Why so much hate with EOTP vs WOTP parents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

And I'm sure there are dozens of parents that can say your current charter is not "all that". Many that can give reasons why or just make blanket statements. I am at a HRCS that has under 20% FARM, most HRCS have similar farm make up. I would prefer a makeup like Shepherd (1/3).

That's nice. I'm not at that kind of charter. And I don't care what blanket statements others, like you, who have never sent their children to Shepherd, make.

I get it. You are afraid of FARMS. I don't understand why, and I don't really care.

What part of "I wish my school had more FARMS" make you think I'm afraid of FARMS?

So play the lottery for a school with more FARMS next year. They're usually easier to get into that schools with lower FARMS rates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This whole thread was bait to begin with. But, reading it through, it's nice to learn that Shepherd seems to be roundly recognized -- by everyone! -- as one of the best neighborhood schools in the city.


No, all of us don't believe that to be true. I'm AA and I would not send my children to SP if I had a choice of any school WotP (except Hearst). I'm not interested in sending my children to high (by my standards) poverty schools. I love racial and cultural diversity, but I strongly prefer economic homogeneity (on the high end) in my children's school. I actively seek to avoid the social and academic distractions that children who come from impoverished backgrounds tend to bring into the classroom. Since this is an anonymous forum, I can be completely honest.

Shepherd's not that great, but I always get yelled at when I say that. The kids are nice. The teachers are nice. Everyone's trying. But there are issues.

For what it is worth though, snotty AA person, there's not a lot of "poor elements" at Shepherd. If anything, it suffers from the opposite end of the spectrum: entitled kids and entitled parents, who expect mountains to be moved for their every whim. That doesn't make it a bad place... that is, no worse than any other affluent school that has those kinds of social issues (and most do). So, if that's what you ARE looking for, I think you'd be right at home there.

I'm not African American. Maybe it's a white privilege thing--this being an anonymous board, maybe I can say that. Maybe it's a white privilege thing that makes me think that being from an impoverished background isn't contagious, that my kids can have poor friends and it won't rub off. Maybe it's the example of my grandparents, who were all pretty impoverished themselves, growing up in the 30's--or the lives they made for their kids, that were rather less impoverished. Maybe it's the fact that I spent most of my twenties and thirties living on almost nothing. Maybe I'm full of shit. But I believe really, really strongly in economic diversity in schools. It's why we sent our kids to public schools. It's why we picked Shepherd. (Which was a bad choice, for that.) All studies show: diversity is good for ALL kids.

It's why we're at a charter school now, which is ironically more diverse in all measures.

I don't have any opinions about Shepherd but +1 on your observation that white privilege likely explains the difference of opinion.

+2. In my experience, educated AA/African families often use a different calculus when making decisions re: education than educated white families, as there are different issues to contend with. They tend to be more risk averse about schools with high proportions of low SES students. Most I know do not send their children to high FARMS schools if they can help it--concerns about peer influences, unfair treatment from teachers (who assume they're from poor/uneducated families like most of their peers), etc.

There are a smattering of such families that I know at schools like Eaton and Shepherd, but many move out to stronger school systems in MoCo or VA, or go private. A few neighbors and friends are at CMI, LAMB, ITS.

I was just discussing this with a friend this week--she joked that we (educated AAs) don't put our kids in predominantly low SES schools, since they already have several strikes against them right out of the gate. See this thread, which discusses this issue:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/75/484734.page

I have lots of friends in that situation that find that life is not a crystal stair on the other side either. Several of them say that their kids can fall through the cracks and struggle at the privates or certain schools where there may be one or two AA kids per class and can feel excluded at times (not invited to events, parties, etc.)

[Anonymous]

Exactly.

I hope this doesn't come off as me trying to "whitesplain," but I think there's a real issue in America with class divisions. I think here in DC I've seen it more acutely than anywhere else I've ever lived. People are really, really defensive. They want to protect what they have. They've fought hard for it. And pretty much fuck everyone else.

It was not what I expected to find in America's capitol of democracy; but it is what there is.

[Anonymous]

+2. In my experience, educated AA/African families often use a different calculus when making decisions re: education than educated white families, as there are different issues to contend with. They tend to be more risk averse about schools with high proportions of low SES students. Most I know do not send their children to high FARMS schools if they can help it--concerns about peer influences, unfair treatment from teachers (who assume they're from poor/uneducated families like most of their peers), etc.

There are a smattering of such families that I know at schools like Eaton and Shepherd, but many move out to stronger school systems in MoCo or VA, or go private. A few neighbors and friends are at CMI, LAMB, ITS.

