Western High School Boundary Map options (A/B/C/D)

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:If you feel differently then the Mom’s you are so upset with then you need to raise your own voice. The idea that you are only sending emails and posting on a board like this because you are worried about social ramifications for your kids is crazy. So what if your kid doesn’t hang out with their kid? You are prioritizing your kids social life for a year or two over what you think is important for their educational future? And your response is to TYPE IN ALL CAPS about how awful the parents are.

If it is that important to you, then say something. If you are going to prioritize the social element, then be prepared to not get what you want in terms of schools. And please stop shouting at us because you are making an active choice to prioritize socialization and not the school option.

DP but I know the people involved. I think it’s more than just social ramifications for the kids — it’s the whole family. Some people are very strongly against the possibility of having their kids attend this new school and are outright angry at anyone nearby trying to advocate to go there because they see it as a threat to what they want. That is unpleasant when you still have to go to school events, sports, scouts, etc with these people. It stinks because some of them (not the ringleaders — they aren’t nice in any setting — but some others) are otherwise nice people easy to get along with. This is really bringing out some craziness. At this point I figure most people staying quiet are fine with the new school but don’t want to incur the wrath of those who are really fired up about it.

Ignore them or tell them you disagree with them about the school but don’t want to discuss it with them. If they are that irrational about it, then separate yourself from them.

I fall into the passionate crowd but know my friends are in different places. I try not to talk about it any more and try to remember to shift the topic outside of sharing information. Like I posted the video showed at Carson for a group I am in and left it at that. We can opt-in or not, so people can make a choice that fits them. In the future, kids should be able to pupil place for the special programs.

That probably doesn’t help families with kids in ES who feel like they might not end up where they want but as long as FCPS allows for pupil placing, there is probably a way to move to a closer school or a school that you desire.

My kids are in late ES and I am concerned that by the time they’re going to high school there won’t be a way to opt in without being interested in whatever special program. Mine are unlikely to be interested in aviation. So we will be stuck with a long commute because people whose older kids had the option not to go there fought against us being in boundary.

Have you contacted your School Board member?

I’m indifferent with the outcome as I think Oakton and WHS will both be great schools but I keep seeing this “older kid” thing which I’m sure are true for those around you. But all of those I have spoken to in my non-Franklin Farm neighborhood want to stay zoned to Oakton including a few with very young kids. I think the desire to stay at Oakton is strong and separate from the Rooted in Oakton movement…it’s individual people like yourself sending emails, etc. I hope you and those with a similar desire to go to WHS are advocating with the board and not just here where no one will see. Most people regardless of high school like their current high school, which is why FCPS will need to make tough decisions but I’m sure their perception right now is this area wants to stay zoned to Oakton, which for better or for worse I think is accurate…I didn’t say “need” to preempt the next chain of responses about bus rides, new construction by Oakton, etc.

DP. Agree. I think a lot of younger families are also more recent buyers in the area. They sought out houses zoned to Oakton for a reason. They wanted their kids to go to Oakton and still do.

Then why did they buy homes with 4 other high schools closer to them than Oakton?

You frequently assert on these discussion boards that anyone who buys a home where they can’t hear the principal fart should expect to be reboundaried. Not sure it’s quite the banger of a talking point that you think it is.

Common sense tells you that buying a home that is closer to four or five high schools other than the one you’re zoned for is a risky move. Why should the school board cater to people who lack common sense?

Why should people vote for a school board that would screw constituents?

The only ones getting screwed are the ones whose kids are currently attending overcrowded schools because the past school boards didn't do their jobs. Boundary adjustments are a normal part of a functional school system.

Necessary boundary adjustments are. Not unnecessary ones.

The number of trailers at Chantilly, Westfield, and Centreville show this one to be completely necessary.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:If you feel differently then the Mom’s you are so upset with then you need to raise your own voice. The idea that you are only sending emails and posting on a board like this because you are worried about social ramifications for your kids is crazy. So what if your kid doesn’t hang out with their kid? You are prioritizing your kids social life for a year or two over what you think is important for their educational future? And your response is to TYPE IN ALL CAPS about how awful the parents are.

