The Sycamore School in Arlington???

[Anonymous]

No, it means "all of the new staff" who began working at the school this school year are staying. They were a minority of the total staff.
The school is a startup business that has only been open a limited time. Ask anyone who has run one what happens with staff in the first several years. TSS has kept its core leadership, like most startups. Sadly, working on a startup budget means you don't have fat salaries to dangle at employees in a tight job market. So people move on. Others go because partners take jobs in other cities and countries.

Again, anyone who has been around a few schools knows this drill. A school that does better is a unicorn, so go chase it if you want to.

NP here and not a current or former Sycamore teacher or parent, but one who has considered the school and had concerns. I wanted to point out how troubled I am by the above rationalization. If you can't afford to pay competitive, fair salaries to good teachers, then you have NO business starting or running a school. (I've seen similar issues at other private schools, so this isn't specific to TSS.)

Teachers are the heart and soul of any school, and they need to be compensated adequately. Don't use the "startup" BS. If you're a startup, the HOS should be taking no salary and pouring everything into the business, and fundraising their tails off to raise cash to attract and pay the teachers. If they can't or won't do that, then close shop or make room for someone else who knows how to run a successful school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

No, it means "all of the new staff" who began working at the school this school year are staying. They were a minority of the total staff.
The school is a startup business that has only been open a limited time. Ask anyone who has run one what happens with staff in the first several years. TSS has kept its core leadership, like most startups. Sadly, working on a startup budget means you don't have fat salaries to dangle at employees in a tight job market. So people move on. Others go because partners take jobs in other cities and countries.

Again, anyone who has been around a few schools knows this drill. A school that does better is a unicorn, so go chase it if you want to.

NP here and not a current or former Sycamore teacher or parent, but one who has considered the school and had concerns. I wanted to point out how troubled I am by the above rationalization. If you can't afford to pay competitive, fair salaries to good teachers, then you have NO business starting or running a school. (I've seen similar issues at other private schools, so this isn't specific to TSS.)

Teachers are the heart and soul of any school, and they need to be compensated adequately. Don't use the "startup" BS. If you're a startup, the HOS should be taking no salary and pouring everything into the business, and fundraising their tails off to raise cash to attract and pay the teachers. If they can't or won't do that, then close shop or make room for someone else who knows how to run a successful school.

By all means go start your own business or school and report back on how you did it right. Do you know how hard it is to start any business on this scale and keep it going for more than 5 years? The failure rate of new businesses is over 50% the first few years.

This is like the guys in the 4th ring at Fedex telling the coaches what to do next. Sheesh.

[Anonymous]

NP here and current (and returning TSS family) - I’ve been searching for what to say about this entire chain. I’ve decided it won’t likely be of any benefit to comment on the back and forth which seems to unfortunately continue. What I will say is my child’s experience for the last few years has been generally/overall positive on balance - building a solid social group and exploring subjects in a different way. Teacher retention has been a concern and I am glad most are returning next year. As a parent, I deeply value our teachers and the school and am willing to productively support them all in whatever way needed to make a stronger school community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here:

As a member of the community at The Sycamore School, it's disheartening to witness a breach of privacy and respect during staff meetings. While these meetings are intended for collaboration and support, it's troubling that the head of school has been releasing personal information about students in a manner that is both hurtful and disrespectful.

During these meetings, instead of fostering empathy and understanding, the head of school has been known to make derogatory comments about students' home environments, issues they may be facing, and even their personalities. This behavior is not only unprofessional but also damaging to the well-being of the students involved.

For example, there is a student who has faced significant challenges in life. Rather than offering support and encouragement, the head of school has chosen to make fun of and dismiss the child's needs. This type of behavior is not only unacceptable but also goes against the values of compassion and inclusivity that should be upheld within our school community.

It's essential that all members of the school community, especially those in positions of authority, treat students with the respect and dignity they deserve. This includes maintaining confidentiality and refraining from making hurtful remarks about students, especially during professional meetings.

