARS program last spring, the summer program, the remedial math and reading programs, the peer tutoring program, extensive teacher hours, etc.

I am a supporter of the school's concept and I want it to be successful for all students. However, I'm tired of hearing about the STARS program and current Basis parents should stop referring to it. I am the parent of an incoming 5th grader. I have asked the school about the STARS program every since lottery day which is when we received notice that we were in. I thought they may be starting it late but last month I was informed there is no STARS program at all this year, just the 2 week summer school option that doesn't seem to have aftercare or meet on Fridays. Because my DC is ahead and I can work my work schedule for 2 weeks around this limited summer program option, I am less concerned. I also am familiar with Saxon 7/8 which is considered the top text for that level of math, so I am less concerned about him being put in that level for math in 5th. The PP was incorrect when she said that Pre-Algebra was the lowest level of math for 5th graders.

However, the point of this post is to point out that for the kids whose math is not up to Basis standards, they will not have the opportunity to do STARS and at best will get 8 days of morning only math instuction in the summer program if they can swing the schedule. I would have been more comfortable with my DC in pre-algebra for 5th if we had access to STARS. As the daughter of a mathematician I believe certain fraction, decimal and percent calculations should be able to be done mentally and for that a lot of practice is needed.

BTW - Saxon's Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 text are not rated as the best text although from memory I think they were considered in the B range which is still very good - most texts at that level don't rate that high. Saxon 7/8 was rated an A- and the only text to receive that designation from my research. My biggest concern is that by opting for a the lowest level math my DC may not receive the top level of instruction that others receive in his other courses since I was told that they determine classroom placement based on math level. But we'll cross that bridge wwhen we get to it.

The Saxon math 8/7 also has Pre-Algebra. If your 5th grader has an 90 average, he will placed in Alegbra 1 for 6th grade. There is a class of 5th graders that are taking Saxon 7/6, and in 6th grade they will take Pre-Alegbra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP Above, You are incorrect, BASIS is offering 7 weeks of Stars this summer for a total of 23 days of instruction, plus 2 weeks of BOSS program.

Then I am not incorrect - It is the person at Basis answering the phones who has told me that they are not offering it. Nor have I seen anything about it in the communications I have received. Will call the school now and find out as well as express my displeasure for the inaccurate information. This is not the best sign and I haven't even started yet.

[Anonymous]

But thanks for the info

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP Above, You are incorrect, BASIS is offering 7 weeks of Stars this summer for a total of 23 days of instruction, plus 2 weeks of BOSS program.

Then I am not incorrect - It is the person at Basis answering the phones who has told me that they are not offering it. Nor have I seen anything about it in the communications I have received. Will call the school now and find out as well as express my displeasure for the inaccurate information. This is not the best sign and I haven't even started yet.

Just got off the phone with BASIS about STARS based on PP's email.

Turns out that they only informed parents about the school about STARS thus far. They have not sent the info out to NEW parents. Also they are not offering 23 days of instruction for STARS. They are offering a 4 week - 3 mornings a week of STARS with the afternoons of the BOSS study skill program for those 3 days - AND no aftercare. They are also offerning STARS for the 2 weeks - 4 mornings a week with the afternoon BOSS program that I had previously described.

I, who have considerable flexibility, can adjust my work week for the 2 week - 4 day a week STARS/BOSS program with no aftercare. I can not do it for 4 week - 3 day a week STARS?BOSS program with no aftercare. I have no idea how a single parent without telework could do it either. This was not well thought out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP Above, You are incorrect, BASIS is offering 7 weeks of Stars this summer for a total of 23 days of instruction, plus 2 weeks of BOSS program.

Then I am not incorrect - It is the person at Basis answering the phones who has told me that they are not offering it. Nor have I seen anything about it in the communications I have received. Will call the school now and find out as well as express my displeasure for the inaccurate information. This is not the best sign and I haven't even started yet.

Just got off the phone with BASIS about STARS based on PP's email.

Turns out that they only informed parents about the school about STARS thus far. They have not sent the info out to NEW parents. Also they are not offering 23 days of instruction for STARS. They are offering a 4 week - 3 mornings a week of STARS with the afternoons of the BOSS study skill program for those 3 days - AND no aftercare. They are also offerning STARS for the 2 weeks - 4 mornings a week with the afternoon BOSS program that I had previously described.

I, who have considerable flexibility, can adjust my work week for the 2 week - 4 day a week STARS/BOSS program with no aftercare. I can not do it for 4 week - 3 day a week STARS?BOSS program with no aftercare. I have no idea how a single parent without telework could do it either. This was not well thought out.

What is the BOSS program? what is the stars program?

[Anonymous]

This was not well thought out.

Hardly the only thing despite great intentions. The noisy, claustrophobic building and four-grade start was not well thought out. We're leaving for a private in the fall, but keeping this to ourselves because we don't want to complicate things for our kid through June. Yes, some good teachers but not what we had in mind overall. Better to bail for 6th than at any other time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

This was not well thought out.
Hardly the only thing despite great intentions. The noisy, claustrophobic building and four-grade start was not well thought out. We're leaving for a private in the fall, but keeping this to ourselves because we don't want to complicate things for our kid through June. Yes, some good teachers but not what we had in mind overall. Better to bail for 6th than at any other time.


