APS/SA boundary redrawing - meeting tonight

[Anonymous]

Right, the Northies benefit from being bused away from neighborhood schools to schools south of Route 50 so they can benefit by being around lower SES kids. It's for their own good. Diversity is strength.
We will just ignore the fact that "quality" of the school is less south of 50 based on measured test scores. You can't have it both ways. If you want your kids' tests scores to increase by associating with higher SES kids, this necessarily implies that the higher SES kids' test scores will suffer with exposure to lower SES kids on average. Not only will the higher SES kids not benefit from exposure to low SES kids, but some will have to be put on buses for the "privilege" of being exposed to them.
Frankly, I don't have any issue with importing kids from the south into NA schools, but the notion that some kids should be forced onto buses to benefit other kids is silly and unlikely to gain political support. Then, telling them that it is in their own best interest to be bused south is condescending and obnoxious. It's simply the standard fascistic attitude that I have come to know and hate from the leftists in Arlington.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Right, the Northies benefit from being bused away from neighborhood schools to schools south of Route 50 so they can benefit by being around lower SES kids. It's for their own good. Diversity is strength.
We will just ignore the fact that "quality" of the school is less south of 50 based on measured test scores. You can't have it both ways. If you want your kids' tests scores to increase by associating with higher SES kids, this necessarily implies that the higher SES kids' test scores will suffer with exposure to lower SES kids on average. Not only will the higher SES kids not benefit from exposure to low SES kids, but some will have to be put on buses for the "privilege" of being exposed to them.
Frankly, I don't have any issue with importing kids from the south into NA schools, but the notion that some kids should be forced onto buses to benefit other kids is silly and unlikely to gain political support. Then, telling them that it is in their own best interest to be bused south is condescending and obnoxious. It's simply the standard fascistic attitude that I have come to know and hate from the leftists in Arlington.

No one is calling for a handful of white kids from Jamestown to be bussed to Drew, so spare us that straw man and your constant whining about liberals. Your willingness to live among people you clearly detest ("leftists") seems oddly apropos to this discussion. Seems like for all our faults, us liberals have managed to create a spot on earth that you choose to live and obviously benefit from, else you'd have moved away by now. Clearly you have choices. Now, could it be that some not so advantaged kids might have something to offer well off kids, despite what you say? Hmm, maybe so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
No one is calling for a handful of white kids from Jamestown to be bussed to Drew, so spare us that straw man and your constant whining about liberals. Your willingness to live among people you clearly detest ("leftists") seems oddly apropos to this discussion. Seems like for all our faults, us liberals have managed to create a spot on earth that you choose to live and obviously benefit from, else you'd have moved away by now. Clearly you have choices. Now, could it be that some not so advantaged kids might have something to offer well off kids, despite what you say? Hmm, maybe so.

Meh... What constant whining about liberals? That was only my second post in this thread.
The same argument could be made about higher SES kids in South Arlington not being allowed to go to their neighborhood school and being bused to Drew for their own "benefit."

I moved to Arlington for the commute. If I went to anywhere else as near in to my job as Arlington, I would still be surrounded by you hopeless leftists. Arlington derives its wealth from its proximity to the government and its various hangers-on. It is not leftists that created this spot on earth. However, leftists are certainly doing a good job of pissing away Arlington's wealth and making it a less pleasant place to live.

I don't have a dog in this fight as my kids are all in high school. The reason I comment is that I see these ridiculous arguments where people want to use other kids to benefit their own kids. Furthermore, they claim that this will not only benefit the lower SES kids, but also the higher SES kids against what the parents of the higher SES kids clearly think. This is obviously a fascistic argument. Why can't you let people honestly state their preferences (and the rationale behind these preferences) without calling them racists? You leftists clearly don't realize that it is, in fact, you that are the source of all sorts of fascist social engineering where you don't take into account the preferences of those who might disagree with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
No one is calling for a handful of white kids from Jamestown to be bussed to Drew, so spare us that straw man and your constant whining about liberals. Your willingness to live among people you clearly detest ("leftists") seems oddly apropos to this discussion. Seems like for all our faults, us liberals have managed to create a spot on earth that you choose to live and obviously benefit from, else you'd have moved away by now. Clearly you have choices. Now, could it be that some not so advantaged kids might have something to offer well off kids, despite what you say? Hmm, maybe so.

Meh... What constant whining about liberals? That was only my second post in this thread.
The same argument could be made about higher SES kids in South Arlington not being allowed to go to their neighborhood school and being bused to Drew for their own "benefit."

I moved to Arlington for the commute. If I went to anywhere else as near in to my job as Arlington, I would still be surrounded by you hopeless leftists. Arlington derives its wealth from its proximity to the government and its various hangers-on. It is not leftists that created this spot on earth. However, leftists are certainly doing a good job of pissing away Arlington's wealth and making it a less pleasant place to live.

