Inspired Teaching's Learning Showcase

[Anonymous]

I am indeed a PS mom, but can tell you as much as I love the PS classes, I am looking forward most to the other grades. As far as comparing to other PS classes/school, we went to another highly favored PS charter last year and will tell you that you're correct, there are many similarities. However, ITDS's four i's really sets it apart from our previous PS. With regards to the higher grades, I have observed the rooms at showcases and other times, and I have spoken at great length with 1st and 2nd grade teachers and am thoroughly impressed!! I am pretty active as well as other parents and what excites me is that many of the most active parents that contribute come from K-3rd grades and with talking to them and hearing their excitement, I can assure you that the excitement is not limited to PS. I will allow others to chime in, but wanted to put that out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many 3rd graders does IT have? Can anyone other than PS parent comment? Don't mean to be cynical, but what I've heard at PS level is not hugely different than what my kids got in small PS classes. It's easy for first time parents and founding families to be wowed. BTDT. Other than dance classes, which I wish one of mine had!, it's kind of tough to get a read on the school beyond PS.

I am a 3rd grade parent. There are 16-17 kids in that class. It is racially and socio-economically mixed. There are several kids that are academically advanced, an equal amount who are in the middle, and a few that really need help catching up.

Ther new 3rd grade teacher is a ball of ideas and energy and we are greatful for her presence. We also love her male co-teacher who has been fantastic and a great stabilizing force in a classroom that leans male. (So yes, there are two full time teachers for 17 students). There is also a dedicated group of active 3rd grade parents who are committed to helping make this class a success.

My 3rd grader loves IT and would go ballistic if I so much as mentioned the idea of changing schools. BTW, I have more than one child in IT beyond PS and I am happy to report that all of my children LOVE this school (and I am not exaggerating).

The school isn't perfect--there have certainly been bumps in the road, particularly for the 3rd grade class--but still, IT it has far exceeded my expectations for a first year charter.

Any other questions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many 3rd graders does IT have? Can anyone other than PS parent comment? Don't mean to be cynical, but what I've heard at PS level is not hugely different than what my kids got in small PS classes. It's easy for first time parents and founding families to be wowed. BTDT. Other than dance classes, which I wish one of mine had!, it's kind of tough to get a read on the school beyond PS.

A previous question on this thread led a number of PS and PK parents to comment, that's why this thread veered toward that.

And it's not just first-time parents and founding families who are wowed - it's also parents who are former and current educators of all stripes who see IT as a welcome breath of fresh air on the DC public educational scene.

[Anonymous]

I have a first grader and can only add our positive comments about the school. From differentiated instruction (kids are on various levels as well whether in reading or math, etc and work in various sub-groups and also buddy between each other to share their knowledge in a helpful way) to how they are teaching the kids to inquire, to ask questions, to be engaged and "find learning fun" (quoting my son here). My child loves his school and is happy each morning getting ready for it and has tons to share when I pick him up. This alone is a huge celebration. Couldn't be happier and relieved to have found such a place where I have full trust sending my kid to each day!

[Anonymous]

Any news on next year's location? Please post once a decision has been announced. The Hill would be a great location, and actually allow kids outside of NW to attend. Just my 2 cents.

[Anonymous]

Well the school is in NE now and there are plenty of non-NW kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well the school is in NE now and there are plenty of non-NW kids.

From what I could tell from a glance at the sign-in at the learning showcase, a large majority of families attend from 20002/20003 (Capitol Hill), 20009, 20010, 20011, 20017/20018 (Brookland/Woodridge).

[Anonymous]

We attend and we're in 20020 as well as two of our classmates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well the school is in NE now and there are plenty of non-NW kids.

From what I could tell from a glance at the sign-in at the learning showcase, a large majority of families attend from 20002/20003 (Capitol Hill), 20009, 20010, 20011, 20017/20018 (Brookland/Woodridge).

This sounds about right to me. For those who don't want to google the zip codes, a bunch of those are NW east of the park (Mt Pleasant, Petworth, U Street, etc)

[Anonymous]

The school is not basing its decision on the most heavily represented zip code

[Anonymous]

PP, of course not zip code alone, but I think it will weigh in as a factor. Every school-wide event I've attended where we sign in they've also asked us to list our zip code. Why else would they do that? I think they're looking at committed families and where they're coming from as a factor to consider in the location decision.

But really, we're all just reading tea leaves until we get an official announcement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, of course not zip code alone, but I think it will weigh in as a factor. Every school-wide event I've attended where we sign in they've also asked us to list our zip code. Why else would they do that? I think they're looking at committed families and where they're coming from as a factor to consider in the location decision.

But really, we're all just reading tea leaves until we get an official announcement.

I don't think the tracking of zip codes has anything to do with a decision on the new school location. Space is at a premium in D.C. The reality is they are going to have to take whatever location is available and viable East of the river, understanding that this next move is a longer term temporary solution. All new charters are facing this reality due to the high cost of realty and availability of space in DC.

[Anonymous]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-schools-insider/post/two-charter-schools-recommended-for-closure/2011/12/20/gIQAlAHMBP_blog.html

Perhaps if Community Academy PCS is shut down by the charter board, IT can take over one of their Georgia Avenue or Riggs Road locations... Anyone know how the school could get first in line for those buildings?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-schools-insider/post/two-charter-schools-recommended-for-closure/2011/12/20/gIQAlAHMBP_blog.html

Perhaps if Community Academy PCS is shut down by the charter board, IT can take over one of their Georgia Avenue or Riggs Road locations... Anyone know how the school could get first in line for those buildings?

CAPCS is huge (1800 students). You can't dump that many kids on the street so there's no way they are going to revoke the charter. However it sounds like they are going to push them to close the Riggs campus. Not sure if that space is viable even if it does become available. IT should however try to grab and make a space for the principal from the Butler campus. He's fantastic!

[Anonymous]

Seconding the positive comments on the principal from Butler campus. Met him at an event and was blown away by his enthusiasm, energy and ability to inspire (me anyway). He is young, has a lot of ideas and it was obvious to me that he enjoys his job and wants to make a difference.