Truth about being three coughs above FARMS at a high performing Charter School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than whining about who's giving what, if you want to level the playing field, maybe you should instead be lobbying for schools to get more funding across the board in the first place, so that there isn't as much of an issue with families donating.

+1. This thread, coupled with the ones about aftercare costs really highlight the need for more charter school funding. With 43 percent of DC kids in charter schools, it's too late to hope to starve the beast. Our best bet to to ensure parity so that all kids who wind up at charters reap the full benefits of the offerings.

sorry, but why just charters? my kids are in a DCPS elementaruy school (not a title 1 school), and there is no free aftercare. there are two privately run aftercares that cost $$$. if you can't pay, you are welcome to pick up your kid at 3.15. the issue about aftercare cost concerns also DCPS, not just charter schools.

The issue is that charters get less $ per pupil than DCPS, so some charters use aftercare costs to make up the difference. I agree that it would be great if DC could do something about aftercare across the board as the two-income family is the norm now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted this information merely to counter the posters who attempt to discredit OP by arguing that the schools have no idea who is donating what. This is simply not true. Now what the schools do with this information in the classroom is another story. I have no idea about that. One of the reasons we are switching from private to public is because a change in our family's income meant that we could no longer pay for private AND contribute to the fundraising. I figured we could switch to charter and have already budgeted an extra $1000 for donations (would be more if after care weren't sooo expensive), based on the theory that the more you donate and participate, the more favorably you will be looked at which results in benefits for your kids. I don't think that OP is off base although I have no proof, of course, having never been in a charter or DCPS school.

ewwwwwwwww.

you sound like the poster who started the aftercare cost at MV thread. if so, it is really a shame that the fact that you will have to pay $15 a month in snack to the school will prevent you from donating even more money to a public school and "buy" a better treatment for your child. if this is what motivates you to donate/volunteer, you might as well save you efforts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And by making before and after care so expensive, and expensive extracurriculars, combined with a crazy school calendar, they are purposefully weeding out lower income families so that they can continue to maintain these false appearances. So in fact, what they are doing is successful, according to some pp's in this thread who have admitted that they haven't applied because of this very culture. And the school knows these lower income families, and know that these families don't contribute anything to their agenda, so they are treated differently.

And, to that end, I believe several of these sought after charters are completely aware of these facts - they are way ahead of the OP.

This is such a crock. I know exactly who OP is and what she fails to mention here is that even if she truly can't afford to pay for aftercare or extracurricular activities, she could ask the people at her "highly regarded charter," the very ones she is claiming are discriminating against her, and they would bend over backward to try and find a solution for her and her DC. But she doesn't ask, and I think it's partly because it's hard to ask for help from the driver's seat of $60K SUV!

She's got a chip on her shoulder because she doesn't feel "acknowledged" enough. And I'm willing to admit that hey, maybe she isn't. There are probably numerous reasons for that: maybe there's a cultural disconnect, maybe she's misunderstood, maybe she feels like an outsider, maybe she has complained about ridiculous things and been put on the defensive because of it, maybe she thinks she could do it all better. Regardless of what she is experiencing or how she feels about it, her kid is not being discriminated against. What she fails to realize is that by taking her own experience and spinning into some sort of yarn of discrimination - discrimination that is hurting her kids and equating to them not getting an equal education, she's actually hurting her kid(s)!

Please, take a deep look OP.

Okay, I can't be the only one who's wildly curious as to whether the OP in fact drives a $60k SUV.

No, as I don't think what vehicle OP drives bare any relevance to the overall theme of her original post, ie, the inequities of how the school handles varying SES kids in the school.

Perhaps it doesn't bear any relevance, but it's a fact... It's. A. Fact. Has she refuted it? Has the OP, who so readily responded in the first 24 hours to her well-thought-out post, written a single peep since she was outed? Hmmm? Where are you OP? Aren't you going to pipe in and correct us that it's actually a $50K SUV?

