APS: Think the "no move" campaign is going to work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is your reminder to write a quick email to Engage and the School Board if you want them to vote yes on school moves. You know these clowns are trying to snow them with fake info all day every day.

Um, no, I was told that this particular issue is one in which white parents in Arlington are called upon to amplify the voices of parents of color. Who are all in agreement that Key should stay, as that is best for the brown children of Arlington. ALL OF THEM.

Is this satire?

Has to be.

The bit about "white parents in Arlington are called upon" is a quote from AEM. The rest is presumed.

Also note that we are being asked to take the word of a bunch of white parents, and one minority teacher- all of whom have a personal stake in this- that they speak for 'families of color.' We should take this over the views of our black bilingual superintendent who has a system wide view, and who started an immersion school (Claremont.)

I wish we could hear directly from the different EL communities around the county.

+1 I think the only reference I've seen to actually asking the ESOL community what they want in regard to immersion was staff said at some point that they talked with Spanish-speakers about why they didn't apply to immersion and the main reasons were location and wanting their kids in an predominantly English school. The fact that Claremont apparently isn't having trouble filling their Spanish-first quota and Key is points to the importance of proximity. Key likes to complain that it's all because of poor outreach by APS in the switch from neighborhood preference + lottery to lottery only but Claremont did the same thing and doesn't have a problem. Clearly, Key's location is an issue but the "Key Key" group won't admit that.

Why is staff meeting in closed sessions with "some" groups and not others? Shouldn't the McKinley PTA get the same from the staff that the ESOL community is getting?

The comment on this I'm referring to was a while ago not specifically in reaction to the current moves but was mentioned as affecting thinking over the summer about school locations.

And, FWIW, they did have an open public meeting at Kenmore in Spanish to gather feedback on the current proposal.

And what about the other EL communities? I know there were translators at some events. Was anyone from those communities able to attend? Did they even know about them?

It was an open meeting. What do you mean by other EL communities?

That open public meeting was in Spanish. What about other non-Spanish EL communities? Were they able to use the translators at any of the public events?

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do you really expect someone on DCUM to answer that?

I'm concerned about non-Spanish EL communities, aren't you?

And, yes, there are people from all over the community on DCUM. There is a chance that someone is tuned into what is happening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

This, plus- if I relocate my family to a country where my native language is spoken by a tiny minority of people, I shouldn’t expect translation services to be offered free of charge on top of the free education my kids are receiving. If my opinion isn’t heard because I don’t speak their language, that’s not a human rights violation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

Uh....ok? They didn't translate a dozen languages. A few targeted languages (Amharic, Arabic, Mongolian, Spanish).

I did come from an area that prioritized spending on education. Very disappointed with what I've seen in VA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

Uh....ok? They didn't translate a dozen languages. A few targeted languages (Amharic, Arabic, Mongolian, Spanish).

I did come from an area that prioritized spending on education. Very disappointed with what I've seen in VA.

Are you implying that Arlington doesn’t spent A LOT on education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is your reminder to write a quick email to Engage and the School Board if you want them to vote yes on school moves. You know these clowns are trying to snow them with fake info all day every day.

Um, no, I was told that this particular issue is one in which white parents in Arlington are called upon to amplify the voices of parents of color. Who are all in agreement that Key should stay, as that is best for the brown children of Arlington. ALL OF THEM.

Is this satire?

Has to be.

The bit about "white parents in Arlington are called upon" is a quote from AEM. The rest is presumed.

Also note that we are being asked to take the word of a bunch of white parents, and one minority teacher- all of whom have a personal stake in this- that they speak for 'families of color.' We should take this over the views of our black bilingual superintendent who has a system wide view, and who started an immersion school (Claremont.)

I wish we could hear directly from the different EL communities around the county.

+1 I think the only reference I've seen to actually asking the ESOL community what they want in regard to immersion was staff said at some point that they talked with Spanish-speakers about why they didn't apply to immersion and the main reasons were location and wanting their kids in an predominantly English school. The fact that Claremont apparently isn't having trouble filling their Spanish-first quota and Key is points to the importance of proximity. Key likes to complain that it's all because of poor outreach by APS in the switch from neighborhood preference + lottery to lottery only but Claremont did the same thing and doesn't have a problem. Clearly, Key's location is an issue but the "Key Key" group won't admit that.

Why is staff meeting in closed sessions with "some" groups and not others? Shouldn't the McKinley PTA get the same from the staff that the ESOL community is getting?

