Mann Waitlist

[Anonymous]

The OP said she was on waitlist for 1st grade

[Anonymous]

Sheila Ford was a great principal who brought into DCPS the only really lasting writing programs that continue today. Claims of her getting rich off this stuff is overly exagerrated, esp. compared to the $$ paid to new "edu" businesses who have done nothing to enhance in-depth literacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sheila Ford was a great principal who brought into DCPS the only really lasting writing programs that continue today. Claims of her getting rich off this stuff is overly exagerrated, esp. compared to the $$ paid to new "edu" businesses who have done nothing to enhance in-depth literacy.

Yes, God Forbid any educators actually show initiative and introduce innovative teaching methods to the system and gasp, earn a living doing so. The nerve!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She's not rude, just certain.

Umm, no. She was rude, because she basically said that even if she had space, either at the beginning of the year or anytime mid-year, that Mann does not take out of boundary students. I got the distinct impression that they participated in the lottery because they "had" to, but they had no intention of actually allowing anyone to enter. She actually refused to take any personal information from me in case a space opened up during the year.

It would have been totally different if she had taken the approach -- "I'm really sorry, but we have lots of neighborhood families and it never really happens that people leave mid-year, but I'll take your info just in case...." Instead, I left the school (which I had visited in person) having been made to feel foolish for even thinking that the lottery was real.

[Anonymous]

I agree that she was personally rude and snobbish, but have no issue with her bringing a product (Columbia's Writing Program) to DC. More power to her. I think it's a shame more DCPS schools aren't trained in this or writer's workshop in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She's not rude, just certain.

Umm, no. She was rude, because she basically said that even if she had space, either at the beginning of the year or anytime mid-year, that Mann does not take out of boundary students. I got the distinct impression that they participated in the lottery because they "had" to, but they had no intention of actually allowing anyone to enter. She actually refused to take any personal information from me in case a space opened up during the year.

It would have been totally different if she had taken the approach -- "I'm really sorry, but we have lots of neighborhood families and it never really happens that people leave mid-year, but I'll take your info just in case...." Instead, I left the school (which I had visited in person) having been made to feel foolish for even thinking that the lottery was real.

Ooh, have to agree that sounds pretty - dare I say? - b*tchy.

[Anonymous]

How do you expect to get into Mann for PRE-K out of boundary when MANY in boundary kids don't get in? She was being HONEST. Truth be told, they only have 20 spots for Pre-K and they are all in boundary SIBLINGS. Would you prefer that she led you on by taking your information?

[Anonymous]

I know TWO out of boundary pre-K kids. So that's not quite true. You can get in if you know the right people.

[Anonymous]

I know TWO out of boundary pre-K kids. So that's not quite true. You can get in if you know the right people.

That's right. Ask yourself: am I developer? Is DH a developer? Do either of us own and operate a high-profile business that caters to young children or the wine-drinking public? How many friends do I have in the upper ranks of the Administration? Am -I- in the Administration?

Dig deep within yourself, or at least your contacts list, before you give up altogether on Mann OOB.

[Anonymous]

hee!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree that she was personally rude and snobbish, but have no issue with her bringing a product (Columbia's Writing Program) to DC. More power to her. I think it's a shame more DCPS schools aren't trained in this or writer's workshop in general.

I completely agree with BOTH points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I know TWO out of boundary pre-K kids. So that's not quite true. You can get in if you know the right people.

That's right. Ask yourself: am I developer? Is DH a developer? Do either of us own and operate a high-profile business that caters to young children or the wine-drinking public? How many friends do I have in the upper ranks of the Administration? Am -I- in the Administration?

Dig deep within yourself, or at least your contacts list, before you give up altogether on Mann OOB.

Point well taken (my child attended Mann and I found it horrifically, almost intolerably snobbish - count yourself lucky to not get in friend--so many equally good, nicer schools) but have to say that Liz Whisnant would not go for that. It would take direct intercession from Rhee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know TWO out of boundary pre-K kids. So that's not quite true. You can get in if you know the right people.

I'm pretty sure schools have to reserve a slot or 2 in preK for OOB. How those spots are determined I do not know.

[Anonymous]

um, no. if they are full of in boundary why would they reserve a spot?

[Anonymous]

I am considering moving in bounds for Mann but before I find something we can afford, I learn more about others' experiences of the school. 16:42 who found the school to be "almost intolerably snobbish", please elaborate. How long ago did your DC attend Mann? If you had it all to do over again would you send your DC there - was the education worth dealing with the snobbishness? Are new kids welcomed and the haughtiness reserved for the parents? Any one else with current/recent experiences at Mann have insights to offer on pros/cons of the school?
TIA!