Hardy IB Population

[Anonymous]

Uniforms help in the integration of an otherwise very diverse school community. Different dressing styles and clothing price tags would lead to profiling. The school social life, which is lively and gentle, and the way the administration is overseeing the changes must be seen as a city best practice and regarded with high respect and appreciation. The school top management reflect this integration: one is African-American, one Caucasian, one Latin (One Principal, two Assistant Principals).

Hardy's administrators are acting very responsibly in making sure they attend what's best for their students, instead of what "might and eventually" send a better signal to outside parents.

[Anonymous]

IB parent that thinks Hardy is making great strides and is looking forward to sending my kids there. I support the uniforms. Also, talk with the existing students the majority of them actually like the uniform. Oh wait that would actually require you to visit the school or become informed......

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Move on people. The bottom line is that next year Hardy will be mostly feeder or Brent. After that it will be more desirable than Deal bc of size, IB demographics. Why are you loons hashing and rehashing ancient history?

Anyone who watched Hyde turn into a desirable IB school will understand that this is exactly what is happening at Hardy NOW.

Aaaand there is that claim again that the "IB demographics"'of glover park, palisades, burleith and Cleveland park are "more desirable than" the kids who live in Chevy Chase, AU park, sheperd park and friendship heights. Really, now?

(And since i believe you are the same person who trots out the "2 million condo" in [the Four seasons only] in Georgetown fact, let's note that the number of teenagers living in condos in Georgetown -- ever -- is tiny. The number of teenagers living in 2 million homes in geogertown or Wesley heights and whose parents even consider dcps middle school is infinitesimal.)

Nobody said that. You mis-read the post. Stop making stuff up.

That is in fact exactly what PP said. Hardy will be more desirable than Deal because of its demographics. Once those demographics change to become "mostly feeder." Feeder = IB. You're welcome, stupid.

[Anonymous]

NP. I just think the "anti-uniform at Hardy" poster is just a little weird with the idea that "uniforms in a urban public school send a certain message." What message would that be? Too many unruly low income AA kids?

If you don't want to send your kid to Hardy because it has, in your sheltered opinion from high income land, too many lower SES black kids---then just own it. Don't hide behind the anti-uniform BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. I just think the "anti-uniform at Hardy" poster is just a little weird with the idea that "uniforms in a urban public school send a certain message." What message would that be? Too many unruly low income AA kids?

If you don't want to send your kid to Hardy because it has, in your sheltered opinion from high income land, too many lower SES black kids---then just own it. Don't hide behind the anti-uniform BS.

The uniforms are an outmoded vestige of a school philosophy dating back to the 80s and early 90s that, as part of a 'tough love' discipline approach, uniforms could help to bring order to chaotic urban schools. That is, hopefully uniforms are outmoded at Hardy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Uniforms help in the integration of an otherwise very diverse school community. Different dressing styles and clothing price tags would lead to profiling. The school social life, which is lively and gentle, and the way the administration is overseeing the changes must be seen as a city best practice and regarded with high respect and appreciation. The school top management reflect this integration: one is African-American, one Caucasian, one Latin (One Principal, two Assistant Principals).

Hardy's administrators are acting very responsibly in making sure they attend what's best for their students, instead of what "might and eventually" send a better signal to outside parents.

What do you mean, that the absence of uniforms coukd lead to profiling? That seems ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Move on people. The bottom line is that next year Hardy will be mostly feeder or Brent. After that it will be more desirable than Deal bc of size, IB demographics. Why are you loons hashing and rehashing ancient history?

Anyone who watched Hyde turn into a desirable IB school will understand that this is exactly what is happening at Hardy NOW.

Aaaand there is that claim again that the "IB demographics"'of glover park, palisades, burleith and Cleveland park are "more desirable than" the kids who live in Chevy Chase, AU park, sheperd park and friendship heights. Really, now?

(And since i believe you are the same person who trots out the "2 million condo" in [the Four seasons only] in Georgetown fact, let's note that the number of teenagers living in condos in Georgetown -- ever -- is tiny. The number of teenagers living in 2 million homes in geogertown or Wesley heights and whose parents even consider dcps middle school is infinitesimal.)

Nobody said that. You mis-read the post. Stop making stuff up.

That is in fact exactly what PP said. Hardy will be more desirable than Deal because of its demographics. Once those demographics change to become "mostly feeder." Feeder = IB. You're welcome, stupid.

Ah, variety in writing. Has the poster who formerly signed her posters "idiot" now changed it to "Stupid" ?! Which is your name?

[Anonymous]

You're neither clever nor insightful. Kudos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're neither clever nor insightful. Kudos.

Children, children. Remember, sticks and stones...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. I just think the "anti-uniform at Hardy" poster is just a little weird with the idea that "uniforms in a urban public school send a certain message." What message would that be? Too many unruly low income AA kids?

If you don't want to send your kid to Hardy because it has, in your sheltered opinion from high income land, too many lower SES black kids---then just own it. Don't hide behind the anti-uniform BS.

The uniforms are an outmoded vestige of a school philosophy dating back to the 80s and early 90s that, as part of a 'tough love' discipline approach, uniforms could help to bring order to chaotic urban schools. That is, hopefully uniforms are outmoded at Hardy.

