APS school lockdowns

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

There is a new principal at Gunston and while I doubt this kid will get permanently expelled or anything I do think he will face consequences that are for more serious than the kid who did the same thing last year got.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

That doesn't mean that NO consequences happened. That means that the specific consequence of expulsion and suspension didn't happen. Furthermore, under the law students do get due process which means they need written/oral notice and then an opportunity to explain. Individual schools don't even have the authority to issue long term suspensions (this is from the superintendent) and only the school board can expel kids. Then there is a WHOLE set of other complications if the student has a disability. So don't blame individual schools they are generally bound by law which restricts their ability to issue certain consequences in a timely manner.

what do you mean schools can't issue long term suspensions? so who can?

The superintendent is the only one who can issue long term suspension and the child goes through an entire due process procedure first. It isn't done on a school level.

Are you sure that isn't just for kids with IEPs?

[Anonymous]

If there is a threat of children being harmed in school, why are administrators forcing children to stay in school (either through lockdown or secure the school), rather than evacuating the school? I’d rather my kid not be a sitting duck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

That doesn't mean that NO consequences happened. That means that the specific consequence of expulsion and suspension didn't happen. Furthermore, under the law students do get due process which means they need written/oral notice and then an opportunity to explain. Individual schools don't even have the authority to issue long term suspensions (this is from the superintendent) and only the school board can expel kids. Then there is a WHOLE set of other complications if the student has a disability. So don't blame individual schools they are generally bound by law which restricts their ability to issue certain consequences in a timely manner.

what do you mean schools can't issue long term suspensions? so who can?

The superintendent is the only one who can issue long term suspension and the child goes through an entire due process procedure first. It isn't done on a school level.

Are you sure that isn't just for kids with IEPs?

Yes.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/CC7T47751B7F/$file/C-3%20FINAL%20J-7.4%20PIP-1%20Student%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf

"Suspension includes temporary removal from all school activities and exclusion from school
grounds, including buses. Violation of these conditions may constitute trespassing charges if
threat of harm or injury is involved. A student may be suspended by a school
administrator/designee for no more than 10 days or by the Superintendent/designee for up to 45
days. The student and/or parent/guardian shall be given, before the suspension, an opportunity to
present their version of what occurred. A long-term suspension may extend beyond a 45-schoolday period but shall not exceed 364 calendar days if (i) the offense is one described in 22.1-
277.07 or 22.1-277.08 or involves serious bodily injury or (ii) the School Board or
Superintendent/designee finds that aggravating circumstances exist, as defined by the Code of
Virginia 22.1-277 and 22.1-277.05."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

That doesn't mean that NO consequences happened. That means that the specific consequence of expulsion and suspension didn't happen. Furthermore, under the law students do get due process which means they need written/oral notice and then an opportunity to explain. Individual schools don't even have the authority to issue long term suspensions (this is from the superintendent) and only the school board can expel kids. Then there is a WHOLE set of other complications if the student has a disability. So don't blame individual schools they are generally bound by law which restricts their ability to issue certain consequences in a timely manner.

what do you mean schools can't issue long term suspensions? so who can?

The superintendent is the only one who can issue long term suspension and the child goes through an entire due process procedure first. It isn't done on a school level.

Are you sure that isn't just for kids with IEPs?

Yes.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/CC7T47751B7F/$file/C-3%20FINAL%20J-7.4%20PIP-1%20Student%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf

"Suspension includes temporary removal from all school activities and exclusion from school
grounds, including buses. Violation of these conditions may constitute trespassing charges if
threat of harm or injury is involved. A student may be suspended by a school
administrator/designee for no more than 10 days or by the Superintendent/designee for up to 45
days. The student and/or parent/guardian shall be given, before the suspension, an opportunity to
present their version of what occurred. A long-term suspension may extend beyond a 45-schoolday period but shall not exceed 364 calendar days if (i) the offense is one described in 22.1-
277.07 or 22.1-277.08 or involves serious bodily injury or (ii) the School Board or
Superintendent/designee finds that aggravating circumstances exist, as defined by the Code of
Virginia 22.1-277 and 22.1-277.05."

Thank you, PP here and I really appreciate the response!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

That doesn't mean that NO consequences happened. That means that the specific consequence of expulsion and suspension didn't happen. Furthermore, under the law students do get due process which means they need written/oral notice and then an opportunity to explain. Individual schools don't even have the authority to issue long term suspensions (this is from the superintendent) and only the school board can expel kids. Then there is a WHOLE set of other complications if the student has a disability. So don't blame individual schools they are generally bound by law which restricts their ability to issue certain consequences in a timely manner.

what do you mean schools can't issue long term suspensions? so who can?

