APS Closing Nottingham

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To update, They have put in 4 way stops in those places where people were tragically hit, though if they were there in the 1st place, it wouldn’t have happened

Nottingham doesn’t want to talk about the two different 4-way stops that have been added within 2 blocks in either direction of the school. Not consistent with their narrative that MORE PEOPLE WILL DIE if Nottingham doesn’t keep its ridiculously underenrolled school jus the way it is now.

They’ve been added. People still roll through them. The sight lines still stink. If I recall, the last death actually happened when a driver was turning. Not sure how the stop signs fix that.

Report it to the police. When they added a new sign in our neighborhood, some people still rolled through it. So, they set up an officer who started pulling people over. Be the change!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To update, They have put in 4 way stops in those places where people were tragically hit, though if they were there in the 1st place, it wouldn’t have happened

Nottingham doesn’t want to talk about the two different 4-way stops that have been added within 2 blocks in either direction of the school. Not consistent with their narrative that MORE PEOPLE WILL DIE if Nottingham doesn’t keep its ridiculously underenrolled school jus the way it is now.

Ok great! Now the neighborhood is safer based on CURRENT TRAFFIC PATTERNS. A swing space upends every thing we know already about traffic in the area. It is a huge fundamental change to neighborhood traffic going from a school that is overwhelmingly walkable to 100 pct driving.

I’m sorry you can’t understand that.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Is there any chance this doesn’t happen? Is there a theoretical plan B being circulated? I can’t bring myself to sift through 144 pages - but I assume the Nottingham supporters have suggested alternatives to the school board?

There is no plan B. Staff were squarely asked and this is their only plan. That tells you right off the bat the outcome was preordained.

Right. It’s a done deal. Time to move on.

No way. They were gung-ho for neighborhood at heights, and community discontent scuttled that terrible idea.

There is no need for closing NES. Simply split up the school under renovation for a year and bus THEM to the excess capacity schools. Then when we are done, we have updated schools ready for coming missing middle elem school boom.

Put yourself in the renovation school's position. You would gladly agree to scattering your students to whichever multiple schools happen to be under-enrolled for one or two full school years rather than split up one neighborhood school into TWO other known high-performing and highly desired schools nearby. Do you even hear yourself?!

Do you have any idea how that disrupts MULTIPLE schools, the transportation logistics, and the staffing implications? If this were your school community, you'd rather scatter to the winds, not have YOUR school community's events, break-up your teaching and admin teams, etc. for up to two years and then re-convene and re-create a cohesive community again?

You and your like-minded entitled cohorts never cease to amaze me. Just when it seems someone can't be more self-centered, you prove your mastery of narrow-focus, short-mindedness, and lack of understanding of how your world impacts anyone or anything outside your bubble. You are truly amazing. You sincerely have my upmost admiration.

Hi APS central office staff member! How’s Syphax these days?

I wouldn't know. I'm a SA SAHM. And you are a f---- obtuse idiot.

It’s a SA SAHM, folks! You all must be doing pretty well down there if you can afford to make the choice not to work. Well enough I think you can shake that social Justice warrior/inferiority complex off a bit, no?

Or MAYBE some of us are forced to take time off from our careers to care for our young children. You know, when my salary doesn’t cover the cost of daycare.

You’re a moron.

YOUR salary? You’re a single SAHM to boot? Wow. I want whatever deal you have.

Your reading comprehension and analytical ability are really poor.
Here, let me explain it another way for you on behalf of PP: her salary was lower than the cost of daycare, so she couldn't afford daycare. Therefore, she quit working and became a SAHM. So, she HAD a salary and gave it up and stayed home to take care of her kid(s). Do you understand that there's no conflict in her comment, yet?

These children have a father, no? Presumably the one who earns enough to allow her to reproduce, live in an VHCOL place like Arlington, eat, and not have to work? Is that not an incredibly privileged position to be in? One where you might expect they could leave the “rich spoiled Notties” crap behind and accept they have choices 95% of people don’t?

Maybe I’m just jaded having grown up actually broke- where my parents had to flex shifts and work JOBS (not “careers”) because none of them could afford not to work.

