Protest at Mundo on P street

[Anonymous]

This story made the Post today
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/16/mundo-verde-charter-protest-dc/

I just came across this thread yesterday, but wanted to clarify for those who think MV’s troubles are recent or due to the expansion, it is not the case AT ALL. Parents have been protesting issues at MV as early as 2012

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/279593.page

Many of us still had rose colored glasses on back then, but the school’s problems revealed themselves to most of the earlier families soon thereafter.

[Anonymous]

The quotes from the Post article are damning. Kids coming home with bruises? A 2nd grader dropping to a 1st grade level?

Wonder how the MV leadership will respond to this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the message that the school administrators sent to the entire community in response to the protest. It seems a little apathetic to the issues the children are facing—


“Dear Mundo Verde Families,

We are writing to let you know that a group of Third Grade parents and caregivers from J.F. Cook campus organized a protest today, June 14, during arrival. Please be aware that while we hope to minimize disruptions during arrival and 5th grade Expo, this small group may continue these actions tomorrow. While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.

Some students might have seen this action by these parents/caregivers, some might have been encouraged to participate in various ways, and some might have been upset as a result. Teachers and staff will be on alert Thursday to identify any unusual stress or worry that this situation may have caused and will encourage students to share any concerns they may have.

The stated goal of this protest was to schedule a meeting with the school leadership to talk about staffing and their experience with the school. Without listing all the meetings, hours and events, please know that school leadership has held many hours of meetings throughout the year to listen carefully to the concerns raised. If you would like to know more about the specific opportunities that have been provided for these discussions please contact us.

As school leaders, we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”

I don't have a kid at MV and I don't know anything about the concerns or protests. This response from MV is TOTALLY off base and inappropriate. It is overtly threatening to those who choose to participate and gives BS lip services to concern for students who might be stressed out by protesters and signs. Would that they were as concerned about the drug use and shootings in their neighborhood. This is a bad look for MV.

Just wondering in regards to “While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.”

Do the core values of ESPICA not include like regular classroom time and lessons in core subjects?

I am so glad these parents are going public and I hope every local news channel publishes the name of the administration and every Board member. This is revolting.

Former MV parent and I agree 100%. The ED is the biggest gaslighter I have ever met. She's in way over her head and refuses to listen and then gets upset when people say it and acts like we're being unreasonable. The MV Board and Charter board have been notified numerous, numerous times over the years; the unionization movement was in the news and maybe on WAMU, and still, nothing. It's a huge letdown for the city and I wish the ED would step away and let someone else have a try. Their model is a tough one, but my goodness, just spend some money having someone write curriculum for these new and untrained teachers so they can have SOMETHING to fall back on every day! That would be a huge lift all around.

Just graduated from MVP - overall my 2 kids had a very positive experience but this above is the truth. Founders syndrome over the top ! Glad to be done and on the way to DCI.
Very uneven experiences at the school with some parents and students getting really shafted and some sailing along. So many factors at play but the biggest issue is that the ED can’t see the forest for the trees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This story made the Post today
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/16/mundo-verde-charter-protest-dc/

I just came across this thread yesterday, but wanted to clarify for those who think MV’s troubles are recent or due to the expansion, it is not the case AT ALL. Parents have been protesting issues at MV as early as 2012

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/279593.page

Many of us still had rose colored glasses on back then, but the school’s problems revealed themselves to most of the earlier families soon thereafter.

Brett Cloninger-West must have a friend at the WP, because googling him brings up multiple articles in which he's quoted and/or pictured on totally unrelated subjects!

[Anonymous]

Bring back the old "Dunbar Rules"-- let only the "good" ones in and kick the rest out!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent fundraising is never enough to move the needle (and I don't think it was ever really part of the model), though it certainly paid for some 'nice to have' stuff.

I think the biggest problem at Mundo (and Two Rivers, actually) is that expansion stretched things that were already thin/tenuous to the breaking point, and then the pandemic shattered whatever was left.

At the time Mundo was planning its expansion, there was a HUGE outpouring of concern from families (I think dozens and dozens wrote letters to the PCSB), but no one listened, the expansion was approved, and here we are.

Some (and maybe the PCSB) would argue that Mundo is still better than lots of other schools in DC so it's better that it exist in this form than not. But that's a pretty grim perspective.

