APS 8th Grade Trip

[Anonymous]

I live near Funland. Its not a destination. Most of their features are usually broken or closed. Every machine is pay per turn, your money goes so fast. The kids will be bored.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
There are many reasons and yes AP should address thr disparities between north and south Arlington schools when it comes to field trips at all levels.

BUT People worked really hard to plan events kids might enjoy and reports from funland at other schools were that they really liked it and had fun.

For what it is worth 8th grade at gunston has multiple events over 4 days including an ice cream social, field day with carnival games and activities, not to mention the normal dance with free food and snacks. But I am sorry that isn't enough. We tried.

I’m sure the kids are going to have a fabulous time with what you all have planned!

The Disparity really bothers me, we are such a small county. Admittedly my child went to Williamsburg and did go to Kings Dominion. I had NO idea that there are some middle schools that don’t go because of budget. As mentioned above this is just one issue in the disparity issues, but it’s one quite visible to kids when they see their peers at other schools having opportunities they’re not afforded. I feel like we can do better. If anyone knows of a group who’s working to make change in this area please post information otherwise I’m going to be talking about this at our next PTA meeting.

You should bring it up with the CCPTA. And make sure you volunteer to lead it, don't just b--ch about it and expect others to do the work.

I have to say it’s people who make comments like this that make others not want to volunteer because they feel like they’re going to be engaged with people with this negative/demeaning tone.

It's this type of attitude from do nothing complainers that made me STOP volunteering.

Bad assumption. I ran our schools fundraising committee for four years and brought in the most money our school ever raised. It was so hard getting people to join because of comments like yours and the other persons ( if you’re not the same person). I would never say anything to a potential volunteer like what you are saying. It’s so rude and disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
There are many reasons and yes AP should address thr disparities between north and south Arlington schools when it comes to field trips at all levels.

BUT People worked really hard to plan events kids might enjoy and reports from funland at other schools were that they really liked it and had fun.

For what it is worth 8th grade at gunston has multiple events over 4 days including an ice cream social, field day with carnival games and activities, not to mention the normal dance with free food and snacks. But I am sorry that isn't enough. We tried.

I’m sure the kids are going to have a fabulous time with what you all have planned!

The Disparity really bothers me, we are such a small county. Admittedly my child went to Williamsburg and did go to Kings Dominion. I had NO idea that there are some middle schools that don’t go because of budget. As mentioned above this is just one issue in the disparity issues, but it’s one quite visible to kids when they see their peers at other schools having opportunities they’re not afforded. I feel like we can do better. If anyone knows of a group who’s working to make change in this area please post information otherwise I’m going to be talking about this at our next PTA meeting.

The WMS pta doesn’t even have enough to give each teacher a $25 gift card. They routinely send out emails that the majority of the parents don’t even pay the activity fee.

This is true, it’s wild. A couple years ago there was a big ask for donations and all the parents I personally reached out to were like “don’t we have a budget for that?” No, because you didn’t pay your activity fee and you didn’t donate to the no-frills fundraiser! People are so checked out for some reason in middle school. But when you ask them personally, they’re more than willing to be generous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
There are many reasons and yes AP should address thr disparities between north and south Arlington schools when it comes to field trips at all levels.

BUT People worked really hard to plan events kids might enjoy and reports from funland at other schools were that they really liked it and had fun.

For what it is worth 8th grade at gunston has multiple events over 4 days including an ice cream social, field day with carnival games and activities, not to mention the normal dance with free food and snacks. But I am sorry that isn't enough. We tried.

I’m sure the kids are going to have a fabulous time with what you all have planned!

The Disparity really bothers me, we are such a small county. Admittedly my child went to Williamsburg and did go to Kings Dominion. I had NO idea that there are some middle schools that don’t go because of budget. As mentioned above this is just one issue in the disparity issues, but it’s one quite visible to kids when they see their peers at other schools having opportunities they’re not afforded. I feel like we can do better. If anyone knows of a group who’s working to make change in this area please post information otherwise I’m going to be talking about this at our next PTA meeting.

You should bring it up with the CCPTA. And make sure you volunteer to lead it, don't just b--ch about it and expect others to do the work.