I don't have a dog in this fight as my kids are all in high school. The reason I comment is that I see these ridiculous arguments where people want to use other kids to benefit their own kids. Furthermore, they claim that this will not only benefit the lower SES kids, but also the higher SES kids against what the parents of the higher SES kids clearly think. This is obviously a fascistic argument. Why can't you let people honestly state their preferences (and the rationale behind these preferences) without calling them racists? You leftists clearly don't realize that it is, in fact, you that are the source of all sorts of fascist social engineering where you don't take into account the preferences of those who might disagree with you.

You'd still be surrounded because liberal politics is associated with ideas, value creation and economic growth, and right wing politics is associated with digging buried treasure out of the ground and burning it until there is nothing left. That is why youre here. Your kids would do well to stay here and learn to interact with people unlike themselves. This is where the jobs are, this is the future will be, and cloistering our children in the leafy green enclaves of north Arlington will eventually be to their detriment. Adios. Also find a synonym for "fascist" it makes you sound uneducated when you repeat the same word over and over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You'd still be surrounded because liberal politics is associated with ideas, value creation and economic growth, and right wing politics is associated with digging buried treasure out of the ground and burning it until there is nothing left. That is why youre here. Your kids would do well to stay here and learn to interact with people unlike themselves. This is where the jobs are, this is the future will be, and cloistering our children in the leafy green enclaves of north Arlington will eventually be to their detriment. Adios. Also find a synonym for "fascist" it makes you sound uneducated when you repeat the same word over and over.

From Merriam-Webster:
fascism noun
fas·cism | \ ?fa-?shi-z?m also ?fa-?si-
\
Definition of fascism

1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition

2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control early instances of army fascism and brutality

Without the nationalism, this seems to describe leftists pretty well.

I am amused that you don't think that North Arlington is filled with leftists as well.

Also, please describe how liberal values are associated with "ideas, value creation and economic growth." I thought their motto is "Resist," which doesn't seem to offer a positive program for anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You'd still be surrounded because liberal politics is associated with ideas, value creation and economic growth, and right wing politics is associated with digging buried treasure out of the ground and burning it until there is nothing left. That is why youre here. Your kids would do well to stay here and learn to interact with people unlike themselves. This is where the jobs are, this is the future will be, and cloistering our children in the leafy green enclaves of north Arlington will eventually be to their detriment. Adios. Also find a synonym for "fascist" it makes you sound uneducated when you repeat the same word over and over.

From Merriam-Webster:
fascism noun
fas·cism | \ ?fa-?shi-z?m also ?fa-?si-
\
Definition of fascism

1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition

2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control early instances of army fascism and brutality

Without the nationalism, this seems to describe leftists pretty well.

I am amused that you don't think that North Arlington is filled with leftists as well.

Also, please describe how liberal values are associated with "ideas, value creation and economic growth." I thought their motto is "Resist," which doesn't seem to offer a positive program for anything.

Dp- I realize you can’t help but “contribute” to these discussions, but you have nothing relevant to share. Go wave your flag on the politics forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
No one is calling for a handful of white kids from Jamestown to be bussed to Drew, so spare us that straw man and your constant whining about liberals. Your willingness to live among people you clearly detest ("leftists") seems oddly apropos to this discussion. Seems like for all our faults, us liberals have managed to create a spot on earth that you choose to live and obviously benefit from, else you'd have moved away by now. Clearly you have choices. Now, could it be that some not so advantaged kids might have something to offer well off kids, despite what you say? Hmm, maybe so.

Meh... What constant whining about liberals? That was only my second post in this thread.
The same argument could be made about higher SES kids in South Arlington not being allowed to go to their neighborhood school and being bused to Drew for their own "benefit."

I moved to Arlington for the commute. If I went to anywhere else as near in to my job as Arlington, I would still be surrounded by you hopeless leftists. Arlington derives its wealth from its proximity to the government and its various hangers-on. It is not leftists that created this spot on earth. However, leftists are certainly doing a good job of pissing away Arlington's wealth and making it a less pleasant place to live.

I don't have a dog in this fight as my kids are all in high school. The reason I comment is that I see these ridiculous arguments where people want to use other kids to benefit their own kids. Furthermore, they claim that this will not only benefit the lower SES kids, but also the higher SES kids against what the parents of the higher SES kids clearly think. This is obviously a fascistic argument. Why can't you let people honestly state their preferences (and the rationale behind these preferences) without calling them racists? You leftists clearly don't realize that it is, in fact, you that are the source of all sorts of fascist social engineering where you don't take into account the preferences of those who might disagree with you.

