ACPS - administrative transfers for kindergarten

[Anonymous]

I transferred my kids (now 7th graders) from MacArther to Maury in October of their K year when Maury added an third K class. Reasons: we could walk to Maury, they were bussed to MacArthur; smaller school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me more about the Spanish Immersion at Mount Vernon? Pros/cons?

Yes, please, as another potential MVCS parent I'd like to know what parents at MVCS think of the immersion program. We are 80% certain to go to MVCS; scores are improving, the community support is great, etc., but we still have some concern about whether the immersion program benefits everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me more about the Spanish Immersion at Mount Vernon? Pros/cons?

Yes, please, as another potential MVCS parent I'd like to know what parents at MVCS think of the immersion program. We are 80% certain to go to MVCS; scores are improving, the community support is great, etc., but we still have some concern about whether the immersion program benefits everyone.

We were at MVCS and transferred our child to one of the better publics mentioned on this board. We did not want to continue at the school because the focus was only on immersion and ESL at the expense of other subjects like math. It was ok for the younger grades, but as our child progressed to more advanced material, we did not see the benefit of our child, a native English speaker, learning word problems and such in Spanish. The school teaches Spanish speaking children English. But does not teach English speaking students Spanish. The resources are all devoted to ESL and immersion. There are only one or two non-immersion sections in each grade, and those are filled largely with students who have learning challenges or developmental delays. So not a good fit either. Also, there is no continuity of Spanish immersion into middle school. So students will have to go right back to learning middle school math in English.

The immersion program is there 100% for non-English speakers and is developed and taught as such. It just wasn't the right for for our older elementary aged child who was getting frustrated at the lack of support. FWIW, my child is a top student and was also in TAG.

[Anonymous]

I know this is a relatively old thread, but I wanted to post about our experience in the event someone in the future researches MVCS and finds this information. We currently (Fall 2015) have two children at MVCS. DC1 is TAG, DC2 is not. I do not think that the prior poster's information about the dual language program is accurate now.

The program is much more robust than it was in the past. Every grade gets a literacy block in each language, so native English speakers are getting Spanish literacy (reading, writing, grammar etc). Granted, this was not the case when DC1 started. The program has really grown and strengthened in the last few years. For DC1, we employed a Spanish tutor because of the lack of literacy instruction in Spanish. Despite our initial disappointment with the dual language program, we stuck with the school because it is our neighborhood school, we love the community there, and we had very positive experiences with the teachers.

For DC2, the experience has been different. We don't have her working with a tutor because the dual language program is so much stronger now. In fact, the tutor worked with DC2 a bit and reported that she was really impressed with what the school was doing with DC2 in terms of teaching Spanish literacy. The administrators and teachers have worked with experts from around the country to develop a really good dual language immersion program and have recruited really talented people, including some from Key in Arlington. I am really pleased with what is going on in the school now in the dual language program. I wish it had been this strong when DC1 started. Years ago, I certainly cautioned neighbors who asked about the flaws with the dual language program. Now I have no hesitation in encouraging people to send kids to MVCS for dual language.

The TAG teachers have also changed over time. The current TAG teachers are really very good - energetic, interesting, and definitely challenging the students.

DC1 and DC2 can both read, write and speak Spanish like natives. Although we needed a tutor to help DC1 get there, we don't have that need with DC2. Both have done very well on the standardized tests and I have no worries about them being prepared for middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a relatively old thread, but I wanted to post about our experience in the event someone in the future researches MVCS and finds this information. We currently (Fall 2015) have two children at MVCS. DC1 is TAG, DC2 is not. I do not think that the prior poster's information about the dual language program is accurate now.

The program is much more robust than it was in the past. Every grade gets a literacy block in each language, so native English speakers are getting Spanish literacy (reading, writing, grammar etc). Granted, this was not the case when DC1 started. The program has really grown and strengthened in the last few years. For DC1, we employed a Spanish tutor because of the lack of literacy instruction in Spanish. Despite our initial disappointment with the dual language program, we stuck with the school because it is our neighborhood school, we love the community there, and we had very positive experiences with the teachers.