PP: If you can honestly state it doesn't change your take on her original post, then fine. But, I ask you this: Do you really believe a poor kid, whose parents have gone out of their way, to enter the lottery and do their best by their children, and then cart their kid in to ward 3 from ward 8, is being denied certain instruction or services because of his parent's ability to contribute financially to the school? Honestly, do you believe that? I want to hear a believable take on this. If you seriously think there's an institutional mechanism whereby teachers know how much a family contributes and when they make decisions about the "exclusive" benefits a kid in a charter will receive, they take that in to account, please, detail these exclusive benefits the kid is receiving! If this is actually happening, I want to know. I will be the first to rise up and demand equality for these kids.

This entire string enrages me because OP is insinuating that the only avenue these "Three coughs from SES" families have in this city is to be treated like second-class citizens and thusly, to sign their kids up to being treated like second class citizens. And it ISN'T true, not at our charter -- not at OPs charter. No "Middle class" families reading this should think they have to sign up to be treated like crap if they want a better education for their kids, whether that be at a charter or another DCPS. Please, don't let this color your experience, please continue doing the best by your children. I promise it doesn't come with the small print of swallowing your own pride. OP is full of s-it.

OP - the challenge continues for you to give a single, concrete example of said discrimination.

...I'm waiting....

Well, don't you sound like a cyberbully? And a MORON to boot!

Did it occur to you that perhaps OP offered a few responses before logging off and going on with her life? Did it occur to you that perhaps she didn't even stick around long enough to read your OUTLANDISH assumptions and attempt at an 'outing'? It was way too nice this weekend to be tied to a laptop defending your PERSONAL experiences at ONE school!

You seem to be a few cans short of a 6-pack. You were ENRAGED at her vent? You've jumped to dangerous conclusions and likely gave some poor innocent SUV driving mother at your child's school--who's never even heard of DCUrbanmom-- the evil eye for no reason whatsoever.

I truly believe your 'outing' is indicative of a deep, deep problem. There are too many "HPCS" in DC and too many parents in them for you to assume you know who this woman is. I seriously doubt a mother driving a $60,000 SUV would consider herself "3 coughs above FARMS" or even be perceived that way. Get over whatever resentment you have against the poor lady at your child's school who drives what is likely a much nicer vehicle than you can ever hope to own.

And the idea that you must be right because she didn't come back to respond? All she'd have to do is log on and say that NOPE she doesn't drive such a vehicle.

You're waiting???? As if she owes YOU an answer?

Lady, get over yourself.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the OP. I ran to be on the PTA board and I didn't get voted in. Is that proof enough for the skeptics?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And by making before and after care so expensive, and expensive extracurriculars, combined with a crazy school calendar, they are purposefully weeding out lower income families so that they can continue to maintain these false appearances. So in fact, what they are doing is successful, according to some pp's in this thread who have admitted that they haven't applied because of this very culture. And the school knows these lower income families, and know that these families don't contribute anything to their agenda, so they are treated differently.

And, to that end, I believe several of these sought after charters are completely aware of these facts - they are way ahead of the OP.

This is such a crock. I know exactly who OP is and what she fails to mention here is that even if she truly can't afford to pay for aftercare or extracurricular activities, she could ask the people at her "highly regarded charter," the very ones she is claiming are discriminating against her, and they would bend over backward to try and find a solution for her and her DC. But she doesn't ask, and I think it's partly because it's hard to ask for help from the driver's seat of $60K SUV!

She's got a chip on her shoulder because she doesn't feel "acknowledged" enough. And I'm willing to admit that hey, maybe she isn't. There are probably numerous reasons for that: maybe there's a cultural disconnect, maybe she's misunderstood, maybe she feels like an outsider, maybe she has complained about ridiculous things and been put on the defensive because of it, maybe she thinks she could do it all better. Regardless of what she is experiencing or how she feels about it, her kid is not being discriminated against. What she fails to realize is that by taking her own experience and spinning into some sort of yarn of discrimination - discrimination that is hurting her kids and equating to them not getting an equal education, she's actually hurting her kid(s)!