You're not jaded, you're just doing that thing where people judge others' actions through the very limited lens of their own experience and probably bitter because your childhood sucked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To update, They have put in 4 way stops in those places where people were tragically hit, though if they were there in the 1st place, it wouldn’t have happened

Nottingham doesn’t want to talk about the two different 4-way stops that have been added within 2 blocks in either direction of the school. Not consistent with their narrative that MORE PEOPLE WILL DIE if Nottingham doesn’t keep its ridiculously underenrolled school jus the way it is now.

Ok great! Now the neighborhood is safer based on CURRENT TRAFFIC PATTERNS. A swing space upends every thing we know already about traffic in the area. It is a huge fundamental change to neighborhood traffic going from a school that is overwhelmingly walkable to 100 pct driving.

I’m sorry you can’t understand that.

Your comment then implies that APS can never change the use of any facility because safety hinges on current traffic patterns. You all need another bell to ring that’s not traffic. It’s not a reasonable argument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent with children in one of the S. Arlington schools that hasn't been renovated since the 1990's I welcome this decision. It completely makes sense for APS to have a swing space, much like the Wilson school used to be (which was used back when Nottingham was last renovated by the way). Will it be annoying for my kids to be across the county for a few years if it happens while they are still at the school? Yes. But most families at our high poverty, title 1 school don't have tons of after school activities that parents are rushing to, and parents or caregivers walk or drive to pick up their children now. Honestly, a long bus ride that's provided for free lengthens the free childcare provided by the school system, an option that isn't available to us now. My children are in extended day and the majority are picked up within an hour of when school is out. The bus ride may cover a lot of that time. I'm sure it will be challenging for some families who need extended day who don't have transportation to get to temporary school, so that's something that will need to be worked on/talked about. But it's definitely a minority of kids in our school who do extended day. I'd rather be solution-oriented than bury my head in the sand because of one concern.

I also think it's incredibly tone-deaf to go on and on about how overcrowded all of the nearby highly-rated schools to Nottingham will be. S. Arlington schools are already way more over-crowded with kids with many more academic, social, linguistic and economic needs. And are projected to be more so. And when the NW becomes more crowded again NES can transition back to a neighborhood school. Yes maybe it will take a few years after the need starts. Is that comparable to schools with huge renovation needs that are already overcrowded waiting 30+ years for a renovation? No.

THANK YOU.

+1

+2

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:How disappointing for the people living nearby who thought they were able to walk to school.

Yeah I don’t understand the glee in which people are so enthusiastic about closing a neighborhood school. This is happening because of APS mismanagement. Disappointing is the right word here.

How sad can they be when they’re still in walking distance of another school?

Not everyone is, and many of those who are have to cross major roads to walk to a different school. Including the road where three people died.

Crossing guards. Problem solved.

You seriously can’t brainstorm solutions to problems without saying “no” like a two year old?

Your personal life must be terrible. (Maybe that’s why you have time to comment on here every five minutes. Because no one wants to talk to you IRL. 😂)

And where are we finding the money to hire these crossing guards, when we can’t get enough to hire bus drivers or extended day?

Just remember that the same people in charge of solving these problems are hoping to make it a policy that new Syphax staff get 45 paid days off and have just asked for over six figures for new real estate when the majority of their employees are still working from home. I know where their priorities are and it’s not the safety of children.

Concerned families can volunteer. Again, problem solved.

so the parents have to do the school divisions' job - and if they don't or can't, then their kids aren't safe? umm, no that's not how this works

Um, that’s exactly how this works, sweetie.

Actually some of us feel differently and aren’t privileged enough to have all the time in the world to volunteer as a crossing guard every AM. But hey maybe SA SAHM can come do it!

Sorry. We're busy doing it for our own schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How disappointing for the people living nearby who thought they were able to walk to school.

Yeah I don’t understand the glee in which people are so enthusiastic about closing a neighborhood school. This is happening because of APS mismanagement. Disappointing is the right word here.

How sad can they be when they’re still in walking distance of another school?

Not everyone is, and many of those who are have to cross major roads to walk to a different school. Including the road where three people died.

Crossing guards. Problem solved.