For DC2, the experience has been different. We don't have her working with a tutor because the dual language program is so much stronger now. In fact, the tutor worked with DC2 a bit and reported that she was really impressed with what the school was doing with DC2 in terms of teaching Spanish literacy. The administrators and teachers have worked with experts from around the country to develop a really good dual language immersion program and have recruited really talented people, including some from Key in Arlington. I am really pleased with what is going on in the school now in the dual language program. I wish it had been this strong when DC1 started. Years ago, I certainly cautioned neighbors who asked about the flaws with the dual language program. Now I have no hesitation in encouraging people to send kids to MVCS for dual language.

The TAG teachers have also changed over time. The current TAG teachers are really very good - energetic, interesting, and definitely challenging the students.

DC1 and DC2 can both read, write and speak Spanish like natives. Although we needed a tutor to help DC1 get there, we don't have that need with DC2. Both have done very well on the standardized tests and I have no worries about them being prepared for middle school.

I'm a new MVCS parent and heartened by this post and by what we are seeing at the school. There's a ton of positive energy and I am cautiously optimistic that they will benefit from the dual language program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a relatively old thread, but I wanted to post about our experience in the event someone in the future researches MVCS and finds this information. We currently (Fall 2015) have two children at MVCS. DC1 is TAG, DC2 is not. I do not think that the prior poster's information about the dual language program is accurate now.

The program is much more robust than it was in the past. Every grade gets a literacy block in each language, so native English speakers are getting Spanish literacy (reading, writing, grammar etc). Granted, this was not the case when DC1 started. The program has really grown and strengthened in the last few years. For DC1, we employed a Spanish tutor because of the lack of literacy instruction in Spanish. Despite our initial disappointment with the dual language program, we stuck with the school because it is our neighborhood school, we love the community there, and we had very positive experiences with the teachers.

For DC2, the experience has been different. We don't have her working with a tutor because the dual language program is so much stronger now. In fact, the tutor worked with DC2 a bit and reported that she was really impressed with what the school was doing with DC2 in terms of teaching Spanish literacy. The administrators and teachers have worked with experts from around the country to develop a really good dual language immersion program and have recruited really talented people, including some from Key in Arlington. I am really pleased with what is going on in the school now in the dual language program. I wish it had been this strong when DC1 started. Years ago, I certainly cautioned neighbors who asked about the flaws with the dual language program. Now I have no hesitation in encouraging people to send kids to MVCS for dual language.

The TAG teachers have also changed over time. The current TAG teachers are really very good - energetic, interesting, and definitely challenging the students.

DC1 and DC2 can both read, write and speak Spanish like natives. Although we needed a tutor to help DC1 get there, we don't have that need with DC2. Both have done very well on the standardized tests and I have no worries about them being prepared for middle school.

I'm a new MVCS parent and heartened by this post and by what we are seeing at the school. There's a ton of positive energy and I am cautiously optimistic that they will benefit from the dual language program.

This very helpful--we'll be there next year, and I got conflicting reports from neighbors, but it seems to have depended on how old their kids are. It does appear that current families love the current teachers/principals and it does to appear to be on the upswing. New poster, can you talk about math in particular. Our DC loves math, and I am curious your experience with the math curriculum. Is it challenging?

[Anonymous]

It's interesting. I just read a recent thread about how FCPS parents are concerned that the immersion program may get cut, some state they moved to get into this program. Yet ACPS parents are transferring out of such programs. Is the lack of support because it's Spanish immersion in Alexandria, instead of German or Korean as offered in Fairfax. Hmmmm....

[Anonymous]

Current MVCS parent PP here. Welcome new MVCS parent and hello future MVCS parent! It is such a great school community. To answer your question about math instruction, the curriculum is the same throughout ACPS in terms of what is covered in each grade. Some summary information is available here: http://www.acps.k12.va.us/curriculum/what-to-expect/ I remember reading more detailed information as well, but couldn't find it in my quick search for a link. Note that this doesn't include the TAG curriculum. TAG math is accelerated and covers more information, so e.g., the 4th grade TAG math students do 5th grade work, and the 5th grade TAG students do 6th/7th grade work.