Please, take a deep look OP.

Okay, I can't be the only one who's wildly curious as to whether the OP in fact drives a $60k SUV.

I know who OP is too. Ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the OP. I ran to be on the PTA board and I didn't get voted in. Is that proof enough for the skeptics?

"running" doesn't mean you should win...maybe people just couldn't see you leading? Why do you think you didn't win? So the PTA didn't give you an elected leadership position. Do you volunteer in other ways to support the school? There are tons of things parent volunteers should and could be doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are wonderful. Sincerely, a working class DCPS teacher.

+ 1

It looks like DCPS teachers have decided to use DCUM as a lobbying forum for their jobs.

Nope. We come purely for entertainment purposes.

Obviously, but you're not very thoughtful.

We taxpayers would appreciate if you would do it less during work hours. Because you DCPS teachers definitely whine online during work hours, and it really makes our high DC taxes stink even more.

The post you quoted was made on a Sunday. I also pay taxes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the OP. I ran to be on the PTA board and I didn't get voted in. Is that proof enough for the skeptics?

"running" doesn't mean you should win...maybe people just couldn't see you leading? Why do you think you didn't win? So the PTA didn't give you an elected leadership position. Do you volunteer in other ways to support the school? There are tons of things parent volunteers should and could be doing.

^This. At our HRPCS, when enough parents don't run for an office to make a competitive election, then the hard-working ones get drafted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than whining about who's giving what, if you want to level the playing field, maybe you should instead be lobbying for schools to get more funding across the board in the first place, so that there isn't as much of an issue with families donating.

+1. This thread, coupled with the ones about aftercare costs really highlight the need for more charter school funding. With 43 percent of DC kids in charter schools, it's too late to hope to starve the beast. Our best bet to to ensure parity so that all kids who wind up at charters reap the full benefits of the offerings.

sorry, but why just charters? my kids are in a DCPS elementaruy school (not a title 1 school), and there is no free aftercare. there are two privately run aftercares that cost $$$. if you can't pay, you are welcome to pick up your kid at 3.15. the issue about aftercare cost concerns also DCPS, not just charter schools.

The issue is that charters get less $ per pupil than DCPS, so some charters use aftercare costs to make up the difference. I agree that it would be great if DC could do something about aftercare across the board as the two-income family is the norm now.

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Okay, I can't be the only one who's wildly curious as to whether the OP in fact drives a $60k SUV.

I wonder too
maybe the intent is really to stop middle class and poor people from applying to her charter?
I am middle class and think of a 60k suv as 30k too much, as I need to pay for childcare and save for college

I don't care what Op drives. And IF you know who SHE is,s how do you also know how much she paid for her truck. I paid $28,000 plus fees for my $55,000 truck. I purchased it from CarMax when it was four years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And by making before and after care so expensive, and expensive extracurriculars, combined with a crazy school calendar, they are purposefully weeding out lower income families so that they can continue to maintain these false appearances. So in fact, what they are doing is successful, according to some pp's in this thread who have admitted that they haven't applied because of this very culture. And the school knows these lower income families, and know that these families don't contribute anything to their agenda, so they are treated differently.

And, to that end, I believe several of these sought after charters are completely aware of these facts - they are way ahead of the OP.

This is such a crock. I know exactly who OP is and what she fails to mention here is that even if she truly can't afford to pay for aftercare or extracurricular activities, she could ask the people at her "highly regarded charter," the very ones she is claiming are discriminating against her, and they would bend over backward to try and find a solution for her and her DC. But she doesn't ask, and I think it's partly because it's hard to ask for help from the driver's seat of $60K SUV!

She's got a chip on her shoulder because she doesn't feel "acknowledged" enough. And I'm willing to admit that hey, maybe she isn't. There are probably numerous reasons for that: maybe there's a cultural disconnect, maybe she's misunderstood, maybe she feels like an outsider, maybe she has complained about ridiculous things and been put on the defensive because of it, maybe she thinks she could do it all better. Regardless of what she is experiencing or how she feels about it, her kid is not being discriminated against. What she fails to realize is that by taking her own experience and spinning into some sort of yarn of discrimination - discrimination that is hurting her kids and equating to them not getting an equal education, she's actually hurting her kid(s)!

