Western High School Renovations/Construction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

Forgot most important: uncertainty about who will be in boundary.

It's almost like Reid wants it to fail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

They have been clear on sports. The first year they will provide transportation to the old base school for sports since there will not be any VHSL sports at the school. VHSL is all or nothing, if you have a VHSL freshman or JV team for one sport, you cannot allow kids to play a different sport at the old base school. The hope is to have enough kids to be able to start VHSL sports in the second year but that might be delayed to the third year. Until the sports start, the kids will be bussed to the old school.

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

[Anonymous]

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

I think it is far more limiting than anything else except the uncertainty of who will be in boundary. Lots of kids participate in various sports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

They have been clear on sports. The first year they will provide transportation to the old base school for sports since there will not be any VHSL sports at the school. VHSL is all or nothing, if you have a VHSL freshman or JV team for one sport, you cannot allow kids to play a different sport at the old base school. The hope is to have enough kids to be able to start VHSL sports in the second year but that might be delayed to the third year. Until the sports start, the kids will be bussed to the old school.

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

Yes.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

They have been clear on sports. The first year they will provide transportation to the old base school for sports since there will not be any VHSL sports at the school. VHSL is all or nothing, if you have a VHSL freshman or JV team for one sport, you cannot allow kids to play a different sport at the old base school. The hope is to have enough kids to be able to start VHSL sports in the second year but that might be delayed to the third year. Until the sports start, the kids will be bussed to the old school.

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

There are kids who don't play sports who still want to attend a school with sports, or participate in activities like marching band that get attention during the halftime of football games.

I think the way Reid has approached the opening of Western has been unfortunate on many fronts, but if some families who want to avoid Westfield or South Lakes think it's a good option starting this fall then good for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

They have been clear on sports. The first year they will provide transportation to the old base school for sports since there will not be any VHSL sports at the school. VHSL is all or nothing, if you have a VHSL freshman or JV team for one sport, you cannot allow kids to play a different sport at the old base school. The hope is to have enough kids to be able to start VHSL sports in the second year but that might be delayed to the third year. Until the sports start, the kids will be bussed to the old school.

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

There are kids who don't play sports who still want to attend a school with sports, or participate in activities like marching band that get attention during the halftime of football games.

I think the way Reid has approached the opening of Western has been unfortunate on many fronts, but if some families who want to avoid Westfield or South Lakes think it's a good option starting this fall then good for them.

Avoid is a sterong with a highly negative connotation.

I would say switch into a new pyramid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

They have been clear on sports. The first year they will provide transportation to the old base school for sports since there will not be any VHSL sports at the school. VHSL is all or nothing, if you have a VHSL freshman or JV team for one sport, you cannot allow kids to play a different sport at the old base school. The hope is to have enough kids to be able to start VHSL sports in the second year but that might be delayed to the third year. Until the sports start, the kids will be bussed to the old school.

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

Thats a unique way of handling sports.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen.

I agree with that 100%

But I also agree that we do need a new high school and want to see how it plays out for the county, the students, the staff, and of course us, the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard renovations will take place for the first 2-3 years.

Thats going to be hard for the kids.

When will FCPS begin community presentations detailing what will be done and how it will be done.

I’m scared our kids will be in Trailers and that those will tarnish their first impressions of the new high school.

I don't think anyone will be in trailers but it would have made SO MUCH MORE SENSE for them to just wait to open it in 2027.

Agreed.

Conversation surrounding it is such a blunder with everything going on, when we can't necessarily gather a sense of their full intent behind the purchase besides overcrowding relief and aerospace technology, advanced robotics, and advanced AI courses.

In boundary should come first. Then special programs. What do they have for brains?

Agreed. I think they are hoping the option numbers give the a better idea about who wants to move and they can use that as cover to move some schools over others.

Problem with that is:
1. These are kids who are starting or continuing in high school now--not in a year or so.
2. Kids who want sports are not likely to opt in. And, they have been pretty vague about that issue.
3. Sophomore happy where they are would be less likely to switch.