The comment on this I'm referring to was a while ago not specifically in reaction to the current moves but was mentioned as affecting thinking over the summer about school locations.

And, FWIW, they did have an open public meeting at Kenmore in Spanish to gather feedback on the current proposal.

And what about the other EL communities? I know there were translators at some events. Was anyone from those communities able to attend? Did they even know about them?

It was an open meeting. What do you mean by other EL communities?

That open public meeting was in Spanish. What about other non-Spanish EL communities? Were they able to use the translators at any of the public events?

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do you really expect someone on DCUM to answer that?

I'm concerned about non-Spanish EL communities, aren't you?

And, yes, there are people from all over the community on DCUM. There is a chance that someone is tuned into what is happening.

How about you put in some time yourself and go talk with staff directly to find out? Whatever anyone here says, you'll have a gripe or find fault or dismiss because it doesn't fit what you need the response to be in order to be justified and right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

This, plus- if I relocate my family to a country where my native language is spoken by a tiny minority of people, I shouldn’t expect translation services to be offered free of charge on top of the free education my kids are receiving. If my opinion isn’t heard because I don’t speak their language, that’s not a human rights violation.

what's the point in hiring translators if the people needing the services don't show up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

Uh....ok? They didn't translate a dozen languages. A few targeted languages (Amharic, Arabic, Mongolian, Spanish).

I did come from an area that prioritized spending on education. Very disappointed with what I've seen in VA.

Are you implying that Arlington doesn’t spent A LOT on education?

Not compared to other school systems in the Northeast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

This, plus- if I relocate my family to a country where my native language is spoken by a tiny minority of people, I shouldn’t expect translation services to be offered free of charge on top of the free education my kids are receiving. If my opinion isn’t heard because I don’t speak their language, that’s not a human rights violation.

what's the point in hiring translators if the people needing the services don't show up?

Did they show up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is your reminder to write a quick email to Engage and the School Board if you want them to vote yes on school moves. You know these clowns are trying to snow them with fake info all day every day.

Um, no, I was told that this particular issue is one in which white parents in Arlington are called upon to amplify the voices of parents of color. Who are all in agreement that Key should stay, as that is best for the brown children of Arlington. ALL OF THEM.

Is this satire?

Has to be.

The bit about "white parents in Arlington are called upon" is a quote from AEM. The rest is presumed.

Also note that we are being asked to take the word of a bunch of white parents, and one minority teacher- all of whom have a personal stake in this- that they speak for 'families of color.' We should take this over the views of our black bilingual superintendent who has a system wide view, and who started an immersion school (Claremont.)

I wish we could hear directly from the different EL communities around the county.

+1 I think the only reference I've seen to actually asking the ESOL community what they want in regard to immersion was staff said at some point that they talked with Spanish-speakers about why they didn't apply to immersion and the main reasons were location and wanting their kids in an predominantly English school. The fact that Claremont apparently isn't having trouble filling their Spanish-first quota and Key is points to the importance of proximity. Key likes to complain that it's all because of poor outreach by APS in the switch from neighborhood preference + lottery to lottery only but Claremont did the same thing and doesn't have a problem. Clearly, Key's location is an issue but the "Key Key" group won't admit that.

Why is staff meeting in closed sessions with "some" groups and not others? Shouldn't the McKinley PTA get the same from the staff that the ESOL community is getting?

The comment on this I'm referring to was a while ago not specifically in reaction to the current moves but was mentioned as affecting thinking over the summer about school locations.

And, FWIW, they did have an open public meeting at Kenmore in Spanish to gather feedback on the current proposal.

And what about the other EL communities? I know there were translators at some events. Was anyone from those communities able to attend? Did they even know about them?

It was an open meeting. What do you mean by other EL communities?

That open public meeting was in Spanish. What about other non-Spanish EL communities? Were they able to use the translators at any of the public events?

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do you really expect someone on DCUM to answer that?

I'm concerned about non-Spanish EL communities, aren't you?

And, yes, there are people from all over the community on DCUM. There is a chance that someone is tuned into what is happening.

How about you put in some time yourself and go talk with staff directly to find out? Whatever anyone here says, you'll have a gripe or find fault or dismiss because it doesn't fit what you need the response to be in order to be justified and right.

So that's a no - you aren't interested in the non-Spanish EL communities? Are you from Key?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

This, plus- if I relocate my family to a country where my native language is spoken by a tiny minority of people, I shouldn’t expect translation services to be offered free of charge on top of the free education my kids are receiving. If my opinion isn’t heard because I don’t speak their language, that’s not a human rights violation.

what's the point in hiring translators if the people needing the services don't show up?

