OK, I will start this thread - Sela

[Anonymous]

16:42. I understand what you are doing, and I think it is great to choose a school and back it. It is incredibly rude, however, to come in and laugh out loud at the the concerns that others who have been sorting through this system for some time raise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I finally had a chance to read through this entire thread from the beginning. I'm new to DCUM so I'd like to take a moment to comment on some things I've read so far. I thought twice about posting anything here because you guys are a tough crowd when someone posts something with which you don't agree. Consequently, I didn't find a lot of positive commentary about Sela compared to all the negative opinions regarding the staff turnover, not being added to the DCI, "why Hebrew anyway", and a bunch of seemingly personal attacks on the premise of the school. Still can't figure out that "sock puppet" absurdity but I'll save that for another day. Just know I'm not the sock puppet lol. Jeff, you can verify that if you like . I'm just a parent who met with the administration team at Sela for almost three hours and asked a ton of questions about the plan for the school. They answered all of them to the best of their ability and I was pleased with the responses. Sidenote - are there any parents on this forum whose children REALLY attend Sela? I'm more interested in YOUR comments versus these other naysayers.

I met with both Dr. Lody and Carrie during an open house and they both were very personable and honest about the challenges the school faced. It seems a bit unrealistic to believe a new school would not face challenges in leadership and losing teachers. I've done research on many DC schools and I'm sure I can find a parent, teacher or administrator that would voice concerns about even the "best" of schools. Judging by all of you who didn't get your first or 18th choice for schools (didn't get waitlisted either), to criticize a school trying to provide a quality education seems really unfair. Another sidenote - to the poster who mentioned 7 families entering the lottery for another school after having been at Sela...I didn't read a reason for the mass exodus. Or maybe I missed it? Care to share?

I am a parent who is less focused on the particular language and more excited about the opportunity my child will have to learn another language in general. I have quite a few friends whose children attend language immersion schools (not in the DC area) and I think it's great that a child can learn another language at an early age. I admit I was skeptical of Hebrew. At the end of the day, however, I was impressed with Sela's vision and plan for the future of the school. Can they predict everything will fall in place perfectly? No. I am ok with that though because I know there is a responsibility of parents to also be involved in their child's education. I watched the kids interact with their teachers in class. The kids were happy and singing in Hebrew. A diverse group of little people eager to learn is a plus in my book. Oh and that playground "issue" lol. We were told the land was approved for a playground right outside the school doors and it was in the works to be built. I'll see about finding a date for when they plan to break ground.

We also met with a few of the teachers who teach Hebrew. They talked about how the language is taught and its positive effects on a child's learning and development. Again, I'm sure you can say that about any language. And again, I'm ok with my child learning Hebrew so as long as she's getting a quality education. She could learn any language for that matter!

Can someone give me some background on the importance of DCI? Forgive my ignorance but I saw a lot of commentary about that and Sela presenting this idea as if it were set in stone versus there never being talks of it? I'm a little confused as to what happened/what was said?

Have a happy weekend!

Is it set in stone that Sela will or will not join DCI? We're at a DCI feeder, and it seems like they could have potential to be a good fit. It also seem like that decision could be a few years away given that their oldest class is maybe 2nd grade or so.

Sela should no more be a feeder than some other random charter. Hebrew is a non-starter and would just likely cause the school more money than it's worth to support such a self-limiting language. I hope SELA does well, but not at the expense of kids whom are already in feeder schools with viable language options. Sorry, but Hebrew just doesn't cut it. I think families would support Arabic, Russian and perhaps German. These are the languages most in demand behind Mandarin, Spanish and French. Hebrew doesn't come close.

We're not at Sela, we're at another DCI feeder. I just don't understand any hostility to the idea. It's called DC International, not DC "top of the pops language schools." Why not Arabic, Russian, or German indeed other than the fact that those schools do not exist. You have no idea whether or not Hebrew does or does not "cut it" because you are not at all connected to the budget process. It could easily be that funneling in a group of at-grade-level-and-above students is a very good fit.