I have to say it’s people who make comments like this that make others not want to volunteer because they feel like they’re going to be engaged with people with this negative/demeaning tone.

It's this type of attitude from do nothing complainers that made me STOP volunteering.

Bad assumption. I ran our schools fundraising committee for four years and brought in the most money our school ever raised. It was so hard getting people to join because of comments like yours and the other persons ( if you’re not the same person). I would never say anything to a potential volunteer like what you are saying. It’s so rude and disrespectful.

I have led a lot of school volunteer things. The parents who bash you without lifting a finger drove me away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
There are many reasons and yes AP should address thr disparities between north and south Arlington schools when it comes to field trips at all levels.

BUT People worked really hard to plan events kids might enjoy and reports from funland at other schools were that they really liked it and had fun.

For what it is worth 8th grade at gunston has multiple events over 4 days including an ice cream social, field day with carnival games and activities, not to mention the normal dance with free food and snacks. But I am sorry that isn't enough. We tried.

I’m sure the kids are going to have a fabulous time with what you all have planned!

The Disparity really bothers me, we are such a small county. Admittedly my child went to Williamsburg and did go to Kings Dominion. I had NO idea that there are some middle schools that don’t go because of budget. As mentioned above this is just one issue in the disparity issues, but it’s one quite visible to kids when they see their peers at other schools having opportunities they’re not afforded. I feel like we can do better. If anyone knows of a group who’s working to make change in this area please post information otherwise I’m going to be talking about this at our next PTA meeting.

You should bring it up with the CCPTA. And make sure you volunteer to lead it, don't just b--ch about it and expect others to do the work.

I have to say it’s people who make comments like this that make others not want to volunteer because they feel like they’re going to be engaged with people with this negative/demeaning tone.

It's this type of attitude from do nothing complainers that made me STOP volunteering.

Bad assumption. I ran our schools fundraising committee for four years and brought in the most money our school ever raised. It was so hard getting people to join because of comments like yours and the other persons ( if you’re not the same person). I would never say anything to a potential volunteer like what you are saying. It’s so rude and disrespectful.

I have led a lot of school volunteer things. The parents who bash you without lifting a finger drove me away.

+1

All those kinds of parents do is complain and complain. Never help with anything. We are volunteers trying to help out the kids, not your f-ing servants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Apparently some of the other middle schools go to Funland as well

Who? Not DH or WMS.

According to the PTA president Kenmore and TJ do

Kenmore was at Kings Dominion in past years, what changed?

o

I think the band/orchestra/choir still do the Kings Dominion trip. Last year 8th grade trip was downgraded to Funland from a boat cruise. APS eliminated all field trip budget, so schools with smaller PTA budgets do fewer/less costly trips and events

If it’s true that it’s a budget issue then I do think the school principals need to get together and talk about. Is it really OK to allow the more affluent schools to send their kids to Kings Dominion Just because the parents can afford it. When our kids went to Kings Dominion, I think it was $100 for the day. If only 50% of the class could afford that I’m not sure the PTA could’ve floated that.

Can’t speak to anything specific at any one school, but of course it’s budget. Principals at schools where a plurality of students can’t afford fees just don’t take big trips, get coach buses, buy new sports uniforms or band outfits, have fancy sets for plays, etc. The PTAs and individual families couldn’t possibly subsidize because their budgets are also smaller, smaller pool of families who can afford these extras. APS knows this but they don’t care and don’t think it matters. If they did, the field trip and activities budgets wouldn’t have been cut across the board, rather they would’ve increased them at poor schools and eliminated funding at rich schools where parents and/or PTAs can afford to pay. It’s this type of imbalance that contributes to MC families avoiding certain schools. Who wants their kid to never take field trips or have any of the perks they know their neighbors a few blocks away enjoy? It’s not limited to field trips or sports or activities, it’s baked into every single aspect of the schools. It’s just a more obvious/specific one that is being talked about here. Just tack it on the list.

I’m an eighth grade parent. I do not give a f— that my kid is going to Funland over King’s Dominion. Funland sounds great. Less time on a bus, more time for fun. As the kids say, it’s not that deep. I love that they’re doing fun things, and I don’t feel slighted in the least. Hats off to the planners! Kings Dominion isn’t that great.

