Why is our graduation at Eagle Bank???!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Langley is a small school.

+1

Graduation at the DAR is a madhouse and not as special as you think — Langley and the other schools are there likely because of the size of their senior classes. You have to wait outside until however many minutes before the ceremony, then it’s a mad rush to find seats together. While they will let the elderly and people with disabilities go in through a side door for special seating, other family members cannot sit with them (it’s reserved ONLY for those who need the seats) — we had to sit separately from my parents and it upset them because they cannot hear very well and would have preferred to have us with them to tell them when our so was walking. You cannot linger when the ceremony is over, and you cannot park close. They don’t tell you where the students will exit, so it’s insanity trying to find your students outside — all while trying to get your frail parents out, too.

I think the solution here is to bring less people to graduation. My grandparents didn't come to my HS graduation, and it was ok. Have them go to dinner the next night and have your grad wear their cap and gown again for photos.

You mean fewer??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you just can't find joy in your child's happy moments, you are beyond hope. Good luck.

Who said that??

That is not what I read, at all.

Sounds like you are projecting.

[Anonymous]

Who’s with me, JMHS parents?

Let’s do this! I have no problem sending emails to Calvert and Dir Student Activities Kenny.

I really don’t want to have grad at DAR: BTDT and unbelievably stressful and chaotic for all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who’s with me, JMHS parents?

Let’s do this! I have no problem sending emails to Calvert and Dir Student Activities Kenny.

I really don’t want to have grad at DAR: BTDT and unbelievably stressful and chaotic for all.

Do you think it would be to your advantage to have a survey sent out to the parents of the rising senior and junior classes? (i.e. you lobby the admin to change to GMU and ask them to send a survey out). How much do you think parents support the GMU option? Are you assuming GMU is the alternative?

I'm with you on this. Had a senior last year and will have another in 2 yrs. I ended up thinking DAR was lovely, but I'm willing to support a change to GMU b/c the traffic is such an unknown, and the parking garages are very difficult. Just seems like going to GMU is easier... and I'm all about keeping things simple.

Maybe you start your engagement with the admin by asking if switching to GMU would even be an option given how many other schools are on their schedule. Ask when a commitment to DAR must be made. Ask if there are any obligations to stay at DAR with the other three schools. Start in a fact-finding mode so that you understand what the administration's concerns/limitations might be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why aren’t graduation at the schools football stadiums? That’s how most of us do it.

x10000

Now THAT is actual tradition.

Not here where you get afternoon/evening thunderstorms, heat warnings or, like today, air quality issues. Then the back up is the school gym with maybe 1 spectator per student, the rest in classrooms watching on CCTV.

One LHS taxpayer alone could easily cover the cost of suitable covering of the bleachers. Fairfax county is run poorly because it is simply too big to be efficient. Plus, the whiny few dictate the setting and precedent, not the needs of the many. Also, sheer lack of common sense is prevelant. So, DAR it is.

Not the PP to whom you're responding and not an LHS parent but...This post is boneheaded and privileged at the same time. "One LHS taxpayer alone could easily cover the cost" to somehow "cover the bleachers" with, what, an awning? You know this would need to be competitively contracted, it's not as cheap as you imagine it is (even for that super rich "one LHS taxpayer" donor you imagine) and the one day the awning gets stuck open would be graduation day...I get it, you hate DAR. So join with other parents to lobby to use GMU, instead of waiting for one sugar daddy donor to make your magical day happen the way you picture it.

And no "cover" for outdoor bleachers makes much difference when the temperature and humidity are high. Sure, you can block some sun. But in 90-plus heat with this area's intense humidity, or during a thunderstorm, it won't help. Storms will still force everyone indoors due to lightning risk; lightning doesn't care about your "cover" unless it's an actual roof. Do you even really live in this area, that you don't know all this already?

[Anonymous]

McLean parent here and I wish graduation would be at EagleBank too! Or at least offer shuttles like Marshall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McLean parent here and I wish graduation would be at EagleBank too! Or at least offer shuttles like Marshall.

Marshall's shuttles to DAR (at least as of a few years ago, dont know about the past couple of years) were first come, first served and basically very limited space. But I'm not knocking that -- I thought it was good that the school did provide some limited transportation for those who weren't the grads themselves. But shuttles aren't a solution for most attending. Side note: We found the DAR graduation pretty easy but we did not have any elderly or disabled relatives attending and the timing (I think it was 11 a.m.) was good for getting in and out of the city that day. Tip for those who want to drive and not Uber: Use Spot Hero or similar websites/apps but do it well in advance of graduation day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean parent here and I wish graduation would be at EagleBank too! Or at least offer shuttles like Marshall.

Marshall's shuttles to DAR (at least as of a few years ago, dont know about the past couple of years) were first come, first served and basically very limited space. But I'm not knocking that -- I thought it was good that the school did provide some limited transportation for those who weren't the grads themselves. But shuttles aren't a solution for most attending. Side note: We found the DAR graduation pretty easy but we did not have any elderly or disabled relatives attending and the timing (I think it was 11 a.m.) was good for getting in and out of the city that day. Tip for those who want to drive and not Uber: Use Spot Hero or similar websites/apps but do it well in advance of graduation day.