Please, take a deep look OP.

Okay, I can't be the only one who's wildly curious as to whether the OP in fact drives a $60k SUV.

No, as I don't think what vehicle OP drives bare any relevance to the overall theme of her original post, ie, the inequities of how the school handles varying SES kids in the school.

The vehicle that she drives is very relevant. If she is as economically disadvantaged as she claims and is discriminated against because of that then why is she driving an expensive vehicle? If that's the case then it suggests that she's not been honest about anything she's said. I also note that since that allegation was made she has not come back at all and has not disputed it - for me that's a huge sign that she is not credible.

And I bet you people also think she should not have Internet, cable, computer, cell phone, or iPad. She must wear ashes on her face and rags on her body to be credible. How dare she have any thing of value. The nerve of her to have any complaints against our esteemed HRCS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And by making before and after care so expensive, and expensive extracurriculars, combined with a crazy school calendar, they are purposefully weeding out lower income families so that they can continue to maintain these false appearances. So in fact, what they are doing is successful, according to some pp's in this thread who have admitted that they haven't applied because of this very culture. And the school knows these lower income families, and know that these families don't contribute anything to their agenda, so they are treated differently.

And, to that end, I believe several of these sought after charters are completely aware of these facts - they are way ahead of the OP.

This is such a crock. I know exactly who OP is and what she fails to mention here is that even if she truly can't afford to pay for aftercare or extracurricular activities, she could ask the people at her "highly regarded charter," the very ones she is claiming are discriminating against her, and they would bend over backward to try and find a solution for her and her DC. But she doesn't ask, and I think it's partly because it's hard to ask for help from the driver's seat of $60K SUV!

She's got a chip on her shoulder because she doesn't feel "acknowledged" enough. And I'm willing to admit that hey, maybe she isn't. There are probably numerous reasons for that: maybe there's a cultural disconnect, maybe she's misunderstood, maybe she feels like an outsider, maybe she has complained about ridiculous things and been put on the defensive because of it, maybe she thinks she could do it all better. Regardless of what she is experiencing or how she feels about it, her kid is not being discriminated against. What she fails to realize is that by taking her own experience and spinning into some sort of yarn of discrimination - discrimination that is hurting her kids and equating to them not getting an equal education, she's actually hurting her kid(s)!

Please, take a deep look OP.

Okay, I can't be the only one who's wildly curious as to whether the OP in fact drives a $60k SUV.

No, as I don't think what vehicle OP drives bare any relevance to the overall theme of her original post, ie, the inequities of how the school handles varying SES kids in the school.

Perhaps it doesn't bear any relevance, but it's a fact... It's. A. Fact. Has she refuted it? Has the OP, who so readily responded in the first 24 hours to her well-thought-out post, written a single peep since she was outed? Hmmm? Where are you OP? Aren't you going to pipe in and correct us that it's actually a $50K SUV?

PP: If you can honestly state it doesn't change your take on her original post, then fine. But, I ask you this: Do you really believe a poor kid, whose parents have gone out of their way, to enter the lottery and do their best by their children, and then cart their kid in to ward 3 from ward 8, is being denied certain instruction or services because of his parent's ability to contribute financially to the school? Honestly, do you believe that? I want to hear a believable take on this. If you seriously think there's an institutional mechanism whereby teachers know how much a family contributes and when they make decisions about the "exclusive" benefits a kid in a charter will receive, they take that in to account, please, detail these exclusive benefits the kid is receiving! If this is actually happening, I want to know. I will be the first to rise up and demand equality for these kids.