You have no idea, and thus your hostility seems vaguely anti-semitic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I finally had a chance to read through this entire thread from the beginning. I'm new to DCUM so I'd like to take a moment to comment on some things I've read so far. I thought twice about posting anything here because you guys are a tough crowd when someone posts something with which you don't agree. Consequently, I didn't find a lot of positive commentary about Sela compared to all the negative opinions regarding the staff turnover, not being added to the DCI, "why Hebrew anyway", and a bunch of seemingly personal attacks on the premise of the school. Still can't figure out that "sock puppet" absurdity but I'll save that for another day. Just know I'm not the sock puppet lol. Jeff, you can verify that if you like . I'm just a parent who met with the administration team at Sela for almost three hours and asked a ton of questions about the plan for the school. They answered all of them to the best of their ability and I was pleased with the responses. Sidenote - are there any parents on this forum whose children REALLY attend Sela? I'm more interested in YOUR comments versus these other naysayers.

I met with both Dr. Lody and Carrie during an open house and they both were very personable and honest about the challenges the school faced. It seems a bit unrealistic to believe a new school would not face challenges in leadership and losing teachers. I've done research on many DC schools and I'm sure I can find a parent, teacher or administrator that would voice concerns about even the "best" of schools. Judging by all of you who didn't get your first or 18th choice for schools (didn't get waitlisted either), to criticize a school trying to provide a quality education seems really unfair. Another sidenote - to the poster who mentioned 7 families entering the lottery for another school after having been at Sela...I didn't read a reason for the mass exodus. Or maybe I missed it? Care to share?

I am a parent who is less focused on the particular language and more excited about the opportunity my child will have to learn another language in general. I have quite a few friends whose children attend language immersion schools (not in the DC area) and I think it's great that a child can learn another language at an early age. I admit I was skeptical of Hebrew. At the end of the day, however, I was impressed with Sela's vision and plan for the future of the school. Can they predict everything will fall in place perfectly? No. I am ok with that though because I know there is a responsibility of parents to also be involved in their child's education. I watched the kids interact with their teachers in class. The kids were happy and singing in Hebrew. A diverse group of little people eager to learn is a plus in my book. Oh and that playground "issue" lol. We were told the land was approved for a playground right outside the school doors and it was in the works to be built. I'll see about finding a date for when they plan to break ground.

We also met with a few of the teachers who teach Hebrew. They talked about how the language is taught and its positive effects on a child's learning and development. Again, I'm sure you can say that about any language. And again, I'm ok with my child learning Hebrew so as long as she's getting a quality education. She could learn any language for that matter!

Can someone give me some background on the importance of DCI? Forgive my ignorance but I saw a lot of commentary about that and Sela presenting this idea as if it were set in stone versus there never being talks of it? I'm a little confused as to what happened/what was said?

Have a happy weekend!

Is it set in stone that Sela will or will not join DCI? We're at a DCI feeder, and it seems like they could have potential to be a good fit. It also seem like that decision could be a few years away given that their oldest class is maybe 2nd grade or so.

Sela should no more be a feeder than some other random charter. Hebrew is a non-starter and would just likely cause the school more money than it's worth to support such a self-limiting language. I hope SELA does well, but not at the expense of kids whom are already in feeder schools with viable language options. Sorry, but Hebrew just doesn't cut it. I think families would support Arabic, Russian and perhaps German. These are the languages most in demand behind Mandarin, Spanish and French. Hebrew doesn't come close.

We're not at Sela, we're at another DCI feeder. I just don't understand any hostility to the idea. It's called DC International, not DC "top of the pops language schools." Why not Arabic, Russian, or German indeed other than the fact that those schools do not exist. You have no idea whether or not Hebrew does or does not "cut it" because you are not at all connected to the budget process. It could easily be that funneling in a group of at-grade-level-and-above students is a very good fit.

You have no idea, and thus your hostility seems vaguely anti-semitic.

