Protest at Mundo on P street

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s ultimately the public school charter board’s call but they have never done anything to help the children of DC. By the way, they get paid by the dc taxpayers for sitting on their hands.

As for the Mundo Board of trustees, they need to be publicly shamed into doing what’s right. From my experience the executive director and principals probably spend a huge amount of time badmouthing parents and dismissing the complaints. They cozy up to the Board and limit access by parents. You need to make it clear that there is no going back at this point. If the board won’t ensure kids get basic learning in classrooms they need to be shamed and exposed for their corrupt practices.

I totally agree. One of the lawyer parents at MV should see if there are grounds to start getting the Board (either Board) nervous that they have opened themselves up to legal liability. I have a friend who is a lawyer and defends corporate board members who get sued. It happens all the time. Even if the Board members have insurance, this would at least have a chance of getting their attention.

Having a class unattended for any part of PARCC—even not having a teacher there to read the directions—are a major violation. Teachers have gotten in hot water for way less than that. Even though the system-wide under-education of students and inexperienced staff members and turnover are the bigger issue, this lack of PARCC supervision could be like Nixon and the tapes. Or some other president and “his” boxes.

I recognize that I may seem mean-spirited, but my own child was being restrained by an aide because of his teacher’s chaotic classroom and the school’s inability to handle his reaction; I’ve had friends have their kids be shamed by inexperienced teachers, had them watch violence, and had their kids watch the police come to take away a sub who had put their hand on a kid. I know this happens in many schools across the country, but that doesn’t mean leadership should act like everything is great. It means the higher leadership should do something—and they never do. So if the PARCC situation finally gets them noticed by an oversight body, good.

The sub didn’t show up at the beginning of the day leaving kids unattended. PARCC testing hadn’t started in that room. There may be other issues but it’s not a testing violation.

[Anonymous]

We left MV after 2nd grade because we just saw too many signs of trouble in the upper grades. It is really a shame.

Is the parent rep to the Board doing anything to push back on Kristin?

I have to say our new public school is so much better (and is still bilingual). We left DC for the inner suburbs - but we drive less than we did when we lived in DC because there are school buses here and we still metro to work and can walk to groceries/coffee etc.

[Anonymous]

Hi all, I'm a parent closely involved with MV. I haven't read many of the comments here because there are 17 pages, but I'm sure there are many good points raised. I just want to say that although the school is clearly having problems, I've seen MV at its best and it's a wonderful place. That is the reason so many caregivers aren't just giving up, but fighting for the school they think and know it can be. We have an incredible community and I'm optimistic that our hard work will pay off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mundo's really the only school in the city where Latino families are respected, why is it having a hard time filling seats? I would think people would want to attend...

No one said it was the only school where this but why are you so happy to lose a good option?

Personally, I'm not happy that Mundo is flailing. But I disagree that it's a good option. Terrible academic performance (relative to demographics) and terrible management. I've thought this for years and I'm happy that people are finally opening their eyes to the reality, even if it's hard.

I firmly believe that the fundamental commitment of charter schools-- that low performance means closure-- isn't just for kids east of the river. We seldom see closure of higher-income schools, because it takes an awful lot of malpractice to get there, but the rules are the rules. It shouldn't be something we only do to poor communities.

Look, I think the administration of MV is a sh*t show. But what does the bolded mean? How do you define "low performance"? Dumb take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s ultimately the public school charter board’s call but they have never done anything to help the children of DC. By the way, they get paid by the dc taxpayers for sitting on their hands.

As for the Mundo Board of trustees, they need to be publicly shamed into doing what’s right. From my experience the executive director and principals probably spend a huge amount of time badmouthing parents and dismissing the complaints. They cozy up to the Board and limit access by parents. You need to make it clear that there is no going back at this point. If the board won’t ensure kids get basic learning in classrooms they need to be shamed and exposed for their corrupt practices.