You seriously can’t brainstorm solutions to problems without saying “no” like a two year old?

Your personal life must be terrible. (Maybe that’s why you have time to comment on here every five minutes. Because no one wants to talk to you IRL. 😂)

And where are we finding the money to hire these crossing guards, when we can’t get enough to hire bus drivers or extended day?

Just remember that the same people in charge of solving these problems are hoping to make it a policy that new Syphax staff get 45 paid days off and have just asked for over six figures for new real estate when the majority of their employees are still working from home. I know where their priorities are and it’s not the safety of children.

Concerned families can volunteer. Again, problem solved.

so the parents have to do the school divisions' job - and if they don't or can't, then their kids aren't safe? umm, no that's not how this works

Um, that’s exactly how this works, sweetie.

Actually some of us feel differently and aren’t privileged enough to have all the time in the world to volunteer as a crossing guard every AM. But hey maybe SA SAHM can come do it!

Seems like someone is really resentful about not being able to be a SAHM. Who's the one with the inferiority complex?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To update, They have put in 4 way stops in those places where people were tragically hit, though if they were there in the 1st place, it wouldn’t have happened

It took a long, long, long time to get those installed.

And people continue to roll through them.

But they’re up. Problem solved. (People roll through stop signs everywhere. I’m always careful to make sure the driver is coming to a stop before crossing as a pedestrian.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any chance this doesn’t happen? Is there a theoretical plan B being circulated? I can’t bring myself to sift through 144 pages - but I assume the Nottingham supporters have suggested alternatives to the school board?

There is no plan B. Staff were squarely asked and this is their only plan. That tells you right off the bat the outcome was preordained.

Right. It’s a done deal. Time to move on.

No way. They were gung-ho for neighborhood at heights, and community discontent scuttled that terrible idea.

There is no need for closing NES. Simply split up the school under renovation for a year and bus THEM to the excess capacity schools. Then when we are done, we have updated schools ready for coming missing middle elem school boom.

Put yourself in the renovation school's position. You would gladly agree to scattering your students to whichever multiple schools happen to be under-enrolled for one or two full school years rather than split up one neighborhood school into TWO other known high-performing and highly desired schools nearby. Do you even hear yourself?!

Do you have any idea how that disrupts MULTIPLE schools, the transportation logistics, and the staffing implications? If this were your school community, you'd rather scatter to the winds, not have YOUR school community's events, break-up your teaching and admin teams, etc. for up to two years and then re-convene and re-create a cohesive community again?

You and your like-minded entitled cohorts never cease to amaze me. Just when it seems someone can't be more self-centered, you prove your mastery of narrow-focus, short-mindedness, and lack of understanding of how your world impacts anyone or anything outside your bubble. You are truly amazing. You sincerely have my upmost admiration.

Hi APS central office staff member! How’s Syphax these days?

I wouldn't know. I'm a SA SAHM. And you are a f---- obtuse idiot.

It’s a SA SAHM, folks! You all must be doing pretty well down there if you can afford to make the choice not to work. Well enough I think you can shake that social Justice warrior/inferiority complex off a bit, no?

Or MAYBE some of us are forced to take time off from our careers to care for our young children. You know, when my salary doesn’t cover the cost of daycare.

You’re a moron.

YOUR salary? You’re a single SAHM to boot? Wow. I want whatever deal you have.

Your reading comprehension and analytical ability are really poor.
Here, let me explain it another way for you on behalf of PP: her salary was lower than the cost of daycare, so she couldn't afford daycare. Therefore, she quit working and became a SAHM. So, she HAD a salary and gave it up and stayed home to take care of her kid(s). Do you understand that there's no conflict in her comment, yet?

These children have a father, no? Presumably the one who earns enough to allow her to reproduce, live in an VHCOL place like Arlington, eat, and not have to work? Is that not an incredibly privileged position to be in? One where you might expect they could leave the “rich spoiled Notties” crap behind and accept they have choices 95% of people don’t?

Maybe I’m just jaded having grown up actually broke- where my parents had to flex shifts and work JOBS (not “careers”) because none of them could afford not to work.

Sooooo privileged to have to live in an outdated, tiny apartment.