You'd still be surrounded because liberal politics is associated with ideas, value creation and economic growth, and right wing politics is associated with digging buried treasure out of the ground and burning it until there is nothing left. That is why youre here. Your kids would do well to stay here and learn to interact with people unlike themselves. This is where the jobs are, this is the future will be, and cloistering our children in the leafy green enclaves of north Arlington will eventually be to their detriment. Adios. Also find a synonym for "fascist" it makes you sound uneducated when you repeat the same word over and over.

You have got to be joking? Economic growth? Wealth distribution and hyper regulation do not equate to economic growth. Have you noticed the economy lately? Your liberal “ideas” have nothing to do with it.

But, back to schools. I know that for my kids to be successful they have to effectively relate to people from all different backgrounds and outlooks on life - even liberals. The best way to do that is to be around a diverse group of people. But, I don’t think they need to be at a school with 80% fr/l to develop those skills or understanding and compassion for others. And so I’d rather them be at a school with higher test scores. It simply makes me more comfortable that they will progress academically and receive sufficient attention from their teachers. It doesn’t make me racist.

[Anonymous]

I dont want my kids near the poors. The poors have low test scores and are prone to violence and criminality. They also lack intellectual curiosity. There is nothing racist about this: the poors themselves do not want to go to school with the poors and are trying to pish their way into NA schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

what really helps low income kids perform to their ability is simply being around high performing middle and upper middle class kids, not when rich people throw money at them and say "please go away."

We learn and model after our peers. Rich or poor, you're selling your kid short if you think he or she isn't of value to classmates simply by being in the same class. Yes, there is the issue of teacher resources but that is just another argument for loweringm the farms rates. NO ONE should attend a school with a farms rate so high that issues related to poverty dominates a teachers time. And frankly, we don't get to choose who we go to public school with, That's why it's called public school. Part of the issue is almost certainly that dc is a magnet for the upper crust of communities nationwide, and probably many went to segregated, cloistered schools themselves and have no experience with diversity. It's ok to be uneasy about that. But try to separate fear and assumptions and uncertainty with reality. Henry is by all accounts a great school with a farms rate nearly equal to the average. That fact is probably a total no go for some parents north of lee highway. If you're a Henry parent you probably laugh at that, right? That's because you actually know what it's like to have some diversity in your school, whereas they don't. It's all relative.

My problem with your statement is that it reeks of the white savior complex. When the hispanic community along the Pike was asked about school preferences and boundary adjustments, the response to APS was clear they'd prefer their kids to be educated alongside demographically similar kids. Again, this is the stated preference of the parents and presumably the kids. Yet there are plenty of well meaning Arlington UMC/high SES that think this is not good enough, and these families are not capable of making their own decisions. It is a local version of "What's the Matter with Kansas", an unstated assumption these the poors don't know what's good for them so us white UMCs should just decide on their behalf.

The demographics of S. Arlington, especially along the Pike, are set. That doesnt give APS or the County a lot of flexibility to do anything but tinker at the margins for the FARMS rate. Is this a problem? Sure, but primarily in the minds of high SES / UMC families that are now districted into these schools. As best as we can tell, the majority of parents there are quite happy with the way things are.

And again, not to beat a dead horse, but the quoted statement is another example of treating other people's kids as a spendable resource. End of day, that is deeply offensive to parents, and you are going to instinctively turn off a lot of parents regardless of whatever social good you think you are promoting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Frankly, I don't have any issue with importing kids from the south into NA schools, but the notion that some kids should be forced onto buses to benefit other kids is silly and unlikely to gain political support. Then, telling them that it is in their own best interest to be bused south is condescending and obnoxious. It's simply the standard fascistic attitude that I have come to know and hate from the leftists in Arlington.

Another case of UMC/high SES adults thinking they know better than lower SES and Hispanic community in Arlington. They absolutely do NOT want their kids bussed into N. Arlington.

[Anonymous]

If SB is going to make the whites sacrifice their kid’s education and safety by bussing them down to SA, the least Arlington can do is give the parents of the affected kids a tax break. With how much everyone loves diversity, you would think there would be a fight over who gets to ship their kids down south. LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Frankly, I don't have any issue with importing kids from the south into NA schools, but the notion that some kids should be forced onto buses to benefit other kids is silly and unlikely to gain political support. Then, telling them that it is in their own best interest to be bused south is condescending and obnoxious. It's simply the standard fascistic attitude that I have come to know and hate from the leftists in Arlington.

Another case of UMC/high SES adults thinking they know better than lower SES and Hispanic community in Arlington. They absolutely do NOT want their kids bussed into N. Arlington.

Right that is why all of the poor kids in my neighborhood go to Drew. I must have missed that while wading through the ton of kids waiting at the ATS bus stop in front of my house.

That isn't even address the many kids that go to Claremont, Hoffman-Boston and Campbell from my neighborhood. Stop assuming all lower income families are happy to keep their kid at under performing school. Plenty of these parents work hard to get their kids into choice schools when they can. They do it because they want a better option for their kid. If they could get a chance to go to schools in N. Arlington they would do that too.

