Samuel Tucker Elementary Questions

[Anonymous]

I have a few questions regarding Kindergarten at Samuel Tucker?

Can someone please expand further on the intercessions for Samuel Tucker?

We are currently zoned for ST, and not to sure about the modified school calendar thing and the website doesn't go into much discussion about it. I have read things that the extra time is for those kids that are behind to catch up, etc.

We do not fall below that % line where we would have to pay the minimum (think I read $10) during the intercession but more like $150.

We are scheduled for a Kindergarten registration session, where I plan to asks a lists of questions, but I won't get my hopes up that I will get adequate answers. I attended the K Open house, but it was a bit crowded, and time was limited for asking questions.

Are there any other specific questions I should ask at registration?

How is the after school program option? (I believe its the Campagna Center)

Are there any good things current/previous parents like about Samuel Tucker? Everything I've read seems to lean more toward the negative.

TIA

[Anonymous]

Huh. Not sure where you've read the negative. My kids just finished their last year at Tucker in 12-13 and we were extremely happy with our time there, and know many other happy Tucker families.

We liked the modified calendar schedule. Kids still got a decent summer break, but weren't bored by August!

Intersession has a mix of classes. If your child is identified as needing remediation, one of their two classes will focus on the subject they need extra help with. These classes still have fun themes and projects, different from normal classroom time. If your kids doesn't need remediation, they can take enrichment classes. My kids enjoyed them. Again, fun themes and projects. Your K student could take a class with one gentleman who does this awesome "round the world" class.

Another option for you, is to just have your kid not attend Intersession. You then can plan a family trip in the spring or the fall. One year my kids went to DisneyWorld instead of Intersession. Less heat and fewer crowds!
We really enjoyed all our teachers, and the administration is very stable and supportive.

We only used Campagna for the early morning care, but I know other parents that used it for afterschool care and liked it.

You mentioned you had a list of questions. If you don't get them answered at the registration session, I'm sure you can set up a time to meet/call the staff, and they would be happy to answer your questions one on one. Also, you would be welcome at a PTA meeting. Not at all "cliquey" group, and they would be happy to talk with a prospective parent.

Feel free to come back here with any questions you have as well.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your response, and especially the information about the Intersession - which is totally something foreign to me. Being new to the area and unfamiliar with the local public schools, can be a bit stressful when trying to ensure your child's education is aligned with how it should be. I usually take reviews/posts with a grain of salt, as I understand everyone experiences are different. I re-read a lot of the negative posts and realize a majority of them are from ppl whose kids didn't even attend the school, but their own perception or from what "they heard" about the school.

My husband and I are actually scheduled to visit the school next week to gain our own insight. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

OP -- the year round calendar isn't for everyone.

Some really like it. They like the continuity, the fact that education doesn't slip like long breaks. They like being able to take vacations at off times (although it doesn't really help if you're a Fed or have a job tied to the Hill schedule since you're in school in August).

Others don't like it at all. For those who don't I think you can request a transfer. A lot of kids who would otherwise go to Tucker end up at Barrett, which is also considered to be one of the few decent ACPS elementary schools. Not sure how transportation there works.