Changes to prevent sitting on charter spots THIS YEAR?? Maybe!

[Anonymous]

OP mentioned that this process is being designed for the "most popular charters." Will dual spot holding then be allowed at non-popular charters?

My situation is this: we were accepted at 2 charters, neither "popular." We are moving to DC this summer, and thus have not had a chance to visit either school, nor do we know much about them other than second-hand info from forums like this. We'd like to learn more about each school and make an educated decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP mentioned that this process is being designed for the "most popular charters." Will dual spot holding then be allowed at non-popular charters?

My situation is this: we were accepted at 2 charters, neither "popular." We are moving to DC this summer, and thus have not had a chance to visit either school, nor do we know much about them other than second-hand info from forums like this. We'd like to learn more about each school and make an educated decision.

Technically the idea is not to hold dual spots at any school. But given that you're not in DC yet, seems like you should just talk to the schools directly. Will you be able to visit before the Apr 12 enrollment deadline?

[Anonymous]

No, I won't be able to visit before April 12.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I won't be able to visit before April 12.

Do you realize that by sitting on multiple spots there is a family behind you waiting for one of those seats? At least you won't be able to enroll in both. You can sit on the offer for a short while, but you'll need to enroll in one and let the other go. If you can't visit the school, you should gather as much info as possible and make a choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but I'm not sure working for dc.gov makes you an expert on privacy. I just completed an enrollment packet that asked all sorts of questions about medical issues, medications taken and disabilities. This information falls within HIPAA privacy laws.

Well, it certainly makes me a greater expert than you, just from your post!

Did anyone say they will be sending your enrollment PACKET around to all the schools? Where was that said?

There is a significant difference between comparing *names* on *enrollment lists*, and sending the entire packet *everywhere* to let everyone see when your kid's last check up was and what language you speak at home. What probably amuses me most is that you seem to think this info isn't already collected, every single year. This is proposing it be used for an additional purpose, but do you really think schools don't have access to other school's enrollment info currently? Or a right to confirm/deny if a certain student is enrolled at another school if they have a question?

So since you're such a privacy expert too, let me ask you again: what specific HIPAA clauses/policies are violated if schools within the same public school system share names of enrolled students?

They have to send more than names as there could be children with the same name. Does DC give every student in charter and DCPS a unique identifying number?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, but I'm not sure working for dc.gov makes you an expert on privacy. I just completed an enrollment packet that asked all sorts of questions about medical issues, medications taken and disabilities. This information falls within HIPAA privacy laws.

Well, it certainly makes me a greater expert than you, just from your post!

Did anyone say they will be sending your enrollment PACKET around to all the schools? Where was that said?

There is a significant difference between comparing *names* on *enrollment lists*, and sending the entire packet *everywhere* to let everyone see when your kid's last check up was and what language you speak at home. What probably amuses me most is that you seem to think this info isn't already collected, every single year. This is proposing it be used for an additional purpose, but do you really think schools don't have access to other school's enrollment info currently? Or a right to confirm/deny if a certain student is enrolled at another school if they have a question?

So since you're such a privacy expert too, let me ask you again: what specific HIPAA clauses/policies are violated if schools within the same public school system share names of enrolled students?

They have to send more than names as there could be children with the same name. Does DC give every student in charter and DCPS a unique identifying number?

No, I don't think there's that level of coordination. But really all you need is full name and birthday, that is enough. It is highly unlikely to have doubles with that, and if they do, they can look to address to confirm same kid/find out it's different kids. It's not really that complicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I won't be able to visit before April 12.

As someone who applied from out of state last year for the current school year, I understand your situation. But you have also put yourself in a situation where you need to just gather as much info relevant to what YOU value in a school for YOUR kids, and make the best decision you can. That's simply one of the drawbacks of applying from outside of DC, which I know from experience.

[Anonymous]

I'm making a decision as fast as I can. FWIW, we didn't get into any of the 'popular' charters, so our seats are not popular ones, at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm making a decision as fast as I can. FWIW, we didn't get into any of the 'popular' charters, so our seats are not popular ones, at all.

Schools need this info for budgeting purposes- so you are also effecting the lives of the students who plan to enroll at the school, 'popular' or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just completed an enrollment packet today and it asked for my child's SS#. I absolutely do not want that shared with unknown people or schools I would never consider.

Don't EVER give up the SSN unless it's for a logical reason - like Social Security benefits! Schools need to end that practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm making a decision as fast as I can. FWIW, we didn't get into any of the 'popular' charters, so our seats are not popular ones, at all.

Schools need this info for budgeting purposes- so you are also effecting the lives of the students who plan to enroll at the school, 'popular' or not.

Oh would you give it a rest and arp trying to be the conscience police.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps this is a stupid question but what advantage does one have for sitting on multiple spots at the same time? They have to make a decision eventually. Is it just that they want to take as long as possible to decide?

Not a stupid question, but all kinds of answers. Some people just want to leave their options open to have time to think, and don't care about being jerks. Others are waiting to find out if before or after care will work. Some might also be waiting to see if a sibling gets off a waitlist at their preferred choice, so the kids can go to the same school.

This is real. Some sought after, new or expanding schools are often short on details regarding before and after care. Parents are often holding two spots in response to insufficient information. The same is true regarding sibling preference. This is the cost of doing business in the charter world.

I once held two spots because I could not get sufficient program information. I chose a school with an experienced, mature administration. It was the right choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm making a decision as fast as I can. FWIW, we didn't get into any of the 'popular' charters, so our seats are not popular ones, at all.

Schools need this info for budgeting purposes- so you are also effecting the lives of the students who plan to enroll at the school, 'popular' or not.

Oh would you give it a rest and arp trying to be the conscience police.

It takes a village to raise a child, and some of you people only care about your own children - I guess you could stand to grow a conscience

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I won't be able to visit before April 12.

When are you planning on visiting? If it's soon then I'd say hang on to the two spots. But if you're not talking about coming to DC until August then I would find a way to make a decision soon.