I know people who Uber'ed and also reserved parking - it did not matter - the traffic was so bad, it just did not matter.

If it takes two hours for at least half the attendees in traffic (not moving, most of the time) - then there is a big issue with that particular venue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why aren’t graduation at the schools football stadiums? That’s how most of us do it.

x10000

Now THAT is actual tradition.

Not here where you get afternoon/evening thunderstorms, heat warnings or, like today, air quality issues. Then the back up is the school gym with maybe 1 spectator per student, the rest in classrooms watching on CCTV.

One LHS taxpayer alone could easily cover the cost of suitable covering of the bleachers. Fairfax county is run poorly because it is simply too big to be efficient. Plus, the whiny few dictate the setting and precedent, not the needs of the many. Also, sheer lack of common sense is prevelant. So, DAR it is.

Not the PP to whom you're responding and not an LHS parent but...This post is boneheaded and privileged at the same time. "One LHS taxpayer alone could easily cover the cost" to somehow "cover the bleachers" with, what, an awning? You know this would need to be competitively contracted, it's not as cheap as you imagine it is (even for that super rich "one LHS taxpayer" donor you imagine) and the one day the awning gets stuck open would be graduation day...I get it, you hate DAR. So join with other parents to lobby to use GMU, instead of waiting for one sugar daddy donor to make your magical day happen the way you picture it.

And no "cover" for outdoor bleachers makes much difference when the temperature and humidity are high. Sure, you can block some sun. But in 90-plus heat with this area's intense humidity, or during a thunderstorm, it won't help. Storms will still force everyone indoors due to lightning risk; lightning doesn't care about your "cover" unless it's an actual roof. Do you even really live in this area, that you don't know all this already?

The drama! Cover for one day, the graduation day. You okay now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean parent here and I wish graduation would be at EagleBank too! Or at least offer shuttles like Marshall.

Marshall's shuttles to DAR (at least as of a few years ago, dont know about the past couple of years) were first come, first served and basically very limited space. But I'm not knocking that -- I thought it was good that the school did provide some limited transportation for those who weren't the grads themselves. But shuttles aren't a solution for most attending. Side note: We found the DAR graduation pretty easy but we did not have any elderly or disabled relatives attending and the timing (I think it was 11 a.m.) was good for getting in and out of the city that day. Tip for those who want to drive and not Uber: Use Spot Hero or similar websites/apps but do it well in advance of graduation day.

Spot Hero took our reservation money but had given away the spots and would not let us enter. The attendant just said "We are full" and walked away. We had to rush to find alternative spots, literally ran back down the street and to DAR locked the doors. We had to wait until after the procession. When we contacted Spot Hero, they basically said "it happens."

For next year's parents: Budget AT LEAST two hours of driving/parking/logistics time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean parent here and I wish graduation would be at EagleBank too! Or at least offer shuttles like Marshall.

Marshall's shuttles to DAR (at least as of a few years ago, dont know about the past couple of years) were first come, first served and basically very limited space. But I'm not knocking that -- I thought it was good that the school did provide some limited transportation for those who weren't the grads themselves. But shuttles aren't a solution for most attending. Side note: We found the DAR graduation pretty easy but we did not have any elderly or disabled relatives attending and the timing (I think it was 11 a.m.) was good for getting in and out of the city that day. Tip for those who want to drive and not Uber: Use Spot Hero or similar websites/apps but do it well in advance of graduation day.

Spot Hero took our reservation money but had given away the spots and would not let us enter. The attendant just said "We are full" and walked away. We had to rush to find alternative spots, literally ran back down the street and to DAR locked the doors. We had to wait until after the procession. When we contacted Spot Hero, they basically said "it happens."

For next year's parents: Budget AT LEAST two hours of driving/parking/logistics time.

Yeah, would have been nice if fellow parents warned each other ahead of time, but that would have never happened.

I think the other PP's are just either very naive or very lucky that they got in before they locked the parents out of their kids' graduation. But then, I have been to other events in DC, and the same exact type of thing happens, almost every time, in one form or another. Like a stadium event where they have one door open, and people are trickling in at the staff's leisure. GMAB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guarantee that Madison’s (and Marshall, Langley and McLean) graduation will be at DAR next year.

I suspect someone is getting a kickback or at least wined and dined to ensure this happens.

I am certain, but why? No one freaking cares about DAR. It causes unnecessary pains for people to schlep into DC during rush hour. Only to get literally locked out, because traffic made a 20 minute (for which 1.5 hours was allowed) drive literally two hours. Not to mention parking and other logistical factors. There is no reason for DAR to be the "preferred" venue - in fact, it is not "preferred", at all. Who are these people that think graduates need to be at DAR?? Are the people who decide 110 years old and afraid of change?? The change would be most welcome.