Did they show up?

This line of questioning is off topic. Maybe start a different thread where this can be on topic and those interested can discuss it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is your reminder to write a quick email to Engage and the School Board if you want them to vote yes on school moves. You know these clowns are trying to snow them with fake info all day every day.

Um, no, I was told that this particular issue is one in which white parents in Arlington are called upon to amplify the voices of parents of color. Who are all in agreement that Key should stay, as that is best for the brown children of Arlington. ALL OF THEM.

Is this satire?

Has to be.

The bit about "white parents in Arlington are called upon" is a quote from AEM. The rest is presumed.

Also note that we are being asked to take the word of a bunch of white parents, and one minority teacher- all of whom have a personal stake in this- that they speak for 'families of color.' We should take this over the views of our black bilingual superintendent who has a system wide view, and who started an immersion school (Claremont.)

I wish we could hear directly from the different EL communities around the county.

+1 I think the only reference I've seen to actually asking the ESOL community what they want in regard to immersion was staff said at some point that they talked with Spanish-speakers about why they didn't apply to immersion and the main reasons were location and wanting their kids in an predominantly English school. The fact that Claremont apparently isn't having trouble filling their Spanish-first quota and Key is points to the importance of proximity. Key likes to complain that it's all because of poor outreach by APS in the switch from neighborhood preference + lottery to lottery only but Claremont did the same thing and doesn't have a problem. Clearly, Key's location is an issue but the "Key Key" group won't admit that.

Why is staff meeting in closed sessions with "some" groups and not others? Shouldn't the McKinley PTA get the same from the staff that the ESOL community is getting?

The comment on this I'm referring to was a while ago not specifically in reaction to the current moves but was mentioned as affecting thinking over the summer about school locations.

And, FWIW, they did have an open public meeting at Kenmore in Spanish to gather feedback on the current proposal.

And what about the other EL communities? I know there were translators at some events. Was anyone from those communities able to attend? Did they even know about them?

It was an open meeting. What do you mean by other EL communities?

That open public meeting was in Spanish. What about other non-Spanish EL communities? Were they able to use the translators at any of the public events?

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Watch the Kenmore Spanish meeting. Key teachers overwhelmingly spoke for the group, not parents. A couple of parents provide prepared comments.

If you ask APS staff, they will tell you that they prefer to talk with parents directly. Messages through other people often are not the same as directly from parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I emailed the board in support of option moves. It’s easy, so consider doing it if you haven’t!

You can send an email to the account provided on the website and it will be forwarded to all board members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is your reminder to write a quick email to Engage and the School Board if you want them to vote yes on school moves. You know these clowns are trying to snow them with fake info all day every day.

Um, no, I was told that this particular issue is one in which white parents in Arlington are called upon to amplify the voices of parents of color. Who are all in agreement that Key should stay, as that is best for the brown children of Arlington. ALL OF THEM.

Is this satire?

Has to be.

The bit about "white parents in Arlington are called upon" is a quote from AEM. The rest is presumed.

Also note that we are being asked to take the word of a bunch of white parents, and one minority teacher- all of whom have a personal stake in this- that they speak for 'families of color.' We should take this over the views of our black bilingual superintendent who has a system wide view, and who started an immersion school (Claremont.)

I wish we could hear directly from the different EL communities around the county.

+1 I think the only reference I've seen to actually asking the ESOL community what they want in regard to immersion was staff said at some point that they talked with Spanish-speakers about why they didn't apply to immersion and the main reasons were location and wanting their kids in an predominantly English school. The fact that Claremont apparently isn't having trouble filling their Spanish-first quota and Key is points to the importance of proximity. Key likes to complain that it's all because of poor outreach by APS in the switch from neighborhood preference + lottery to lottery only but Claremont did the same thing and doesn't have a problem. Clearly, Key's location is an issue but the "Key Key" group won't admit that.

Why is staff meeting in closed sessions with "some" groups and not others? Shouldn't the McKinley PTA get the same from the staff that the ESOL community is getting?

The comment on this I'm referring to was a while ago not specifically in reaction to the current moves but was mentioned as affecting thinking over the summer about school locations.

And, FWIW, they did have an open public meeting at Kenmore in Spanish to gather feedback on the current proposal.