If it is that important to you, then say something. If you are going to prioritize the social element, then be prepared to not get what you want in terms of schools. And please stop shouting at us because you are making an active choice to prioritize socialization and not the school option.

DP but I know the people involved. I think it’s more than just social ramifications for the kids — it’s the whole family. Some people are very strongly against the possibility of having their kids attend this new school and are outright angry at anyone nearby trying to advocate to go there because they see it as a threat to what they want. That is unpleasant when you still have to go to school events, sports, scouts, etc with these people. It stinks because some of them (not the ringleaders — they aren’t nice in any setting — but some others) are otherwise nice people easy to get along with. This is really bringing out some craziness. At this point I figure most people staying quiet are fine with the new school but don’t want to incur the wrath of those who are really fired up about it.

Ignore them or tell them you disagree with them about the school but don’t want to discuss it with them. If they are that irrational about it, then separate yourself from them.

I fall into the passionate crowd but know my friends are in different places. I try not to talk about it any more and try to remember to shift the topic outside of sharing information. Like I posted the video showed at Carson for a group I am in and left it at that. We can opt-in or not, so people can make a choice that fits them. In the future, kids should be able to pupil place for the special programs.

That probably doesn’t help families with kids in ES who feel like they might not end up where they want but as long as FCPS allows for pupil placing, there is probably a way to move to a closer school or a school that you desire.

My kids are in late ES and I am concerned that by the time they’re going to high school there won’t be a way to opt in without being interested in whatever special program. Mine are unlikely to be interested in aviation. So we will be stuck with a long commute because people whose older kids had the option not to go there fought against us being in boundary.

Have you contacted your School Board member?

I’m indifferent with the outcome as I think Oakton and WHS will both be great schools but I keep seeing this “older kid” thing which I’m sure are true for those around you. But all of those I have spoken to in my non-Franklin Farm neighborhood want to stay zoned to Oakton including a few with very young kids. I think the desire to stay at Oakton is strong and separate from the Rooted in Oakton movement…it’s individual people like yourself sending emails, etc. I hope you and those with a similar desire to go to WHS are advocating with the board and not just here where no one will see. Most people regardless of high school like their current high school, which is why FCPS will need to make tough decisions but I’m sure their perception right now is this area wants to stay zoned to Oakton, which for better or for worse I think is accurate…I didn’t say “need” to preempt the next chain of responses about bus rides, new construction by Oakton, etc.

DP. Agree. I think a lot of younger families are also more recent buyers in the area. They sought out houses zoned to Oakton for a reason. They wanted their kids to go to Oakton and still do.

Then why did they buy homes with 4 other high schools closer to them than Oakton?

You frequently assert on these discussion boards that anyone who buys a home where they can’t hear the principal fart should expect to be reboundaried. Not sure it’s quite the banger of a talking point that you think it is.

Common sense tells you that buying a home that is closer to four or five high schools other than the one you’re zoned for is a risky move. Why should the school board cater to people who lack common sense?

Why should people vote for a school board that would screw constituents?

The only ones getting screwed are the ones whose kids are currently attending overcrowded schools because the past school boards didn't do their jobs. Boundary adjustments are a normal part of a functional school system.

Necessary boundary adjustments are. Not unnecessary ones.

The number of trailers at Chantilly, Westfield, and Centreville show this one to be completely necessary.

I think they are referring to the potential inclusion of those in the area who are currently zoned to Oakton. I know the next person will either say Oakton is not overcrowded followed by another detailing the new construction by the HS or vice versa, I thought I’d save everyone time!

[Anonymous]

Oakton is at capacity now. Kids are on very long bus rides now.

[Anonymous]

Oakton is up 100 students over last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oakton is at capacity now. Kids are on very long bus rides now.

