What do you really like about your public school?

[Anonymous]

A lot of the threads lately have so much negativity to them. There's snark and meanness and general b*tchy attitude on the forum. Maybe it's the doldrums of the hot, muggy, summer? Anyhow, here's a chance to be positive and embrace good karma. What do you really like about your school? When you kiss your children and tuck them in to bed, telling yourself that you're proud of these little people and how well they're growing up, what things about your school contribute to those positive moments? What about your school feels special enough that you believe your children will reflect upon it happily in later years? C'mon, let's hear it and no slagging allowed. You're not allowed to do an anonymous drive-by of someone else's choice, this is just a celebration of what YOU like about YOUR school.

Any takers?

[Anonymous]

I like the community spirit and kindness of the families. I also like that I can actually save for college and retirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like the community spirit and kindness of the families. I also like that I can actually save for college and retirement.

Heh. I was going to say "it's hard to put a price on that" but then I realized that's factually incorrect. You can, in fact, put a price on that. Approximately $30K per year for 14 years (PreK to 12) is $420K, which is almost a house - even in LOUSY neighborhoods in DC. And that's before you have to pay for college. And yet I love living here. Maybe the heat has melted my brain.

[Anonymous]

Wilson is diverse and the vast majority of the students are genuinely nice people. There is also a large community of of active, supportive, and fully engaged parents.

Go Tigers!!!

[Anonymous]

I love our principal, teachers and the wonderful, committed families.

[Anonymous]

I love that my kids have strong friendships with neighborhood kids. And that as parents we have found a great cohort of families who are a great support system. The school community spirit extends into the neighborhood. My kids love school and learning and are challenged everyday. The parents at our school are real problem solvers and go above and beyond.

I know that when my kids grow up they will be grateful for the friends they have made and for getting a strong academic start.
Thanks OP for asking the question.

[Anonymous]

There's so much... the principal, the teachers, the educational method, the multi-culti awareness of the kids, the diversity, the relative small number of kids there, the families, the level of parent commitment, the special ed resources and program, the bilingual/biliterate curriculum, the emphasis on peaceful behavior and community.

Most of all, the fact that the school never gave up on my child, despite early behaviorial problems and learning disabilities.

[Anonymous]

I am affiliated with two high-schools. I serve on numerous committess and I can say first and foremost I like the students...that is paramount. If it is not for them in general...the commitment to the school would be unsatisfying. The administration is good start of point...and therefore the respect of the position is the utmost of importance. The nuances of teachers, staff and volunteers all come into play. My schools are Eastern and Woodson High Schools respectively....they both have unique and distinct components that make them likeable. What I find most satisfying....is when I hear on an unsolicited basis that the adults like the children and vice-a-versa.

Just recently....the students were asked to participate in an impromptu survey about their high schools....and the results showed that the students at Eastern and Cardozo felt the most comfortable with their principal, teachers and school climate.

The tying ingredient regarding the principals stated above...both have seniority in their professions...and have readily risen up the ranks as leaders. In other words they are not micro-waved type administators.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's so much... the principal, the teachers, the educational method, the multi-culti awareness of the kids, the diversity, the relative small number of kids there, the families, the level of parent commitment, the special ed resources and program, the bilingual/biliterate curriculum, the emphasis on peaceful behavior and community.

Most of all, the fact that the school never gave up on my child, despite early behaviorial problems and learning disabilities.

I have to agree with you. I think my child attends the same school.

[Anonymous]

This will be our 1st year in a DCPS, but I can say thus far, I like the convenience. We are OOB, but still very close to home. The staff has been very warm and inviting and really sold me on the school. I also can't wait to see the new renovations. Gotta love that new school smell!

[Anonymous]

The principal of our school is great. She is really sharp and stays many steps ahead of the game. She also hires really well and has staffed the school with wonderful teachers. What I cannot put a price on is that my middle school student loves going to school!

[Anonymous]

It's nice to be positive and I love hearing good things about the schools.

I question the association of negativity with snark and meanness.

It would be like having a discussion of the things we don't like about DCPS that banned any expression of enthusiasm and hope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This will be our 1st year in a DCPS, but I can say thus far, I like the convenience. We are OOB, but still very close to home. The staff has been very warm and inviting and really sold me on the school. I also can't wait to see the new renovations. Gotta love that new school smell!

Oooooh, are you going to be at Stoddert? Drove by the new building the other day and this happy Murch mom was very jealous!

[Anonymous]

I love how welcome everybody is at my child's school. It is not only racially and religiously diverse, but economically diverse as well.

Too bad it's just a pre-school (Bridges) because my child has friends of every race & religion. More importantly, she has friends with differing commands of English (because some are ESL, and others are special needs who get speech therapy AT SCHOOL). And her class of 16 had 2 regular teachers and a 3rd floating teacher. She's even learned a little Spanish.

I would like to have a public elementary school like this as our next step.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how welcome everybody is at my child's school. It is not only racially and religiously diverse, but economically diverse as well.

Too bad it's just a pre-school (Bridges) because my child has friends of every race & religion. More importantly, she has friends with differing commands of English (because some are ESL, and others are special needs who get speech therapy AT SCHOOL). And her class of 16 had 2 regular teachers and a 3rd floating teacher. She's even learned a little Spanish.

I would like to have a public elementary school like this as our next step.

P.S. Is it against the rules to say that I don't love the location? Because I would love the school more if I didn't "have to get over" the lack of an on-site playground.