APS middle school boundary process

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This attempt to control for diversity seems so ill conceived. APS can do what it wants and redistrict all it wants. No way will their silly attempts fundamentally change anything, though. People in N. Arlington will either sell and move to Fairfax County, or send their kids to private before sending them to a horrible school. Lol, can you imagine any parents in the current Williamsburg zone allowing their kids to go to Kenmore? Ridiculous.

I do not have to imagine it. I know 3 families in my circle of friends who are zoned for Williamsburg but decided to send their kids to Kenmore.

Oops, forgot one. Make that 4 families.

Sure.

The only way you'd believe me is if I posted their names and addresses and I am not going to do that. Those 4 families felt Kenmore was a better fit for their children then Williamsburg and in each instance their child attended for all three years of MS.

Williamsburg sent 28 kids to Kenmore
Swanson sent 36. It's on the transfer report. No need to go on personal anecdotes.

Why do families transfer to Kenmore (pure curiousity, no judgment - I have babies)?

My daughter is a transfer to Kenmore from Williamsburg. We moved in the summer -- but we had transferred her in the winter when she was zoned for Gunston. She loves Kenmore. Entranced by all the technology and theatre. She's hoping to get a STEAM certificate by graduation -- I've probably outed her, but I don't care. She was at ATS - we lived in Fairlington so Abingdon would have been her home school, we had always planned to move during elementary to a single family home. She told me yesterday that her English class has 13 kids in it. No class is over 21 for her. She's being pulled out for Math enrichment during their homeroom period and is volunteering to read books to kids at Carlin Springs one day a week. All of the staff that we have encountered have been amazingly responsive and helpful. There were a number of ATS kids who transferred to Kenmore this year instead of going to their neighborhood MS.

[Anonymous]

For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

[Anonymous]

12:58 -- also, it's not overcrowded the way Swanson and Williamsburg currently are. Williamsburg has 28 trailers, I think and Swanson has the whole 7th grade in trailers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Another South Arl parent here, in agreement. I am seeking a solution within reason, bearing in mind not everyone prioritizes things as I do, and trying to ameliorate the more densely populated lower-income populations. I don't see any reason in a vacuum to force a diversity "solution" on a school that doesn't think it has a problem. Given that the SB has said no more islands, the only available way to do this seems to be, unfortunately, the DH neighborhood. Option F "helps" W'burg's diversity numbers while "hurting" Kenmore, but I see no reason to do that since W'burg doesn't appear to have a problem with the way things are. Hey, maybe Kenmore doesn't have a problem with the way things are; my sense is otherwise though.

It's kind of heartening to hear the posters chime in about what students/parents like about Kenmore. I have noted class size myself as a benefit to my own Title I elementary that my daughter attends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

I see you have no response, because you know the comment is true. You chose to live in a low-rent undesirable area, hoping it would gentrify. Now you are angry that that wish isn't coming true. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

I’m with pp. Mi Voz Cuenta. Sorry you don’t like it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

I see you have no response, because you know the comment is true. You chose to live in a low-rent undesirable area, hoping it would gentrify. Now you are angry that that wish isn't coming true. Oh well.

There are countless studies that say there is a tipping point in poverty. 50% is way over it. Of course you know that, it’s why you don’t want to send your kid to Kenmore. Too bad so sad. Sorry you couldn’t afford country club hills. Keep on strivin’!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

I see you have no response, because you know the comment is true. You chose to live in a low-rent undesirable area, hoping it would gentrify. Now you are angry that that wish isn't coming true. Oh well.

There are countless studies that say there is a tipping point in poverty. 50% is way over it. Of course you know that, it’s why you don’t want to send your kid to Kenmore. Too bad so sad. Sorry you couldn’t afford country club hills. Keep on strivin’!

I actually live N. of Route 50. Thanks for playing.

[Anonymous]

I am new to this conversation and can't bring myself to read 23 pages of...argument.

I appreciate the thread though because I just learned that for middle school our neighborhood will be at Stafford. Where is that new school going to be?

What are the pros/cons of it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

I see you have no response, because you know the comment is true. You chose to live in a low-rent undesirable area, hoping it would gentrify. Now you are angry that that wish isn't coming true. Oh well.

There are countless studies that say there is a tipping point in poverty. 50% is way over it. Of course you know that, it’s why you don’t want to send your kid to Kenmore. Too bad so sad. Sorry you couldn’t afford country club hills. Keep on strivin’!

Tipping point for what? And my kid is zoned for wburg in every scenario that I've seen, so not sure what you mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For other readers that prioritize demographics (better distribution of FARM students), what do you think about 1F vs 1H?

H decreases Kenmore to 45%, but leaves Williamsburg with only 4%, while F increases Kenmore to 53%, but keeps Williamsburg and the new school at over 10%. Is it more important to keep all schools below 50%, or is it better to make sure there is at least a small percentage at each school? I'm drawn to 1H, but worry that Williamsburg will become disconnected from the rest of the country by having such a minuscule percentage. Which of these is a better first step? Does anyone see ways to improve 1F to get Kenmore below 50? (without just shifting to Jefferson)

Not looking for a pound of flesh.
As a south Arlington parent I would love to see the diversity map that sliced vertically but I’m not naive.
Schools at 50% are unacceptable.
I really don’t want to hear people whining about their walk zones.
Schools at 50% poverty are unacceptable.

Who are you to decide that 50% poverty schools are unacceptable? Poverty is concentrated in undesirable areas with lower rents -- a problem that Arlington itself created. Too bad, so sad. It's like saying kids in NW DC should be bused to SE public schools to balance things out.

I hope you get hit in the head with a brick today. Maybe it will knock some sense into you.

I see you have no response, because you know the comment is true. You chose to live in a low-rent undesirable area, hoping it would gentrify. Now you are angry that that wish isn't coming true. Oh well.

There are countless studies that say there is a tipping point in poverty. 50% is way over it. Of course you know that, it’s why you don’t want to send your kid to Kenmore. Too bad so sad. Sorry you couldn’t afford country club hills. Keep on strivin’!

I actually live N. of Route 50. Thanks for playing.

Ummm... did you mean north of 29? Because no ones really impressed with Arlington forest or wherever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm never t seeing a map where McK neighborhoods go to Gunston. I think alignment makes sense.

Parts of Tuckahoe and McKinely go to Gunston:

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Scenario_H_Draft5-1.pdf

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ESZones_Letter_2017.pdf

Alignment means consistent pyramids of schools (Elem -> Same MS -> same HS)? That won't be happening.

PP here. I misinterpreted the slide deck so am reposting this b/c the PDFs are very helpful.