I totally agree. One of the lawyer parents at MV should see if there are grounds to start getting the Board (either Board) nervous that they have opened themselves up to legal liability. I have a friend who is a lawyer and defends corporate board members who get sued. It happens all the time. Even if the Board members have insurance, this would at least have a chance of getting their attention.

Tell me you aren't a lawyer without telling me. Rule 3.1: Meritorious Claims and Contentions.

Pray tell, under what claim or cause of action would this civil action be filed? Perhaps you seek damages under the little know "15 or More Pages of Whining on DCUM"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This indeed has gotten unnecessarily ugly!

I take no glee in MV’s troubles. I do think that what you’re picking up among some current and former MV parents is years of frustration and exasperation with the executive leadership of the school. Our kids went to MV. We were a founding family. We put our time, hearts and resources into that school. We felt we were part of something special and that we all had a role to play in making it a success. I look back fondly on those first few years of MV. I’m not alone. It was a great community seeking to become larger and even better community.

In time, many parents came to feel duped, misled by executive leaders who covered up mistakes, distorted academic issues, misled parents, and ran off some amazing teachers.

It’s hard not to be emotional when it comes to your kids. The passion you’re hearing from parents isn’t glee; it’s catharsis. I believe every current and former MV parent wants the school to succeed, but we know it won’t without change. We hope (but remain skeptical) that this moment will bring about that change.

Not all that interested in listening to those who are here to judge other parents. We’re all trying to do what’s best for our kids. I appreciate those who have come here with empathy and a willingness to hear others out. Glad as well that some current MV parents have spoken up for the school. I may disagree but I think it points to something worth saving.

Hey lady, take your thoughtful, reasonable, well written, empathetic thoughts somewhere else. This is DCUM!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi all, I'm a parent closely involved with MV. I haven't read many of the comments here because there are 17 pages, but I'm sure there are many good points raised. I just want to say that although the school is clearly having problems, I've seen MV at its best and it's a wonderful place. That is the reason so many caregivers aren't just giving up, but fighting for the school they think and know it can be. We have an incredible community and I'm optimistic that our hard work will pay off.

What do you think it's going to take? The problem is fundamentally the leadership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s ultimately the public school charter board’s call but they have never done anything to help the children of DC. By the way, they get paid by the dc taxpayers for sitting on their hands.

As for the Mundo Board of trustees, they need to be publicly shamed into doing what’s right. From my experience the executive director and principals probably spend a huge amount of time badmouthing parents and dismissing the complaints. They cozy up to the Board and limit access by parents. You need to make it clear that there is no going back at this point. If the board won’t ensure kids get basic learning in classrooms they need to be shamed and exposed for their corrupt practices.

I totally agree. One of the lawyer parents at MV should see if there are grounds to start getting the Board (either Board) nervous that they have opened themselves up to legal liability. I have a friend who is a lawyer and defends corporate board members who get sued. It happens all the time. Even if the Board members have insurance, this would at least have a chance of getting their attention.

Tell me you aren't a lawyer without telling me. Rule 3.1: Meritorious Claims and Contentions.

Pray tell, under what claim or cause of action would this civil action be filed? Perhaps you seek damages under the little know "15 or More Pages of Whining on DCUM"?

Leaving young children unattended probably violates something.

There are at least regs on having certain amounts of instruction daily, that MV is probably violating, so you could try an administrative action.

They're probably also violating IDEA, just by being so poorly staffed and disorganized.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mundo's really the only school in the city where Latino families are respected, why is it having a hard time filling seats? I would think people would want to attend...

No one said it was the only school where this but why are you so happy to lose a good option?

Personally, I'm not happy that Mundo is flailing. But I disagree that it's a good option. Terrible academic performance (relative to demographics) and terrible management. I've thought this for years and I'm happy that people are finally opening their eyes to the reality, even if it's hard.

I firmly believe that the fundamental commitment of charter schools-- that low performance means closure-- isn't just for kids east of the river. We seldom see closure of higher-income schools, because it takes an awful lot of malpractice to get there, but the rules are the rules. It shouldn't be something we only do to poor communities.