They have been clear on sports. The first year they will provide transportation to the old base school for sports since there will not be any VHSL sports at the school. VHSL is all or nothing, if you have a VHSL freshman or JV team for one sport, you cannot allow kids to play a different sport at the old base school. The hope is to have enough kids to be able to start VHSL sports in the second year but that might be delayed to the third year. Until the sports start, the kids will be bussed to the old school.

That said, people who want sports are more likely to stay at the base school and not opt in to the new school. Plenty of kids don’t play a sport and are not interested in a sport, I doubt that is as limiting as people think.

Thats a unique way of handling sports.

It is the only way they can handle the sports until they have enough students to have freshman, JV, and varsity sports teams in all sports. VHSL won’t let them have, say, a gold and tennis team, which they have enough students for, and let kids wanting to play football go their old school for football, which there are not enough kids for all 3 levels. I suspect that the preference would be to have the teams that there are enough kids to support and allow kids for those larger programs go to the old school for those for a few years but VHSL doesn’t allow that.

So this is the way that it is. The planning principal has said that he is going to encourage kids to set up club sports at the school to let the kids play locally and use that to build into the eventual team sports that will start in the second or thrid year. By the third year they will have all four grades so enough kids to run all the sports.

[Anonymous]

There is no way logistically the sports thing will work.

Busing kids from Western after school to multiple different high schools and then back again? Here's just one example: the freshman and JV basketball teams leave right after school on a bus to get to away games on time. There is no give in the schedule to wait for a bus from Western to drive over 1 student to the base school to then get on the basketball bus. I can think of a hundred more logistical problems.

The coaches at base schools will just not take "western" kids to avoid the hassle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no way logistically the sports thing will work.

Busing kids from Western after school to multiple different high schools and then back again? Here's just one example: the freshman and JV basketball teams leave right after school on a bus to get to away games on time. There is no give in the schedule to wait for a bus from Western to drive over 1 student to the base school to then get on the basketball bus. I can think of a hundred more logistical problems.

The coaches at base schools will just not take "western" kids to avoid the hassle.

HB Woodlawn and Arlington Tech in Arlington don’t have sports teams and the kids can play for Yorktown, W-L, or Wakefield.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no way logistically the sports thing will work.

Busing kids from Western after school to multiple different high schools and then back again? Here's just one example: the freshman and JV basketball teams leave right after school on a bus to get to away games on time. There is no give in the schedule to wait for a bus from Western to drive over 1 student to the base school to then get on the basketball bus. I can think of a hundred more logistical problems.

The coaches at base schools will just not take "western" kids to avoid the hassle.

HB Woodlawn and Arlington Tech in Arlington don’t have sports teams and the kids can play for Yorktown, W-L, or Wakefield.

Things that maybe work Ok in tiny Arlington don't work the same in FCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no way logistically the sports thing will work.

Busing kids from Western after school to multiple different high schools and then back again? Here's just one example: the freshman and JV basketball teams leave right after school on a bus to get to away games on time. There is no give in the schedule to wait for a bus from Western to drive over 1 student to the base school to then get on the basketball bus. I can think of a hundred more logistical problems.

The coaches at base schools will just not take "western" kids to avoid the hassle.

HB Woodlawn and Arlington Tech in Arlington don’t have sports teams and the kids can play for Yorktown, W-L, or Wakefield.

That's not relevant to FCPS logistics. In pp's example, freshman basketball games are played at 4:30. They have to be there by 4:00. The game might be 45 minutes away. The bus has to leave the base school at 3:15. There is no time to get 2 randoms from Western to say Oakton or Centreville in time to make that away bus.

And are they transporting back after games and practices? That is a LOT of buses and routes for 1-2 kids. What about sports practices and games that aren't right after school, are they providing transportation for those also?

[Anonymous]

No, the transportation back to the base school is a joke. Also, if you are in a cut sport why would a coach keep a kid in the program if they were going to move to another school to play on their team in a year or two? Those kids will be cut or left on the bench to rot.