[Anonymous]

APS SURVEY : to immigrant families living off the Pike ( a play in 1 act)

APS: hello immigrants
Immigrants: hola
APS: we have some questions for you
( half of all immigrants scatter immediately in terror)
Immigrants: ok.... sup?
APS: do you like your school?
Immigrants: ( caustiously consider response) ... yes...?
APS: do you want to be bussed WAY across town to a completely white school full of entitled rich kids that will likely call ICE on Pedro’s nana?
( beat)
Immigrants: we really love Barcroft

The End

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

what really helps low income kids perform to their ability is simply being around high performing middle and upper middle class kids, not when rich people throw money at them and say "please go away."

We learn and model after our peers. Rich or poor, you're selling your kid short if you think he or she isn't of value to classmates simply by being in the same class. Yes, there is the issue of teacher resources but that is just another argument for loweringm the farms rates. NO ONE should attend a school with a farms rate so high that issues related to poverty dominates a teachers time. And frankly, we don't get to choose who we go to public school with, That's why it's called public school. Part of the issue is almost certainly that dc is a magnet for the upper crust of communities nationwide, and probably many went to segregated, cloistered schools themselves and have no experience with diversity. It's ok to be uneasy about that. But try to separate fear and assumptions and uncertainty with reality. Henry is by all accounts a great school with a farms rate nearly equal to the average. That fact is probably a total no go for some parents north of lee highway. If you're a Henry parent you probably laugh at that, right? That's because you actually know what it's like to have some diversity in your school, whereas they don't. It's all relative.

My problem with your statement is that it reeks of the white savior complex. When the hispanic community along the Pike was asked about school preferences and boundary adjustments, the response to APS was clear they'd prefer their kids to be educated alongside demographically similar kids. Again, this is the stated preference of the parents and presumably the kids. Yet there are plenty of well meaning Arlington UMC/high SES that think this is not good enough, and these families are not capable of making their own decisions. It is a local version of "What's the Matter with Kansas", an unstated assumption these the poors don't know what's good for them so us white UMCs should just decide on their behalf.

The demographics of S. Arlington, especially along the Pike, are set. That doesnt give APS or the County a lot of flexibility to do anything but tinker at the margins for the FARMS rate. Is this a problem? Sure, but primarily in the minds of high SES / UMC families that are now districted into these schools. As best as we can tell, the majority of parents there are quite happy with the way things are.

And again, not to beat a dead horse, but the quoted statement is another example of treating other people's kids as a spendable resource. End of day, that is deeply offensive to parents, and you are going to instinctively turn off a lot of parents regardless of whatever social good you think you are promoting.

If you were asked "do you want to go to a neighborhood school with your friends/neighbors or go to a school significantly farther away with no or only a handful of English-speaking kids," what would you respond? HOW they are asked the question BY WHOM they are asked it makes a HUGE difference. And APS and other "advocates" on the hispanic community's behalf who don't actually live in the community they are asking, tend to pose the question in this fear-inducing way. You state they responded they wanted their kids educated "alongside demographically similar kids." Does that mean they exclude learning alongside other kids as well? NO! They want a sufficient cohort so that they do not feel isolated and unwelcomed - like the MC English-first language children can feel in the 70-80% FRL/50-70% ELL schools. And you don't district individual children from Carlin Springs, for example, to 2% FRL (and not necessarily Hispanic) Jamesetown. You district multiple planning units and sufficiently sized groups of "demographically similar kids" to a school and the neighbors still live and learn alongside "demographically similar kids." But they also learn alongside everyone else and vice versa; and you create greater equity and opportunity. It isn't a matter of what's best for a particular set of kids - it's about what's best for our whole community and all of our kids overall. Segregation isn't it. If the Latinos only want their kids to learn alongside other Latinos of the same economic background, they could stay in a country where all the kids are the same. They didn't. They moved here for various reasons. And in Arlington, it's the white UMC who move (away from south arlington to north arlington) in order for their kids to "learn alongside demographically similar kids." Hispanics don't have to do the moving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:APS SURVEY : to immigrant families living off the Pike ( a play in 1 act)

APS: hello immigrants
Immigrants: hola
APS: we have some questions for you
( half of all immigrants scatter immediately in terror)
Immigrants: ok.... sup?
APS: do you like your school?
Immigrants: ( caustiously consider response) ... yes...?
APS: do you want to be bussed WAY across town to a completely white school full of entitled rich kids that will likely call ICE on Pedro’s nana?
( beat)
Immigrants: we really love Barcroft

The End

BINGO! And, what a shock, it's the same answer all the other parents at all the other schools say when they might get redistricted to another school - even one chock full of other kids demographically just like theirs.