Overall, I have been pleased with the math instruction. A couple of years ago, the math teachers gave a presentation to the PTA demonstrating some of their math teaching techniques that included video of different classes. It was really cool to watch. The instruction included small group discussions about math concepts called "number talk" and it seemed to be really effective. I wish I could remember more of what they presented. (As an aside, one of the things I love about the principal is the extent to which it is clear that he treats his teachers with a great deal of professional respect -- you can see it in how they are not afraid to bring new ideas to the table). I know in the younger grades in particular, there is a lot of hands-on work (using objects to count, add, subtract, etc). And in second grade there is an economics piece that is legendary among the students. Ask any MVCS kid in 3rd or higher and they will talk your ear off about their second grade economics unit -- they create a whole marketplace and buy/sell imaginary and real things.

I know one of the things people new to dual language education worry about is the fact that math is taught in Spanish. But it has never been an issue for our kids. A lot of the words are cognates and they pick up the Spanish words for the numbers pretty quickly. Both of my kids really enjoy math.

[Anonymous]

PP again -- realize I didn't answer your question completely: yes, I think the math instruction is appropriately challenging.

[Anonymous]

We transferred out of MVCS. Huge school. Chaotic environment. Focus on lowest common denominator and all resources go to ESL and dual language. We haven't regretted our decision for one second and know many many families in Del Ray who are at Barrett, Maury, George Mason, and Lyles-Crouch.

Test scores don't lie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We transferred out of MVCS. Huge school. Chaotic environment. Focus on lowest common denominator and all resources go to ESL and dual language. We haven't regretted our decision for one second and know many many families in Del Ray who are at Barrett, Maury, George Mason, and Lyles-Crouch.

Test scores don't lie.

I transferred for those reasons too a few years ago; however, I just don't think it is the case anymore. It is still a large school of course, but it is no longer chaotic, and I think they focus appropriately on high achieving students from what I've seen from neighborhood children's experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current MVCS parent PP here. Welcome new MVCS parent and hello future MVCS parent! It is such a great school community. To answer your question about math instruction, the curriculum is the same throughout ACPS in terms of what is covered in each grade. Some summary information is available here: http://www.acps.k12.va.us/curriculum/what-to-expect/ I remember reading more detailed information as well, but couldn't find it in my quick search for a link. Note that this doesn't include the TAG curriculum. TAG math is accelerated and covers more information, so e.g., the 4th grade TAG math students do 5th grade work, and the 5th grade TAG students do 6th/7th grade work.

Overall, I have been pleased with the math instruction. A couple of years ago, the math teachers gave a presentation to the PTA demonstrating some of their math teaching techniques that included video of different classes. It was really cool to watch. The instruction included small group discussions about math concepts called "number talk" and it seemed to be really effective. I wish I could remember more of what they presented. (As an aside, one of the things I love about the principal is the extent to which it is clear that he treats his teachers with a great deal of professional respect -- you can see it in how they are not afraid to bring new ideas to the table). I know in the younger grades in particular, there is a lot of hands-on work (using objects to count, add, subtract, etc). And in second grade there is an economics piece that is legendary among the students. Ask any MVCS kid in 3rd or higher and they will talk your ear off about their second grade economics unit -- they create a whole marketplace and buy/sell imaginary and real things.

I know one of the things people new to dual language education worry about is the fact that math is taught in Spanish. But it has never been an issue for our kids. A lot of the words are cognates and they pick up the Spanish words for the numbers pretty quickly. Both of my kids really enjoy math.

I am the parent of the child who will start there next year--I truly appreciate this post. I just want to make sure there is rigor and a focus on it (not an afterthought), and it sounds like there is. In general, I also like the inherent challenge of having to learn a new language. I look forward to being part of the community!