Keep the ignorance coming, lady. You’re making our point for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any chance this doesn’t happen? Is there a theoretical plan B being circulated? I can’t bring myself to sift through 144 pages - but I assume the Nottingham supporters have suggested alternatives to the school board?

There is no plan B. Staff were squarely asked and this is their only plan. That tells you right off the bat the outcome was preordained.

Right. It’s a done deal. Time to move on.

No way. They were gung-ho for neighborhood at heights, and community discontent scuttled that terrible idea.

There is no need for closing NES. Simply split up the school under renovation for a year and bus THEM to the excess capacity schools. Then when we are done, we have updated schools ready for coming missing middle elem school boom.

Put yourself in the renovation school's position. You would gladly agree to scattering your students to whichever multiple schools happen to be under-enrolled for one or two full school years rather than split up one neighborhood school into TWO other known high-performing and highly desired schools nearby. Do you even hear yourself?!

Do you have any idea how that disrupts MULTIPLE schools, the transportation logistics, and the staffing implications? If this were your school community, you'd rather scatter to the winds, not have YOUR school community's events, break-up your teaching and admin teams, etc. for up to two years and then re-convene and re-create a cohesive community again?

You and your like-minded entitled cohorts never cease to amaze me. Just when it seems someone can't be more self-centered, you prove your mastery of narrow-focus, short-mindedness, and lack of understanding of how your world impacts anyone or anything outside your bubble. You are truly amazing. You sincerely have my upmost admiration.

Hi APS central office staff member! How’s Syphax these days?

I wouldn't know. I'm a SA SAHM. And you are a f---- obtuse idiot.

It’s a SA SAHM, folks! You all must be doing pretty well down there if you can afford to make the choice not to work. Well enough I think you can shake that social Justice warrior/inferiority complex off a bit, no?

Or MAYBE some of us are forced to take time off from our careers to care for our young children. You know, when my salary doesn’t cover the cost of daycare.

You’re a moron.

YOUR salary? You’re a single SAHM to boot? Wow. I want whatever deal you have.

Your reading comprehension and analytical ability are really poor.
Here, let me explain it another way for you on behalf of PP: her salary was lower than the cost of daycare, so she couldn't afford daycare. Therefore, she quit working and became a SAHM. So, she HAD a salary and gave it up and stayed home to take care of her kid(s). Do you understand that there's no conflict in her comment, yet?

These children have a father, no? Presumably the one who earns enough to allow her to reproduce, live in an VHCOL place like Arlington, eat, and not have to work? Is that not an incredibly privileged position to be in? One where you might expect they could leave the “rich spoiled Notties” crap behind and accept they have choices 95% of people don’t?

Maybe I’m just jaded having grown up actually broke- where my parents had to flex shifts and work JOBS (not “careers”) because none of them could afford not to work.

Some of us are forced to live in the area. That’s where the jobs are. Living far away saves almost no money. Do you know how much gas is?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To update, They have put in 4 way stops in those places where people were tragically hit, though if they were there in the 1st place, it wouldn’t have happened

Nottingham doesn’t want to talk about the two different 4-way stops that have been added within 2 blocks in either direction of the school. Not consistent with their narrative that MORE PEOPLE WILL DIE if Nottingham doesn’t keep its ridiculously underenrolled school jus the way it is now.

Ok great! Now the neighborhood is safer based on CURRENT TRAFFIC PATTERNS. A swing space upends every thing we know already about traffic in the area. It is a huge fundamental change to neighborhood traffic going from a school that is overwhelmingly walkable to 100 pct driving.

I’m sorry you can’t understand that.

Your comment then implies that APS can never change the use of any facility because safety hinges on current traffic patterns. You all need another bell to ring that’s not traffic. It’s not a reasonable argument.

Nope, try again. I’m saying APS needs a traffic study to see what’s feasible and necessary to keep everyone safe. You don’t know what you don’t know. Some sites are not designed for huge amounts of traffic and without a study nobody knows what’s possible or not with current conditions.

