Proposed Changes to Grace Hopper Center

[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:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

This definitely push Arlington Tech towards the vocational tech perception

Why? (Parent of incoming 9th grader interested in tech who still doesn’t understand what this all means).

APS has done a horrible job with communication and bringing up these proposed changes at the last minute. Not a good time for uncertainty with students and parents in the midst of making high school choices for 9th grade. Arlington Tech also needs to grow its 9th grade class substantially with the increased capacity of the new building.

I’ve said many times they are not getting AT to the 1000+ mark. Neighborhoods schools are screwed too with overcrowding.

What does it mean then that AT doesn't admit all of the students that apply? Is it that there was not capacity or that those students didn't make the cut? I'm watching as a parent of a middle school student who is very interested, but not going to 9th grade next year. AT seems like a really good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

This definitely push Arlington Tech towards the vocational tech perception

Why? (Parent of incoming 9th grader interested in tech who still doesn’t understand what this all means).

APS has done a horrible job with communication and bringing up these proposed changes at the last minute. Not a good time for uncertainty with students and parents in the midst of making high school choices for 9th grade. Arlington Tech also needs to grow its 9th grade class substantially with the increased capacity of the new building.

But...why does what they're doing push AT toward votech (and not college prep).

[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:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

This definitely push Arlington Tech towards the vocational tech perception

Why? (Parent of incoming 9th grader interested in tech who still doesn’t understand what this all means).

APS has done a horrible job with communication and bringing up these proposed changes at the last minute. Not a good time for uncertainty with students and parents in the midst of making high school choices for 9th grade. Arlington Tech also needs to grow its 9th grade class substantially with the increased capacity of the new building.

But...why does what they're doing push AT toward votech (and not college prep).

Or maybe its pushing the other options closer to career prep?

[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:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

This definitely push Arlington Tech towards the vocational tech perception

Why? (Parent of incoming 9th grader interested in tech who still doesn’t understand what this all means).

APS has done a horrible job with communication and bringing up these proposed changes at the last minute. Not a good time for uncertainty with students and parents in the midst of making high school choices for 9th grade. Arlington Tech also needs to grow its 9th grade class substantially with the increased capacity of the new building.

But...why does what they're doing push AT toward votech (and not college prep).

Or maybe it’s pushing the other options closer to career prep?

I don’t think it’s necessarily doing either of those things, but it’s not very clear what exactly they are doing and that is a problem considering that offers will go out in January and students need to pick their classes. In the meeting they said they would not even finalize anything until at least February.
They said it was not about needing to fill seats or budget. I don’t know if that is true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:APS always screws South Arlington. Probably Someone is mad that the money is going to Arlington Tech instead of Taylor and bent the ears of the Board.

how does this screw S Arlington?

[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:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

This definitely push Arlington Tech towards the vocational tech perception

Why? (Parent of incoming 9th grader interested in tech who still doesn’t understand what this all means).

APS has done a horrible job with communication and bringing up these proposed changes at the last minute. Not a good time for uncertainty with students and parents in the midst of making high school choices for 9th grade. Arlington Tech also needs to grow its 9th grade class substantially with the increased capacity of the new building.

But...why does what they're doing push AT toward votech (and not college prep).

it seems to do the opposite if it disconnects the career center electives from Arl Tech

[Anonymous]

So are they emptying out Langston? What will happen to that building?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

I'm not positive but isn't Langston too small to serve as a swing space? It does have a playground and parking lot but not enough overflow for ES. Nice big bus loop though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

I've got a kid in Tech and they love it. It's currently co-located with two other programs. They want to add two more programs. What I suspect is not happening is that the Langston family and the diversion families are not being consulted. It does seem to mean more kids from APS full service high schools won't have as much access to the Hopper center and since they pay the taxes, that seems unfair.

What was weird about some of the materials is that APS attributes some of the success of those smaller programs to the fact that they have their own locations. I understand costs but is an adult GED seeker going to want to go to a place with prepubescent 9th graders?

