Is the SWS waitlist moving for Pk3?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, I don't know how many PPs are actually complaining of this phenomenon but I don't get it. At all. I feel nothing but warm fuzzies when I walk in that school - from teachers, admin, and parents. if SWS isn't getting it right I'm not sure anyone can. I've established some great relationships that I hope to keep for many years at this school. My experience has been opposite to what PPs are detailing. Almost everyone I've gotten to know seems thoughtful and genuine, even in their disagreements.

Is this a dynamic of the parents being instrumental in building the school? Is it a temporary dynamic? Trying not to be legitimately bummed out about this thread but It stings a bit. Do you really feel this way PPs? Like you're not welcome? Is there no way what you're experiencing is just harried DC parenting? Is there no way that you're reding more into it than you should?

Since you are asking questions. This is it exactly; a sense that SWS, and its central parents do everything right and better than the rest. and if anyone differs from that they are doubted and, yes, shunned, and made to feel, well....odd.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I am such an a-hole. I've been walking around thinking all of these incredibly happy things at that school and this is the way it "really" is. Such a damn bummer. I hate DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow. I am such an a-hole. I've been walking around thinking all of these incredibly happy things at that school and this is the way it "really" is. Such a damn bummer. I hate DCUM.

I will say gently, pp, that this is a childish attitude. There are a few people who feel disaffected. It shouldn't change your experience and happiness at the school. Maybe just open your eyes and bit and notice things in a different way. That's all.

[Anonymous]

Well, that's very Reggio of you I suppose PP. Thanks for your gentleness.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'm sorry I started this thread as I had no idea that a simple question about the waitlist would start such mud-slinging. Is there no other forum that the disaffected parents can vent their frustrations? DCUM doe not seem the best place.

Signed,
Eyebrows raised but still hoping for a spot

[Anonymous]

This thread reminds me of my husband's family. They are one of those families who spends so much time and energy invested in the idea that they are a super functional, happy family that they can't admit even their minor dysfunctions and, therefore, they get worse over time. In other words, their greatest dysfunction is the myth that they have no dysfunctions. SWS kind of seems like that kind of place. A generally good school community that conceives of itself as so functional that (at least a part of the community) has trouble admitting to itself that it has some dysfunction. Not the worst flaw in a school by a long shot, but being self-critical and open to the idea that changes can make things even better is always a good idea. Don't dwell on the criticisms, PPs, but think about whether or not you can do something differently to make others feel more welcome at the school.

My kid probably has no shot at getting into SWS next year. I am hoping that cliquishness is the worst dysfunction I find at whatever school she does get into.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the WOH SWS parents above--one who thinks 1) we do have a lot of SAHMs and 2) it's to the benefit of the school but 3) that leads some WOH parents to feel left out.

I hope no one takes that to mean that SWS has deep-seated problems or is less of a school. It is a fantastic school by any measure; I am already dreading the day when my kids, who have only ever known the warm, open atmosphere of SWS, have to move on to another school. I give whatever time I can to the school, and it adds up to a few hours a month, but I know that is a drop in the bucket compared to some other parents. For a few, SWS is like an unpaid part-time job. Thank goodness for them!

That said, I think it's OK for people to say they feel left out of the clique. Many people are not up for wheedling their way into closed-looking conversations on the playground. And the volunteer demands at the school are significant. We do get emails from teachers saying, basically, that every family is expected to spend a day volunteering in the classroom each half-year, and that parental attendance at certain (daytime) events is basically mandatory. Each one individually sounds like not a big deal. But they do add up, and it can be hard on a family where both parents have inflexible jobs. And even if no one is keeping score, parents (OK, mostly moms in my experience) who are struggling to balance everything are always afraid of being perceived as not being active enough in the school community.

I actually felt much more that way when I first became an SWS parent years ago. I've come to realize that I can't do everything. And there are many other parents who can't do everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the WOH SWS parents above--one who thinks 1) we do have a lot of SAHMs and 2) it's to the benefit of the school but 3) that leads some WOH parents to feel left out.

I hope no one takes that to mean that SWS has deep-seated problems or is less of a school. It is a fantastic school by any measure; I am already dreading the day when my kids, who have only ever known the warm, open atmosphere of SWS, have to move on to another school. I give whatever time I can to the school, and it adds up to a few hours a month, but I know that is a drop in the bucket compared to some other parents. For a few, SWS is like an unpaid part-time job. Thank goodness for them!

That said, I think it's OK for people to say they feel left out of the clique. Many people are not up for wheedling their way into closed-looking conversations on the playground. And the volunteer demands at the school are significant. We do get emails from teachers saying, basically, that every family is expected to spend a day volunteering in the classroom each half-year, and that parental attendance at certain (daytime) events is basically mandatory. Each one individually sounds like not a big deal. But they do add up, and it can be hard on a family where both parents have inflexible jobs. And even if no one is keeping score, parents (OK, mostly moms in my experience) who are struggling to balance everything are always afraid of being perceived as not being active enough in the school community.