Lots of legacy things at schools. This one seems pretty harmless (and can even be repurposed to the newer circumstances). So while uniforms might not be worth starting from scratch, its hard to see that it makes sense to make a big stink about them at this point. Its only real neg is signalling, and that only matters for folks who are in the "sweet spot" of knowing something about Hardy, but not actually considering sending their kids there. Someone who IS considering sending their kids there will visit the school, learn about honors classes, and other things much more important. The childless family looking at RE with only a casual knowledge of schools, will not know the uniformed kids are from Hardy and not a charter or private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know that some folks at Hardy think that the criticism of the school uniforms is trivial complaining, but I was talking with a feeder school principal recently who was rolling his/her eyes about the uniforms and stated that in that principal's view they are not helpful to Hardy's reputation and ability to attract IB students. I will not identify the principal or the feeder for obvious reasons but it is important to note that even administrators within DCPS think the uniforms should go.

I heard the same thing. I think Principal Pride is working with the new feeder schools and will get rid of the uniforms. A good thing in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I think people get suspicious when you tell them to go to the (new) neighborhood school to improve its academic quality. Middle school is only three years, so parents want to send their kids to a school of good quality, not necessarily have their kids be the ones to work through the problems.

Yes, and I want the middle school to improve my child's "academic quality." That is the job of the faculty and administrative leadership. The school should not depend on my child and other heretofore well-prepared kids for superficial paper gains (standardized test score increases) which are no substitute for real and tangible improvements in academic quality.

You're right. You shouldn't send your child there. My well-prepared child did fine there but it obviously wouldn't work for your child.

Agreed. My well-prepared kid did great, but if you don't think your child is right for Hardy you are free to send him elsewhere, and should do so.

Exactly - which is why Ward 3 wants another middle school that will push and pull and fully challenge their kids to reach higher academically, not a school that looks their kids to goose the school's test scores.

Why should the city invest tax payers money to procure land and build a new school, when the residents of that ward fail to utilize a fully functioning school geared for that ward. You are basically asking the city to be fiscally irresponsible.

Because the school over many years has demonstrably not met the expectation of its surrounding population, yet serves an overwhelmingly OOB population that apparently strongly feels the school works for them. When you think about it, it's kind of a no-brain-er

How has the school not met the needs of the surrounding population? It serves an overwhelnning OOB population because the IB population chooses not to attend. The OOB slots wuld not be available if the IB students attended. Should the city leave the school vacant and/or underenrolled and not allow OOB students. The more IB students who chose to attend, the fewer OOB slots will be available for OOB students. It really is not rocket science.

Logic! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

So, if certain parents will not come to Hardy because of the uniforms, will other parents shy away when the principal gets rid of the uniforms?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the writer who chased away the PP because he or she does not have children of middle school age: don't you think that all residents have an interest in ensuring Hardy becomes an excellent middle school? First, every involved citizen has a general interest in seeing that the public-school offerings are rigorous. Second local residents have a more pecuniary interest, because a second rate local middle school can be a drag on property values. If a prospective buyer questions the quality of the local public school offering the buyer may go elsewhere. Anyone who doubts the strong connection between top-quality public schools and real estate values needlook no further then in AU Park and Tenleytown, where even small brick colonials on tiny lots fetch substantial price premiums because they feed to Janney, Deal and Wilson. Clearly residence of upper Northwest want Hardy to improve but the unwillingness of those more directly connected to the school to entertain suggestions for change or disheartening.

sure, but someone actually considering sending their kids to a school is more likely to actually visit the school and learn about its offerings, rather than judge based on the presence or absence of uniforms.

BTW, are homes really selling for a discount in Hardy Feeder zones because of the uniforms? My kid is past school age, and I would love to find a bargain in upper NW because of my tolerance for uniforms. Are there are any rising EOTP neighborhoods where the schools require uniforms? Preferably neighborhoods with nice coffee shops and not too much crime.

DP here. Yes, I just find this attitude completely perplexing. Presumably well-educated parents who want their kids to get a rigorous education coming to conclusions based on a drive-by. Personally and professionally, I find that doing actual research and investigation (eg, visiting the school) is necessary before I come to a conclusion. I hope that's what I'm teaching my kid as well!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the writer who chased away the PP because he or she does not have children of middle school age: don't you think that all residents have an interest in ensuring Hardy becomes an excellent middle school? First, every involved citizen has a general interest in seeing that the public-school offerings are rigorous. Second local residents have a more pecuniary interest, because a second rate local middle school can be a drag on property values. If a prospective buyer questions the quality of the local public school offering the buyer may go elsewhere. Anyone who doubts the strong connection between top-quality public schools and real estate values needlook no further then in AU Park and Tenleytown, where even small brick colonials on tiny lots fetch substantial price premiums because they feed to Janney, Deal and Wilson. Clearly residence of upper Northwest want Hardy to improve but the unwillingness of those more directly connected to the school to entertain suggestions for change or disheartening.

sure, but someone actually considering sending their kids to a school is more likely to actually visit the school and learn about its offerings, rather than judge based on the presence or absence of uniforms.

BTW, are homes really selling for a discount in Hardy Feeder zones because of the uniforms? My kid is past school age, and I would love to find a bargain in upper NW because of my tolerance for uniforms. Are there are any rising EOTP neighborhoods where the schools require uniforms? Preferably neighborhoods with nice coffee shops and not too much crime.

Both DCI and Latin are EOP, and they both require the students to wear uniforms. I guess people opposed to uniforms will not use lottery picks for those two schools

Brent, Maury and Ludlow-Taylor come to mind. I won't bother to list privates.

thanks, I think will look in those areas. I hope to get a bargain, because of the uniforms.

School uniforms are an endogenous variable in Zillow.com's algorithm to calculate house prices.

I truly laughed out loud at that. Good one, pp!