Moving forward, it's imperative that The Sycamore School takes steps to address these concerns and ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and respected within the school environment. This may involve implementing training programs on confidentiality and sensitivity or establishing clear guidelines for appropriate conduct during staff meetings.

As members of the school community, it's our responsibility to speak out against behavior that undermines the well-being of our students. By addressing these concerns openly and constructively, we can work together to create a more positive and inclusive learning environment for all students at The Sycamore School.

This is disturbing. It bothers me to hear it. Is this a letter you wrote to the administration and are now posting here? I am curious why you are posting in a public forum... To put pressure on the administration to change?? It sounds like you are currently a faculty member ... Are you leaving ???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here:

As a member of the community at The Sycamore School, it's disheartening to witness a breach of privacy and respect during staff meetings. While these meetings are intended for collaboration and support, it's troubling that the head of school has been releasing personal information about students in a manner that is both hurtful and disrespectful.

During these meetings, instead of fostering empathy and understanding, the head of school has been known to make derogatory comments about students' home environments, issues they may be facing, and even their personalities. This behavior is not only unprofessional but also damaging to the well-being of the students involved.

For example, there is a student who has faced significant challenges in life. Rather than offering support and encouragement, the head of school has chosen to make fun of and dismiss the child's needs. This type of behavior is not only unacceptable but also goes against the values of compassion and inclusivity that should be upheld within our school community.

It's essential that all members of the school community, especially those in positions of authority, treat students with the respect and dignity they deserve. This includes maintaining confidentiality and refraining from making hurtful remarks about students, especially during professional meetings.

Moving forward, it's imperative that The Sycamore School takes steps to address these concerns and ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and respected within the school environment. This may involve implementing training programs on confidentiality and sensitivity or establishing clear guidelines for appropriate conduct during staff meetings.

As members of the school community, it's our responsibility to speak out against behavior that undermines the well-being of our students. By addressing these concerns openly and constructively, we can work together to create a more positive and inclusive learning environment for all students at The Sycamore School.

This is disturbing. It bothers me to hear it. Is this a letter you wrote to the administration and are now posting here? I am curious why you are posting in a public forum... To put pressure on the administration to change?? It sounds like you are currently a faculty member ... Are you leaving ???

It sounds like "Hey, ChatGPT, write me a polite, formal departure letter for a faculty member" but in a world of total anonymity, who knows?

It would be very odd, I agree, for a current faculty member to present these vague concerns here instead of to the person they are aimed at (if this is a real person at all).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here and current (and returning TSS family) - I’ve been searching for what to say about this entire chain. I’ve decided it won’t likely be of any benefit to comment on the back and forth which seems to unfortunately continue. What I will say is my child’s experience for the last few years has been generally/overall positive on balance - building a solid social group and exploring subjects in a different way. Teacher retention has been a concern and I am glad most are returning next year. As a parent, I deeply value our teachers and the school and am willing to productively support them all in whatever way needed to make a stronger school community.

Heard and appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here:

As a member of the community at The Sycamore School, it's disheartening to witness a breach of privacy and respect during staff meetings. While these meetings are intended for collaboration and support, it's troubling that the head of school has been releasing personal information about students in a manner that is both hurtful and disrespectful.

During these meetings, instead of fostering empathy and understanding, the head of school has been known to make derogatory comments about students' home environments, issues they may be facing, and even their personalities. This behavior is not only unprofessional but also damaging to the well-being of the students involved.

For example, there is a student who has faced significant challenges in life. Rather than offering support and encouragement, the head of school has chosen to make fun of and dismiss the child's needs. This type of behavior is not only unacceptable but also goes against the values of compassion and inclusivity that should be upheld within our school community.

It's essential that all members of the school community, especially those in positions of authority, treat students with the respect and dignity they deserve. This includes maintaining confidentiality and refraining from making hurtful remarks about students, especially during professional meetings.

Moving forward, it's imperative that The Sycamore School takes steps to address these concerns and ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and respected within the school environment. This may involve implementing training programs on confidentiality and sensitivity or establishing clear guidelines for appropriate conduct during staff meetings.

