Current parents at SWS Goding

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We also have a good PK waitlist number for SWS and I'm wondering if someone can clarify the comments about overachievers and the kind of opportunities offered to advanced learners. I don't want my children to be drilled and killed, nor do I necessarily care about their scores on standardized tests so long as they "pass" and I know they are challenged, engaged, and learning what they need to be ready for middle school. So that leads to my question:

After elementary we would plan to send our kids to a middle school that is on par with a Latin or a Deal. I am assuming there are "advanced" classes in these middle schools. Does the SWS education prepare a student to qualify for and succeed in these "advanced" classes once he/she enters middle school?

And before anyone snarks, I am not assuming at this point that my PK student is going to be an advanced learner. I can't predict this any more than anyone else can for their child. But if he is, I want him to be in an elementary school that will set him up to thrive in the advanced classes in middle and high school. Is this mindset similar to the mindset of the typical SWS parent, or would we be in for culture shock?

Thanks!

You sound thoughtful PP. But I find this type of thinking precious. Of course this middle school of yours is "on par with Latin or Deal" because there shall be no less for your child right? I'm not going to flame you because I think it's a problem 95% of well-educated, first-time parents of 3-year-olds in their thirties in this city have: you're thinking too hard about it right now. Oh, you may not lighten up, many don't but many do. Those that think like you in PK3 learn to bite their tongues a bit at SWS because it really is as much about happiness and the "other things" the kids learn (with or without the Reggio influence, it's the culture) as it is about success. If you're uber-concerned about your child's academic preparedness, you should probably look elsewhere. Otherwise, come on in, and you'll probably find you worried about something you shouldn't have.

[Anonymous]

^^yes. That's what I have been trying to say. It's not an atmosphere that values "advancement" or tracking or pull outs for advanced kids. It's a place that values curiosity, independence, self-knowledge, communication in multiple modes, harmony, joy, reflection, growth--in the sense of unfurling at one's own pace. So a person concerned about their child's academic progress that can be tracked, measured and accelerated may feel frustrated.

[Anonymous]

High five fellow SWS parents. We really did win the lottery, and it's as much for each other as it is the school. I really love you guys, even in your anonymity. Nothing without joy!

[Anonymous]

It is a paradoxical place. On the one hand, I agree with the 'nothing without joy', valuing curiousity, etc statements. But on the other hand, know that parents aggressively lobby for certain teachers and bemoan the lack of pull-outs for advanced students and lack of computers for 3rd grade students. It may not yet be apparent to the EC grades, but parents in 1st-3rd are wishing there was a slightly higher value given to 'advancement.'

[Anonymous]

Yeah, see the "some lighten up, others don't" comment. It's hard to let it go at times, it all seems so important while you're in it: the teachers, the computers it all MATTERS SO MUCH. As parents, we're all in this same boat with the teachers and admin at the school, who are new at the upper-grades as well. You know as well as I that the kinks need to be worked out, but you get to decide what's important to you and your child at this school PP. They're pretty picky concerns when compared to the rest of DCPS.

I'm not raising a success, I'm raising a happy person.
-parent of a 1st-3rd grader

[Anonymous]

Just chiming in to say that I have two kids at SWS, one in a later grade, and both kids have done really involved, in-depth projects this year. My older kid is an advanced reader and his teacher has met him at his level. But whatever. Both my kids are learning and are happy every day to go to school. My older kid was in tears the other day because he was sick and couldn't go to school. This is a naturally reserved kid who I once worried would always have a tough time in school. Now he never wants to miss it.

