Let's talk about the lower performing schools in FFX

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Look at Mason Crest. Amazing elementary school, nice neighborhood (Broyhill Crest) with nice SFH's just around 500K. MS sucks but HS not terrible.

+1. Mason Crest parent, here. It's a great school. Involved parents, enthusiastic young teachers, and great administrators. We will miss it as we get out of dodge to avoid Glasgow.

You think Stuart isn't terrible? The same kids at Glasgow go on to Stuart. I agree you should avoid Glasgow, but I think Stuart is just as bad.

And you are basing this on the color of these kids' skin?

Eff off. FCPS has installed far more talented and hardworking administrators at those schools than some of the very average caretakers who've been in charge at schools like Madison and Robinson in recent years.

I'm actually not basing anything on the color of these kids' skin. No one can ever speak the truth about these schools without being call racist. The teachers are mediocre. The administrators are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that Glasgow and Stuart are not great schools.

What is your basis to claim the teachers are mediocre? See PP.

Having teachers who post answer keys with clearly wrong answers, have teachers who DC and friends talk about being checked out, having math taught by teacher who had never taught math before....What's the basis of your opinion of the schools?

Administrators who are some of the best in the region, hard-working teachers who work overtime (ex: weekend SOL workshops), a growing IB program, more competitive sports teams, parents who pupil place their kids there now, and a general sense of optimism that things have been steadily improving ever since Calhoun left and Gros took over.

I don't think a growing IB program is a plus for the school. Also, more competitive sports teams mean nothing if the academics aren't where they should be. Yes, things are improving, but the optimism stems from things like becoming fully accredited only about a year ago. Maybe that's something to celebrate for you, but in a school system like FCPS, being fully accredited should be a given, not a cause for celebration.

A larger IB program is a plus at an IB school and stronger sports teams speak to greater student engagement. Given the alternative, the fact that things are improving is good news for all the communities that feed into the school.

It is good news that it's now accredited....Improvement of a really bad school doesn't mean it's a good school.

It never lost its accreditation, and it is not fully accredited now, but that really doesn't speak to the education that a bright, native English-speaking kid can receive there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone tell me how their child is currently doing at Lee? If white and UMC, are there enough students like them to fit in and find their niche?

My kids are doing fine. There are many opportunities to participate in activities since Lee is the smallest high school in FCPS. Will they be in the minority? Most definitely. Is this a bad thing? No. I have found the school to be receptive to everyone. Would I change certain things? Sure, but no school is perfect. The principal has made changes for the better (the AVID program and reintroducing some AP classes).

White people avoiding, moving away, and transferring out of Lee has led to a self-fulfilling prophecy since these are typically middle or upper middle class families and they would tend to score better (than say a recent immigrant). So as they left scores have declined. Not exclusive to white families as middle and upper middle class African American, Asian, Indian, etc. families have also started avoiding Lee. Sites like Great Schools have contributed to this downward trend.

The more middle and upper middle class families stay at Lee or move to Lee's neighborhoods the better the school will do. Remember, this is FCPS so the resources to do well are available.

If you don't send your kids to Lee, that will be X less white kids, and if others do the same it will be X + Y white kids less, and so on. What is your fear?

I worry that resources will go to underperforming students at the expense of my average student. I've been told that Honors classes are a way to ensure more motivated kids, but what will happen if my good-but-mediocre student can't handle Honors. Will he be in classes with 20 year olds or kids who are just biding time? I want him to have a decent-sized group of kids who share the same interests, background, and values. Race matters less than motivation, work ethic, and behavior.

[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:Look at Mason Crest. Amazing elementary school, nice neighborhood (Broyhill Crest) with nice SFH's just around 500K. MS sucks but HS not terrible.

+1. Mason Crest parent, here. It's a great school. Involved parents, enthusiastic young teachers, and great administrators. We will miss it as we get out of dodge to avoid Glasgow.

You think Stuart isn't terrible? The same kids at Glasgow go on to Stuart. I agree you should avoid Glasgow, but I think Stuart is just as bad.