Look, I think the administration of MV is a sh*t show. But what does the bolded mean? How do you define "low performance"? Dumb take.

Under DC law, the PCSB is to review each school at least every five years. The PCSB gives ratings and ultimately schools with low performance can be closed. They are willing to do PIPs and extensions (for far too many years) but ultimately they do have to shut down failing schools. The rating system has been on hiatus during COVID, but is being re-designed and will return soon. I predict MV will not impress anyone, but will not be bad enough to be closed. Yet.

The other way schools fail is losing enrollment and becoming financially non-viable. That's also a possibility in the coming years if MV doesn't get itself sorted out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mundo's really the only school in the city where Latino families are respected, why is it having a hard time filling seats? I would think people would want to attend...

No one said it was the only school where this but why are you so happy to lose a good option?

Personally, I'm not happy that Mundo is flailing. But I disagree that it's a good option. Terrible academic performance (relative to demographics) and terrible management. I've thought this for years and I'm happy that people are finally opening their eyes to the reality, even if it's hard.

I firmly believe that the fundamental commitment of charter schools-- that low performance means closure-- isn't just for kids east of the river. We seldom see closure of higher-income schools, because it takes an awful lot of malpractice to get there, but the rules are the rules. It shouldn't be something we only do to poor communities.

Look, I think the administration of MV is a sh*t show. But what does the bolded mean? How do you define "low performance"? Dumb take.

Under DC law, the PCSB is to review each school at least every five years. The PCSB gives ratings and ultimately schools with low performance can be closed. They are willing to do PIPs and extensions (for far too many years) but ultimately they do have to shut down failing schools. The rating system has been on hiatus during COVID, but is being re-designed and will return soon. I predict MV will not impress anyone, but will not be bad enough to be closed. Yet.

The other way schools fail is losing enrollment and becoming financially non-viable. That's also a possibility in the coming years if MV doesn't get itself sorted out.

Schools have been reopen for two years and the PCSB isn't rating schools again? That in and of itself is crazy!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mundo's really the only school in the city where Latino families are respected, why is it having a hard time filling seats? I would think people would want to attend...

No one said it was the only school where this but why are you so happy to lose a good option?

Personally, I'm not happy that Mundo is flailing. But I disagree that it's a good option. Terrible academic performance (relative to demographics) and terrible management. I've thought this for years and I'm happy that people are finally opening their eyes to the reality, even if it's hard.

I firmly believe that the fundamental commitment of charter schools-- that low performance means closure-- isn't just for kids east of the river. We seldom see closure of higher-income schools, because it takes an awful lot of malpractice to get there, but the rules are the rules. It shouldn't be something we only do to poor communities.

Look, I think the administration of MV is a sh*t show. But what does the bolded mean? How do you define "low performance"? Dumb take.

Under DC law, the PCSB is to review each school at least every five years. The PCSB gives ratings and ultimately schools with low performance can be closed. They are willing to do PIPs and extensions (for far too many years) but ultimately they do have to shut down failing schools. The rating system has been on hiatus during COVID, but is being re-designed and will return soon. I predict MV will not impress anyone, but will not be bad enough to be closed. Yet.

The other way schools fail is losing enrollment and becoming financially non-viable. That's also a possibility in the coming years if MV doesn't get itself sorted out.

Schools have been reopen for two years and the PCSB isn't rating schools again? That in and of itself is crazy!!!

Yup. But various metrics are still publicly available, they just aren't rolled up into one big score. They are also re-designing their rating system

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi all, I'm a parent closely involved with MV. I haven't read many of the comments here because there are 17 pages, but I'm sure there are many good points raised. I just want to say that although the school is clearly having problems, I've seen MV at its best and it's a wonderful place. That is the reason so many caregivers aren't just giving up, but fighting for the school they think and know it can be. We have an incredible community and I'm optimistic that our hard work will pay off.