As members of the school community, it's our responsibility to speak out against behavior that undermines the well-being of our students. By addressing these concerns openly and constructively, we can work together to create a more positive and inclusive learning environment for all students at The Sycamore School.

This is disturbing. It bothers me to hear it. Is this a letter you wrote to the administration and are now posting here? I am curious why you are posting in a public forum... To put pressure on the administration to change?? It sounds like you are currently a faculty member ... Are you leaving ???

It sounds like "Hey, ChatGPT, write me a polite, formal departure letter for a faculty member" but in a world of total anonymity, who knows?

It would be very odd, I agree, for a current faculty member to present these vague concerns here instead of to the person they are aimed at (if this is a real person at all).

It was already mentioned that the administration at this facility are retaliatory and emotionally motivated in their actions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here:

As a member of the community at The Sycamore School, it's disheartening to witness a breach of privacy and respect during staff meetings. While these meetings are intended for collaboration and support, it's troubling that the head of school has been releasing personal information about students in a manner that is both hurtful and disrespectful.

During these meetings, instead of fostering empathy and understanding, the head of school has been known to make derogatory comments about students' home environments, issues they may be facing, and even their personalities. This behavior is not only unprofessional but also damaging to the well-being of the students involved.

For example, there is a student who has faced significant challenges in life. Rather than offering support and encouragement, the head of school has chosen to make fun of and dismiss the child's needs. This type of behavior is not only unacceptable but also goes against the values of compassion and inclusivity that should be upheld within our school community.

It's essential that all members of the school community, especially those in positions of authority, treat students with the respect and dignity they deserve. This includes maintaining confidentiality and refraining from making hurtful remarks about students, especially during professional meetings.

Moving forward, it's imperative that The Sycamore School takes steps to address these concerns and ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and respected within the school environment. This may involve implementing training programs on confidentiality and sensitivity or establishing clear guidelines for appropriate conduct during staff meetings.

As members of the school community, it's our responsibility to speak out against behavior that undermines the well-being of our students. By addressing these concerns openly and constructively, we can work together to create a more positive and inclusive learning environment for all students at The Sycamore School.

This is disturbing. It bothers me to hear it. Is this a letter you wrote to the administration and are now posting here? I am curious why you are posting in a public forum... To put pressure on the administration to change?? It sounds like you are currently a faculty member ... Are you leaving ???

It sounds like "Hey, ChatGPT, write me a polite, formal departure letter for a faculty member" but in a world of total anonymity, who knows?

It would be very odd, I agree, for a current faculty member to present these vague concerns here instead of to the person they are aimed at (if this is a real person at all).

It was already mentioned that the administration at this facility are retaliatory and emotionally motivated in their actions.

Anonymous posters "mentioned" that in the same way that lawyers pose damning questions in court then withdraw them when asked for proof. "Mentioning" without concrete examples is hearsay and innuendo at best.

[Anonymous]

“Totally agree any experienced teacher would in an environment that’s positive, unfortunately in an environment that is not it forces people keep their cards close out of fear of retaliation. Emotionally driven responses. It’s interesting that 3-4 staff that quit this year did it either day of, or with very little notice from my understanding. All of which were very experienced teachers, no? I also think the lack of professionalism and environmental concerns were addressed by all those staff, whether in person w/ the HOS or via email. Right? Was there not also a written document signed by ALL current staff about the changes administration needed to make for treatment of staff and requesting a bonus due to no new staff getting hired to replace the 4 that are gone, right? Because teachers no longer had their prep periods or breaks. Those are facts, you even signed the proposal which tells me there’s a level of issues that you were willing to admit are present“