[Anonymous]

Op here. These comments make me super excited about this school. I wax at an expo at my first grader's (awesome steam, project-based learning) school this week and was feeling so sad about leaving, but this makes me excite about where we are headed. Sounds like a great community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look. There is no Reggio beyond K and maybe 1st grade at SWS. The school has a lovely culture that is Reggio-infused but there has been to Reggio principles applied in 2nd and 3rd grades. It is just a normal math, reading, smattering of social studies, science in the form of FoodPrints kind of experience in the upper grades. The closest I have seen to a project-based student-curiosity centered activity was not even led by a classroom teacher, it was the awesome librarian who put on a show that the kids wrote and put together all on their own. There are no special programs ( book clubs, pull outs ) for advanced readers and no advanced math. The math is actually solid but pretty slow in the 3rd grade. My student could be doing a lot more, but hasn't been asked to. This is the first time Sws has ever done 3rd grade, it will take a while to get it all together and figure out how it becomes Reggio. One thing I can say is that the building is chock full of dedicated, talented and creative educators and that's all I care about. Kids will do fine at Latin and Basis with a basic ( doesn't need to be advanced ) elementary education.

can't speak beyond my child's classroom, there is a "project day" every week and ongoing investigation related to it. Beyond Food Prints there is a dedicated science teacher with an entirely different focus than Food Prints. All children have studio, music, and movement (plus PE). They also have strategies and counselors who work closely with the teachers to help kids navigate social and emotional issues.

There is plenty for advanced learners -- if your child isn't showing initiative that's not on the school to "push". Leveled and partnered reading is by ability, both with same level and differing ones, and math is grouped similarly. My child learns as much by applying concepts beyond classroom as any in-class pedagogy. Upper grades get "homework" of daily reading and math/project work which is logged and submitted weekly, as well as access to online supplemental resources.

This is pp: hello fellow parent. Your child sounds great. Mine is too. It's a great school. Simply trying to draw an accurate picture. By the way, if you ever had kids in another elementary 3rd grade you would know that the homework required by SWS is extremely limited--which is probably a good thing.

The "homework" is extremely flexible -- aside from guidance on amount of time to spend, it's largely discretionary, such as independent reading, math problems, games, projects. Math Night was a perfect example of ways to reinforce classroom concepts at home with family and friends. There's nothing preventing kids from completing and documenting more than asked by the school even if no grades are assigned for the work. That pretty much applies to every school and each child will gravitate to their level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look. There is no Reggio beyond K and maybe 1st grade at SWS. The school has a lovely culture that is Reggio-infused but there has been to Reggio principles applied in 2nd and 3rd grades. It is just a normal math, reading, smattering of social studies, science in the form of FoodPrints kind of experience in the upper grades. The closest I have seen to a project-based student-curiosity centered activity was not even led by a classroom teacher, it was the awesome librarian who put on a show that the kids wrote and put together all on their own. There are no special programs ( book clubs, pull outs ) for advanced readers and no advanced math. The math is actually solid but pretty slow in the 3rd grade. My student could be doing a lot more, but hasn't been asked to. This is the first time Sws has ever done 3rd grade, it will take a while to get it all together and figure out how it becomes Reggio. One thing I can say is that the building is chock full of dedicated, talented and creative educators and that's all I care about. Kids will do fine at Latin and Basis with a basic ( doesn't need to be advanced ) elementary education.

can't speak beyond my child's classroom, there is a "project day" every week and ongoing investigation related to it. Beyond Food Prints there is a dedicated science teacher with an entirely different focus than Food Prints. All children have studio, music, and movement (plus PE). They also have strategies and counselors who work closely with the teachers to help kids navigate social and emotional issues.

There is plenty for advanced learners -- if your child isn't showing initiative that's not on the school to "push". Leveled and partnered reading is by ability, both with same level and differing ones, and math is grouped similarly. My child learns as much by applying concepts beyond classroom as any in-class pedagogy. Upper grades get "homework" of daily reading and math/project work which is logged and submitted weekly, as well as access to online supplemental resources.

