SWS has jumped the shark

[Anonymous]

For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

Totally agree. It is particularly weird because SWS is surrounded by schools that its families view themselves as escaping from that actually have Black kids! And those schools do none of those things and yet that’s where Black families choose to be. (Perhaps it’s also because some of those schools also help Black kids achieve considerably higher test scores.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

This is it, 100%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

This is it. 100%.

[Anonymous]

Here's the thing about SWS, and why I think that the school inspires so much ire from folks around the Hill.

SWS has long been touted as a "wonderful" school, perhaps THE MOST wonderful school on the Hill, that everyone, regardless of their IB, would be lucky to lottery into, but particularly if you are IB for some of the less highly regarded elementary schools.

But truth is, SWS is probably wonderful only for a specific type of child or family, given everything that is described above.

Their focus is not on academic achievement. It just isn't. Asking about these things brands you as a tiger mom who doesn't care about their kid's happiness, at best, or a racist at worst. To the extent that there is a discussion about test scores it is about closing the gap, but part of closing the gap is to ensure that no one gets 5s on PARCC, because that would just widen the gap from the top. That is a real issue at SWS. Parents are told that 3s and 4s are good, and 5 is an unreasonable aspiration. I was told that to my face. Odd that Ward 3 schools have a significant percentage of kids getting 5s every year (and we know may of these families and their kids seem perfectly happy and well-adjusted, and enjoy school). But engaging in that discussion will go nowhere, for many reasons including that the principal is completely incapable of critical thought (which is somewhat ironic given the school's philosophy).

There is a big focus on "joy" and "social justice," however.

So, if your number one priority for a school setting is joy and social justice, over academics, then SWS is a great place for you. If your priorities are different, then a different school is a different fit. But SWS will not tell you that directly. So parents play the lottery for SWS thinking it is a great overall school, which for many kids it is not. These parents feel angry and duped once they figure it out.

People's reasons for prioritizing "joy" and social justice vary. Some are true social justice believers. Some kids just aren't wired to be academic achievers (or their parents don't support it at home), so a place where there is less of an emphasis on grades and test scores is going to be a happier place for them. For some families, the IB school is so much worse and they can't afford to move or go private, that they grin and bear it.

There are lots of reasons to like SWS, and many are valid. But parents playing the lottery should be aware of what the school values, and the types of "happy" parents you will be surrounded by.

And to the question of whether the kids are well prepared for middle school, the answer is absolutely not. Yes, many current alums are doing fine, or even great, in MS or HS. But ask parents about the transition to MS. You will hear about a lot of tears (which you will not hear about from parents in APS, MCPS, Ward 3...). And the kids who are doing well now, years later, often got there through intense tutoring and other support, at the expense of MS extra-curriculars, which is really not joyful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love SWS. It was the absolute perfect place to be after Covid. The school cultivates kindness, caring, and creativity. My child’s brain is always buzzing with ideas and I’ve noticed the school’s approach is quite individualized. My kiddo is advanced academically. the school is safe, the kids are nice. It is an oasis among the pool of dcps schools accessible to most. The principal is making a concerted effort to narrow the performance gap between Black and white kids and there’s been progress. The Black parents I’ve met aren’t passively waiting for the gap to close. They are highly engaged and proponents of high academic standards. Sws is a unique place that everyone has lotteried into. Surely you knew before joining that this place is about infusing kindness, joy, and community into everything? Why complain now?

How very SWS of you. In one sentence you've illustrated why so many people think SWS has a race problem. Do you think black families get together and try and solve the performance gap? You seem surprised that black folks aren't just sitting around waiting. Newsflash, my lily white SWS friend, black parents are concerned about the performance of their kid. The only way this sentence makes sense is if you are suggesting that SWS is unique because black folks at SWS care about academic performance, as opposed the black parents at "lessor" schools.

Thanks for so clearly illustrating how the L.L. Lemon brigade views black people.

+100. Lord...that post.

It's also infuriating when parents of kids that are supposedly "academically advanced" tout the "kindness, joy" and related marketing dribble of these charter schools supposedly so focused on social justice. What about the kids who are NOT academically advanced--how are their needs being met at SWS? If there are performance gaps and the needs of these students are not being met, that means the school's commitment to equity is purely performative. Meeting the "needs" of academically advanced students is a low bar to clear.

It’s even worse, because once these “academically advanced” families realize their kid needs appropriately academic instruction, they will instantly bail from DCPS for charter or private or MCPS or possibly NW DC. Then they will say piously, “Our IB school was not a good fit for our family!”

Yep. Seen it oh-so-many times.

I would pay to know how many times a day one of the mothers at SWS says to their husband or kid, "S/he's very articulate."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

#FACTS - I was just there last week and saw "The Kids Book About White Privilege". among all the other favorites (how to be anti racist and the likes) - Im certain they wont post the articles about the corrupt BLM organization and all their Money Problems and bankruptcy on the walls or share data about black on black crime. I spend most of my time with my black child showing the absolute hypocrisy of the left minded liberals and sharing the truth about their favorite topics such as "climate change and race".

