Rock Creek Forest Rebuild/radnor center

[Anonymous]

Hi,

We were considering a home walkable to Rock Creek Forest Elementary, but now I see that the school is being demolished starting this summer, I believe, so for 1. 5 years the students will go to school at the Radnor Center, 700 Radnor, Bethesda until January 2015. Can anyone cofirm that is the plan? We have elementary kids. So, all the kids just get bussed over there and then the after-care program would be over there? This seems really disruptive, but I see that other elementary kids have been housed there when their schools are rebuilt. Does anyone have any thoughts about it? I just had to sigh when I found out, as I would have loved walking to elementary school . . . not! Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you are correct. Starting September 2013 until Jan 2015 the school will be at the Radnor Center and all kids will be bussed there. I live in the neighborhood and have 2 kids at the school so I am up to date on the news about the transition. Speaking for myself, but I thing many in the neighborhood agree, it will be a rough one and a half years but the result will be fantastic. An entirely new, up to date school will be built, replacing the cramped, falling apart structure that is there now. It will be great for the kids and for our property values to have a new school.
I understand and share your concerns about not being able to walk your kids to school but it is only for one and a half years. Also, unlike many current families, your children will actually be able to spend a few years at the new building. Those of us with third graders and up won't get that.
The PTA has a transition committee working on all the details including aftercare. I suggest trying to get in touch with someone in the leadership who could answer all your questions.
Btw, we love the neighborhood and the school!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you! Helpful information. Ncie to know you like the nieghborhood. We like the neighborhood, proximity to park, and the terrific commuting options, too. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My kids went to the "old" RCF (middle schoolers now) and trust me, this is better than the alternative of either going to the school during a renovation OR going to the old dilapidated building.

[Anonymous]

can anyone speak about the quality of Rock Creeks immersion vs the regular English program?
thanks

[Anonymous]

S.I. - Amazing
English Academy - Not so much

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:S.I. - Amazing
English Academy - Not so much

Really? Do you have kids in both Spanish and English? I can't speak to the Spanish side, by have had really good experiences in the English Side of the school. The teachers are talented, hard-working, and very dedicated. My complaints are more about the focus on testing (a problem through MoCo) and the facilities (massive overcrowding). But, all in all, I am extremely pleased with the education my child is receiving at RCF.

[Anonymous]

My spouse used to teach at RCF not too long ago (within the past 5 years) and there is a HUGE divide between the English Academy and Spanish Immersion, with mainly the Immersion parents looking down on the English Academy ("the neighborhood" kids). Not true for everyone, but I'm not at all surprised to see PP declare the Immersion "amazing" and not so much for the English. Speak for yourself, and I doubt you have kids in both programs.

[Anonymous]

Also, OP, if you do a search on DCUM for RCF, you may see some complaints about the principal, but he is no longer there.

[Anonymous]

I did have a child in the e.a. but pulled the child out as did some neiborbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My spouse used to teach at RCF not too long ago (within the past 5 years) and there is a HUGE divide between the English Academy and Spanish Immersion, with mainly the Immersion parents looking down on the English Academy ("the neighborhood" kids). Not true for everyone, but I'm not at all surprised to see PP declare the Immersion "amazing" and not so much for the English. Speak for yourself, and I doubt you have kids in both programs.

Former immersion parent here. This is a sideways interpretation of what was going on -- yes, there was a big divide but my experience is that it was a small cadre of English program parents who FELT looked down on but, when more discussion was had, it turned out they were looked down on by other folds in their neighborhood who sent their kids to Rosemay Hills or private school.

I never ever once heard anyone in immersion say anything negative about the English program parents. I did hear, many times, that the neighborhood parents resented the presence of immersion, felt that it took resources away, felt that it damaged the neighborhood feel of the school, etc. Those may be valid points but they did NOT come from the immersion parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My spouse used to teach at RCF not too long ago (within the past 5 years) and there is a HUGE divide between the English Academy and Spanish Immersion, with mainly the Immersion parents looking down on the English Academy ("the neighborhood" kids). Not true for everyone, but I'm not at all surprised to see PP declare the Immersion "amazing" and not so much for the English. Speak for yourself, and I doubt you have kids in both programs.

Former immersion parent here. This is a sideways interpretation of what was going on -- yes, there was a big divide but my experience is that it was a small cadre of English program parents who FELT looked down on but, when more discussion was had, it turned out they were looked down on by other folds in their neighborhood who sent their kids to Rosemay Hills or private school.

I never ever once heard anyone in immersion say anything negative about the English program parents. I did hear, many times, that the neighborhood parents resented the presence of immersion, felt that it took resources away, felt that it damaged the neighborhood feel of the school, etc. Those may be valid points but they did NOT come from the immersion parents.

Clearly, there are many sides and perspectives to this story. My interpretation came from a staff member, who taught both EA and SI students. There are certainly postiive and negative extremes among both groups.