People telling you to relax...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I admit...If my child doesn't make it, I'm not going to be okay. Anyone feels the same and anxious waiting for the results? Come on, vent with me here!

I'll be disappointed for sure. I'm calling GMU Monday to schedule a WISC appointment.

[Anonymous]

I keep telling myself I need to relax.

But it's hard because even though my daughter's test scores are 99%+ and her GBRS 16, I'm still freakishly nervous. She's always engaged in school, she loves her teachers (LLIII and homeroom), she makes friends and loves learning. So she's doing great in her base school. But I'm definitely nervous.

Here's the thing for me: my parents never really supported my education-- they just wanted excellent grades but never saw the whole picture. They were immigrants and the whole school system was different. When my parents realized that each school performed differently only by real estate alone, we moved and I struggled to achieve what the new high school would demand of me. I know there is a difference. I know that certain schools do different things. And I hope to G0d that I'm doing the right things with my kids. And though I know she has a really great chance at being accepted, I can't help but feel like I'm about to launch into a battleground, where the only navigational tool is this forum.

This being said, I have no desire to push my kids the way I was pushed. The kids have hobbies, interests, and friends. I didn't get that. So I have to rein it in a lot because I made a choice at university to go into the sciences instead of following my dreams in English and Art. And when I see what people write for a living, I realize that I had the ability to hone in that craft but never did because that's not what my family wanted for me. I don't want my kids to feel pressured into science because that is what I did. I want them to do it because it's part of them or their dream. Science is hard and sometimes rewarding. I'm good at it, but I would rather be doing something else.

I want my kids to challenged and engaged and I think that AAP is the right path for them. But man, it's a secret stress that I'm really trying to shake off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I keep telling myself I need to relax.

But it's hard because even though my daughter's test scores are 99%+ and her GBRS 16, I'm still freakishly nervous. She's always engaged in school, she loves her teachers (LLIII and homeroom), she makes friends and loves learning. So she's doing great in her base school. But I'm definitely nervous.

Here's the thing for me: my parents never really supported my education-- they just wanted excellent grades but never saw the whole picture. They were immigrants and the whole school system was different. When my parents realized that each school performed differently only by real estate alone, we moved and I struggled to achieve what the new high school would demand of me. I know there is a difference. I know that certain schools do different things. And I hope to G0d that I'm doing the right things with my kids. And though I know she has a really great chance at being accepted, I can't help but feel like I'm about to launch into a battleground, where the only navigational tool is this forum.

This being said, I have no desire to push my kids the way I was pushed. The kids have hobbies, interests, and friends. I didn't get that. So I have to rein it in a lot because I made a choice at university to go into the sciences instead of following my dreams in English and Art. And when I see what people write for a living, I realize that I had the ability to hone in that craft but never did because that's not what my family wanted for me. I don't want my kids to feel pressured into science because that is what I did. I want them to do it because it's part of them or their dream. Science is hard and sometimes rewarding. I'm good at it, but I would rather be doing something else.

I want my kids to challenged and engaged and I think that AAP is the right path for them. But man, it's a secret stress that I'm really trying to shake off.

Did you get any feedback from your teachers or AART about your AAP file?

"secret stress" - totally agree, that's exactly what I'm going through and I can't relax. I'd rather want to know yes or no so I can move on from this.

[Anonymous]

It your kid has high test scores and a high grbs and comes from an fcps 2nd grade I'd spend more time looking at the center verses base school than worrying. 99% chance your kid will get in and 100% they'll get in on appeal.I

The issue that many stressed SAP don't realize is that the AAP kids and teachers are often given less resources and help. So if your child struggles in an area, likely they'll get more help in general ed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It your kid has high test scores and a high grbs and comes from an fcps 2nd grade I'd spend more time looking at the center verses base school than worrying. 99% chance your kid will get in and 100% they'll get in on appeal.I

The issue that many stressed SAP don't realize is that the AAP kids and teachers are often given less resources and help. So if your child struggles in an area, likely they'll get more help in general ed.

Usually kids who are “struggling” don’t go into AAP. Parents want their kids away from those kids that need extra help in gen ed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It your kid has high test scores and a high grbs and comes from an fcps 2nd grade I'd spend more time looking at the center verses base school than worrying. 99% chance your kid will get in and 100% they'll get in on appeal.I

The issue that many stressed SAP don't realize is that the AAP kids and teachers are often given less resources and help. So if your child struggles in an area, likely they'll get more help in general ed.

Usually kids who are “struggling” don’t go into AAP. Parents want their kids away from those kids that need extra help in gen ed.

My kid has high test scores, a high gbrs, his 2nd grade school is a center school. I'm not exactly worried he'll get in, I'm worried that he's struggling. He's not struggling with school work, his DRA is 38 and the math they're doing is easy. But he's distracted, disruptive, we're speaking to a psychologist about inattentive ADHD. I guess my kid is one of those kids that parents want their kids away from in gen ed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It your kid has high test scores and a high grbs and comes from an fcps 2nd grade I'd spend more time looking at the center verses base school than worrying. 99% chance your kid will get in and 100% they'll get in on appeal.I

The issue that many stressed SAP don't realize is that the AAP kids and teachers are often given less resources and help. So if your child struggles in an area, likely they'll get more help in general ed.

