Mann or Stoddert for K?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Mann is forgetting that it’s still a DCPS school and doesn’t get to do whatever it wants. If the other DCPS schools have to follow DCPS curriculum guidelines, then so does Mann. And the Reggio approach isn’t a curriculum, it’s an approach that can be used to teach the curriculum. DCPS needs to replace the principal with someone who is able to comply with district requirements. If I were their instructional superintendent, I would be actively trying to get rid of the current principal.

Why do you care?

Because I have the free will to do so. So now what?

Because you sound paranoid that sone other kid might learn something different or -- gasp! -- get a better educational experience than your kid.

If we want differentiation in the classroom, why can we not tolerate even a sliver of differentiation among schools?

Let me explain this to you in the simplest terms possible. Every school should be doing the same thing and teaching the children in the exact same way. One school should not be adding extra components just because they are fearful of elitist parents. If a school like Mann does it, then those same adjustments should be available for a school like Kimball, Malcolm X, Plummer or Thomas. The end.

Should becausr every child is exactly the same and because you said so?

Don't worry. The Mann principal does not fear the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Can you say more about what teacher communication is like there?

[Anonymous]

Do you need aftercare? Stoddert's aftercare was full when my kid wen there.
Both schools are great. Stoddert might be a bit overcrowded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Mann is forgetting that it’s still a DCPS school and doesn’t get to do whatever it wants. If the other DCPS schools have to follow DCPS curriculum guidelines, then so does Mann. And the Reggio approach isn’t a curriculum, it’s an approach that can be used to teach the curriculum. DCPS needs to replace the principal with someone who is able to comply with district requirements. If I were their instructional superintendent, I would be actively trying to get rid of the current principal.

Why do you care?

Because I have the free will to do so. So now what?

Because you sound paranoid that sone other kid might learn something different or -- gasp! -- get a better educational experience than your kid.

If we want differentiation in the classroom, why can we not tolerate even a sliver of differentiation among schools?

Let me explain this to you in the simplest terms possible. Every school should be doing the same thing and teaching the children in the exact same way. One school should not be adding extra components just because they are fearful of elitist parents. If a school like Mann does it, then those same adjustments should be available for a school like Kimball, Malcolm X, Plummer or Thomas. The end.

So the school that are challenging the kids should stop? So all the schools can just do the bare minimum?

Why not have the schools with the most challenging curriculums stay the same, and all the other schools be asked to incorporate the more advanced work for their students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Mann is forgetting that it’s still a DCPS school and doesn’t get to do whatever it wants. If the other DCPS schools have to follow DCPS curriculum guidelines, then so does Mann. And the Reggio approach isn’t a curriculum, it’s an approach that can be used to teach the curriculum. DCPS needs to replace the principal with someone who is able to comply with district requirements. If I were their instructional superintendent, I would be actively trying to get rid of the current principal.

Why do you care?

Because I have the free will to do so. So now what?

Because you sound paranoid that sone other kid might learn something different or -- gasp! -- get a better educational experience than your kid.

If we want differentiation in the classroom, why can we not tolerate even a sliver of differentiation among schools?

Let me explain this to you in the simplest terms possible. Every school should be doing the same thing and teaching the children in the exact same way. One school should not be adding extra components just because they are fearful of elitist parents. If a school like Mann does it, then those same adjustments should be available for a school like Kimball, Malcolm X, Plummer or Thomas. The end.

So the school that are challenging the kids should stop? So all the schools can just do the bare minimum?

Why not have the schools with the most challenging curriculums stay the same, and all the other schools be asked to incorporate the more advanced work for their students?

The thing is, Mann's test scores are lower than one might expect based on high HHI neighborhood. So many people would find whatever Mann is doing inadequate.

And yet Mann parents -- pretty educated people themselves -- are happy with Mann.

So why is it a problem?! If people want more focus in tests, there are plenty of options. Is the concern if Mann focuses less on tests in loco parentis concern for those poor Mann children? That would be silly.

The idea that Central has prescribed the right curricula and that it should be taught in exactly the same way in every school -- what the poster above said -- is exactly what DCPS believes they can do. They want to teacher-proof the instructional plan. It's arrogant and it's foolish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Mann is forgetting that it’s still a DCPS school and doesn’t get to do whatever it wants. If the other DCPS schools have to follow DCPS curriculum guidelines, then so does Mann. And the Reggio approach isn’t a curriculum, it’s an approach that can be used to teach the curriculum. DCPS needs to replace the principal with someone who is able to comply with district requirements. If I were their instructional superintendent, I would be actively trying to get rid of the current principal.

Why do you care?

Because I have the free will to do so. So now what?

Because you sound paranoid that sone other kid might learn something different or -- gasp! -- get a better educational experience than your kid.

If we want differentiation in the classroom, why can we not tolerate even a sliver of differentiation among schools?