This entire string enrages me because OP is insinuating that the only avenue these "Three coughs from SES" families have in this city is to be treated like second-class citizens and thusly, to sign their kids up to being treated like second class citizens. And it ISN'T true, not at our charter -- not at OPs charter. No "Middle class" families reading this should think they have to sign up to be treated like crap if they want a better education for their kids, whether that be at a charter or another DCPS. Please, don't let this color your experience, please continue doing the best by your children. I promise it doesn't come with the small print of swallowing your own pride. OP is full of s-it.

OP - the challenge continues for you to give a single, concrete example of said discrimination.

...I'm waiting....

Well, don't you sound like a cyberbully? And a MORON to boot!

Did it occur to you that perhaps OP offered a few responses before logging off and going on with her life? Did it occur to you that perhaps she didn't even stick around long enough to read your OUTLANDISH assumptions and attempt at an 'outing'? It was way too nice this weekend to be tied to a laptop defending your PERSONAL experiences at ONE school!

You seem to be a few cans short of a 6-pack. You were ENRAGED at her vent? You've jumped to dangerous conclusions and likely gave some poor innocent SUV driving mother at your child's school--who's never even heard of DCUrbanmom-- the evil eye for no reason whatsoever.

I truly believe your 'outing' is indicative of a deep, deep problem. There are too many "HPCS" in DC and too many parents in them for you to assume you know who this woman is. I seriously doubt a mother driving a $60,000 SUV would consider herself "3 coughs above FARMS" or even be perceived that way. Get over whatever resentment you have against the poor lady at your child's school who drives what is likely a much nicer vehicle than you can ever hope to own.

And the idea that you must be right because she didn't come back to respond? All she'd have to do is log on and say that NOPE she doesn't drive such a vehicle.

You're waiting???? As if she owes YOU an answer?

Lady, get over yourself.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are wonderful. Sincerely, a working class DCPS teacher.

+ 1

It looks like DCPS teachers have decided to use DCUM as a lobbying forum for their jobs.

Nope. We come purely for entertainment purposes.

Obviously, but you're not very thoughtful.

We taxpayers would appreciate if you would do it less during work hours. Because you DCPS teachers definitely whine online during work hours, and it really makes our high DC taxes stink even more.

Not the poster you are responding to, but you need a hobby if you are keeping track of times when someone post on this forum.

Yes, and she comes across as very angry. You would think OP was talking about PP personally.

[Anonymous]

Is a one cough like a meter? Are we talking distance spittle travels during an average cough?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She made serious accusations that charter schools sort and grade children by the amount of money their parents donate! She said that anyone who questions the school has their residency papers lost! And we're being accused of unfounded accusations?

I am not so sure that this statement of hers is so wild and outlandish. Why is it so difficult to believe that parents who give large sums of money to a school have some influence and may by request, not design, receive preferential treatment? Parents who are plugged into their children's school know which teachers are sought after and which are to be avoided. Do you not think that parents who have this information would not politely request that their child be placed in the classroom of their choice? If these parents have a close relationship with school administrators, as a result of their generous contributions, I can see how the request may be granted. Of course the school may not be providing this treatment with the intention of disadvantaging low SES children, but this may be an outcome nonetheless. School administrators are human and have been given a tremendous task of providing an excellent academic experience with little resources. The DC charter school market is competitive and underfunded. Charter schools depend on outside funds to keep their doors open. All of these facts must at times create an environment where administrators are eager to please those parents who are significant contributors. This happens with corporate and large individual donors in elections, I do not find it hard to believe that it happens at charter schools as well. Of course, the influence of high SES families at HRCS would be diminished if charter schools received funding equal to that of traditional public schools. Let's advocate for that!

p.s. The tone of the posts by those who "know" OP is strange to say the least. Although OP gave some descriptive information regarding the school, she did not name the school. I actually came to my conclusion as to the school by the way she was attacked by those who "know" her. There are only a couple of schools on this board who are known to have combative boosters. No need to name them we all know who they are.

Because it's a public school? So, having money doesn't in and of itself confer any benefits.

The entire premise of the OP's post is so trollish that it is laughable.

Not the poster you responded to, but come on you are either dumb and naive, or you are playing the part very well.