The superintendent is the only one who can issue long term suspension and the child goes through an entire due process procedure first. It isn't done on a school level.

Are you sure that isn't just for kids with IEPs?

Yes.

https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/CC7T47751B7F/$file/C-3%20FINAL%20J-7.4%20PIP-1%20Student%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf

"Suspension includes temporary removal from all school activities and exclusion from school
grounds, including buses. Violation of these conditions may constitute trespassing charges if
threat of harm or injury is involved. A student may be suspended by a school
administrator/designee for no more than 10 days or by the Superintendent/designee for up to 45
days. The student and/or parent/guardian shall be given, before the suspension, an opportunity to
present their version of what occurred. A long-term suspension may extend beyond a 45-schoolday period but shall not exceed 364 calendar days if (i) the offense is one described in 22.1-
277.07 or 22.1-277.08 or involves serious bodily injury or (ii) the School Board or
Superintendent/designee finds that aggravating circumstances exist, as defined by the Code of
Virginia 22.1-277 and 22.1-277.05."

Thank you, PP here and I really appreciate the response!

You are welcome. Schools really do have their hands tied in a lot of ways when it comes to disciplinary actions. And all of these procedures are written through court cases. Remember students do have a right to a public education so taking away that right via suspension/expulsion is not something they can do lightly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk what APS policy is but my DD’s teacher at Gunston made them remain in their seats and work through the lockdown.

I would reach our to the teacher and principal if you have questions or concerns

Amazing advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As well as the amount of students getting dropped by parents with Maryland plates. Also out of hand.

I thought ~100 students were just unenrolled due to the residency verification. And thus the crisis that was overcrowding at Gunston suddenly does not exist anymore.

Does the residency verification need to happen every other year or so?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They keep doing it because there’s no consequences. I was in high school when columbine happened. In the aftermath some kid made a threat. Boom, gone. Sent to the alternative high school.

Yes, unfortunately with what's happened over the last decade they have to take threats as seriously as if they were made at the airport. They need serious consequences for sure, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

At which school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As well as the amount of students getting dropped by parents with Maryland plates. Also out of hand.

have you reported them? or do you just complain on DCUM?

1) APS just did an address verification process and removed a lot of kids as a result.
2) some kids have a parent/guardian living in Arlington, and another parent/guardian living in MD.
-NP

+1. I'm no APS fan, but they just completed a very successful residency audit. I would like to see them expand this effort. The positions would pay for themselves.

+100

So many decisions based on enrollment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why folks assume there are no consequences all the time. Just because YOU a random parent don't know about the consequences doesn't mean that they don't happen. The school has to protect the privacy of students and therefore, if they find out who the person is, can not divulge that info or the disciplinary action.

Anyway, knowing what I know about the Gunston principal there is zero way she will let things just go without consequences there if we find out who the kid is. I mean kids are getting detention for not being ready to work in class (i.e. failing to bring supplies). Do you REALLY think they are going to just let this go if they find the person. She is a former police officer, she isn't averse to discipline.

But anyway, I am sure the school would love if they can ignore it, but they can't because one time it might be real and they can't take that chance.

I assume this because I work in a school. Last year a kid brought a knife to threaten classmates. He was back the next day

That doesn't mean that NO consequences happened. That means that the specific consequence of expulsion and suspension didn't happen. Furthermore, under the law students do get due process which means they need written/oral notice and then an opportunity to explain. Individual schools don't even have the authority to issue long term suspensions (this is from the superintendent) and only the school board can expel kids. Then there is a WHOLE set of other complications if the student has a disability. So don't blame individual schools they are generally bound by law which restricts their ability to issue certain consequences in a timely manner.

what do you mean schools can't issue long term suspensions? so who can?

The superintendent is the only one who can issue long term suspension and the child goes through an entire due process procedure first. It isn't done on a school level.

Are you sure that isn't just for kids with IEPs?

I’m not the PP, but yes I am sure.

[Anonymous]

A major reason school districts are reluctant to suspend (other than in-school suspensions) is the question of where that kid will go during the day(s). Home isn’t necessarily a great idea. Now that I think of it, this would be a great job for all those over-staffed depts at Syphax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A major reason school districts are reluctant to suspend (other than in-school suspensions) is the question of where that kid will go during the day(s). Home isn’t necessarily a great idea. Now that I think of it, this would be a great job for all those over-staffed depts at Syphax.

Right. The kid goes home and makes a real plan and comes back and does real damage

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A major reason school districts are reluctant to suspend (other than in-school suspensions) is the question of where that kid will go during the day(s). Home isn’t necessarily a great idea. Now that I think of it, this would be a great job for all those over-staffed depts at Syphax.

Not buying it. They had no problem with kids staying home during COVID.