Anyone know what is going on a Woodson?

[Anonymous]

We recently moved from the area but our experience at an FCPS secondary school was very positive. My son liked school, took challenging classes, was happy to go every day and I always got the impression that the teachers were supportive of their students. The competition for spots in some of the extracurricular activities could be fierce. But when you have lots of people vying for limited spots - some competition can be expected.

I am really surprised to hear about this pressure cooker environment that some of you are talking about. In my experience, the kids who are taking the challenging course loads are doing so because they want to take them, not because the teachers and administrators are pressuring them to do so. I can only say that we never felt or experienced that.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Stop. Just stop.

No. It's Bullis Mom who needs to stop trying to make everything about her. That act - which centers around spreading a narrative about Langley that no one else with kids there recognized - got tired years ago and has not aged well.

It's not about me, you moron. When I see yet another area child has taken his life, it breaks my heart in a million pieces. And if I can do something to help, I damn well will. SO STFU.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Yep. I've had three kids go through Langley, four years each, with many friends in their various circles. It's mighty tiresome to hear her resurrect her old, exaggerated grudges, especially after so many years have passed - based on the one year her daughter went there.

Welcome to McLean and Great Falls, folks. The land of too much money, too much ego, and not enough sense.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Yep. I've had three kids go through Langley, four years each, with many friends in their various circles. It's mighty tiresome to hear her resurrect her old, exaggerated grudges, especially after so many years have passed - based on the one year her daughter went there.

Are you one of the parents who wave around their hands dismissively, claiming they would never pay for private, while the reflection from your 5 carat skating rink of a diamond brings down small planes in the area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Stop. Just stop.

No. It's Bullis Mom who needs to stop trying to make everything about her. That act - which centers around spreading a narrative about Langley that no one else with kids there recognized - got tired years ago and has not aged well.

It's not about me, you moron. When I see yet another area child has taken his life, it breaks my heart in a million pieces. And if I can do something to help, I damn well will. SO STFU.

Oh, Linda. It is always, always, always about you. Do you really think that isn't clear to everyone by now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Stop. Just stop.

No. It's Bullis Mom who needs to stop trying to make everything about her. That act - which centers around spreading a narrative about Langley that no one else with kids there recognized - got tired years ago and has not aged well.

It's not about me, you moron. When I see yet another area child has taken his life, it breaks my heart in a million pieces. And if I can do something to help, I damn well will. SO STFU.

Oh, Linda. It is always, always, always about you. Do you really think that isn't clear to everyone by now?

Go back to your mansion and count your blessings. Do you think you are being clever and that I'm afraid of being outed? Bring it.

[Anonymous]

So what does the FC school board do now?

[Anonymous]

PLEASE! This is a serious issue. A child is dead. Can we make our schools better? What can we do to prevent this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PLEASE! This is a serious issue. A child is dead. Can we make our schools better? What can we do to prevent this?

Has FC brought in mental health professionals to interview families and students?

What exactly are the mental health professionals recommending?

[Anonymous]

Whether it is one mom or not, I have seen many casualties from FCPS. It makes me sad. SOMETHING is not working right. Not everyone goes so far as this student but so many are suffering from anxiety and depression. It's not 100% the parents. It's much too widespread. And when you meet the parents they are not the caricatures of helicopters that you are describing. Most of them seem kind and concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Stop. Just stop.

No. It's Bullis Mom who needs to stop trying to make everything about her. That act - which centers around spreading a narrative about Langley that no one else with kids there recognized - got tired years ago and has not aged well.

It's not about me, you moron. When I see yet another area child has taken his life, it breaks my heart in a million pieces. And if I can do something to help, I damn well will. SO STFU.

Oh, Linda. It is always, always, always about you. Do you really think that isn't clear to everyone by now?

Naming her was unnecessary. Also, the original post she wrote said nothing about Langley, she only said she had a bad experience with another FCPS school. No bad mouthing of Langley directly. Multiple Langley parents then pointed out she was referring to Langley. Her experience is her experience. If you guys had just ignored the post, I doubt many people would have a clue the school was Langley. Maybe her posts are frustrating given the time that has elapsed, but you guys really are helping to fuel this by pointing out the school she's referring to, and now posting her name. I get your frustration, but I would say step back a little and don't engage in this back and forth. Maybe if she had named the school herself, I could see posting a different perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Stop. Just stop.

No. It's Bullis Mom who needs to stop trying to make everything about her. That act - which centers around spreading a narrative about Langley that no one else with kids there recognized - got tired years ago and has not aged well.