I actually felt much more that way when I first became an SWS parent years ago. I've come to realize that I can't do everything. And there are many other parents who can't do everything.

^^Oh, and I meant to say, even though I'm not one of the super-involved parents, this thread is a great reminder to flash more welcoming smiles in the hallways at pickup and to talk to more parents I don't know on the playground.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the WOH SWS parents above--one who thinks 1) we do have a lot of SAHMs and 2) it's to the benefit of the school but 3) that leads some WOH parents to feel left out.

I hope no one takes that to mean that SWS has deep-seated problems or is less of a school. It is a fantastic school by any measure; I am already dreading the day when my kids, who have only ever known the warm, open atmosphere of SWS, have to move on to another school. I give whatever time I can to the school, and it adds up to a few hours a month, but I know that is a drop in the bucket compared to some other parents. For a few, SWS is like an unpaid part-time job. Thank goodness for them!

That said, I think it's OK for people to say they feel left out of the clique. Many people are not up for wheedling their way into closed-looking conversations on the playground. And the volunteer demands at the school are significant. We do get emails from teachers saying, basically, that every family is expected to spend a day volunteering in the classroom each half-year, and that parental attendance at certain (daytime) events is basically mandatory. Each one individually sounds like not a big deal. But they do add up, and it can be hard on a family where both parents have inflexible jobs. And even if no one is keeping score, parents (OK, mostly moms in my experience) who are struggling to balance everything are always afraid of being perceived as not being active enough in the school community.

I actually felt much more that way when I first became an SWS parent years ago. I've come to realize that I can't do everything. And there are many other parents who can't do everything.

A reasoned, thoughtful introspective response. I look forward to watching the SWS-mafia pull you apart piece by piece.

[Anonymous]

As the school grows I think it should be aware of it - I think the parent coffees are an effort to address it and give people time to get to know each other. There are probably other good ideas. Maybe there should be a survey.

And as one of the many WOHMs who lacks a flexible schedule (and frankly the moms I know best in the school also fit that profile), I definitely appreciate those that are most engaged in the school. They seem perfectly friendly to me and I don't think of them as cliques. My guess is that characterization stings a bit for some, who are mostly trying to engage in the school the best way they know how.

[Anonymous]

Back to OP: no one from the waitlist for PK3 has been accepted yet. All 22 sib preference and 7 lottery kids enrolled by May 1. I know, b/c I am #1 on the waitlist. I'll let you know if and when I get the call.

And yes, I ranked SWS #1 on our list, cliques and all!

Cheers everyone, hope you are in better moods today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know if the wait list has moved, or expected to move for 1st? Our number hasn't changed but I know its not always current.

I don't think any spots were listed as being open during the lottery for 1st-4th, right? Consequently, in order for the waitlist to move, a family on the waitlist ahead of you has to accept a spot elsewhere or a family already at the school has to leave. Families currently at the school don't have to submit their registration paperwork until June (like all other DCPS) so I wouldn't expect the waitlist for 1st-4th to start moving (if it does) in a meaningful way (i.e., there is actually a spot at the school for someone to take) until mid June or so.

Sorry to not have better news.

Our WL number for 1st grade (in the top 10) moved 2 spots lower/better recently.

[Anonymous]

My problem with SWS is the utter lack of diversity. In staff and also students. A city-wide DC public school with what, less than 10 black kids and only 1 black lead teacher? I think they should make admissions be equal from all wards. If they have 40 prek3 spots, 5 spots should go to each Ward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My problem with SWS is the utter lack of diversity. In staff and also students. A city-wide DC public school with what, less than 10 black kids and only 1 black lead teacher? I think they should make admissions be equal from all wards. If they have 40 prek3 spots, 5 spots should go to each Ward.

The sibling preference really clogs up the admissions. Since it is now citywide, the classes don't have to expand at K. Unintended consequences all around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The take away from this whole thread, and this whole forum for that matter - why do I keep coming back to this snakepit of a website? - is this: Haters gonna hate.

Good luck OP!

I don't see where you are finding the hate on this thread, PP. It doesn't seem like anyone said SWS wasn't a very nice school. Maybe not everyone's first choice, but no one was hating on the school. It is quite an outlier in terms of DCPS programming (an apparently its school population) so makes sense that people are curious as to why, but that doesn't amount to disparaging it.

+1. SWS families are wildly defensive and waiting to pounce on someone who makes a comment that isn't uniformly positive about the school. Telling imo...