And you are basing this on the color of these kids' skin?

Eff off. FCPS has installed far more talented and hardworking administrators at those schools than some of the very average caretakers who've been in charge at schools like Madison and Robinson in recent years.

I'm actually not basing anything on the color of these kids' skin. No one can ever speak the truth about these schools without being call racist. The teachers are mediocre. The administrators are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that Glasgow and Stuart are not great schools.

What is your basis to claim the teachers are mediocre? See PP.

Having teachers who post answer keys with clearly wrong answers, have teachers who DC and friends talk about being checked out, having math taught by teacher who had never taught math before....What's the basis of your opinion of the schools?

Administrators who are some of the best in the region, hard-working teachers who work overtime (ex: weekend SOL workshops), a growing IB program, more competitive sports teams, parents who pupil place their kids there now, and a general sense of optimism that things have been steadily improving ever since Calhoun left and Gros took over.

I don't think a growing IB program is a plus for the school. Also, more competitive sports teams mean nothing if the academics aren't where they should be. Yes, things are improving, but the optimism stems from things like becoming fully accredited only about a year ago. Maybe that's something to celebrate for you, but in a school system like FCPS, being fully accredited should be a given, not a cause for celebration.

A larger IB program is a plus at an IB school and stronger sports teams speak to greater student engagement. Given the alternative, the fact that things are improving is good news for all the communities that feed into the school.

It is good news that it's now accredited....Improvement of a really bad school doesn't mean it's a good school.

It never lost its accreditation, and it is not fully accredited now, but that really doesn't speak to the education that a bright, native English-speaking kid can receive there.

Ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone tell me how their child is currently doing at Lee? If white and UMC, are there enough students like them to fit in and find their niche?

My kids are doing fine. There are many opportunities to participate in activities since Lee is the smallest high school in FCPS. Will they be in the minority? Most definitely. Is this a bad thing? No. I have found the school to be receptive to everyone. Would I change certain things? Sure, but no school is perfect. The principal has made changes for the better (the AVID program and reintroducing some AP classes).

White people avoiding, moving away, and transferring out of Lee has led to a self-fulfilling prophecy since these are typically middle or upper middle class families and they would tend to score better (than say a recent immigrant). So as they left scores have declined. Not exclusive to white families as middle and upper middle class African American, Asian, Indian, etc. families have also started avoiding Lee. Sites like Great Schools have contributed to this downward trend.

The more middle and upper middle class families stay at Lee or move to Lee's neighborhoods the better the school will do. Remember, this is FCPS so the resources to do well are available.

If you don't send your kids to Lee, that will be X less white kids, and if others do the same it will be X + Y white kids less, and so on. What is your fear?

I worry that resources will go to underperforming students at the expense of my average student. I've been told that Honors classes are a way to ensure more motivated kids, but what will happen if my good-but-mediocre student can't handle Honors. Will he be in classes with 20 year olds or kids who are just biding time? I want him to have a decent-sized group of kids who share the same interests, background, and values. Race matters less than motivation, work ethic, and behavior.[/quote

Lee has ESOL, regular, honors and IB classes. http://www2.fcps.edu/LeeHS/academics/documents/letter%20size%20Course%20Offering%20Sheet%2017-18.pdf

Your kid presumably won't get put in ESOL classes and, if he can't handle Honors, he'd likely be in classes with even less motivated students at West Springfield or similar schools with wealthier demographics.

[Anonymous]

we are 1/2 mile outside the beltway in 22003 and we are happy with the schools. there are definitely houses in the 500-550K range and getting to the beltway is a breeze.

[Anonymous]

I love Hayfield! I hope it keeps flying under the radar as a "bad pyramid" because our experience has been wonderful.

The secondary school is in great structural shape; not one trailer in sight. The teachers are solid. The class sizes are manageable. It's an AP school. Overall, the experience has been fantastic. Please keep giving us a "bad" rep, because it helps us stay a well-kept secret. We appreciate your help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at Mason Crest. Amazing elementary school, nice neighborhood (Broyhill Crest) with nice SFH's just around 500K. MS sucks but HS not terrible.