It's not about me, you moron. When I see yet another area child has taken his life, it breaks my heart in a million pieces. And if I can do something to help, I damn well will. SO STFU.

Oh, Linda. It is always, always, always about you. Do you really think that isn't clear to everyone by now?

Naming her was unnecessary. Also, the original post she wrote said nothing about Langley, she only said she had a bad experience with another FCPS school. No bad mouthing of Langley directly. Multiple Langley parents then pointed out she was referring to Langley. Her experience is her experience. If you guys had just ignored the post, I doubt many people would have a clue the school was Langley. Maybe her posts are frustrating given the time that has elapsed, but you guys really are helping to fuel this by pointing out the school she's referring to, and now posting her name. I get your frustration, but I would say step back a little and don't engage in this back and forth. Maybe if she had named the school herself, I could see posting a different perspective.

Agree. I don't have any experience with Langley, so I don't know if any of this is true with regard to that school. It is true for other FCPS schools though, so it's worth discussing. And again, she didn't say anything about Langley. I don't even know how you recognized it was her, to be honest.

[Anonymous]

I worry so about my frost child heading to woodson next year. I worry about the pressure to take AP classes.

I wonder if they stopped weighting the AP classes so much, fewer people would take them. maybe give AP the same weight as honors. the colleges can see the classes you took. the kids don't think things through so much and want the high GPA and go for AP. maybe honors is a better option or GE. with honors classes I suspect the teacher has more control over the curriculum and pace.

[Anonymous]

I have been reading this post and wanted to express my condolences to the young person's family. Simply no words to express what a tragedy this is. A few people have asked what we could do to stop this from happening again. I found this article to be eye opening and plan to share it with my own children when they are old enough.
https://medium.com/@jezhou/on-growing-up-in-the-bay-area-and-its-rippling-effects-b3273b9e2534[/url]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have some friends whose kids go to Woodson. They've told me that the environment there is like a pressure cooker. Because the school is known for its high test scores, it's ingrained in the culture that it is very important that it be maintained. Test scores are everything.

That doesn't stand up to the logic test. If that were true, then schools like Langley, McLean, Madison, Oakton and others in the DMV area would also have a lot of suicides... but as far as I know, they don't. Something is going on. I suspect that when it happens once, there is a sense that it's a possibility for other kids. But, something needs to be done.

It's not just because they have a good test record. According to the students I've spoken with, it's the over the top culture of perfectionism and lofty standards, specific to Woodson's administration.

I do not doubt this. My daughter was brought to near emotional collapse at another FFX Cty school due to what she called, her inability to please staff and impossibly high standards. No matter what she did, no matter how high her grades were (and she was a straight A student), she felt as if they wanted her to do more and more and more. The administration of these high schools care only about their numbers it seems.

Agree.

No tragedy fails to bring out Bullis Mom and her gripes against Langley, based on her daughter's one year there (which was five or six years ago). Sigh.

Stop. Just stop.

No. It's Bullis Mom who needs to stop trying to make everything about her. That act - which centers around spreading a narrative about Langley that no one else with kids there recognized - got tired years ago and has not aged well.

It's not about me, you moron. When I see yet another area child has taken his life, it breaks my heart in a million pieces. And if I can do something to help, I damn well will. SO STFU.

Oh, Linda. It is always, always, always about you. Do you really think that isn't clear to everyone by now?

Naming her was unnecessary. Also, the original post she wrote said nothing about Langley, she only said she had a bad experience with another FCPS school. No bad mouthing of Langley directly. Multiple Langley parents then pointed out she was referring to Langley. Her experience is her experience. If you guys had just ignored the post, I doubt many people would have a clue the school was Langley. Maybe her posts are frustrating given the time that has elapsed, but you guys really are helping to fuel this by pointing out the school she's referring to, and now posting her name. I get your frustration, but I would say step back a little and don't engage in this back and forth. Maybe if she had named the school herself, I could see posting a different perspective.

Agree. I don't have any experience with Langley, so I don't know if any of this is true with regard to that school. It is true for other FCPS schools though, so it's worth discussing. And again, she didn't say anything about Langley. I don't even know how you recognized it was her, to be honest.

Probably because her posts are virtually the same, word for word, and invariably speak to how her "straight A" daughter supposedly was pressured to take AP courses.

It is so narcissistic that it's hard to ignore, even when that probably would be the wiser course of action.