SWS has jumped the shark

[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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

This is silly. I’ve been pleased with how our Hill school differentiates. In lower grades it’s small groups and pull outs (or attending a class with a higher grade level if your kid is THAT advanced). In upper grades, it’s more computer time instead of whole group lessons and stretch problems/assignments as well. There’s also afterschool tutoring for those behind and enrichment for those ahead in math for free/heavily subsidized prices. My kids test 1-3 grade levels ahead and always meet their growth goals while enjoying school. It’s absolutely not a real suburban G&T program, but it’s enough until they hit middle school tracking/faster pace curriculum.

Maybe other schools don’t do it as well or maybe your kid isn’t as advanced as you think?

[Anonymous]

What school do you go to that offers this differentiation and what are you doing for middle school??

[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.

It is kind of making me wonder whether it’s easier to hide a mediocre education behind all of this. If you question the falling PARCC scores, you’re now also a racist. Convenient.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It is kind of making me wonder whether it’s easier to hide a mediocre education behind all of this. If you question the falling PARCC scores, you’re now also a racist. Convenient.

This is the case with MANY of these HRCSs. Many. During COVID, those of us who pushed to go back in person were labeled racist. We were at a different charter, though, so not sure of SWS’s approach to inperson/virtual during COVID.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It is kind of making me wonder whether it’s easier to hide a mediocre education behind all of this. If you question the falling PARCC scores, you’re now also a racist. Convenient.

This is the case with MANY of these HRCSs. Many. During COVID, those of us who pushed to go back in person were labeled racist. We were at a different charter, though, so not sure of SWS’s approach to inperson/virtual during COVID.

You know what's funny? When people who hold a belief try and shoehorn a set of facts to support what they think. SWS is not a charter school. I'll write that again in all caps for people like PP who have no clue WTH they are talking about. SWS IS NOT A CHARTER SCHOOL. You clearly have a narrative in your head about charters and DCPS schools. Good luck with that, Madam Tunnel Vision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What school do you go to that offers this differentiation and what are you doing for middle school??

I am not the prior poster, but my child had similar experience with differentiation at Payne - back in the younger elementary years would have material pulled from older grades during small group, or sometimes popped into that older grade for a bit. In the older elementary grades my child has continued to be challenged, and not necessarily by having different work, but by having really strong teachers that know them well and push them on writing assignments, essays, narratives, etc. We are sending our kiddo to EH next year.

[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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

Oh, I know! I’m the parent who pushed for more academics. What gets me is parents who claim academics do not matter (until they decide they do!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

This is silly. I’ve been pleased with how our Hill school differentiates. In lower grades it’s small groups and pull outs (or attending a class with a higher grade level if your kid is THAT advanced). In upper grades, it’s more computer time instead of whole group lessons and stretch problems/assignments as well. There’s also afterschool tutoring for those behind and enrichment for those ahead in math for free/heavily subsidized prices. My kids test 1-3 grade levels ahead and always meet their growth goals while enjoying school. It’s absolutely not a real suburban G&T program, but it’s enough until they hit middle school tracking/faster pace curriculum.

Maybe other schools don’t do it as well or maybe your kid isn’t as advanced as you think?

Get back to us in middle school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What school do you go to that offers this differentiation and what are you doing for middle school??

I am not the prior poster, but my child had similar experience with differentiation at Payne - back in the younger elementary years would have material pulled from older grades during small group, or sometimes popped into that older grade for a bit. In the older elementary grades my child has continued to be challenged, and not necessarily by having different work, but by having really strong teachers that know them well and push them on writing assignments, essays, narratives, etc. We are sending our kiddo to EH next year.

Great, me too. I hope you are supportive of ensuring academic differentiation at EH too.

[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.

I think you missed the point where the principal addressed that SWS was previously a more white school (not his exact words) and the demographics of the school are changing.

The pottery art was previously an art project from March.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

This is silly. I’ve been pleased with how our Hill school differentiates. In lower grades it’s small groups and pull outs (or attending a class with a higher grade level if your kid is THAT advanced). In upper grades, it’s more computer time instead of whole group lessons and stretch problems/assignments as well. There’s also afterschool tutoring for those behind and enrichment for those ahead in math for free/heavily subsidized prices. My kids test 1-3 grade levels ahead and always meet their growth goals while enjoying school. It’s absolutely not a real suburban G&T program, but it’s enough until they hit middle school tracking/faster pace curriculum.

Maybe other schools don’t do it as well or maybe your kid isn’t as advanced as you think?

Get back to us in middle school!

The PP said Hill schools only worked through PK4 — that is absurd. MS is a whole different ball game and I completely acknowledge that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What school do you go to that offers this differentiation and what are you doing for middle school??

LT. And I don’t know yet because my oldest is currently in 3rd. But my answers are probably the same as everyone else’s Basis (maybe deviate slightly from the norm, as this would be our 1st choice), Latins, or try out SH if the lottery doesn’t work out. ITS will be toured as a possible backup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

This is silly. I’ve been pleased with how our Hill school differentiates. In lower grades it’s small groups and pull outs (or attending a class with a higher grade level if your kid is THAT advanced). In upper grades, it’s more computer time instead of whole group lessons and stretch problems/assignments as well. There’s also afterschool tutoring for those behind and enrichment for those ahead in math for free/heavily subsidized prices. My kids test 1-3 grade levels ahead and always meet their growth goals while enjoying school. It’s absolutely not a real suburban G&T program, but it’s enough until they hit middle school tracking/faster pace curriculum.

Maybe other schools don’t do it as well or maybe your kid isn’t as advanced as you think?

Not happening. Or you are in ECE and don't know what differentiation is yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

This is silly. I’ve been pleased with how our Hill school differentiates. In lower grades it’s small groups and pull outs (or attending a class with a higher grade level if your kid is THAT advanced). In upper grades, it’s more computer time instead of whole group lessons and stretch problems/assignments as well. There’s also afterschool tutoring for those behind and enrichment for those ahead in math for free/heavily subsidized prices. My kids test 1-3 grade levels ahead and always meet their growth goals while enjoying school. It’s absolutely not a real suburban G&T program, but it’s enough until they hit middle school tracking/faster pace curriculum.

Maybe other schools don’t do it as well or maybe your kid isn’t as advanced as you think?

Not happening. Or you are in ECE and don't know what differentiation is yet.

Everything I said above is currently happening at L-T, the Hill school my kids attend. They’re in 1st & 3rd, if that matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!”

This will happen eventually no matter where your kid goes to school on the Hill. If you have an academically advanced kid, you shouldn’t be sending them to school on the Hill past PK4.

This is silly. I’ve been pleased with how our Hill school differentiates. In lower grades it’s small groups and pull outs (or attending a class with a higher grade level if your kid is THAT advanced). In upper grades, it’s more computer time instead of whole group lessons and stretch problems/assignments as well. There’s also afterschool tutoring for those behind and enrichment for those ahead in math for free/heavily subsidized prices. My kids test 1-3 grade levels ahead and always meet their growth goals while enjoying school. It’s absolutely not a real suburban G&T program, but it’s enough until they hit middle school tracking/faster pace curriculum.

Maybe other schools don’t do it as well or maybe your kid isn’t as advanced as you think?

Not happening. Or you are in ECE and don't know what differentiation is yet.

Everything I said above is currently happening at L-T, the Hill school my kids attend. They’re in 1st & 3rd, if that matters.

Parents of kids in those grades are adorable. You don't know what you don't know. But good on you for being a cliche SH parents and not letting your ignorance get in the way of informed opinions.