Bingo! I have not data to back this up but I noticed that a good number of charters that have opened a 2nd campus end of struggling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent fundraising is never enough to move the needle (and I don't think it was ever really part of the model), though it certainly paid for some 'nice to have' stuff.

I think the biggest problem at Mundo (and Two Rivers, actually) is that expansion stretched things that were already thin/tenuous to the breaking point, and then the pandemic shattered whatever was left.

At the time Mundo was planning its expansion, there was a HUGE outpouring of concern from families (I think dozens and dozens wrote letters to the PCSB), but no one listened, the expansion was approved, and here we are.

Some (and maybe the PCSB) would argue that Mundo is still better than lots of other schools in DC so it's better that it exist in this form than not. But that's a pretty grim perspective.

Bingo! I have not data to back this up but I noticed that a good number of charters that have opened a 2nd campus end of struggling.

It's not just that, it's the loss of the DCI guarantee. They failed to comprehend how that was a key element to people sticking around despite the problems. They failed to comprehend everything, and the PCSB did too. They can't say they weren't warned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This story made the Post today
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/16/mundo-verde-charter-protest-dc/

I just came across this thread yesterday, but wanted to clarify for those who think MV’s troubles are recent or due to the expansion, it is not the case AT ALL. Parents have been protesting issues at MV as early as 2012

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/279593.page

Many of us still had rose colored glasses on back then, but the school’s problems revealed themselves to most of the earlier families soon thereafter.

Brett Cloninger-West must have a friend at the WP, because googling him brings up multiple articles in which he's quoted and/or pictured on totally unrelated subjects!

Brett need to pay more attention to his child’s education. He should have known that his kid was behind before the end of the year test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This story made the Post today
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/16/mundo-verde-charter-protest-dc/

I just came across this thread yesterday, but wanted to clarify for those who think MV’s troubles are recent or due to the expansion, it is not the case AT ALL. Parents have been protesting issues at MV as early as 2012

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/279593.page

Many of us still had rose colored glasses on back then, but the school’s problems revealed themselves to most of the earlier families soon thereafter.

Anyone else notice the quote about who the school will work with changed between what they told parents and what they told the Post? If you wanted another example of gaslighting, here it is!

Yesterday: "we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”
Post: “committed to working collaboratively with every member of our community in support of our mission and values.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The quotes from the Post article are damning. Kids coming home with bruises? A 2nd grader dropping to a 1st grade level?

Wonder how the MV leadership will respond to this.

Based on my experience as a parent there for three years, they won't-- espcially given that it's a week until the end of the school year. Start fresh next fall with a new crop of people and the community die-hards.

Historically, families and students (and teachers) have been eminently replaceable at this school. I believe the MV leadership is finally coming to see that, while there's a sucker born every minute, the overall number of suckers is not infinite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This story made the Post today
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/06/16/mundo-verde-charter-protest-dc/

I just came across this thread yesterday, but wanted to clarify for those who think MV’s troubles are recent or due to the expansion, it is not the case AT ALL. Parents have been protesting issues at MV as early as 2012

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/279593.page

Many of us still had rose colored glasses on back then, but the school’s problems revealed themselves to most of the earlier families soon thereafter.

Anyone else notice the quote about who the school will work with changed between what they told parents and what they told the Post? If you wanted another example of gaslighting, here it is!

Yesterday: "we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”
Post: “committed to working collaboratively with every member of our community in support of our mission and values.”

!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I noticed parents and/or teachers picketing outside of Mundo Verde on P Street this morning. Does anyone know the reason?

Mundo Verde attracts all kinds of parents. Some come to drop their children in teslas and expensive cargo bikes and think they are “woke” by sending their kids for a few years to elementary school with a “diverse group of classmates but all they want is the edge of a foreign language and have no idea what it is to be a working family in DC. When families like mine try to defend the school, we are ostracized and ridiculed by the loud voices of some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just have to push back on all the criticism, lest anyone think that every parent is unhappy with Mundo Verde.

I am happy with the school and have been for many years. We have always had delightful teachers and the kids are happy, engaged, and learning all sorts of great things.