[Anonymous]

Almost anytime there is a school reassignment, parents get really worked up out it. Some of that is to be expected b/c people don't like the unknown or just don't like change, period. Usually there are hyperbolic statements thrown around (I'm sure I did it, too). But, it all works out and the kids are fine. It feels scary to some and that's why they make such alarmist statements. The kids learn from us, so we need to make it just another learning experience and let them know that it's a chance to make more new friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any chance this doesn’t happen? Is there a theoretical plan B being circulated? I can’t bring myself to sift through 144 pages - but I assume the Nottingham supporters have suggested alternatives to the school board?

There is no plan B. Staff were squarely asked and this is their only plan. That tells you right off the bat the outcome was preordained.

Right. It’s a done deal. Time to move on.

No way. They were gung-ho for neighborhood at heights, and community discontent scuttled that terrible idea.

There is no need for closing NES. Simply split up the school under renovation for a year and bus THEM to the excess capacity schools. Then when we are done, we have updated schools ready for coming missing middle elem school boom.

Put yourself in the renovation school's position. You would gladly agree to scattering your students to whichever multiple schools happen to be under-enrolled for one or two full school years rather than split up one neighborhood school into TWO other known high-performing and highly desired schools nearby. Do you even hear yourself?!

Do you have any idea how that disrupts MULTIPLE schools, the transportation logistics, and the staffing implications? If this were your school community, you'd rather scatter to the winds, not have YOUR school community's events, break-up your teaching and admin teams, etc. for up to two years and then re-convene and re-create a cohesive community again?

You and your like-minded entitled cohorts never cease to amaze me. Just when it seems someone can't be more self-centered, you prove your mastery of narrow-focus, short-mindedness, and lack of understanding of how your world impacts anyone or anything outside your bubble. You are truly amazing. You sincerely have my upmost admiration.

Hi APS central office staff member! How’s Syphax these days?

I wouldn't know. I'm a SA SAHM. And you are a f---- obtuse idiot.

It’s a SA SAHM, folks! You all must be doing pretty well down there if you can afford to make the choice not to work. Well enough I think you can shake that social Justice warrior/inferiority complex off a bit, no?

Or MAYBE some of us are forced to take time off from our careers to care for our young children. You know, when my salary doesn’t cover the cost of daycare.

You’re a moron.

YOUR salary? You’re a single SAHM to boot? Wow. I want whatever deal you have.

Your reading comprehension and analytical ability are really poor.
Here, let me explain it another way for you on behalf of PP: her salary was lower than the cost of daycare, so she couldn't afford daycare. Therefore, she quit working and became a SAHM. So, she HAD a salary and gave it up and stayed home to take care of her kid(s). Do you understand that there's no conflict in her comment, yet?

These children have a father, no? Presumably the one who earns enough to allow her to reproduce, live in an VHCOL place like Arlington, eat, and not have to work? Is that not an incredibly privileged position to be in? One where you might expect they could leave the “rich spoiled Notties” crap behind and accept they have choices 95% of people don’t?

Maybe I’m just jaded having grown up actually broke- where my parents had to flex shifts and work JOBS (not “careers”) because none of them could afford not to work.

I'm the original SA SAHM you mocked. I grew up in a one-parent household after my father passed away when I was in elementary school. My mother had been a SAHM for over 17 years. She never remarried. I know what it's like to grow up poor and also to have wise parents and a responsible mother who was able to make things work even as she returned to work at a low-paying teacher's assistant job so she could retain the same schedule as me and be home when I still needed childcare outside of school. We did without a lot of things, but always had what we absolutely needed. We were not living the high life under my father's salary. He had 2 years' college education and worked in sales at a glass company.

As someone who grew up "actually broke," I would expect you to be more understanding and capable of making do with less. How can you believe you have fewer choices than someone like me whose husband works for the feds and isn't making the salary of the high-powered lobbyists and attorneys and other professionals making up just one - if not two - of the household incomes in very wealthy Arlington, especially north Arlington? Unless your dual household income (assuming you're a dual income family) is equal to or less than our one household income, you clearly have the same options I and many others in south, central, and north Arlington have. You merely made other priorities and chose other options. Mocking others for different choices only indicates your own insecurities, self-doubts, resentments, or pure cluelessness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any chance this doesn’t happen? Is there a theoretical plan B being circulated? I can’t bring myself to sift through 144 pages - but I assume the Nottingham supporters have suggested alternatives to the school board?