Usually kids who are “struggling” don’t go into AAP. Parents want their kids away from those kids that need extra help in gen ed.

My kid has high test scores, a high gbrs, his 2nd grade school is a center school. I'm not exactly worried he'll get in, I'm worried that he's struggling. He's not struggling with school work, his DRA is 38 and the math they're doing is easy. But he's distracted, disruptive, we're speaking to a psychologist about inattentive ADHD. I guess my kid is one of those kids that parents want their kids away from in gen ed.

Nope, I meant struggling academically. Parents want their kids doing advanced work and not be slowed down in content by kids who are struggling academically. My son has attentional issues as well, but no formal diagnosis of ADHD. He would probably become friends with your kid!

[Anonymous]

My child is in AAP and has been for 3 years and her inattentiveness causes her to struggle in school in languarge arts. She has a 141 FSIQ but gets 2 and 3s in language arts because she doesn't pay attention. Her writing is basic I'd even say below grade level for gen ed let alone AAP. We've talked to the school and everyone agrees she belongs in AAP but it seems we really need to tackle her inattentiveness (possibly with meds). I write this to say don't think inattentiveness won't affect academics as some PP suggested.

[Anonymous]

I also have a kid in AAP with ADHD and writing is a struggle.

I don’t have too much to add except that writing was going to be a struggle for DC in either GE or AAP and I felt better to “allow” DC to get the advanced math and reading rather than being “held back” in those areas due to the writing.

Of course the full analysis / reasoning of our decision is a much longer story but that is the short summary.

[Anonymous]

Ok don’t relax. Spaz our about it. This is a really, really big thing to worry about es Racially since you can’t conteol it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok don’t relax. Spaz our about it. This is a really, really big thing to worry about es Racially since you can’t conteol it.

Huh? What are you trying to say?

[Anonymous]

I will give you my DD’s story, which is still being written and you can take from it what you want.

Quiet, anxious kid but very sharp. Did not mesh with her 2nd grade teacher and was in an overcrowded, somewhat chaotic class and withdrew. Her CogAT and NNAT were just below the cutoff, and we parent referred. Her brother was in AAP, and we knew what the program required. And we knew our kid. And we knew it was the right call. She was denied. We met with her teacher, who told us *in front of her* that AAP was a bad idea because she was weak in math. 2 kids in FCPS a combined total of 20 years now, and it was, by far, the most angry I have every been with a teacher. We appealed with a WISC in the high 130s and she was admitted. In the process, she was diagnosed with ADHD, which we started to treat.

Today, she is an 8th grader with a 4.0 in a TJ feeder AAP Center. She also also a TJ semifinalist. We’ll see if she gets in— her brother is at TJ and we have learned that there is just some randomness in TJ admissions with so many talented kids competing for spots. But, to become a semifinalist, she had to get a better math score than half of the TJ applicant pool AND then have either her math score land in the top quarter OF TJ APPLICANTS (which are the highest performing AAP students) or her science score land in the top 10% (National not TJ pool on science). We will not see the exact scores until decisions are released.

Even if she is not admitted, she is clearly good in math and succeeded in AAP. Having seen TJ in action, I know that if she is admitted, she has the smarts and determination to succeed there.

And BTW— we are a naturally nerdy family, so my kids tend towards debate, FLL, OOTM, science camp, CTY and other academic extracurriculars. But they have never been to a Kumon Center or a prep class.

My point is that FCPS has good intentions and by and large does well with AAP. But they are fallible. You know your kid best. Be a PITA and advocate for your kid. Follow up, get a WISC, push back— if you know deep down that is what is right for your kid.

Good luck! I know it’s stressful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I will give you my DD’s story, which is still being written and you can take from it what you want.

Quiet, anxious kid but very sharp. Did not mesh with her 2nd grade teacher and was in an overcrowded, somewhat chaotic class and withdrew. Her CogAT and NNAT were just below the cutoff, and we parent referred. Her brother was in AAP, and we knew what the program required. And we knew our kid. And we knew it was the right call. She was denied. We met with her teacher, who told us *in front of her* that AAP was a bad idea because she was weak in math. 2 kids in FCPS a combined total of 20 years now, and it was, by far, the most angry I have every been with a teacher. We appealed with a WISC in the high 130s and she was admitted. In the process, she was diagnosed with ADHD, which we started to treat.

Today, she is an 8th grader with a 4.0 in a TJ feeder AAP Center. She also also a TJ semifinalist. We’ll see if she gets in— her brother is at TJ and we have learned that there is just some randomness in TJ admissions with so many talented kids competing for spots. But, to become a semifinalist, she had to get a better math score than half of the TJ applicant pool AND then have either her math score land in the top quarter OF TJ APPLICANTS (which are the highest performing AAP students) or her science score land in the top 10% (National not TJ pool on science). We will not see the exact scores until decisions are released.

