DC charters - which ones are open? hybrid model? plans of reopening?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

[Anonymous]

If you want a guarantee of in person schooling, you need to switch to a private. I don't think playing the lottery is going to solve that problem for you. It's not even a guarantee within DCPS right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

True but some charters do have very tiny buildings and very resistant staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

I agree. I think most schools will be doing the same things in the Fall. Also, Stokes is bringing back most if not all students that want to come back in hybrid form in the next couple months. This seems comparable or further along than other language immersion charters

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

I agree. I think most schools will be doing the same things in the Fall. Also, Stokes is bringing back most if not all students that want to come back in hybrid form in the next couple months. This seems comparable or further along than other language immersion charters

MV parent here. Yes, this is more than MV is doing. They’ve brought some students back but are providing no information about when others should expect an invitation for in person learning. I predict the DCI feeders will end up with a similar hybrid offering for fall- I’ll be very surprised if there is full time in person school for everyone who wants it. Likely not worth lottery-ing out for a different charter as next year will probably be a wash as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

+1000
What this situation has highlighted is the risk you run if you attend a charter school--the lack of transparency, lack of accountability, etc. If you are entering the lottery for the first time, and ranking charter schools on your list, please take this as a cautionary tale. If you attend a charter school, perhaps refrain when you next have the urge to crow "we really won the lottery" about your school. I would hear this ALL THE TIME at the HRCS that my child attends; I sure as hell don't feel this way now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

I agree. I think most schools will be doing the same things in the Fall. Also, Stokes is bringing back most if not all students that want to come back in hybrid form in the next couple months. This seems comparable or further along than other language immersion charters

MV parent here. Yes, this is more than MV is doing. They’ve brought some students back but are providing no information about when others should expect an invitation for in person learning. I predict the DCI feeders will end up with a similar hybrid offering for fall- I’ll be very surprised if there is full time in person school for everyone who wants it. Likely not worth lottery-ing out for a different charter as next year will probably be a wash as well.

It is clear from the Stokes calls that all the DCI feeders are actively communicating and comparing plans for reopening which will lead to general alignment, for better or worse, because nobody will want to be an outlier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

+1000
What this situation has highlighted is the risk you run if you attend a charter school--the lack of transparency, lack of accountability, etc. If you are entering the lottery for the first time, and ranking charter schools on your list, please take this as a cautionary tale. If you attend a charter school, perhaps refrain when you next have the urge to crow "we really won the lottery" about your school. I would hear this ALL THE TIME at the HRCS that my child attends; I sure as hell don't feel this way now.

100x this. I was blind to it when I made my choice. But now I see.

[Anonymous]

I am very sympathetic to teachers overall. I am 100% not on the teacher bashing train at DCUM that has been running rampant. However...

Our charter was out all last week for a mini winter break. We just were informed that next week students will be asynchronous for 3 days so teachers can prepare for in-person learning. However from what the school has said, in-person opportunities will be akin to a few "field days" for students next month. I am unclear how it takes 3 days for the whole staff to plan this?

Our school also instituted full asynch days on Fridays earlier this year. And school is done at 1pm each day. How is 1-3 daily and then all day Friday not enough to plan ahead? I think it's kind of crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am very sympathetic to teachers overall. I am 100% not on the teacher bashing train at DCUM that has been running rampant. However...

Our charter was out all last week for a mini winter break. We just were informed that next week students will be asynchronous for 3 days so teachers can prepare for in-person learning. However from what the school has said, in-person opportunities will be akin to a few "field days" for students next month. I am unclear how it takes 3 days for the whole staff to plan this?

Our school also instituted full asynch days on Fridays earlier this year. And school is done at 1pm each day. How is 1-3 daily and then all day Friday not enough to plan ahead? I think it's kind of crazy.

Seriously. ITS' willingness to throw away the kids' instructional time is stunning to me. But they've always been like that. And I'm not expecting actual hybrid, it'll probably be just a few playdates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't see all these unhappy ITS, EW Stokes and DCB families jumping to enroll at Noyes, Bunker Hill and Lamond Riggs

+ 1000

Until DCPS is offering a firm guarantee of a seat for your specific child, rather than just the possibility of having a seat at some time this spring, I don't see why anyone would benefit from switching. But the lack of communication from ITS is deplorable and falls far short of what other HRCS are doing.

If I was a Stokes or DCB parent, I would play the lottery for MV and LAMB. Both offering some form of hybrid and higher chance they will go full IPL next year. Then decide to make move or not if you get a spot.