Weren’t they always on long bus rides?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oakton is at capacity now. Kids are on very long bus rides now.

Weren’t they always on long bus rides?

Yes, but there was no where else to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oakton is at capacity now. Kids are on very long bus rides now.

Weren’t they always on long bus rides?

Yes, but there was no where else to go.

South Lakes had capacity. Look I think it’s makes sense that neighborhoods with the zip code 20171 should go a school if it has the same zip code but lets also not pretend like all the Herndon kids at Navy or the Madison kids on Fox Mill one street over from Herndon don’t also have long bus rides. Oakton’s boundaries have been skewed extremely west since the school opened so I’m not surprised by some of the Crossfield community’s resistance to moving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guys, regardless of what is said, it’s going to be a magnet school. Too many parents spewing existential crises over moving from Oakton- they can’t resolve it. The point was to reduce enrollment in certain Western HS and that is who can opt in. Everyone can stop clutching their pearls, you get to choose where your kids are going and if you choose current school, great, you will have some extra elbow room with kids choosing Western. I was equally baffled by the sequencing but now I understand / there is literally no point to making people go to a new school - plenty will opt in and they will swing around a TJ style bus at local feeders and pick them up. The end result is the same - relieve crowding at Western realm high schools and don’t force anyone to go. I struggle to see a counter argument to this now that I figured it out.

You're wrong. There are five elementary schools in play and only one of them is making a stink. They'll leave Crossfield alone and let the families who want to go to Western (Floris, Coates, McNair, maybe Oak Hill and Fox Mill) go there. It's really not a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guys, regardless of what is said, it’s going to be a magnet school. Too many parents spewing existential crises over moving from Oakton- they can’t resolve it. The point was to reduce enrollment in certain Western HS and that is who can opt in. Everyone can stop clutching their pearls, you get to choose where your kids are going and if you choose current school, great, you will have some extra elbow room with kids choosing Western. I was equally baffled by the sequencing but now I understand / there is literally no point to making people go to a new school - plenty will opt in and they will swing around a TJ style bus at local feeders and pick them up. The end result is the same - relieve crowding at Western realm high schools and don’t force anyone to go. I struggle to see a counter argument to this now that I figured it out.

You're wrong. There are five elementary schools in play and only one of them is making a stink. They'll leave Crossfield alone and let the families who want to go to Western (Floris, Coates, McNair, maybe Oak Hill and Fox Mill) go there. It's really not a big deal.

Agreed. I think FCPS thought Crossfield would be thrilled to have a shorter bus ride (I know it’s a big area and this might not be true for everyone) and while some are the others are so against it the board will probably determine it not worth the effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guys, regardless of what is said, it’s going to be a magnet school. Too many parents spewing existential crises over moving from Oakton- they can’t resolve it. The point was to reduce enrollment in certain Western HS and that is who can opt in. Everyone can stop clutching their pearls, you get to choose where your kids are going and if you choose current school, great, you will have some extra elbow room with kids choosing Western. I was equally baffled by the sequencing but now I understand / there is literally no point to making people go to a new school - plenty will opt in and they will swing around a TJ style bus at local feeders and pick them up. The end result is the same - relieve crowding at Western realm high schools and don’t force anyone to go. I struggle to see a counter argument to this now that I figured it out.

You're wrong. There are five elementary schools in play and only one of them is making a stink. They'll leave Crossfield alone and let the families who want to go to Western (Floris, Coates, McNair, maybe Oak Hill and Fox Mill) go there. It's really not a big deal.

Agreed. I think FCPS thought Crossfield would be thrilled to have a shorter bus ride (I know it’s a big area and this might not be true for everyone) and while some are the others are so against it the board will probably determine it not worth the effort.