This is akin to attending a home team championship parade, only to see more "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" (often with six of their favorite grandchildren) nobodies in the parade vehicles than actual players. The DC venue dilutes major events, instead of enhancing the experience, it seems.

JLL was a far better experience, hands down. Ask anyone who has had both graduation experiences.

While the DAR is a nice venue, you have to pay for parking ($25) and then wait outside until they let you in. It’s hot. It’s packed. It’s a challenge to find your child when it’s all over because there is not a lot of space to hang out. The nearby buildings don’t want you on their lawn or taking pictures.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guarantee that Madison’s (and Marshall, Langley and McLean) graduation will be at DAR next year.

I suspect someone is getting a kickback or at least wined and dined to ensure this happens.

I am certain, but why? No one freaking cares about DAR. It causes unnecessary pains for people to schlep into DC during rush hour. Only to get literally locked out, because traffic made a 20 minute (for which 1.5 hours was allowed) drive literally two hours. Not to mention parking and other logistical factors. There is no reason for DAR to be the "preferred" venue - in fact, it is not "preferred", at all. Who are these people that think graduates need to be at DAR?? Are the people who decide 110 years old and afraid of change?? The change would be most welcome.

This is akin to attending a home team championship parade, only to see more "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" (often with six of their favorite grandchildren) nobodies in the parade vehicles than actual players. The DC venue dilutes major events, instead of enhancing the experience, it seems.

JLL was a far better experience, hands down. Ask anyone who has had both graduation experiences.

While the DAR is a nice venue, you have to pay for parking ($25) and then wait outside until they let you in. It’s hot. It’s packed. It’s a challenge to find your child when it’s all over because there is not a lot of space to hang out. The nearby buildings don’t want you on their lawn or taking pictures.

Got the impression DAR didn’t much want us there either. The irony.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why aren’t graduation at the schools football stadiums? That’s how most of us do it.

x10000

Now THAT is actual tradition.

Not here where you get afternoon/evening thunderstorms, heat warnings or, like today, air quality issues. Then the back up is the school gym with maybe 1 spectator per student, the rest in classrooms watching on CCTV.

One LHS taxpayer alone could easily cover the cost of suitable covering of the bleachers. Fairfax county is run poorly because it is simply too big to be efficient. Plus, the whiny few dictate the setting and precedent, not the needs of the many. Also, sheer lack of common sense is prevelant. So, DAR it is.

Not the PP to whom you're responding and not an LHS parent but...This post is boneheaded and privileged at the same time. "One LHS taxpayer alone could easily cover the cost" to somehow "cover the bleachers" with, what, an awning? You know this would need to be competitively contracted, it's not as cheap as you imagine it is (even for that super rich "one LHS taxpayer" donor you imagine) and the one day the awning gets stuck open would be graduation day...I get it, you hate DAR. So join with other parents to lobby to use GMU, instead of waiting for one sugar daddy donor to make your magical day happen the way you picture it.

And no "cover" for outdoor bleachers makes much difference when the temperature and humidity are high. Sure, you can block some sun. But in 90-plus heat with this area's intense humidity, or during a thunderstorm, it won't help. Storms will still force everyone indoors due to lightning risk; lightning doesn't care about your "cover" unless it's an actual roof. Do you even really live in this area, that you don't know all this already?

Other schools graduate in their own stadiums. Annandale, Fairfax, probably others. It would be easy enough to schedule them in the morning for when heat and humidity and thunderstorms aren’t an issue if everyone did their own. Worst case it moves inside and everyone could still have multiple guests. Our gym holds the entire school, the graduating class would be on the floor, so at least 4 guests per student.

Not sure why the policy isn’t the same for everyone.

Bonus: it would save money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:McLean parent here and I wish graduation would be at EagleBank too! Or at least offer shuttles like Marshall.

Marshall's shuttles to DAR (at least as of a few years ago, dont know about the past couple of years) were first come, first served and basically very limited space. But I'm not knocking that -- I thought it was good that the school did provide some limited transportation for those who weren't the grads themselves. But shuttles aren't a solution for most attending. Side note: We found the DAR graduation pretty easy but we did not have any elderly or disabled relatives attending and the timing (I think it was 11 a.m.) was good for getting in and out of the city that day. Tip for those who want to drive and not Uber: Use Spot Hero or similar websites/apps but do it well in advance of graduation day.

I know people who Uber'ed and also reserved parking - it did not matter - the traffic was so bad, it just did not matter.

If it takes two hours for at least half the attendees in traffic (not moving, most of the time) - then there is a big issue with that particular venue.

Can I ask which time slot you had? Just wondering. We had the early slot last year -- 10 a.m. I think. Maybe we got lucky with traffic. Probably is easier for the first group of the day to get parking. I would imagine that those in the 1:00 group (who need to show up by 12:15?) have a much harder time getting into the parking garages b/c we had a heck of a time trying to get OUT. The garage was super jam packed and I wasn't sure we were ever going to get out b/c they parked cars in all the spaces you need to use to drive out.