+1. This anti Sela/no DCI for you poster is weirdly obsessed about coming back every time someone posts something supportive. Does this person speak on behalf of DCI?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I finally had a chance to read through this entire thread from the beginning. I'm new to DCUM so I'd like to take a moment to comment on some things I've read so far. I thought twice about posting anything here because you guys are a tough crowd when someone posts something with which you don't agree. Consequently, I didn't find a lot of positive commentary about Sela compared to all the negative opinions regarding the staff turnover, not being added to the DCI, "why Hebrew anyway", and a bunch of seemingly personal attacks on the premise of the school. Still can't figure out that "sock puppet" absurdity but I'll save that for another day. Just know I'm not the sock puppet lol. Jeff, you can verify that if you like . I'm just a parent who met with the administration team at Sela for almost three hours and asked a ton of questions about the plan for the school. They answered all of them to the best of their ability and I was pleased with the responses. Sidenote - are there any parents on this forum whose children REALLY attend Sela? I'm more interested in YOUR comments versus these other naysayers.

I met with both Dr. Lody and Carrie during an open house and they both were very personable and honest about the challenges the school faced. It seems a bit unrealistic to believe a new school would not face challenges in leadership and losing teachers. I've done research on many DC schools and I'm sure I can find a parent, teacher or administrator that would voice concerns about even the "best" of schools. Judging by all of you who didn't get your first or 18th choice for schools (didn't get waitlisted either), to criticize a school trying to provide a quality education seems really unfair. Another sidenote - to the poster who mentioned 7 families entering the lottery for another school after having been at Sela...I didn't read a reason for the mass exodus. Or maybe I missed it? Care to share?

I am a parent who is less focused on the particular language and more excited about the opportunity my child will have to learn another language in general. I have quite a few friends whose children attend language immersion schools (not in the DC area) and I think it's great that a child can learn another language at an early age. I admit I was skeptical of Hebrew. At the end of the day, however, I was impressed with Sela's vision and plan for the future of the school. Can they predict everything will fall in place perfectly? No. I am ok with that though because I know there is a responsibility of parents to also be involved in their child's education. I watched the kids interact with their teachers in class. The kids were happy and singing in Hebrew. A diverse group of little people eager to learn is a plus in my book. Oh and that playground "issue" lol. We were told the land was approved for a playground right outside the school doors and it was in the works to be built. I'll see about finding a date for when they plan to break ground.

We also met with a few of the teachers who teach Hebrew. They talked about how the language is taught and its positive effects on a child's learning and development. Again, I'm sure you can say that about any language. And again, I'm ok with my child learning Hebrew so as long as she's getting a quality education. She could learn any language for that matter!

Can someone give me some background on the importance of DCI? Forgive my ignorance but I saw a lot of commentary about that and Sela presenting this idea as if it were set in stone versus there never being talks of it? I'm a little confused as to what happened/what was said?

Have a happy weekend!

Is it set in stone that Sela will or will not join DCI? We're at a DCI feeder, and it seems like they could have potential to be a good fit. It also seem like that decision could be a few years away given that their oldest class is maybe 2nd grade or so.

Sela should no more be a feeder than some other random charter. Hebrew is a non-starter and would just likely cause the school more money than it's worth to support such a self-limiting language. I hope SELA does well, but not at the expense of kids whom are already in feeder schools with viable language options. Sorry, but Hebrew just doesn't cut it. I think families would support Arabic, Russian and perhaps German. These are the languages most in demand behind Mandarin, Spanish and French. Hebrew doesn't come close.

We're not at Sela, we're at another DCI feeder. I just don't understand any hostility to the idea. It's called DC International, not DC "top of the pops language schools." Why not Arabic, Russian, or German indeed other than the fact that those schools do not exist. You have no idea whether or not Hebrew does or does not "cut it" because you are not at all connected to the budget process. It could easily be that funneling in a group of at-grade-level-and-above students is a very good fit.

You have no idea, and thus your hostility seems vaguely anti-semitic.

