Thinking of sending my white child to Banneker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not quite: Banneker is 1% white, so around 5 students. Also a small number of students who identify as Asian and multiple races, plus 20 percent Hispanic/Latino.

http://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Benjamin+Banneker+High+School

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
(2017-18)
Enrollment: 482

Black: 74%
Hispanic/Latino: 20%
White: 1%
Asian: 3%
Pacific/Hawaiian: 0%
Native/Alaskan: 0%
Multiple races: 2%

Being an "only" in any environment can be a slog, regardless of what kind of only you are. By the numbers, OP's kid would be the "only" in a class of about 120 per grade. That kid has to be very comfortable in this position - or such a nerd that they have no notice/care of this anyway

This. I don’t know why everyone’s acting like it’s no big deal. Also +1 to poster above who said white parents may feel they’re intruding on black space (or if you must, POC space). In a city where everyone hates the gentrifiers wouldn’t they fear being seen as gentrifying Banneker? I know I think about this, unfortunately, in a lot of spaces in DC. Will I be welcome or seen as there goes the neighborhood? Don’t tell me you’ve never had that thought.

That's the experience of every person of color in America in 99% of the spaces they occupy each day. Not fun is it? Only black friend. Only Asian employee. Only LatinX whatever. But yet we deal with it.

Absolutely. And it’s a huge source of stress and a psychic burden. One that POC can’t opt out of. Which is why opting out is a very attractive option for one’s non POC pre-teen.

PP here. Exactly. But, there's the added thing about bringing your white privilege into a Black space when you DO have options. Is that what is wanted by the Banneker community? Do they want more diversity? They have not said, perhaps they don't. Perhaps they're quite happy to be a safe space. OTOH that white child is most certainly going to learn more at Banneker than Walls about the world. America, and life in general, academics aside.

No, I agree, on the whole I think the benefits outweigh the negatives, but it's still something that's going to weigh on parent's minds when making the decision. It's not necessarily pure, unalloyed racism.

I think middle-class white kids are going to do fine in almost any DCPS school, even those with high at-risk populations, lack of resources, etc, etc... But I think when we talk about segregation, we have to recognize there's both racism, but also decades of urban schools portrayed as violent Hellscapes, by popular media, but also by education advocates too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not quite: Banneker is 1% white, so around 5 students. Also a small number of students who identify as Asian and multiple races, plus 20 percent Hispanic/Latino.

http://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Benjamin+Banneker+High+School

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
(2017-18)
Enrollment: 482

Black: 74%
Hispanic/Latino: 20%
White: 1%
Asian: 3%
Pacific/Hawaiian: 0%
Native/Alaskan: 0%
Multiple races: 2%

Being an "only" in any environment can be a slog, regardless of what kind of only you are. By the numbers, OP's kid would be the "only" in a class of about 120 per grade. That kid has to be very comfortable in this position - or such a nerd that they have no notice/care of this anyway

This. I don’t know why everyone’s acting like it’s no big deal. Also +1 to poster above who said white parents may feel they’re intruding on black space (or if you must, POC space). In a city where everyone hates the gentrifiers wouldn’t they fear being seen as gentrifying Banneker? I know I think about this, unfortunately, in a lot of spaces in DC. Will I be welcome or seen as there goes the neighborhood? Don’t tell me you’ve never had that thought.

That's the experience of every person of color in America in 99% of the spaces they occupy each day. Not fun is it? Only black friend. Only Asian employee. Only LatinX whatever. But yet we deal with it.

Absolutely. And it’s a huge source of stress and a psychic burden. One that POC can’t opt out of. Which is why opting out is a very attractive option for one’s non POC pre-teen.

PP here. Exactly. But, there's the added thing about bringing your white privilege into a Black space when you DO have options. Is that what is wanted by the Banneker community? Do they want more diversity? They have not said, perhaps they don't. Perhaps they're quite happy to be a safe space. OTOH that white child is most certainly going to learn more at Banneker than Walls about the world. America, and life in general, academics aside.

No, I agree, on the whole I think the benefits outweigh the negatives, but it's still something that's going to weigh on parent's minds when making the decision. It's not necessarily pure, unalloyed racism.

I think middle-class white kids are going to do fine in almost any DCPS school, even those with high at-risk populations, lack of resources, etc, etc... But I think when we talk about segregation, we have to recognize there's both racism, but also decades of urban schools portrayed as violent Hellscapes, by popular media, but also by education advocates too.

well you have to be pretty deliberately ignorant to think that Banneker is a "violent Hellscape."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not quite: Banneker is 1% white, so around 5 students. Also a small number of students who identify as Asian and multiple races, plus 20 percent Hispanic/Latino.

http://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Benjamin+Banneker+High+School

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS
(2017-18)
Enrollment: 482

Black: 74%
Hispanic/Latino: 20%
White: 1%
Asian: 3%
Pacific/Hawaiian: 0%
Native/Alaskan: 0%
Multiple races: 2%

Being an "only" in any environment can be a slog, regardless of what kind of only you are. By the numbers, OP's kid would be the "only" in a class of about 120 per grade. That kid has to be very comfortable in this position - or such a nerd that they have no notice/care of this anyway

This. I don’t know why everyone’s acting like it’s no big deal. Also +1 to poster above who said white parents may feel they’re intruding on black space (or if you must, POC space). In a city where everyone hates the gentrifiers wouldn’t they fear being seen as gentrifying Banneker? I know I think about this, unfortunately, in a lot of spaces in DC. Will I be welcome or seen as there goes the neighborhood? Don’t tell me you’ve never had that thought.