[Anonymous]

Somebody mentioned tech growing. THey have a substantial waitlist this year and it will grow. There is nothing going on that will diminish the program and it will still grow over the next four years to the ultimate goal of 1k kids. It will get there. The teachers and very good and very dedicated. The DE options are terrific and because of the CTE classes, the electives are pretty exciting. Some kids get a skill in the college prep environment so that they can work a better job than fast food or retail while going to college. It's a really coold program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

I'm not positive but isn't Langston too small to serve as a swing space? It does have a playground and parking lot but not enough overflow for ES. Nice big bus loop though.

APS could make it work for swing space with relocatables. This may be a way to save Nottingham and avoid boundary changes.

The small, successful Langston Continuation Program would lose out though. A shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

I'm not positive but isn't Langston too small to serve as a swing space? It does have a playground and parking lot but not enough overflow for ES. Nice big bus loop though.

APS could make it work for swing space with relocatables. This may be a way to save Nottingham and avoid boundary changes.

The small, successful Langston Continuation Program would lose out though. A shame.

I'm not totally sure if they can do relocatables. The playground is an arlington country playground. The parking lot small and where would people park? Key has Safeway. Glebe has that church's parking lot. Many others have neighborhoods but that particular neighborhood is more small houses on small lots and there's parking on both sides of the street. I just hate with Arlington doesn't reach out to those on alternative paths to the majoirty, while changing something significant that is working for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

I've got a kid in Tech and they love it. It's currently co-located with two other programs. They want to add two more programs. What I suspect is not happening is that the Langston family and the diversion families are not being consulted. It does seem to mean more kids from APS full service high schools won't have as much access to the Hopper center and since they pay the taxes, that seems unfair.

What was weird about some of the materials is that APS attributes some of the success of those smaller programs to the fact that they have their own locations. I understand costs but is an adult GED seeker going to want to go to a place with prepubescent 9th graders?

City of Falls Church also pays fees to use the Career Center for its students. Maybe they're getting pushed out as well.

I also don't feel comfortable with 25 year olds going to school with 9th graders who are essentially junior high age.

[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:Can someone explain what this change would mean for Tech students?

They could not really explain this last night, or the rationale for the change.

I got the email and was having a hard time figuring out what they were talking. Worried that I was not alone in that.

Apart from programmatic changes, this consolidation appears to be cost driven. Although APS said they wouldn't mothball current school sites, the plan would entail the relocation of the Langston Program out of Langston. Maybe the plan is to use Langston as a swing space?

Last night Kim graves said it was not budget driven

It almost sounds as if the concern is that Arlington Tech would have to share the new space with other programs? Wasn't that always the case? The ACC has a ton of programs in it, and some programs were in the old Human Services building that was where the Hopper Center is. Not surprised APS would bring back programs they moved elsewhere to free up space. Am I missing the point?

They could've made it that simple, but the whole rebranding complicates simple moves like that. Also there are lingering questions on access to the career center courses.

I got the feeling sometimes that the ulterior motive by some who advocated for Arlington Tech and the expanded building was to create a STEM focused HB Woodlawn in that neighborhood, and the idea that the space would be shared with "alternative" programs lessens the appeal? I know people who really like the Langston program. I feel like before Arl Tech, it was in the Career Center...

This definitely push Arlington Tech towards the vocational tech perception

Why? (Parent of incoming 9th grader interested in tech who still doesn’t understand what this all means).

APS has done a horrible job with communication and bringing up these proposed changes at the last minute. Not a good time for uncertainty with students and parents in the midst of making high school choices for 9th grade. Arlington Tech also needs to grow its 9th grade class substantially with the increased capacity of the new building.

I’ve said many times they are not getting AT to the 1000+ mark. Neighborhoods schools are screwed too with overcrowding.

What does it mean then that AT doesn't admit all of the students that apply? Is it that there was not capacity or that those students didn't make the cut? I'm watching as a parent of a middle school student who is very interested, but not going to 9th grade next year. AT seems like a really good fit.

Right now it’s small. When it’s big and colocated with a vocational program it will not longer have that small school vibe like HB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Somebody mentioned tech growing. THey have a substantial waitlist this year and it will grow. There is nothing going on that will diminish the program and it will still grow over the next four years to the ultimate goal of 1k kids. It will get there. The teachers and very good and very dedicated. The DE options are terrific and because of the CTE classes, the electives are pretty exciting. Some kids get a skill in the college prep environment so that they can work a better job than fast food or retail while going to college. It's a really coold program.

DE is such a disservice, they need AP