NP-
@the poster who keeps replying to all mentions, are these things not true? Sounds like there’s some facts here with proof, but maybe I’m wrong. When reading I see themes, but from what I’ve gathered you work there now and maybe can provide some insight?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Totally agree any experienced teacher would in an environment that’s positive, unfortunately in an environment that is not it forces people keep their cards close out of fear of retaliation. Emotionally driven responses. It’s interesting that 3-4 staff that quit this year did it either day of, or with very little notice from my understanding. All of which were very experienced teachers, no? I also think the lack of professionalism and environmental concerns were addressed by all those staff, whether in person w/ the HOS or via email. Right? Was there not also a written document signed by ALL current staff about the changes administration needed to make for treatment of staff and requesting a bonus due to no new staff getting hired to replace the 4 that are gone, right? Because teachers no longer had their prep periods or breaks. Those are facts, you even signed the proposal which tells me there’s a level of issues that you were willing to admit are present“

NP-
@the poster who keeps replying to all mentions, are these things not true? Sounds like there’s some facts here with proof, but maybe I’m wrong. When reading I see themes, but from what I’ve gathered you work there now and maybe can provide some insight?

"Sounds like there are some facts" is not a declaration of facts. The folks who made all the wild accusations here have the burden of specifying who did what and when.

The absence of those facts makes this a classic smear campaign under the cloak of anonymity. Keep repeating the themes, as you so accurately put it, and dodge all demands for details.

That's my insight. Still waiting to hear more than generalities.

[Anonymous]

^^^ a yes or no question answered without a yes or no, got my answer. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]^^^ a yes or no question answered without a yes or no, got my answer. Thank you! [/quote]

Something else you can see in a thousand courtroom drama shows. Lawyers pose a rigid yes or no question to avoid details and context, then try to cut off the witness' answer when they don't follow the lawyer into the trap they set and insist on providing exactly that context.

Why ask the question if you don't want my best answer?

Quite a cliche after decades of TV lawyer drama, LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Totally agree any experienced teacher would in an environment that’s positive, unfortunately in an environment that is not it forces people keep their cards close out of fear of retaliation. Emotionally driven responses. It’s interesting that 3-4 staff that quit this year did it either day of, or with very little notice from my understanding. All of which were very experienced teachers, no? I also think the lack of professionalism and environmental concerns were addressed by all those staff, whether in person w/ the HOS or via email. Right? Was there not also a written document signed by ALL current staff about the changes administration needed to make for treatment of staff and requesting a bonus due to no new staff getting hired to replace the 4 that are gone, right? Because teachers no longer had their prep periods or breaks. Those are facts, you even signed the proposal which tells me there’s a level of issues that you were willing to admit are present“

NP-
@the poster who keeps replying to all mentions, are these things not true? Sounds like there’s some facts here with proof, but maybe I’m wrong. When reading I see themes, but from what I’ve gathered you work there now and maybe can provide some insight?

"Sounds like there are some facts" is not a declaration of facts. The folks who made all the wild accusations here have the burden of specifying who did what and when.

The absence of those facts makes this a classic smear campaign under the cloak of anonymity. Keep repeating the themes, as you so accurately put it, and dodge all demands for details.

That's my insight. Still waiting to hear more than generalities.

Deny deny deny

[Anonymous]

“The teachers who departed were in the TSS equivalent of PE, low-level English classes, theater, and a fill-in. The math, science, and social sciences core staff is all still there and returning.“

The second root of the school is, social and emotional development with the first approach being regular mindfulness practice. I sure hope the Movement and Mindfulness class is not the equivalent to PE. Also, what are low-level English classes? What is a fill in? That’s great the other core staff are staying, but I’m confused on these statements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“The teachers who departed were in the TSS equivalent of PE, low-level English classes, theater, and a fill-in. The math, science, and social sciences core staff is all still there and returning.“

The second root of the school is, social and emotional development with the first approach being regular mindfulness practice. I sure hope the Movement and Mindfulness class is not the equivalent to PE. Also, what are low-level English classes? What is a fill in? That’s great the other core staff are staying, but I’m confused on these statements.

The school is currently hiring for a Middle-school Literacy teacher, hence the term lower when "lower grades" might have been more accurate.

The fill-in was hired to cover maternity leaves by others that ended.

Social and emotional learning is supported and assessed in all TSS classes. M&M is one slice of the full school day.