Let me explain this to you in the simplest terms possible. Every school should be doing the same thing and teaching the children in the exact same way. One school should not be adding extra components just because they are fearful of elitist parents. If a school like Mann does it, then those same adjustments should be available for a school like Kimball, Malcolm X, Plummer or Thomas. The end.

Mann’s PTO budget is like half a million dollars. That’s how the elitist parents can get adjustments to the standard DCPS curriculum. Through galas and teacher classroom wish lists and a dozen other opportunities to donate each year.

So unless Council wants to SERIOUSLY increase school funding, it is what it is. Drive across the park if you want Mann’s science lab and musical theater program.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone speak to whether kids develop solid independent problem-solving skills at Mann, Stoddert, or both? Or if they seem to adjust well socially and academically to public middle school?

Currently enrolled at Stoddert for PK4 with a low waitlist number at Mann. I really liked the smaller community, the focus on cultivating a love of learning, and the more student-focused approach at Mann. That said, two of the childcare providers I've spoken with mentioned that the Mann kids they nannied seemed to struggle a bit with Independent problem solving and adjustment to public middle school (small sample size, obviously). I figured it was worth following up here to see what other parents'/caregivers' experiences had been.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak to whether kids develop solid independent problem-solving skills at Mann, Stoddert, or both? Or if they seem to adjust well socially and academically to public middle school?

Currently enrolled at Stoddert for PK4 with a low waitlist number at Mann. I really liked the smaller community, the focus on cultivating a love of learning, and the more student-focused approach at Mann. That said, two of the childcare providers I've spoken with mentioned that the Mann kids they nannied seemed to struggle a bit with Independent problem solving and adjustment to public middle school (small sample size, obviously). I figured it was worth following up here to see what other parents'/caregivers' experiences had been.

What you are asking about is on you, not the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak to whether kids develop solid independent problem-solving skills at Mann, Stoddert, or both? Or if they seem to adjust well socially and academically to public middle school?

Currently enrolled at Stoddert for PK4 with a low waitlist number at Mann. I really liked the smaller community, the focus on cultivating a love of learning, and the more student-focused approach at Mann. That said, two of the childcare providers I've spoken with mentioned that the Mann kids they nannied seemed to struggle a bit with Independent problem solving and adjustment to public middle school (small sample size, obviously). I figured it was worth following up here to see what other parents'/caregivers' experiences had been.

What you are asking about is on you, not the school.

Parenting certainly plays a big part in helping kids develop problem-solving skills, as well as taking steps to ensure they develop the skills and have the support necessary to tackle middle school. I believe that's obvious enough that no reasonable person would argue otherwise.

That said, it seems silly to dismiss the influence of the school environment on these skills. Kids spend half of their waking hours at school. They learn about social and cultural norms, their place in the social hierarchy, their social identity, and what to expect/what's expected of them to accomplish tasks successfully. If kids have their hands held through problem-solving activities at school, they learn that that's normal and that they can succeed without further developing those skills. Even if parents work effectively on those things at home, a poor-fitting school environment is still reinforcing maladaptive habits half of each day.

Skills development has to be reinforced across the board, at home and school, bearing in mind that every kid's needs, strengths, and weaknesses differ. I imagine that's part of why so many posters here emphasize the importance of choosing a school that's a good fit for kids' specific needs (and not just academic achievement). So yes, parents are obviously responsible for helping their kids grow into well-adjusted, independent problem solvers. Part of that responsibility is choosing a school that does a good job of reinforcing these skills while maintaining an environment that allows students' needs to be met.

In which case, the better question might be: What kind of kid comes out of Mann/Stoddert as a prepared, well-adjusted problem solver? And do these schools differ in the breadth and depth of student needs they can meet? I'd be interested in hearing from recent parents about how/whether these schools worked for their kids, and why the school met or didn't meet their needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone speak to whether kids develop solid independent problem-solving skills at Mann, Stoddert, or both? Or if they seem to adjust well socially and academically to public middle school?

Currently enrolled at Stoddert for PK4 with a low waitlist number at Mann. I really liked the smaller community, the focus on cultivating a love of learning, and the more student-focused approach at Mann. That said, two of the childcare providers I've spoken with mentioned that the Mann kids they nannied seemed to struggle a bit with Independent problem solving and adjustment to public middle school (small sample size, obviously). I figured it was worth following up here to see what other parents'/caregivers' experiences had been.

What you are asking about is on you, not the school.

Parenting certainly plays a big part in helping kids develop problem-solving skills, as well as taking steps to ensure they develop the skills and have the support necessary to tackle middle school. I believe that's obvious enough that no reasonable person would argue otherwise.