As far as race goes I'll say it again and again - NOBODY Cares - and guess what SWS - Black people can be very racist too expect they don't get the backlash these days, they can say all kinds of things about these "white devils" and they are applauded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

Also focus on math, math, math so the next generation of wealthy financiers running this country are not only white men. More diverse corporate CEOs, more diverse top-performing teams at Goldman Sachs and private equity firms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, SWS has crossed into being weirdly obsessed with race. Every book is about Black people. Every art project is about Black people. Every field trip is about Black people. The children spend an inordinate amount of time on a yearly project called "Black Joy." The mother's day art clay mugs created by the children weirdly had Black singers drawn onto the back of them. SWS is sorting parents into racial affinity groups. The principal sends emails talking about how he's "a white man" and needs to focus on the school's "Black caregivers" and "Black and Brown students."

The number one thing the school could be doing to support Black students is ensuring that they are well prepared for middle school. Yet the PARCC scores over the past 10 years have steadily declined, as SWS's singular focus on race has increased.

Wow. How is it legal for a public school to differentiate by race so much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's the thing about SWS, and why I think that the school inspires so much ire from folks around the Hill.

SWS has long been touted as a "wonderful" school, perhaps THE MOST wonderful school on the Hill, that everyone, regardless of their IB, would be lucky to lottery into, but particularly if you are IB for some of the less highly regarded elementary schools.

But truth is, SWS is probably wonderful only for a specific type of child or family, given everything that is described above.

Their focus is not on academic achievement. It just isn't. Asking about these things brands you as a tiger mom who doesn't care about their kid's happiness, at best, or a racist at worst. To the extent that there is a discussion about test scores it is about closing the gap, but part of closing the gap is to ensure that no one gets 5s on PARCC, because that would just widen the gap from the top. That is a real issue at SWS. Parents are told that 3s and 4s are good, and 5 is an unreasonable aspiration. I was told that to my face. Odd that Ward 3 schools have a significant percentage of kids getting 5s every year (and we know may of these families and their kids seem perfectly happy and well-adjusted, and enjoy school). But engaging in that discussion will go nowhere, for many reasons including that the principal is completely incapable of critical thought (which is somewhat ironic given the school's philosophy).

There is a big focus on "joy" and "social justice," however.

So, if your number one priority for a school setting is joy and social justice, over academics, then SWS is a great place for you. If your priorities are different, then a different school is a different fit. But SWS will not tell you that directly. So parents play the lottery for SWS thinking it is a great overall school, which for many kids it is not. These parents feel angry and duped once they figure it out.

People's reasons for prioritizing "joy" and social justice vary. Some are true social justice believers. Some kids just aren't wired to be academic achievers (or their parents don't support it at home), so a place where there is less of an emphasis on grades and test scores is going to be a happier place for them. For some families, the IB school is so much worse and they can't afford to move or go private, that they grin and bear it.

There are lots of reasons to like SWS, and many are valid. But parents playing the lottery should be aware of what the school values, and the types of "happy" parents you will be surrounded by.

And to the question of whether the kids are well prepared for middle school, the answer is absolutely not. Yes, many current alums are doing fine, or even great, in MS or HS. But ask parents about the transition to MS. You will hear about a lot of tears (which you will not hear about from parents in APS, MCPS, Ward 3...). And the kids who are doing well now, years later, often got there through intense tutoring and other support, at the expense of MS extra-curriculars, which is really not joyful.

So basically, do your own research instead of just following the hype machine here?....Makes sense to me

[Anonymous]

why are UMC families so worried about what’s in the school’s library or lack of sports? Have your kids read the classics from your library or the local library’s collection and have them join a sport they love. These ES standards are so low. Why are parents with advanced kids worried about them? The school is fun and magical. Why expect school to be the answer for all of your wants. Want them to learn algebra in 5th grade? I’m sure there is an app for that. And yes Black parents are caring and active everywhere, all over the world, not just at SWS. That’s a platitude that didn’t need saying. I guess with all the black joy koolaid I’ve been drinking, I felt the need to share my admiration for the cohort of parents at SWS. There is also some woman on this thread mad at SWS because ‘Black people are racist too’. So, a group that’s been marginalized and persecuted harbors mistrust of the people who run and benefit from systemic racism. Is anyone surprised? They need their spaces to feel some connectivity and peace—I’m all for it. The bashing of SWS is comical. Thanks to the poster who talked about the CH neighborhood resentment for the school. That makes sense. Also yes, we will leave SWS if it is no longer serving my kids academically or otherwise. Right now, I can’t fathom it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why are UMC families so worried about what’s in the school’s library or lack of sports? Have your kids read the classics from your library or the local library’s collection and have them join a sport they love. These ES standards are so low. Why are parents with advanced kids worried about them? The school is fun and magical. Why expect school to be the answer for all of your wants. Want them to learn algebra in 5th grade? I’m sure there is an app for that. And yes Black parents are caring and active everywhere, all over the world, not just at SWS. That’s a platitude that didn’t need saying. I guess with all the black joy koolaid I’ve been drinking, I felt the need to share my admiration for the cohort of parents at SWS. There is also some woman on this thread mad at SWS because ‘Black people are racist too’. So, a group that’s been marginalized and persecuted harbors mistrust of the people who run and benefit from systemic racism. Is anyone surprised? They need their spaces to feel some connectivity and peace—I’m all for it. The bashing of SWS is comical. Thanks to the poster who talked about the CH neighborhood resentment for the school. That makes sense. Also yes, we will leave SWS if it is no longer serving my kids academically or otherwise. Right now, I can’t fathom it.