Sorry to see you go. Good luck at your new school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP Above, You are incorrect, BASIS is offering 7 weeks of Stars this summer for a total of 23 days of instruction, plus 2 weeks of BOSS program.

Then I am not incorrect - It is the person at Basis answering the phones who has told me that they are not offering it. Nor have I seen anything about it in the communications I have received. Will call the school now and find out as well as express my displeasure for the inaccurate information. This is not the best sign and I haven't even started yet.

Just got off the phone with BASIS about STARS based on PP's email.

Turns out that they only informed parents about the school about STARS thus far. They have not sent the info out to NEW parents. Also they are not offering 23 days of instruction for STARS. They are offering a 4 week - 3 mornings a week of STARS with the afternoons of the BOSS study skill program for those 3 days - AND no aftercare. They are also offerning STARS for the 2 weeks - 4 mornings a week with the afternoon BOSS program that I had previously described.

I, who have considerable flexibility, can adjust my work week for the 2 week - 4 day a week STARS/BOSS program with no aftercare. I can not do it for 4 week - 3 day a week STARS?BOSS program with no aftercare. I have no idea how a single parent without telework could do it either. This was not well thought out.

Wrong again, PP. BASIS is offering a five-week STARS session that meets three mornings a week and a two-week STARS session that meets 4 mornings a week. The earlier poster was correct about the number of days.

As you note, the two-week morning STARS program is being offered in conjunction with a two-week afternoon BOSS program. So, families that opt for both programs can drop their kids off at 9:00 am and pick them up at 3:30 pm. To me this sound likes a well thought out schedule for a summer program. I've enrolled my kids in numerous summer programs in DC over the years, and most have kept those sorts of hours and did not offer after-care until 6:00 pm.

Keep in mind that, while it sounds like you have a rising 5th grader, these programs will also serve rising 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders, most of whom will have no trouble getting themselves to and from BASIS on the metro, so there might not be a lot of demand for after-care.

That said, you can always email the school or the parent organization (the boosters) to see if they'd be willing to organize an after-care program that runs until 6:00 pm. If there is enough interest, i.e., a dozen kids or more, I suspect that a member of the staff or a booster volunteer would be willing to stay late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
What is the BOSS program? what is the stars program?

From the announcement sent out last week:

BASIS Summer STARS
• Session I: July 9-August 9 (3 days/week from 9am-12pm for 5 weeks, at a cost of $200)
• Session II: August 12-23 (4 days a week from 9am-12pm for 2 weeks, at a cost of $150)
• Both sessions are available for both new and returning students.
BASIS Summer STARS is designed for both new and returning students to continue improving their academic and organizational skills. Building off the success of our previous STARS and Meteor programs, returning students will receive instruction by highly qualified Math and English instructors to keep their academic skills sharp, while also practicing the study, organizational, and note-taking skills necessary for success at BASIS. For students new to BASIS, the program will also include an introduction to key components of BASIS culture, including meeting key staff, understanding BASIS policies, and working with Saxon math textbooks.

BOSS Program
• Session II: August 12-23
• BOSS will be offered during Session II, 4 days a week, in both morning (9am-12pm) and afternoon (12:30-3:30pm) sessions at a cost of $200. BOSS is open to new students only.
BOSS (BASIS Organizational Skills for Success) is designed to prepare new BASIS DC students for the high expectations of the BASIS curriculum by teaching them the basic organization, study, reading, and note taking skills necessary for success in the classroom. As an added benefit, the BOSS program also helps acquaint students with our faculty, staff, and school environment before their first day of classes. BOSS gives students confidence as they transition into middle school by reinforcing good study habits, time management and classroom decorum.

[Anonymous]

Not a BASIS parent, booster or basher, but I'm curious about the extent to which BASIS waives the fees for STARS and BOSS for families in need. Can anyone speak to that? (Sorry if it's been asked and answered before.)

[Anonymous]

So let me get this straight. In order for students to participate in these programs that supposedly make it possible for them to succeed at a public school, they need to fork over several HUNDRED dollars?

Please tell me there are scholarships/sliding scale for this. Please tell me that students who can't afford these programs aren't left out and told "too bad".

Do teachers also charge for office hours during the school year? ( half serious question)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So let me get this straight. In order for students to participate in these programs that supposedly make it possible for them to succeed at a public school, they need to fork over several HUNDRED dollars?

Please tell me there are scholarships/sliding scale for this. Please tell me that students who can't afford these programs aren't left out and told "too bad".

Do teachers also charge for office hours during the school year? ( half serious question)

Not only that, but it's not full day program. What is a parent to do with their child after 12 noon? I guess they can find a half day camp somewhere. Also, parents' schedules would have to be very flexible, but luckily the school is very metro accessible so most students should be able to maneuver.