What you are describing about the upper grades sounds EXACTLY like the programming at Watkins, which makes sense because that is where the 3rd grade teachers worked before joining SWS. They need someone to lead with a little more vision for the upper grades, whether it's the principal or someone else. They can't just wait for the renovations to start innovating. This has been coming for a long time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look. There is no Reggio beyond K and maybe 1st grade at SWS. The school has a lovely culture that is Reggio-infused but there has been to Reggio principles applied in 2nd and 3rd grades. It is just a normal math, reading, smattering of social studies, science in the form of FoodPrints kind of experience in the upper grades. The closest I have seen to a project-based student-curiosity centered activity was not even led by a classroom teacher, it was the awesome librarian who put on a show that the kids wrote and put together all on their own. There are no special programs ( book clubs, pull outs ) for advanced readers and no advanced math. The math is actually solid but pretty slow in the 3rd grade. My student could be doing a lot more, but hasn't been asked to. This is the first time Sws has ever done 3rd grade, it will take a while to get it all together and figure out how it becomes Reggio. One thing I can say is that the building is chock full of dedicated, talented and creative educators and that's all I care about. Kids will do fine at Latin and Basis with a basic ( doesn't need to be advanced ) elementary education.

can't speak beyond my child's classroom, there is a "project day" every week and ongoing investigation related to it. Beyond Food Prints there is a dedicated science teacher with an entirely different focus than Food Prints. All children have studio, music, and movement (plus PE). They also have strategies and counselors who work closely with the teachers to help kids navigate social and emotional issues.

There is plenty for advanced learners -- if your child isn't showing initiative that's not on the school to "push". Leveled and partnered reading is by ability, both with same level and differing ones, and math is grouped similarly. My child learns as much by applying concepts beyond classroom as any in-class pedagogy. Upper grades get "homework" of daily reading and math/project work which is logged and submitted weekly, as well as access to online supplemental resources.

What you are describing about the upper grades sounds EXACTLY like the programming at Watkins, which makes sense because that is where the 3rd grade teachers worked before joining SWS. They need someone to lead with a little more vision for the upper grades, whether it's the principal or someone else. They can't just wait for the renovations to start innovating. This has been coming for a long time.

so the two highly effective former Watkins teachers leading SWS 3rd grade are not good enough for you? The other upper grade teachers have extensive experience as well, both at SWS and beyond. The renovations have little to do with the pedagogy or personnel. You're conflating two entirely separate issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What you are describing about the upper grades sounds EXACTLY like the programming at Watkins, which makes sense because that is where the 3rd grade teachers worked before joining SWS. They need someone to lead with a little more vision for the upper grades, whether it's the principal or someone else. They can't just wait for the renovations to start innovating. This has been coming for a long time.

so the two highly effective former Watkins teachers leading SWS 3rd grade are not good enough for you? The other upper grade teachers have extensive experience as well, both at SWS and beyond. The renovations have little to do with the pedagogy or personnel. You're conflating two entirely separate issues.

I agree PP. Certainly these two 3rd grade teachers don't need to be lead by the plans for renovation to innovate. They are innovators: they were the vanguards at Watkins that built-up the team teaching, project-based model. They did it together for more than 10 years, with nearly 20 years of teaching. They used the "whole child" approach, albeit not Reggio, without calling it starting many years ago.

[Anonymous]

where will SWS be getting the 4th and 5th grade teachers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:where will SWS be getting the 4th and 5th grade teachers?

Probably Watkins. It's like one-stop shopping for teachers!

[Anonymous]

I don't think it will be Watkins, and I don't think they'll have any Reggio experience. I do hope that they will be teachers with long histories of teaching 4th and 5th grade and that are not newly returning to the classroom.

[Anonymous]

"Of course this middle school of yours is "on par with Latin or Deal" because there shall be no less for your child right? I'm not going to flame you because I think it's a problem 95% of well-educated, first-time parents of 3-year-olds in their thirties in this city have: you're thinking too hard about it right now. Oh, you may not lighten up, many don't but many do. Those that think like you in PK3 learn to bite their tongues a bit at SWS because it really is as much about happiness and the "other things" the kids learn (with or without the Reggio influence, it's the culture) as it is about success."

This strikes me as a very odd comment. What is so precious about "on par with Deal or Latin?" My understanding is that these are solid public/charter middle schools with their share of problems and their share of successes, not idyllic bubbles. I think it is pretty normal for a parent not to want to send her child to an under-performing middle school! And I would hope that parents who care about their kids' academic preparation feel like they have a voice and do not need to "bite their tongues" at SWS.