That said, it seems silly to dismiss the influence of the school environment on these skills. Kids spend half of their waking hours at school. They learn about social and cultural norms, their place in the social hierarchy, their social identity, and what to expect/what's expected of them to accomplish tasks successfully. If kids have their hands held through problem-solving activities at school, they learn that that's normal and that they can succeed without further developing those skills. Even if parents work effectively on those things at home, a poor-fitting school environment is still reinforcing maladaptive habits half of each day.

Skills development has to be reinforced across the board, at home and school, bearing in mind that every kid's needs, strengths, and weaknesses differ. I imagine that's part of why so many posters here emphasize the importance of choosing a school that's a good fit for kids' specific needs (and not just academic achievement). So yes, parents are obviously responsible for helping their kids grow into well-adjusted, independent problem solvers. Part of that responsibility is choosing a school that does a good job of reinforcing these skills while maintaining an environment that allows students' needs to be met.

In which case, the better question might be: What kind of kid comes out of Mann/Stoddert as a prepared, well-adjusted problem solver? And do these schools differ in the breadth and depth of student needs they can meet? I'd be interested in hearing from recent parents about how/whether these schools worked for their kids, and why the school met or didn't meet their needs.

The more wealthy parents in a community, the more handholding there will be. Go check out some private schools.

[Anonymous]

Just noting that this thread originated in 2023 So the issues saying "last year" and "in a spiral" are outdated

[Anonymous]

I know lots of Mann kids who went on to Hardy in the last few years and had no trouble adjusting. I’m sure the same is true for Stoddert. Both are great schools, and like all schools both are imperfect. Think about which location will work best for your family.

[Anonymous]

It’s kindergarten. They’re all good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Mann is forgetting that it’s still a DCPS school and doesn’t get to do whatever it wants. If the other DCPS schools have to follow DCPS curriculum guidelines, then so does Mann. And the Reggio approach isn’t a curriculum, it’s an approach that can be used to teach the curriculum. DCPS needs to replace the principal with someone who is able to comply with district requirements. If I were their instructional superintendent, I would be actively trying to get rid of the current principal.

Why do you care?

Because I have the free will to do so. So now what?

Because you sound paranoid that sone other kid might learn something different or -- gasp! -- get a better educational experience than your kid.

If we want differentiation in the classroom, why can we not tolerate even a sliver of differentiation among schools?

Let me explain this to you in the simplest terms possible. Every school should be doing the same thing and teaching the children in the exact same way. One school should not be adding extra components just because they are fearful of elitist parents. If a school like Mann does it, then those same adjustments should be available for a school like Kimball, Malcolm X, Plummer or Thomas. The end.

Rather no school should fear an unaccountable central office elite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Mann doesn't focus on the standardized tests, do they ignore iready as well? Is there any concern that the kids aren't learning the material?

Former OOB Mann family here. Zero concern because as a PP said, they teach to the curricula at NCS, Holton, Sidwell and as a result, the academics are MUCH better than whatever is being tested in iReady. Plus the standards for teacher communication is so much higher that you’d know if your child was struggling in any area.

Mann is forgetting that it’s still a DCPS school and doesn’t get to do whatever it wants. If the other DCPS schools have to follow DCPS curriculum guidelines, then so does Mann. And the Reggio approach isn’t a curriculum, it’s an approach that can be used to teach the curriculum. DCPS needs to replace the principal with someone who is able to comply with district requirements. If I were their instructional superintendent, I would be actively trying to get rid of the current principal.

Why do you care?

Because I have the free will to do so. So now what?

Because you sound paranoid that sone other kid might learn something different or -- gasp! -- get a better educational experience than your kid.

If we want differentiation in the classroom, why can we not tolerate even a sliver of differentiation among schools?

Let me explain this to you in the simplest terms possible. Every school should be doing the same thing and teaching the children in the exact same way. One school should not be adding extra components just because they are fearful of elitist parents. If a school like Mann does it, then those same adjustments should be available for a school like Kimball, Malcolm X, Plummer or Thomas. The end.

So the school that are challenging the kids should stop? So all the schools can just do the bare minimum?

Why not have the schools with the most challenging curriculums stay the same, and all the other schools be asked to incorporate the more advanced work for their students?

The thing is, Mann's test scores are lower than one might expect based on high HHI neighborhood. So many people would find whatever Mann is doing inadequate.

And yet Mann parents -- pretty educated people themselves -- are happy with Mann.

So why is it a problem?! If people want more focus in tests, there are plenty of options. Is the concern if Mann focuses less on tests in loco parentis concern for those poor Mann children? That would be silly.

The idea that Central has prescribed the right curricula and that it should be taught in exactly the same way in every school -- what the poster above said -- is exactly what DCPS believes they can do. They want to teacher-proof the instructional plan. It's arrogant and it's foolish.

Teachers aren’t robots and the curriculum sucks so teachers actually have to be DCPS proof.