You're crazy and your anti-Semitic nonsense is a pathetic cheap shot. You can pretend all you want that Hebrew has some profound importance to warrant inclusion in DCI, but we all know that's absurd. Instead of attacking people for that reality check, why don't you go after the founders of Sela. It was their selfish and ridiculous idea. Now you've got all these people who want in DCI, but they've got Hebrew limiting them. Not our fault. Sela'a fault.

[Anonymous]

+1. This anti Sela/no DCI for you poster is weirdly obsessed about coming back every time someone posts something supportive. Does this person speak on behalf of DCI?[/quote]


+1

[Anonymous]

[/quote]
You're crazy and your anti-Semitic nonsense is a pathetic cheap shot. You can pretend all you want that Hebrew has some profound importance to warrant inclusion in DCI, but we all know that's absurd. Instead of attacking people for that reality check, why don't you go after the founders of Sela. It was their selfish and ridiculous idea. Now you've got all these people who want in DCI, but they've got Hebrew limiting them. Not our fault. Sela'a fault.[/quote]

Parent interested in Sela here; we have NO interest in DCI, sorry, PP. BASIS, Latin, Walls or Deal/Wilson would be preferred!

[Anonymous]

Assuming Sela does not feed to DCI, will it go through 6th grade?

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]+1. This anti Sela/no DCI for you poster is weirdly obsessed about coming back every time someone posts something supportive. Does this person speak on behalf of DCI?[/quote]


+1[/quote]

I agree. This poster does indeed seem fixated on saying Hebrew is not a worthy language and does seem to come across as anti-Semitic.

In terms of sixth grade/DCI, it's years off and I would be surprised if it had been resolved/acted on one way or the other.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]+1. This anti Sela/no DCI for you poster is weirdly obsessed about coming back every time someone posts something supportive. Does this person speak on behalf of DCI?[/quote]


+1[/quote]

I highly doubt it. I have never heard anyone associated with DCI sound anything like this.

[Anonymous]

How is it anti-Semitic to think Hebrew is not appropriate for DCI.

[Anonymous]

I want to start the Latin immersion charter school and really rankle this anti-Sela poster.

[Anonymous]

Sela has so many problems, the least of which is not being appropriate for DCI. Guess that means I'm anti-Semitic too. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sela has so many problems, the least of which is not being appropriate for DCI. Guess that means I'm anti-Semitic too. Oh well.

Sela does not have "so many problems," certainly no more than any other new charter or older charter (Shining Stars, Meridian, Washington Latin, Yu Ying, etc). Sela has e.g., an active parent group, excellent teachers, a nice facility which will be made nicer by its new playground space, many happy students and families, etc. Sela like other schools hires real people, not robots, who have lives and the sick children, new children, etc. that go along with it. Their ED stayed for two years and he's staying until the new hire is onboarded. They had a principal who left for family reasons and a young teacher who both left very early in the year. Another teacher who struggled was replaced mid-year. Not that unusual in the charter world where teachers are given a shorter trial period than in DCPS. Time will tell if they even want to become part of DCI when their kids are old enough to matriculate (time will also tell if DCI succeeds). I have been at two public meetings where people asked Sela leadership about DCI and they all said the same thing long way off/we have a mentor relationship with these schools and will explore options as Sela grows. There are some wacky Sela bashers that have driven a lot of Sela parents of DCUM, some of whom are anti-Semitic. Other who just have no lives.

[Anonymous]

^^ your post read like a laundry list of problems- much worse than I even knew. Sela is in trouble. Thanks for providing details. Whoa! Sela is one big hot mess. Somebody please help them. Just be prepared to be called anti-Semitic if you criticize them. Remember their mantra- Sela is perfect and if you don't think so, you're racist!

[Anonymous]

Talk of DCI at an under-enrolled school that is in its first year of operation, and which had lost it's principal and executive director, is beyond premature. The school and the parents should be focusing on creating an excellent, fully-enrolled school where families across the city want to send their kids and keep them enrolled in the long term. Once it can accomplish that, then talk of what to do after elementary--be that DCI or expanding Sela itself--seem warranted. For now, please focus on the elementary school.