Music Cuts

[Anonymous]

I am afraid this is just the beginning

https://www.change.org/p/help-westfield-high-school-s-va-music-program

[Anonymous]

For those who don’t want to click:

Our administration at Westfield has decided to eliminate six after-school and before-school music classes. This decision was made due to what they perceive as a lack of equity in these classes, particularly because we earn 0.5 credits for specific courses. While this might seem unfair, these credits acknowledge the students' hard work in the music program and motivate others to practice and reach a level where they can be recognized. Having role models within any community encourages students and teachers to improve, ultimately helping the music program grow.
This decision is solely a Westfield initiative and will likely create a domino effect on surrounding schools, threatening not only our music community but also that of Fairfax County Public Schools. The administration's choice feels hypocritical, as they continuously promote community values, integrity, and excellence, yet this decision undermines those principles by targeting our community, our integrity, and our excellence.

[Anonymous]

Can people outside the school community sign this petition?

[Anonymous]

I actually don't understand what's being described. What is being eliminated, and why, and what is being retained?

[Anonymous]

It seems that every after school music class is being cut or rebranded as a club. A music teacher is being cut as a result and, I would imagine, kids will have fewer opportunities to participate in the music program.

[Anonymous]

Here is another source: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F3jqt5ghE/

[Anonymous]

The schools have had music and drama classes for years. I've never known an afternoon practice to be for credit.

Is this common?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The schools have had music and drama classes for years. I've never known an afternoon practice to be for credit.

Is this common?

Yes, for example, at Westfield the advanced choir is actually held before school. In order to be in it, you also have to take a different choir class during school.

This is just one example, but symphonic orchestra, jazz band, and of course marching band, are also held outside of school hours. I assume marching band isn't being cut, since it isn't a class.

[Anonymous]

My friend was complaining that her Westfield child's journalism class was cut for next year-literally no journalism classes will be offered at all, and no school paper. Seems like the school is poorly run. It is one of the largest HS and should offer at least basic programs like choir and a school paper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friend was complaining that her Westfield child's journalism class was cut for next year-literally no journalism classes will be offered at all, and no school paper. Seems like the school is poorly run. It is one of the largest HS and should offer at least basic programs like choir and a school paper.

Westfield used to be considered superior to Chantilly. Administration issues?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My friend was complaining that her Westfield child's journalism class was cut for next year-literally no journalism classes will be offered at all, and no school paper. Seems like the school is poorly run. It is one of the largest HS and should offer at least basic programs like choir and a school paper.

Westfield used to be considered superior to Chantilly. Administration issues?

Not for a long time. Chantilly has much
Lower percentage FARMS.

Westfield is pretty mediocre but they should still be offering normal activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friend was complaining that her Westfield child's journalism class was cut for next year-literally no journalism classes will be offered at all, and no school paper. Seems like the school is poorly run. It is one of the largest HS and should offer at least basic programs like choir and a school paper.

Horrible. I’ve no idea how Reid can let a school this large be run so poorly and then expect people to accept boundary changes into some of these schools. Not to mention that everything she does seems intended to weaken the schools that have managed to do better despite the constant neglect and poor Gatehouse management.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My friend was complaining that her Westfield child's journalism class was cut for next year-literally no journalism classes will be offered at all, and no school paper. Seems like the school is poorly run. It is one of the largest HS and should offer at least basic programs like choir and a school paper.

Westfield used to be considered superior to Chantilly. Administration issues?

More like aftermath of Stu Gibson and Kathy Smith issues.

[Anonymous]

Is this an equity thing where FCPS doesn't want one high school offering courses for credit outside of school hours unless every school does? I am not aware of our high school offering courses outside school hours. Do they have to pay the teachers extra?

[Anonymous]

As a high school teacher at another school, it is wild to me that a before/after school program was for credits. Is marching band a credit? Jazz band? Is a sport or being in the play a credit? Those are all extracurricular activities, even the ones that require more hours than a semester class.

Why are these classes not during the day if demand is there?

As a core subject teacher, we are being told to expect all classes filled to 32 at the beginning of the school year next August. If cutting an after school elective class means hiring an additional math teacher to get our class sizes below 30, then this is a very logical choice.