We are!!!! It's just a really vocal mommy and her friends who are against it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guys, regardless of what is said, it’s going to be a magnet school. Too many parents spewing existential crises over moving from Oakton- they can’t resolve it. The point was to reduce enrollment in certain Western HS and that is who can opt in. Everyone can stop clutching their pearls, you get to choose where your kids are going and if you choose current school, great, you will have some extra elbow room with kids choosing Western. I was equally baffled by the sequencing but now I understand / there is literally no point to making people go to a new school - plenty will opt in and they will swing around a TJ style bus at local feeders and pick them up. The end result is the same - relieve crowding at Western realm high schools and don’t force anyone to go. I struggle to see a counter argument to this now that I figured it out.

You're wrong. There are five elementary schools in play and only one of them is making a stink. They'll leave Crossfield alone and let the families who want to go to Western (Floris, Coates, McNair, maybe Oak Hill and Fox Mill) go there. It's really not a big deal.

Agreed. I think FCPS thought Crossfield would be thrilled to have a shorter bus ride (I know it’s a big area and this might not be true for everyone) and while some are the others are so against it the board will probably determine it not worth the effort.

We are!!!! It's just a really vocal mommy and her friends who are against it.

DP. You keep saying that. It's not clear that's true beyond your social circle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guys, regardless of what is said, it’s going to be a magnet school. Too many parents spewing existential crises over moving from Oakton- they can’t resolve it. The point was to reduce enrollment in certain Western HS and that is who can opt in. Everyone can stop clutching their pearls, you get to choose where your kids are going and if you choose current school, great, you will have some extra elbow room with kids choosing Western. I was equally baffled by the sequencing but now I understand / there is literally no point to making people go to a new school - plenty will opt in and they will swing around a TJ style bus at local feeders and pick them up. The end result is the same - relieve crowding at Western realm high schools and don’t force anyone to go. I struggle to see a counter argument to this now that I figured it out.

You're wrong. There are five elementary schools in play and only one of them is making a stink. They'll leave Crossfield alone and let the families who want to go to Western (Floris, Coates, McNair, maybe Oak Hill and Fox Mill) go there. It's really not a big deal.

Yup. Option B is the answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know kids who are opting in. I know that many people in this thread don't want to believe it but we are opting in. The loudest voices are the ones not wanting to move, but there are others who have been saying that they are excited to move. I am not sure how many more times we have to say the same thing.

Not everyone is sold on the idea that the community at a specific HS is so amazing that they have to go there.

Not everyone thinks that the old schools will have better teachers or classes.

Not everyone thinks that you have to have a football team or varsity sports to make a school a good school.

There are those of us who know that freshman and sophomores are not likely to make the varsity or take on lead roles in plays so the lack of varsity sports or a established theatre program is less of an issue. Heck, there are opportunities that come with the new school.

There are those of us who know that new schools open and kids form clubs and teams and bands and it works out just fine.

And there will be parents who will not be all that aware of anything happening and their kids will go to the school indifferent, but they would have been indifferent at their old school.

Choose to go to your current school, that is fine. I get it. But we are making a different choice and are excited for the opportunity. And we know others doing the same. The class might be smaller than normal but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Well said. We are opting in because it has the potential to be great. We have already done the traditional high school things with our older kids and guess what- they didn't want to do them, aside from 1 club and a sport. They didnt even go to the football games (except when they were on the team!). So I think our kids are very wow'ed by traditional high schools and our next child will be a frontiersman and see how he can shape a new school focused on cutting edge technology. But the beauty is, it seems like no one is going to be forced to go ever - and they restricted admission to this secret magnet to the Western area schools that are most in need of relief. So everyone saying this sounds horrible can relax, they are going to fill this school very quickly and it will all be opt in.

Gatehouse has entered the chat. Secret magnet? Frontiersman?

[Anonymous]

Online bully to Crossfield parents = in person bully to crossfield kids. I hope all those crossfield kids who will be at the new school enjoy their new HS.

[Anonymous]

Those couple crossfield parents who live closer and want to opt in for their young kids, do you understand you are the person who initiated these online bullying to ALL Crossfield parents?