That's the experience of every person of color in America in 99% of the spaces they occupy each day. Not fun is it? Only black friend. Only Asian employee. Only LatinX whatever. But yet we deal with it.

Absolutely. And it’s a huge source of stress and a psychic burden. One that POC can’t opt out of. Which is why opting out is a very attractive option for one’s non POC pre-teen.

PP here. Exactly. But, there's the added thing about bringing your white privilege into a Black space when you DO have options. Is that what is wanted by the Banneker community? Do they want more diversity? They have not said, perhaps they don't. Perhaps they're quite happy to be a safe space. OTOH that white child is most certainly going to learn more at Banneker than Walls about the world. America, and life in general, academics aside.

No, I agree, on the whole I think the benefits outweigh the negatives, but it's still something that's going to weigh on parent's minds when making the decision. It's not necessarily pure, unalloyed racism.

I think middle-class white kids are going to do fine in almost any DCPS school, even those with high at-risk populations, lack of resources, etc, etc... But I think when we talk about segregation, we have to recognize there's both racism, but also decades of urban schools portrayed as violent Hellscapes, by popular media, but also by education advocates too.

well you have to be pretty deliberately ignorant to think that Banneker is a "violent Hellscape."

Most people in DC know nothing about Banneker. Or much about their local DCPS school. Sometimes it's hard to remember that when you're in the DCUM bubble.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

never -- right is right, wrong is wrong

[Anonymous]

I think having a renovated space with Banneker’s program Will be a big draw as more DCPS middle school’s improve around the city that do not feed into solid high school options. I also think the demand for the other application schools will grow as well and this is a good thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

never -- right is right, wrong is wrong

ok troll -- how does anyone one "own" a public school, let alone steal a public good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

never -- right is right, wrong is wrong

ok troll -- how does anyone one "own" a public school, let alone steal a public good?

You must be a troll.

Each neighborhood "owns" its neighborhood school.

You are stealing the neighborhood school to bring in a magnet school from somewhere else.

Lovely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

never -- right is right, wrong is wrong

ok troll -- how does anyone one "own" a public school, let alone steal a public good?

You must be a troll.

Each neighborhood "owns" its neighborhood school.

You are stealing the neighborhood school to bring in a magnet school from somewhere else.

Lovely.

FFS. You have an IB MS - Cardozo - already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

never -- right is right, wrong is wrong

ok troll -- how does anyone one "own" a public school, let alone steal a public good?

You must be a troll.

Each neighborhood "owns" its neighborhood school.

You are stealing the neighborhood school to bring in a magnet school from somewhere else.

Lovely.

FFS. You have an IB MS - Cardozo - already.

Not MS -- primarily ES.

You already have a school -- Banneker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the white parents perplexed by Banneker . . . ¯\_(?)_/¯

The biggest knock on Banneker this white parent has heard has nothing to do with demographics, culture, or academic rigor -- it's mostly about the facility limitations -- small size for HS, dated, in poor condition. and long overdue for major improvement. The move to Shaw will create more high quality seats and address Euclid site limitations. it will also be more Metro accessible for a city wide school.

With seats at SWW at a premium and few OOB opportunities for Wilson, Banneker's expansion and new facility is a welcomed development. I'm appalled at how the Mayor has unnecessarily pitted Banneker against the Shaw community, but the Banneker development is a welcomed development to many DC families looking at a range of quality magnet options.

You mean, stealing someone else's school?

grow up

never -- right is right, wrong is wrong

ok troll -- how does anyone one "own" a public school, let alone steal a public good?

You must be a troll.

Each neighborhood "owns" its neighborhood school.

You are stealing the neighborhood school to bring in a magnet school from somewhere else.

Lovely.

FFS. You have an IB MS - Cardozo - already.

Bullshit. DC taxpayers "own" every public school

[Anonymous]

The animosity toward Banneker is crazy.

It's been happening on DCUM long before this building stuff.

I don't get it at all. We complain all day about dysfunctional schools and DCPS failures. Banneker is a success story. If you don't want to send your kids -- don't.

But must you run down these students because their SAT scores are low or whatever the critique of the day is?

By and large, these are bright, hardworking kids who have persevered despite many attending poor performing ES and MSs. They should be celebrated and DCPS should be studying what happens there to try and replicate it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The animosity toward Banneker is crazy.

It's been happening on DCUM long before this building stuff.

I don't get it at all. We complain all day about dysfunctional schools and DCPS failures. Banneker is a success story. If you don't want to send your kids -- don't.

But must you run down these students because their SAT scores are low or whatever the critique of the day is?

By and large, these are bright, hardworking kids who have persevered despite many attending poor performing ES and MSs. They should be celebrated and DCPS should be studying what happens there to try and replicate it.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The animosity toward Banneker is crazy.

It's been happening on DCUM long before this building stuff.

I don't get it at all. We complain all day about dysfunctional schools and DCPS failures. Banneker is a success story. If you don't want to send your kids -- don't.

But must you run down these students because their SAT scores are low or whatever the critique of the day is?

By and large, these are bright, hardworking kids who have persevered despite many attending poor performing ES and MSs. They should be celebrated and DCPS should be studying what happens there to try and replicate it.

largely agree with above, except Banneker is also a draw for non-dysfunctional ES programs like DC Prep and KIPP

I'd love to see a day where instead of grandstanding and discounting lower SATs by demographic we instead handicap higher scores which result from extensive and costly test prep and don't really reflect the test takers' given abilities.