The pandemic was stressful for so many reasons, and that seems to be at the root of many issues right now (affecting teachers, 3rd graders, etc). I empathize with the frustrations of parents who’ve dealt with teachers leaving mid-year. But to throw the whole school into this negative spiral seems overboard when the majority of parents I interact with are happy with the school and are choosing to stay. The majority of teachers have been exceptional.

Criticism is fine, but let’s be constructive. Bashing Mundo verde like this is not helpful. Let’s celebrate the things we love about the school and work positively on the things that need to be improved.

Also, to those parents who are gloating about being “so happy that their kids are not at Mundo verde,” how is that helpful?

Yes MV can be a wonderful place and the parent community is outstanding. However, your happiness may wane if you experience consecutive years of lead teachers leaving mid-year, find that many children are significantly behind their grade level (in many cases two years behind grade level) and YOU are forced to assume the role of teacher or spend considerable amounts on tutors because the school fails to take action beyond assigning substitute teachers without curriculum or lesson plans. Trust me, your satisfaction will diminish. No parent is protesting without a valid reason or seeking to harm the school’s reputation out of boredom. We are desperate for solutions, but the school has refused to acknowledge these issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spend some time at oyster or Bancroft, or at highly Latino DCPS schools like Seaton. All kinds of Latino families (working class, middle class, and wealthy) and they are happy.

Oyster has a mile long wait list.

Bancroft is nowhere near my house.

Season isn’t much better than Mundo and is not bilingual.

But to you we should be happy to be educated right? Brown is brown.

Lady, I'm a brown person, and my two kids go to Seaton. We've been there for years. Yesterday, we had a day-long multicultural celebration where each class celebrated a different culture where at least one student from the class had a family heritage. El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, the DR, china, many many many more -- families brought food, kids dressed up, everyone was beaming all day long.

In addition to that, we have an ESL teacher ( a fully qualified master degree having teacher) attached to every grade to make sure that all the ESL kids are thriving. This is in addition to the fully qualified homeroom teachers for ELA and Math.

The principal and AP are both Latino and all correspondence/meetings/events are bilingual.

What does this have to do with Mundo?

Responding to the person who thinks DCPS "treats Latinos like garbage"

To be clear the response was “there is a multicultural day and that is the same as learning the language of your family”

Then more glee about schoolchildren losing their community and not getting a good education.

It's not glee..but this is a charter school. Every parent has the option to walk into their IB school with a proof of address at any moment, and their child will be educated. So that reality is underlying the protest -- that is their option.

What about the children of teachers and staff who live outside the District and need their child to be at Mundo because they can’t get home in time to pick their kid up and don’t have a partner or village or resources to pay for aftercare etc.? For those people Mundo is not choice and their kids deserve an education too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Spend some time at oyster or Bancroft, or at highly Latino DCPS schools like Seaton. All kinds of Latino families (working class, middle class, and wealthy) and they are happy.

Oyster has a mile long wait list.

Bancroft is nowhere near my house.

Season isn’t much better than Mundo and is not bilingual.

But to you we should be happy to be educated right? Brown is brown.

Lady, I'm a brown person, and my two kids go to Seaton. We've been there for years. Yesterday, we had a day-long multicultural celebration where each class celebrated a different culture where at least one student from the class had a family heritage. El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, the DR, china, many many many more -- families brought food, kids dressed up, everyone was beaming all day long.

In addition to that, we have an ESL teacher ( a fully qualified master degree having teacher) attached to every grade to make sure that all the ESL kids are thriving. This is in addition to the fully qualified homeroom teachers for ELA and Math.

The principal and AP are both Latino and all correspondence/meetings/events are bilingual.

What does this have to do with Mundo?

Responding to the person who thinks DCPS "treats Latinos like garbage"

To be clear the response was “there is a multicultural day and that is the same as learning the language of your family”

Then more glee about schoolchildren losing their community and not getting a good education.

It's not glee..but this is a charter school. Every parent has the option to walk into their IB school with a proof of address at any moment, and their child will be educated. So that reality is underlying the protest -- that is their option.

What about the children of teachers and staff who live outside the District and need their child to be at Mundo because they can’t get home in time to pick their kid up and don’t have a partner or village or resources to pay for aftercare etc.? For those people Mundo is not choice and their kids deserve an education too.

Wtf that’s residency fraud!