I was just discussing this with a friend this week--she joked that we (educated AAs) don't put our kids in predominantly low SES schools, since they already have several strikes against them right out of the gate. See this thread, which discusses this issue:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/75/484734.page

I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

[Anonymous]

I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I beg to differ. I am not a J&J member but i do know that J&J had an event at Shepherd's field last weekend. i know this because i took my son to the park during the same time. One of the most discussed topics amongst the members (some i know) where supporting the SP Gala. If I an not mistaken your current president Jarvis sent all of her children to the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I beg to differ. I am not a J&J member but i do know that J&J had an event at Shepherd's field last weekend. i know this because i took my son to the park during the same time. One of the most discussed topics amongst the members (some i know) where supporting the SP Gala. If I an not mistaken your current president Jarvis sent all of her children to the school.

Yes, 2 of your standing officers children currently or previously went to Shepherd. SP is the bread and butter of J&J in DC, the founder of the chapter is an esteemed SP resident who sent her children there. Do your research.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I can count about a dozen J&J kids at SES and that is just from learning that fact incidentally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I beg to differ. I am not a J&J member but i do know that J&J had an event at Shepherd's field last weekend. i know this because i took my son to the park during the same time. One of the most discussed topics amongst the members (some i know) where supporting the SP Gala. If I an not mistaken your current president Jarvis sent all of her children to the school.

Yes, 2 of your standing officers children currently or previously went to Shepherd. SP is the bread and butter of J&J in DC, the founder of the chapter is an esteemed SP resident who sent her children there. Do your research.

Do YOUR research! I am a current DC Chapter J&J member and I stand by my statement. A small minority of current members send their children to SP. We have an annual "Family Fitness" Day at SP's field because most members live near the school. That has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not they send their children to that school. The DC Chapter has nearly 150 mother members. If you heard 5-10 mothers discussing the gala, believe me, that represents the majority of those who send their children to that school. Btw, there are also people who attend school auction/gala to support the school in their neighborhood, or a school that they once attended (or graduated from). I don't know if Debbi Jarvis sent her kids to SP (her boys are older than my kids), but she is just one person (Btw, she's not officially the president yet). Her decision to send her kids there in no way sways other J&J moms to do the same. Why are you trying to make this a thing? If lots of members sent their children to SP, I would say so--I don't care either way. The fact is, they don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I can count about a dozen J&J kids at SES and that is just from learning that fact incidentally.

A dozen kids from how many mothers? 6-10 at most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I can count about a dozen J&J kids at SES and that is just from learning that fact incidentally.

What grades? I'll look them up when I get home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am the AA poster at 12:18 who said that I wouldn't send my child to SP. I also said that I would choose any WotP DCPS (except Hearst) over SP due to those schools' high poverty rates (as defined by me). You have provided a pretty good summary for my reasons. However, I am most concerned about negative peer influences that are often found in high poverty schools. I nip teacher stereotyping in the bud early on by signing emails/correspondence using my title ("Dr."); so that hasn't been a problem thus far. Btw, I already know that negative peer influences can be found in both high and low poverty schools; so please spare me that lecture. I attended private schools my entire life, so I understand what that environment looks/feels like. I also grew up in Jack and Jill, and my perspective on high-poverty schools is mostly shaped by what I observed in my chapter. Most of the J&J kids attended private high school. There were a few kids who went public all the way through high school graduation, and I saw that several struggled socially as a result. All of these kids (mostly boys) were the products of stable middle/upper middle/upper class two parent homes. Several of these boys felt compelled to prove that they weren't "soft rich boys" to their AA peers (low SES and didn't live in the affluent neighborhood where the public schools were located). Among these kids, one ended up dead, and two others spent some time in jail for petty crimes. Obviously, all of the public school kids didn't end up dead or turning to a life of crime. However, the only J&J kids (in my chapter at the time) who met this fate did. They were very negatively influenced by their AA peer group at school. My children currently attend our IB WotP school, and they are very happy and excelling academically. When the time comes, they will both attend racially diverse private middle and high schools where there are high academic expectations, and all students are expected to attend college (and beyond). If they are excluded from a party here or there, they'll live--it's called life.

I appreciate you sharing your story. The irony is that a majority of the SP kids are so nerdy, so "J&J", that your DC probably would have fit right in. Glad you found a good fit.

Fyi, half of Jack n Jill members are graduates of Shepherd or live in Shepherd Park, Links included in that as well. Do your research and make sound decisions.

I am a member of the DC Chapter of J&J. Since I didn't grow up in DC, I can't say whether or not a majority of current chapter members attended SPES or not. I do know that a very small minority of current J&J members send their children to SP now. I have children in two groups, and the vast majority of members' children attend language immersion (and other popular charters) or private school. There are a smattering of kids who attend other DCPS elementary schools, but I can't think of a single child in my children's groups who attend SP (I know that there are some in other groups within the chapter). I agree that a lot of members live in Shepherd Park, or elsewhere along Upper 16th St. I'm not trying to knock SP--I really don't have a horse in this race. However, it appears SPES is not very popular among current J&J members.

I can count about a dozen J&J kids at SES and that is just from learning that fact incidentally.

I just looked at another list maintained online (password protected), and only 3 DC J&J members are listed as having children at SP. The list is outdated--I know there are a few more.