[Anonymous]

Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

Well it was up until this year. So what changed. In previous years was APS pitching in to pay for some kids to go to Kings Dominion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

While the three South Arlington middle schools have a fair amount of well-to-do families, the disparity is still fairly stark, when compared to the predominantly wealthy North Arlington middle schools. There are no easy solutions short of massive boundary changes to even out the demographics or a 100% lottery system; neither will likely happen any time soon if ever.

If there legitimate concerns over equity, I hope the wealthier families at the three South Arlington schools can step up to help those who may need financial support. Perhaps this is where parent groups could coordinate such an effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

Well it was up until this year. So what changed. In previous years was APS pitching in to pay for some kids to go to Kings Dominion?

APS did used to provide field trip funding. We also used to have adequate bus drivers and could have used school buses vs charter (maybe not 100% sure but Fairfax uses school buses, APS can't). APS really cracked down on individual school spending so it has been hard.

Also a lot of kids simply didn't go on the trip before.

Finally the new collective bargaining contract means teachers can say no to working outside contract hours. Schools have different cultures when it comes to willingness to do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

Well it was up until this year. So what changed. In previous years was APS pitching in to pay for some kids to go to Kings Dominion?

APS did used to provide field trip funding. We also used to have adequate bus drivers and could have used school buses vs charter (maybe not 100% sure but Fairfax uses school buses, APS can't). APS really cracked down on individual school spending so it has been hard.

Also a lot of kids simply didn't go on the trip before.

Finally the new collective bargaining contract means teachers can say no to working outside contract hours. Schools have different cultures when it comes to willingness to do this.

The majority of the cost for Kings Dominion is the ticket. APS was not ever paying for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

Well it was up until this year. So what changed. In previous years was APS pitching in to pay for some kids to go to Kings Dominion?

APS did used to provide field trip funding. We also used to have adequate bus drivers and could have used school buses vs charter (maybe not 100% sure but Fairfax uses school buses, APS can't). APS really cracked down on individual school spending so it has been hard.

Also a lot of kids simply didn't go on the trip before.

Finally the new collective bargaining contract means teachers can say no to working outside contract hours. Schools have different cultures when it comes to willingness to do this.

The majority of the cost for Kings Dominion is the ticket. APS was not ever paying for that.

I think the buses were around 10k. It is a lot. I can't remember the exact amount but it's pricy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

The PTAs are not funding Kings Dominion, FWIW. It’s the fact that Williamsburg has a practically nonexistent FARM rate so families can shell out the hundred dollars for the field trip. That’s just not a reality for many of these other schools.

While the three South Arlington middle schools have a fair amount of well-to-do families, the disparity is still fairly stark, when compared to the predominantly wealthy North Arlington middle schools. There are no easy solutions short of massive boundary changes to even out the demographics or a 100% lottery system; neither will likely happen any time soon if ever.

If there legitimate concerns over equity, I hope the wealthier families at the three South Arlington schools can step up to help those who may need financial support. Perhaps this is where parent groups could coordinate such an effort.

Unfortunately, it’s complicated as the national PTA is extremely bureaucratic and has rules that don’t completely make sense in the spirit of giving, but I suppose have to be in place to prevent fraud. What I mean is, it’s not easy to transfer money from one PTA to another. We tried to help a family who lost their entire home to a fire with PTA money and the national PTA told us we could not do that because it was not to the benefit of all students. I’m not trying to be a Debbie downer but just want to point out that many of us over the years have tried to find ways to share funds amongst schools and it’s very difficult. Pretty much a fundraiser would have to be done outside of the PTA, it would have to be like a community fundraiser. Just seems absurd with when some PTA’s raised 30-40,000 a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Williamsburg and Swanson are total shithole schools with very lame PTAs. I don’t know about Hamm. But this fantasy some schools are living large is not true.

You are welcome to join and lead the PTA and make them not lame. The only way they can function is to have someone willing and able to make them amazing. It's a job with a lot of hours, no pay and little thanks