Stokes PK3

[Anonymous]

I thought I had heard that Stokes PK3 slots were all going to siblings, but it looks like there has been quite a bit of movement on their list (or at least, much more than I expected). Does anyone have any intel on what is going on?

[Anonymous]

I don't know, but movement can result from people matching at other schools or notifying Stokes that they no longer wish to be on the wait list. It doesn't necessarily mean anyone has been admitted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know, but movement can result from people matching at other schools or notifying Stokes that they no longer wish to be on the wait list. It doesn't necessarily mean anyone has been admitted.

It can also mean that they added a few spots in an effort to accommodate all the sibs (as some were initially waitlisted).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know, but movement can result from people matching at other schools or notifying Stokes that they no longer wish to be on the wait list. It doesn't necessarily mean anyone has been admitted.

It can also mean that they added a few spots in an effort to accommodate all the sibs (as some were initially waitlisted).

That is correct.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for asking, I have seen our number move 8 spots!

[Anonymous]

so are there 18 more people that would like to bow out so my kid can get a spot?

[Anonymous]

It is possible that that families played the lottery because they are not happy with the PreK there...(says the rumor mill)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know, but movement can result from people matching at other schools or notifying Stokes that they no longer wish to be on the wait list. It doesn't necessarily mean anyone has been admitted.

It can also mean that they added a few spots in an effort to accommodate all the sibs (as some were initially waitlisted).

That is correct.

Really? Interesting...

[Anonymous]

What's the issue with the PK program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's the issue with the PK program?

I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the issue with the PK program?

I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

I would say these "helping" skills aren't unique to Stokes. My 3 year old at another HRCS is expected to do all these things alone or ask a friend for help. It sounds like those are some good "skills other than learning a language" that the PK3ers are gaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the issue with the PK program?

I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

I would say these "helping" skills aren't unique to Stokes. My 3 year old at another HRCS is expected to do all these things alone or ask a friend for help. It sounds like those are some good "skills other than learning a language" that the PK3ers are gaining.

I've never met a 5 year old that didn't know how to put on a jacket or pull up their pants. There are plenty of 5 year olds that can not hold a pencil correctly or write their name. Some skills will come with time anyway and some need to be taught. I personally would rather an emphasis be on skills that are taught and practiced.

[Anonymous]

any movement on the WL?

[Anonymous]

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

This is an example of the emails we get...

"The reminders:
• ?Please don’t send your child in lace-up shoes if he/she does not know how to tie them – few do. It can create a persistent chore for teachers, especially when students are particularly adept at untying shoelaces.
• ?Please keep toys at home unless it is your child’s share day. Toys create angst, conflict, and envy. We collect many of these little distractions to return at the end of the day or end of the week.
• ?Please have you big, strong scholar carry his or her own backpack. Also, please come directly to Before Care before 9am. It is easier for us to track who is not remembering his or her backpack when everyone has one. Scholars ultimately appreciate this small measure of responsibility."