Help! We are slated for Hoffman Boston school
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Anonymous
I say "even better!". I'm in FCPS, not ACPS, but at a minority majority school where 50%+ of the kids are FARM (it's a Title 1 school). The school didn't make AYP for two years in a row and got additional resources because of it. We love the school and the teachers. Sure, there are a lot of kids from disadvantaged backgrounds and the PTA isn't as robust as it is at the majority white schools but it's still a great school. In fact, in some ways, the lack of parental involvement has sort of made us superstars at the school. DH and I both WOH full time but we do try and make it to school events, show up for lunch twice a month and send in extra supplies/goodies. I think ALL the teachers know us and our kids and are very appreciative. I think it makes a big difference when the teachers/administrators know who you are and who your kids are. |
Anonymous
| Yes, the School Board voted to implement a STEM program at Hoffman-Boston. |
Anonymous
| Will it them become a county-wide school with lottery based admission? |
Anonymous
| If you like your immediate neighbors, and live in a nice part of the crummy ES zone, I'd at least give it a chance before bailing for private school or moving further out. |
Anonymous
| I agree with 15:29. Visit the school, talk to the principal, talk to neighbors whose kids go there. (Please don't waste your time talking to people who haven't had children enrolled there; they have no idea what they are talking about.) Ask the principal if you can sit in on a class. You might be very pleasantly surprised. If not, there are other options, which you've listed in your original post. |
Anonymous
| What is a STEM school? |
Anonymous
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics |
Anonymous
Arlington Science Focus School South (ASFSS) - NOT! |
Anonymous
http://www.sungazette.net/arlington/education/school-system-plans-science-technology-focus-to-boost-hoffman-boston/article_f707f768-1ce2-11e1-900a-0019bb2963f4.html County school officials believe an intensive focus on science and technology could be the solution to low attendance and low achievement rates at Hoffman-Boston Elementary School. Officials on Dec. 1 rolled out a plan to inaugurate a “STEM” – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – curriculum at Hoffman-Boston, where nearly two-thirds of students are not native English speakers and where test scores have lagged in recent years. [. . .] |
Anonymous
| Why would the STEM designation help? I'm sorry I am new to the county, and trying to research the public schools. |
Anonymous
Because all you need to do is mention technology and parents think they've got the key to Being Competitive in the Twentieth Century. |
Anonymous
| STEM means that it will get even more special resources than it already is getting since it is struggling with achievement rates. Better than a crowded N. Arlington school with snobby parents, I say! |
Anonymous
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I would second the parent that says to tour the school, talk to parents at the school.. maybe even attend a PTA meeting or event? You will get a feel for the school and that will tell you everything. I have a friend at Oakridge and not all that long ago that was not a great school. The parents got together and really worked to make that a great school and they love it there!
And since we are an ATS family... yes, ATS is not for everyone. Homework 4 nights in kindergarten is A LOT! Also, the school is very rigid. I have complained about a few things and the response is often, "we have been doing this for 30 years." All schools are different and what might be a great school for one family might not be a good fit for your family and vice versa. |