Will Whittle be around next year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you had a friend who wanted to send their child to Whittle, what would you do? They didn’t get into any of the top schools they applied to, and only want something “brand name” in DC

No! No! No! No! No! Send them a copy of the Christmas letter and to this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you had a friend who wanted to send their child to Whittle, what would you do? They didn’t get into any of the top schools they applied to, and only want something “brand name” in DC

As a former teacher at Whittle, I can guarantee any public school would be better than this school. The primary school is severely lacking in proper curriculum and structure. They spend most of the day playing. Their child will end up behind unless the family pursues outside tutoring or classes.

Why do they spend most of the day playing?

[Anonymous]

I wasn’t able to attend due to an office meeting; can I get a quick debrief/summary on what was talked about? Also that man needs to apologize to the kids!

[Anonymous]

Quoting an email that was sent out today:

Whittle Families



REMINDER:



This Thursday, April 21st, Chris Whittle will host an “in-person” Parent Forum, here at our DC campus. Chris will make a presentation that will address our current status, as well as provide a look ahead to the 2022-2023 school year. The Parent Forum will be held in the Choral Room and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm, with ample time for Q & A, ending at 6:45 pm.



Although, Thursday is the preferred day and time for the forum, please let us know if you cannot come on Thursday, but could make an alternate time, on Friday at 8:30 am to 9:30 am.



Thanks,

Manny

[Anonymous]

Are families still expected to pack lunch for their students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former Head of Whittle (Bisgaard) came to Maret to interview for the Head position. Any feedback from parents who had him while at Whittle?

Dennis is such an amazing head of school! He is a true educator, and he cares about the students and families. He is a strong and decisive leader who makes effort to connect with the teachers, and he is very supportive of the teachers' innovative ideas for teaching. I have nothing but good words about him. Any school that could have him will be so lucky!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are families still expected to pack lunch for their students?

This is from the family newsletter sent on April 15th:

Food Services
We ask that you continue to supply lunch for your student next week.

Of course, every Friday is basically Pizza Friday.

[Anonymous]

Considered sending my kid to Whittle... A friend of a friend is a teacher there and said, "DON'T DO IT" but did not give any details. How did things get so bad?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former Head of Whittle (Bisgaard) came to Maret to interview for the Head position. Any feedback from parents who had him while at Whittle?

Dennis is such an amazing head of school! He is a true educator, and he cares about the students and families. He is a strong and decisive leader who makes effort to connect with the teachers, and he is very supportive of the teachers' innovative ideas for teaching. I have nothing but good words about him. Any school that could have him will be so lucky!

Dennis, thanks for sharing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Considered sending my kid to Whittle... A friend of a friend is a teacher there and said, "DON'T DO IT" but did not give any details. How did things get so bad?

Um…did you read the 150 pages of posts here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Considered sending my kid to Whittle... A friend of a friend is a teacher there and said, "DON'T DO IT" but did not give any details. How did things get so bad?

Um…did you read the 150 pages of posts here?

The short version is that Whittle is a financial house of cards just one card away from complete collapse. Everything else is just melodramatic details.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Considered sending my kid to Whittle... A friend of a friend is a teacher there and said, "DON'T DO IT" but did not give any details. How did things get so bad?

Current employee here to clarify that things were never good. If they were, you’d see a much higher staff retention rate. There was never enough detail put into how students were actually going to learn and how that would be tracked/assessed to make sure they were developing the necessary skills for future grades or life. Each year has been year one for this “school”. Students spend the majority of their day participating in free time. For example, The Upper and Middle School students have about two hours for lunch and recess.

[Anonymous]

Shouldn't you be working now? Instead, you are on DCUM. Shame. Looks like you have too much free time too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Considered sending my kid to Whittle... A friend of a friend is a teacher there and said, "DON'T DO IT" but did not give any details. How did things get so bad?

Current employee here to clarify that things were never good. If they were, you’d see a much higher staff retention rate. There was never enough detail put into how students were actually going to learn and how that would be tracked/assessed to make sure they were developing the necessary skills for future grades or life. Each year has been year one for this “school”. Students spend the majority of their day participating in free time. For example, The Upper and Middle School students have about two hours for lunch and recess.

Have you applied to other jobs? WSS never seemed to have been a stable place to work at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shouldn't you be working now? Instead, you are on DCUM. Shame. Looks like you have too much free time too.

If I wasn't getting paid regularly and constantly wondering if my employer can make it another week, I wouldn't be working much either...