Revolving Door at Holton

[Anonymous]

My DD has attended Holton for six years now. Her journey has been filled with joy and support from peers and faculty.

When the development office calls me and solicits a check, I contribute for one reason: special teachers. Of those people are pushed out for dubious reasons, this money spigot will close.

[Anonymous]

How do you contribute to the special teachers? Asking specifically to understand the different options. Not looking to speak directly with the Donation team atm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you contribute to the special teachers? Asking specifically to understand the different options. Not looking to speak directly with the Donation team atm.

I do not contribute to a special teacher. When the development office asks me for money, I donate because of the impact a particular teacher had on my DD. I make that clear when I write the check. I could not care less about the revolving door of administrators whose commitment is tied directly to their ambitions, titles, and salaries. Rather, I care about those teachers who exhibit professional love for my daughter.

[Anonymous]

Those teachers are leaving. By the droves. Experienced good teachers. Another crop leaving this coming year - just wait.

[Anonymous]

Current parent here who was in a meeting with outside consultants last year with about 20 parents (across grades and diverse) that would’ve been appropriate for people to air grievances. However, more than half the room said they were happy with the direction of the school and Penny‘s leadership in particular.
And they did air grievances about a few specific things (wanting to build more community is an example). I was actually very surprised given what I’ve read on this board and it was a good reminder that this is an anonymous forum that does not always have th total story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current parent here who was in a meeting with outside consultants last year with about 20 parents (across grades and diverse) that would’ve been appropriate for people to air grievances. However, more than half the room said they were happy with the direction of the school and Penny‘s leadership in particular.
And they did air grievances about a few specific things (wanting to build more community is an example). I was actually very surprised given what I’ve read on this board and it was a good reminder that this is an anonymous forum that does not always have th total story.

I agree with this. Current family. The vast (VAST) majority of parents (including me) really like Penny, her leadership style, and the direction she is taking the school. And no, I am not a paid consultant. I am just a mom who thinks it is a few disgruntled people who will always find something to be mad about who continue to post on this topic.

Talk to an actual parent, not this board, and see what they have to say. My daughter loves Holton and her teachers and I personally like Penny.

[Anonymous]

I like Penny but her convocation speech(es) were WAY too long. My US DD clocked the second at 22 minutes— but considering they shouldn’t have phone o don’t know how it was timed. Either way, keep it short and sweet. No parent wants to have the event go over time given. We have jobs to get to.

[Anonymous]

Agree w both PPs. Apparently advisory was missed because it went over by nearly half an hour. But US DD is super happy still and we all like Penny.

[Anonymous]

It's not the parents the school is worried about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not the parents the school is worried about.

But we are the customers/clients, no?

If the majority is happy, why not support that framework?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's not the parents the school is worried about.

But we are the customers/clients, no?

If the majority is happy, why not support that framework?

The thread is about the high rates of turnover at the school amongst faculty and staff. A friendly chat during a coffee or some sort of parent event does not reflect what actually happens on a daily basis at your child's school.

[Anonymous]

My kids are happy.

[Anonymous]

Np. Same, my kids are happy. Tired of this trope (droves, DROVES!!!).

I weigh what I read hear with what I hear from my kids and this first week has been exactly right. They are thrilled with their teachers this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like Penny but her convocation speech(es) were WAY too long. My US DD clocked the second at 22 minutes— but considering they shouldn’t have phone o don’t know how it was timed. Either way, keep it short and sweet. No parent wants to have the event go over time given. We have jobs to get to.

LOL this was my kid's only complaint about the first day of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Current parent here who was in a meeting with outside consultants last year with about 20 parents (across grades and diverse) that would’ve been appropriate for people to air grievances. However, more than half the room said they were happy with the direction of the school and Penny‘s leadership in particular.
And they did air grievances about a few specific things (wanting to build more community is an example). I was actually very surprised given what I’ve read on this board and it was a good reminder that this is an anonymous forum that does not always have th total story.

I agree with this. Current family. The vast (VAST) majority of parents (including me) really like Penny, her leadership style, and the direction she is taking the school. And no, I am not a paid consultant. I am just a mom who thinks it is a few disgruntled people who will always find something to be mad about who continue to post on this topic.

Talk to an actual parent, not this board, and see what they have to say. My daughter loves Holton and her teachers and I personally like Penny.

+1