There is no plan B. Staff were squarely asked and this is their only plan. That tells you right off the bat the outcome was preordained.

Right. It’s a done deal. Time to move on.

No way. They were gung-ho for neighborhood at heights, and community discontent scuttled that terrible idea.

There is no need for closing NES. Simply split up the school under renovation for a year and bus THEM to the excess capacity schools. Then when we are done, we have updated schools ready for coming missing middle elem school boom.

Put yourself in the renovation school's position. You would gladly agree to scattering your students to whichever multiple schools happen to be under-enrolled for one or two full school years rather than split up one neighborhood school into TWO other known high-performing and highly desired schools nearby. Do you even hear yourself?!

Do you have any idea how that disrupts MULTIPLE schools, the transportation logistics, and the staffing implications? If this were your school community, you'd rather scatter to the winds, not have YOUR school community's events, break-up your teaching and admin teams, etc. for up to two years and then re-convene and re-create a cohesive community again?

You and your like-minded entitled cohorts never cease to amaze me. Just when it seems someone can't be more self-centered, you prove your mastery of narrow-focus, short-mindedness, and lack of understanding of how your world impacts anyone or anything outside your bubble. You are truly amazing. You sincerely have my upmost admiration.

Hi APS central office staff member! How’s Syphax these days?

I wouldn't know. I'm a SA SAHM. And you are a f---- obtuse idiot.

It’s a SA SAHM, folks! You all must be doing pretty well down there if you can afford to make the choice not to work. Well enough I think you can shake that social Justice warrior/inferiority complex off a bit, no?

Or MAYBE some of us are forced to take time off from our careers to care for our young children. You know, when my salary doesn’t cover the cost of daycare.

You’re a moron.

YOUR salary? You’re a single SAHM to boot? Wow. I want whatever deal you have.

Your reading comprehension and analytical ability are really poor.
Here, let me explain it another way for you on behalf of PP: her salary was lower than the cost of daycare, so she couldn't afford daycare. Therefore, she quit working and became a SAHM. So, she HAD a salary and gave it up and stayed home to take care of her kid(s). Do you understand that there's no conflict in her comment, yet?

These children have a father, no? Presumably the one who earns enough to allow her to reproduce, live in an VHCOL place like Arlington, eat, and not have to work? Is that not an incredibly privileged position to be in? One where you might expect they could leave the “rich spoiled Notties” crap behind and accept they have choices 95% of people don’t?

Maybe I’m just jaded having grown up actually broke- where my parents had to flex shifts and work JOBS (not “careers”) because none of them could afford not to work.

I'm the original SA SAHM you mocked. I grew up in a one-parent household after my father passed away when I was in elementary school. My mother had been a SAHM for over 17 years. She never remarried. I know what it's like to grow up poor and also to have wise parents and a responsible mother who was able to make things work even as she returned to work at a low-paying teacher's assistant job so she could retain the same schedule as me and be home when I still needed childcare outside of school. We did without a lot of things, but always had what we absolutely needed. We were not living the high life under my father's salary. He had 2 years' college education and worked in sales at a glass company.

As someone who grew up "actually broke," I would expect you to be more understanding and capable of making do with less. How can you believe you have fewer choices than someone like me whose husband works for the feds and isn't making the salary of the high-powered lobbyists and attorneys and other professionals making up just one - if not two - of the household incomes in very wealthy Arlington, especially north Arlington? Unless your dual household income (assuming you're a dual income family) is equal to or less than our one household income, you clearly have the same options I and many others in south, central, and north Arlington have. You merely made other priorities and chose other options. Mocking others for different choices only indicates your own insecurities, self-doubts, resentments, or pure cluelessness.

Cool. Don’t cast dispersions against people in other parts of the county based on preconceived notions that are often wrong, just like you don’t want them to do that to you.

[Anonymous]

Someone doesn’t realize how many military families live in SA. It made sense to work when we lived in cheaper areas, but we’d lose money if I sent our kids to daycare.