+1. Mason Crest parent, here. It's a great school. Involved parents, enthusiastic young teachers, and great administrators. We will miss it as we get out of dodge to avoid Glasgow.

You think Stuart isn't terrible? The same kids at Glasgow go on to Stuart. I agree you should avoid Glasgow, but I think Stuart is just as bad.

And you are basing this on the color of these kids' skin?

Eff off. FCPS has installed far more talented and hardworking administrators at those schools than some of the very average caretakers who've been in charge at schools like Madison and Robinson in recent years.

I'm actually not basing anything on the color of these kids' skin. No one can ever speak the truth about these schools without being call racist. The teachers are mediocre. The administrators are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that Glasgow and Stuart are not great schools.

What is your basis to claim the teachers are mediocre? See PP.

Having teachers who post answer keys with clearly wrong answers, have teachers who DC and friends talk about being checked out, having math taught by teacher who had never taught math before....What's the basis of your opinion of the schools?

Administrators who are some of the best in the region, hard-working teachers who work overtime (ex: weekend SOL workshops), a growing IB program, more competitive sports teams, parents who pupil place their kids there now, and a general sense of optimism that things have been steadily improving ever since Calhoun left and Gros took over.

I don't think a growing IB program is a plus for the school. Also, more competitive sports teams mean nothing if the academics aren't where they should be. Yes, things are improving, but the optimism stems from things like becoming fully accredited only about a year ago. Maybe that's something to celebrate for you, but in a school system like FCPS, being fully accredited should be a given, not a cause for celebration.

And the basis for this statement is...??

[Anonymous]

Marshall is ok

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at Mason Crest. Amazing elementary school, nice neighborhood (Broyhill Crest) with nice SFH's just around 500K. MS sucks but HS not terrible.

+1. Mason Crest parent, here. It's a great school. Involved parents, enthusiastic young teachers, and great administrators. We will miss it as we get out of dodge to avoid Glasgow.

You think Stuart isn't terrible? The same kids at Glasgow go on to Stuart. I agree you should avoid Glasgow, but I think Stuart is just as bad.

And you are basing this on the color of these kids' skin?

Eff off. FCPS has installed far more talented and hardworking administrators at those schools than some of the very average caretakers who've been in charge at schools like Madison and Robinson in recent years.

I'm actually not basing anything on the color of these kids' skin. No one can ever speak the truth about these schools without being call racist. The teachers are mediocre. The administrators are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that Glasgow and Stuart are not great schools.

What is your basis to claim the teachers are mediocre? See PP.

Having teachers who post answer keys with clearly wrong answers, have teachers who DC and friends talk about being checked out, having math taught by teacher who had never taught math before....What's the basis of your opinion of the schools?

Administrators who are some of the best in the region, hard-working teachers who work overtime (ex: weekend SOL workshops), a growing IB program, more competitive sports teams, parents who pupil place their kids there now, and a general sense of optimism that things have been steadily improving ever since Calhoun left and Gros took over.

I don't think a growing IB program is a plus for the school. Also, more competitive sports teams mean nothing if the academics aren't where they should be. Yes, things are improving, but the optimism stems from things like becoming fully accredited only about a year ago. Maybe that's something to celebrate for you, but in a school system like FCPS, being fully accredited should be a given, not a cause for celebration.

And the basis for this statement is...??

The IB program has done nothing to help to improve the school over the past decade. Instead of expanding it, they should get rid of it. It won't happen, but it should.

[Anonymous]

Can someone explain to me why FARM children are also the most likely to receive special education services? I'm sure there are some links to being poor and being disabled, but they don't naturally go together. Do all children receiving special ed services actually have a diagnosis?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain to me why FARM children are also the most likely to receive special education services? I'm sure there are some links to being poor and being disabled, but they don't naturally go together. Do all children receiving special ed services actually have a diagnosis?

Where is the stat that says FARM children are most likely to receive special ed services?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone tell me how their child is currently doing at Lee? If white and UMC, are there enough students like them to fit in and find their niche?