I was closely involved with MV when they made the decision to open a second campus. Parents pushed back then and the administration and PCSB ignored us. We warmed they couldn't retain and attract teachers and would have serious staffing problems, and it seems like we have been proven correct. I hope you are right but honestly I haven't seen any signs that parents' hard work will pay off. Everyone I know who stayed through fifth grade to get DCI for their oldest kid has found another school for their younger kid. No one was happy with MV when they left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mundo's really the only school in the city where Latino families are respected, why is it having a hard time filling seats? I would think people would want to attend...

No one said it was the only school where this but why are you so happy to lose a good option?

Personally, I'm not happy that Mundo is flailing. But I disagree that it's a good option. Terrible academic performance (relative to demographics) and terrible management. I've thought this for years and I'm happy that people are finally opening their eyes to the reality, even if it's hard.

I firmly believe that the fundamental commitment of charter schools-- that low performance means closure-- isn't just for kids east of the river. We seldom see closure of higher-income schools, because it takes an awful lot of malpractice to get there, but the rules are the rules. It shouldn't be something we only do to poor communities.

Look, I think the administration of MV is a sh*t show. But what does the bolded mean? How do you define "low performance"? Dumb take.

Under DC law, the PCSB is to review each school at least every five years. The PCSB gives ratings and ultimately schools with low performance can be closed. They are willing to do PIPs and extensions (for far too many years) but ultimately they do have to shut down failing schools. The rating system has been on hiatus during COVID, but is being re-designed and will return soon. I predict MV will not impress anyone, but will not be bad enough to be closed. Yet.

The other way schools fail is losing enrollment and becoming financially non-viable. That's also a possibility in the coming years if MV doesn't get itself sorted out.

The PCSB ratings aren't really designed to identify or address low performance at low at-risk schools. Maybe that will change in their redesign but probably in the quest for "equity" there will be an enduring focus on those schools serving the lowest performing groups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi all, I'm a parent closely involved with MV. I haven't read many of the comments here because there are 17 pages, but I'm sure there are many good points raised. I just want to say that although the school is clearly having problems, I've seen MV at its best and it's a wonderful place. That is the reason so many caregivers aren't just giving up, but fighting for the school they think and know it can be. We have an incredible community and I'm optimistic that our hard work will pay off.

I was closely involved with MV when they made the decision to open a second campus. Parents pushed back then and the administration and PCSB ignored us. We warmed they couldn't retain and attract teachers and would have serious staffing problems, and it seems like we have been proven correct. I hope you are right but honestly I haven't seen any signs that parents' hard work will pay off. Everyone I know who stayed through fifth grade to get DCI for their oldest kid has found another school for their younger kid. No one was happy with MV when they left.

Is the staffing problem due to MV management, or is part of this the different labor market dynamics for Spanish-speaking teachers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi all, I'm a parent closely involved with MV. I haven't read many of the comments here because there are 17 pages, but I'm sure there are many good points raised. I just want to say that although the school is clearly having problems, I've seen MV at its best and it's a wonderful place. That is the reason so many caregivers aren't just giving up, but fighting for the school they think and know it can be. We have an incredible community and I'm optimistic that our hard work will pay off.

I was closely involved with MV when they made the decision to open a second campus. Parents pushed back then and the administration and PCSB ignored us. We warmed they couldn't retain and attract teachers and would have serious staffing problems, and it seems like we have been proven correct. I hope you are right but honestly I haven't seen any signs that parents' hard work will pay off. Everyone I know who stayed through fifth grade to get DCI for their oldest kid has found another school for their younger kid. No one was happy with MV when they left.

Is the staffing problem due to MV management, or is part of this the different labor market dynamics for Spanish-speaking teachers?

I think it is partly due to challenging labor market for bilingual teachers (and charter school teachers - so it is a double whammy), part of it is poor school management and part of it is the way the school handles discipline issues. The system they use requires a lot of training and experienced teachers and they have neither, so things get really tough in the upper grades. I think that is why the school consistently has trouble in grades 3-5.