Even if she is not admitted, she is clearly good in math and succeeded in AAP. Having seen TJ in action, I know that if she is admitted, she has the smarts and determination to succeed there.

And BTW— we are a naturally nerdy family, so my kids tend towards debate, FLL, OOTM, science camp, CTY and other academic extracurriculars. But they have never been to a Kumon Center or a prep class.

My point is that FCPS has good intentions and by and large does well with AAP. But they are fallible. You know your kid best. Be a PITA and advocate for your kid. Follow up, get a WISC, push back— if you know deep down that is what is right for your kid.

Good luck! I know it’s stressful.

Awesome! Congrats to your daughter! How awful of that teacher to say she was weak in math in front of her.
I know AAP is right my my child, even though his standardized test scores may not show it.
His GBRS was great! We are getting a WISC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will give you my DD’s story, which is still being written and you can take from it what you want.

Quiet, anxious kid but very sharp. Did not mesh with her 2nd grade teacher and was in an overcrowded, somewhat chaotic class and withdrew. Her CogAT and NNAT were just below the cutoff, and we parent referred. Her brother was in AAP, and we knew what the program required. And we knew our kid. And we knew it was the right call. She was denied. We met with her teacher, who told us *in front of her* that AAP was a bad idea because she was weak in math. 2 kids in FCPS a combined total of 20 years now, and it was, by far, the most angry I have every been with a teacher. We appealed with a WISC in the high 130s and she was admitted. In the process, she was diagnosed with ADHD, which we started to treat.

Today, she is an 8th grader with a 4.0 in a TJ feeder AAP Center. She also also a TJ semifinalist. We’ll see if she gets in— her brother is at TJ and we have learned that there is just some randomness in TJ admissions with so many talented kids competing for spots. But, to become a semifinalist, she had to get a better math score than half of the TJ applicant pool AND then have either her math score land in the top quarter OF TJ APPLICANTS (which are the highest performing AAP students) or her science score land in the top 10% (National not TJ pool on science). We will not see the exact scores until decisions are released.

Even if she is not admitted, she is clearly good in math and succeeded in AAP. Having seen TJ in action, I know that if she is admitted, she has the smarts and determination to succeed there.

And BTW— we are a naturally nerdy family, so my kids tend towards debate, FLL, OOTM, science camp, CTY and other academic extracurriculars. But they have never been to a Kumon Center or a prep class.

My point is that FCPS has good intentions and by and large does well with AAP. But they are fallible. You know your kid best. Be a PITA and advocate for your kid. Follow up, get a WISC, push back— if you know deep down that is what is right for your kid.

Good luck! I know it’s stressful.

Awesome! Congrats to your daughter! How awful of that teacher to say she was weak in math in front of her.
I know AAP is right my my child, even though his standardized test scores may not show it.
His GBRS was great! We are getting a WISC.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep telling myself I need to relax.

But it's hard because even though my daughter's test scores are 99%+ and her GBRS 16, I'm still freakishly nervous. She's always engaged in school, she loves her teachers (LLIII and homeroom), she makes friends and loves learning. So she's doing great in her base school. But I'm definitely nervous.

Here's the thing for me: my parents never really supported my education-- they just wanted excellent grades but never saw the whole picture. They were immigrants and the whole school system was different. When my parents realized that each school performed differently only by real estate alone, we moved and I struggled to achieve what the new high school would demand of me. I know there is a difference. I know that certain schools do different things. And I hope to G0d that I'm doing the right things with my kids. And though I know she has a really great chance at being accepted, I can't help but feel like I'm about to launch into a battleground, where the only navigational tool is this forum.

This being said, I have no desire to push my kids the way I was pushed. The kids have hobbies, interests, and friends. I didn't get that. So I have to rein it in a lot because I made a choice at university to go into the sciences instead of following my dreams in English and Art. And when I see what people write for a living, I realize that I had the ability to hone in that craft but never did because that's not what my family wanted for me. I don't want my kids to feel pressured into science because that is what I did. I want them to do it because it's part of them or their dream. Science is hard and sometimes rewarding. I'm good at it, but I would rather be doing something else.

I want my kids to challenged and engaged and I think that AAP is the right path for them. But man, it's a secret stress that I'm really trying to shake off.

Did you get any feedback from your teachers or AART about your AAP file?

"secret stress" - totally agree, that's exactly what I'm going through and I can't relax. I'd rather want to know yes or no so I can move on from this.

PP here. Yes: things are looking good but I'm so afraid to bug the teachers because I don't want to jinx it. Or feel like that pushy parent. But I think the teacher likes my daughter and even likes me, so I'm hopeful. But still anxious.

The other thing is that a lot of my GE friends have kids that are struggling with their coursework and I just don't even know what to do or say. We don't micromanage DD and her report card is all 4's. And before you guys all roll your eyes: my second child is a complete opposite. Life isn't ever predictable and that's a blessing.

The only thing that helps me is reminding myself that the schools here, compared to the rest of the country, are top notch and that my kids are happy. I know that's the same condescending cr4p other people say, but when I say it to myself it's better.