And what about the other EL communities? I know there were translators at some events. Was anyone from those communities able to attend? Did they even know about them?

It was an open meeting. What do you mean by other EL communities?

That open public meeting was in Spanish. What about other non-Spanish EL communities? Were they able to use the translators at any of the public events?

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Watch the Kenmore Spanish meeting. Key teachers overwhelmingly spoke for the group, not parents. A couple of parents provide prepared comments.

If you ask APS staff, they will tell you that they prefer to talk with parents directly. Messages through other people often are not the same as directly from parents.

Thanks for pointing this out. Why do the Key teachers speak for the group? Should ATS or McKinley teachers be speaking up more?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Yes, I was asking how effective the outreach was for this specific effort.

How many different communities are now engaged and what are their thoughts?

Do people not realize that things cost money? And that money doesn't grow on trees?

Translators in a dozen languages for every public meeting costs money. Buses to immersion schools and dual-certified teachers cost money. Maternity leave for teachers costs money. Surveys cost money. Summer school costs money. Small class sizes cost money. More counselors costs money.

APS has added the equivalent of two elementary schools, or a whole middle school, or half a high school EVERY YEAR for the last 8 years, and the cost of those students is cumulative, and people keep acting like we can spend money on any administrative or supportive activity we want.

I don't know what planet (or what rich city with neverending resources) these people came here from, but I wish they'd go back.

Uh....ok? They didn't translate a dozen languages. A few targeted languages (Amharic, Arabic, Mongolian, Spanish).

I did come from an area that prioritized spending on education. Very disappointed with what I've seen in VA.

Are you implying that Arlington doesn’t spent A LOT on education?

Not compared to other school systems in the Northeast.

Based on those comparisons, how much do you think Arlington should be spending on a per pupil basis? How much are those school systems you referenced spending?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is your reminder to write a quick email to Engage and the School Board if you want them to vote yes on school moves. You know these clowns are trying to snow them with fake info all day every day.

Um, no, I was told that this particular issue is one in which white parents in Arlington are called upon to amplify the voices of parents of color. Who are all in agreement that Key should stay, as that is best for the brown children of Arlington. ALL OF THEM.

Is this satire?

Has to be.

The bit about "white parents in Arlington are called upon" is a quote from AEM. The rest is presumed.

Also note that we are being asked to take the word of a bunch of white parents, and one minority teacher- all of whom have a personal stake in this- that they speak for 'families of color.' We should take this over the views of our black bilingual superintendent who has a system wide view, and who started an immersion school (Claremont.)

I wish we could hear directly from the different EL communities around the county.

+1 I think the only reference I've seen to actually asking the ESOL community what they want in regard to immersion was staff said at some point that they talked with Spanish-speakers about why they didn't apply to immersion and the main reasons were location and wanting their kids in an predominantly English school. The fact that Claremont apparently isn't having trouble filling their Spanish-first quota and Key is points to the importance of proximity. Key likes to complain that it's all because of poor outreach by APS in the switch from neighborhood preference + lottery to lottery only but Claremont did the same thing and doesn't have a problem. Clearly, Key's location is an issue but the "Key Key" group won't admit that.

Why is staff meeting in closed sessions with "some" groups and not others? Shouldn't the McKinley PTA get the same from the staff that the ESOL community is getting?

The comment on this I'm referring to was a while ago not specifically in reaction to the current moves but was mentioned as affecting thinking over the summer about school locations.

And, FWIW, they did have an open public meeting at Kenmore in Spanish to gather feedback on the current proposal.

And what about the other EL communities? I know there were translators at some events. Was anyone from those communities able to attend? Did they even know about them?

It was an open meeting. What do you mean by other EL communities?

That open public meeting was in Spanish. What about other non-Spanish EL communities? Were they able to use the translators at any of the public events?

They had meetings translated into 4 different languages. I don't recall which ones. APS' community engagement outreach efforts to under-represented groups has continued to increase and this process has probably been the most-encompassing to date. They also meet with groups in schools throughout the year for various reasons, not just during a proposal feedback period.

Watch the Kenmore Spanish meeting. Key teachers overwhelmingly spoke for the group, not parents. A couple of parents provide prepared comments.

If you ask APS staff, they will tell you that they prefer to talk with parents directly. Messages through other people often are not the same as directly from parents.

Thanks for pointing this out. Why do the Key teachers speak for the group? Should ATS or McKinley teachers be speaking up more?

Because the Key teachers have an agenda and use the parents at meetings to visually boost their signal.