I think it would be a mistake to leave a charter school you like expecting a different charter to offer more IPL in the fall. The key driver is the social distancing requirement. Unless OSSE changes the cap on the number of students, nobody will be full-time in the fall. Some charters may be a few weeks ahead of others bringing kids back this spring, but I expect all the schools will have similar offerings for IPL in the fall based on what OSSE is mandating at that time. If you want more IPL put your energy advocating for it with DC government.

I agree. I think most schools will be doing the same things in the Fall. Also, Stokes is bringing back most if not all students that want to come back in hybrid form in the next couple months. This seems comparable or further along than other language immersion charters

PP where did you get this information? Did you make it up? Your information about Stokes is WRONG. I am a Stokes parent and the plan is to bring 36 “at risk” students back (across 2 campuses) starting March 22. In April/May they plan to offer some IPL for PreK and K. This plan leaves the majority of students with no IPL for the 2020-2021 SY. The school is prioritizing PK over mandatory grades with no explanation why and offering only a few students any opportunity for hybrid this school year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am very sympathetic to teachers overall. I am 100% not on the teacher bashing train at DCUM that has been running rampant. However...

Our charter was out all last week for a mini winter break. We just were informed that next week students will be asynchronous for 3 days so teachers can prepare for in-person learning. However from what the school has said, in-person opportunities will be akin to a few "field days" for students next month. I am unclear how it takes 3 days for the whole staff to plan this?

Our school also instituted full asynch days on Fridays earlier this year. And school is done at 1pm each day. How is 1-3 daily and then all day Friday not enough to plan ahead? I think it's kind of crazy.

Seriously. ITS' willingness to throw away the kids' instructional time is stunning to me. But they've always been like that. And I'm not expecting actual hybrid, it'll probably be just a few playdates.

I don't know why you think in person stuff will only be playdates/meet ups. We haven't gotten details yet, sure, but from how I read the email, the meet-ups are one strategy, not the only. Do I wish more detail was out already? Sure. But I don't think meet-ups are the only way they are planning to do more. My kid's teacher is excited to be welcoming kids back soon for IPL. And older grades students have instructional days that go until 3 pm. Other parents besides you would be screaming mad if their 1st grader had to be on screen until 3 pm. Just because it isn't always what you want doesn't means it's wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am very sympathetic to teachers overall. I am 100% not on the teacher bashing train at DCUM that has been running rampant. However...

Our charter was out all last week for a mini winter break. We just were informed that next week students will be asynchronous for 3 days so teachers can prepare for in-person learning. However from what the school has said, in-person opportunities will be akin to a few "field days" for students next month. I am unclear how it takes 3 days for the whole staff to plan this?

Our school also instituted full asynch days on Fridays earlier this year. And school is done at 1pm each day. How is 1-3 daily and then all day Friday not enough to plan ahead? I think it's kind of crazy.

Seriously. ITS' willingness to throw away the kids' instructional time is stunning to me. But they've always been like that. And I'm not expecting actual hybrid, it'll probably be just a few playdates.

I don't know why you think in person stuff will only be playdates/meet ups. We haven't gotten details yet, sure, but from how I read the email, the meet-ups are one strategy, not the only. Do I wish more detail was out already? Sure. But I don't think meet-ups are the only way they are planning to do more. My kid's teacher is excited to be welcoming kids back soon for IPL. And older grades students have instructional days that go until 3 pm. Other parents besides you would be screaming mad if their 1st grader had to be on screen until 3 pm. Just because it isn't always what you want doesn't means it's wrong.

I don't know why you think there will be IPL. What has given you that impression?

As for throwing away instructional time, I am referring to the three asynchronous days next week, but also to the Wednesday half days throughout the year that they added, and the half days for ECE at the start of every year. It seems like they take a vast quantity of PD time and instead of planning something of value for the kids like a visiting performer or whatever, they just expect parents to deal with mid-day pickups and the time is lost.

[Anonymous]

I think charters are dragging their feet so that when they announce plans for hybrid in fall, as opposed to full time in person learning, parents will be happy with that. Parents should not accept anything but full time IPL for fall... schools have had over a year to adapt. Other industries have adapted. Education needs to do the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think charters are dragging their feet so that when they announce plans for hybrid in fall, as opposed to full time in person learning, parents will be happy with that. Parents should not accept anything but full time IPL for fall... schools have had over a year to adapt. Other industries have adapted. Education needs to do the same.

This. +100