Can’t tell if this is intentionally satire or not? Assumed yes, but then the last paragraph doesn’t read as satire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why are UMC families so worried about what’s in the school’s library or lack of sports? Have your kids read the classics from your library or the local library’s collection and have them join a sport they love. These ES standards are so low. Why are parents with advanced kids worried about them? The school is fun and magical. Why expect school to be the answer for all of your wants. Want them to learn algebra in 5th grade? I’m sure there is an app for that. And yes Black parents are caring and active everywhere, all over the world, not just at SWS. That’s a platitude that didn’t need saying. I guess with all the black joy koolaid I’ve been drinking, I felt the need to share my admiration for the cohort of parents at SWS. There is also some woman on this thread mad at SWS because ‘Black people are racist too’. So, a group that’s been marginalized and persecuted harbors mistrust of the people who run and benefit from systemic racism. Is anyone surprised? They need their spaces to feel some connectivity and peace—I’m all for it. The bashing of SWS is comical. Thanks to the poster who talked about the CH neighborhood resentment for the school. That makes sense. Also yes, we will leave SWS if it is no longer serving my kids academically or otherwise. Right now, I can’t fathom it.

I tend toward “childhood is for fun and school should be magical!” and I am very liberal. I like that the library has multi-cultural books and I think that’s important. I like that the school intentionally talks about Black people’s contributions.

But elevating Black folks seems like the only thing SWS is focused on lately, and it’s academic standards have really declined. And when a public school uses public resources to assign parents into groups by race, and tells one group that the purpose is for them to “practice humility” that’s going to get a raised eyebrow from me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why are UMC families so worried about what’s in the school’s library or lack of sports? Have your kids read the classics from your library or the local library’s collection and have them join a sport they love. These ES standards are so low. Why are parents with advanced kids worried about them? The school is fun and magical. Why expect school to be the answer for all of your wants. Want them to learn algebra in 5th grade? I’m sure there is an app for that. And yes Black parents are caring and active everywhere, all over the world, not just at SWS. That’s a platitude that didn’t need saying. I guess with all the black joy koolaid I’ve been drinking, I felt the need to share my admiration for the cohort of parents at SWS. There is also some woman on this thread mad at SWS because ‘Black people are racist too’. So, a group that’s been marginalized and persecuted harbors mistrust of the people who run and benefit from systemic racism. Is anyone surprised? They need their spaces to feel some connectivity and peace—I’m all for it. The bashing of SWS is comical. Thanks to the poster who talked about the CH neighborhood resentment for the school. That makes sense. Also yes, we will leave SWS if it is no longer serving my kids academically or otherwise. Right now, I can’t fathom it.

Parody and genius troll, right? Has to be...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why are UMC families so worried about what’s in the school’s library or lack of sports? Have your kids read the classics from your library or the local library’s collection and have them join a sport they love. These ES standards are so low. Why are parents with advanced kids worried about them? The school is fun and magical. Why expect school to be the answer for all of your wants. Want them to learn algebra in 5th grade? I’m sure there is an app for that. And yes Black parents are caring and active everywhere, all over the world, not just at SWS. That’s a platitude that didn’t need saying. I guess with all the black joy koolaid I’ve been drinking, I felt the need to share my admiration for the cohort of parents at SWS. There is also some woman on this thread mad at SWS because ‘Black people are racist too’. So, a group that’s been marginalized and persecuted harbors mistrust of the people who run and benefit from systemic racism. Is anyone surprised? They need their spaces to feel some connectivity and peace—I’m all for it. The bashing of SWS is comical. Thanks to the poster who talked about the CH neighborhood resentment for the school. That makes sense. Also yes, we will leave SWS if it is no longer serving my kids academically or otherwise. Right now, I can’t fathom it.

I tend toward “childhood is for fun and school should be magical!” and I am very liberal. I like that the library has multi-cultural books and I think that’s important. I like that the school intentionally talks about Black people’s contributions.

But elevating Black folks seems like the only thing SWS is focused on lately, and it’s academic standards have really declined. And when a public school uses public resources to assign parents into groups by race, and tells one group that the purpose is for them to “practice humility” that’s going to get a raised eyebrow from me.

+ 1000. - while at the same time reminding the white kids how horrible they are - they actually use Ibram Kendi books as a "history" book. I skimmed through it and the writing is so bad its comical - one line said "Trump is a hater". absolutely ridiculous - we are leaving the school and counting down the days! opted to relocate and go private