My kids are doing fine. There are many opportunities to participate in activities since Lee is the smallest high school in FCPS. Will they be in the minority? Most definitely. Is this a bad thing? No. I have found the school to be receptive to everyone. Would I change certain things? Sure, but no school is perfect. The principal has made changes for the better (the AVID program and reintroducing some AP classes).

White people avoiding, moving away, and transferring out of Lee has led to a self-fulfilling prophecy since these are typically middle or upper middle class families and they would tend to score better (than say a recent immigrant). So as they left scores have declined. Not exclusive to white families as middle and upper middle class African American, Asian, Indian, etc. families have also started avoiding Lee. Sites like Great Schools have contributed to this downward trend.

The more middle and upper middle class families stay at Lee or move to Lee's neighborhoods the better the school will do. Remember, this is FCPS so the resources to do well are available.

If you don't send your kids to Lee, that will be X less white kids, and if others do the same it will be X + Y white kids less, and so on. What is your fear?

The same goes for any of the poorly ranked high schools in Fairfax County.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look at Mason Crest. Amazing elementary school, nice neighborhood (Broyhill Crest) with nice SFH's just around 500K. MS sucks but HS not terrible.

+1. Mason Crest parent, here. It's a great school. Involved parents, enthusiastic young teachers, and great administrators. We will miss it as we get out of dodge to avoid Glasgow.

You think Stuart isn't terrible? The same kids at Glasgow go on to Stuart. I agree you should avoid Glasgow, but I think Stuart is just as bad.

And you are basing this on the color of these kids' skin?

Eff off. FCPS has installed far more talented and hardworking administrators at those schools than some of the very average caretakers who've been in charge at schools like Madison and Robinson in recent years.

I'm actually not basing anything on the color of these kids' skin. No one can ever speak the truth about these schools without being call racist. The teachers are mediocre. The administrators are nice, but that doesn't change the fact that Glasgow and Stuart are not great schools.

What is your basis to claim the teachers are mediocre? See PP.

Having teachers who post answer keys with clearly wrong answers, have teachers who DC and friends talk about being checked out, having math taught by teacher who had never taught math before....What's the basis of your opinion of the schools?

Administrators who are some of the best in the region, hard-working teachers who work overtime (ex: weekend SOL workshops), a growing IB program, more competitive sports teams, parents who pupil place their kids there now, and a general sense of optimism that things have been steadily improving ever since Calhoun left and Gros took over.

I don't think a growing IB program is a plus for the school. Also, more competitive sports teams mean nothing if the academics aren't where they should be. Yes, things are improving, but the optimism stems from things like becoming fully accredited only about a year ago. Maybe that's something to celebrate for you, but in a school system like FCPS, being fully accredited should be a given, not a cause for celebration.

And the basis for this statement is...??

The IB program has done nothing to help to improve the school over the past decade. Instead of expanding it, they should get rid of it. It won't happen, but it should.

So a growing number of students choosing to challenge themselves by participating in a rigorous educational program. Sounds like a clear positive to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain to me why FARM children are also the most likely to receive special education services? I'm sure there are some links to being poor and being disabled, but they don't naturally go together. Do all children receiving special ed services actually have a diagnosis?

Where is the stat that says FARM children are most likely to receive special ed services?

FCPS has been quoted over the past several years saying that their enrollment is increasing in children who qualify for FARM, special ed, and ESOL services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain to me why FARM children are also the most likely to receive special education services? I'm sure there are some links to being poor and being disabled, but they don't naturally go together. Do all children receiving special ed services actually have a diagnosis?

Where is the stat that says FARM children are most likely to receive special ed services?

FCPS has been quoted over the past several years saying that their enrollment is increasing in children who qualify for FARM, special ed, and ESOL services.

just b/c the enrollment is increasing for children who qualify for FARM, spec. ed. and ESOL services... does not follow that among FARMS kids the special Ed numbers are higher than non-FARMS spec. ed. designations.