SWS -- Atmosphere and Leadership

[Anonymous]

I'm an SWS parent but not one of the really plugged-in ones. I've recently heard some expressions of unhappiness about how the school, and in particular its leadership, deals with students and families of color. I must say, I have never observed anything other than committed, sensitive behavior from SWS staff, so I've been a little reluctant to accept that there's anything wrong. But then I look around and see that the school's teaching and professional staff has become progressively less and less diverse, and the student body is even less diverse than it used to be (and it was never representative of the city). Since it's not a neighborhood school anymore, I'm afraid that may be a continuing trend.

It's very difficult to raise questions like this, especially at a place like SWS, where many families are "all in" on the concept of the school and all of its initiatives. So I wanted to float these thoughts here and see if any SWS parents have any views on the school's attitudes about diversity and race.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an SWS parent but not one of the really plugged-in ones. I've recently heard some expressions of unhappiness about how the school, and in particular its leadership, deals with students and families of color. I must say, I have never observed anything other than committed, sensitive behavior from SWS staff, so I've been a little reluctant to accept that there's anything wrong. But then I look around and see that the school's teaching and professional staff has become progressively less and less diverse, and the student body is even less diverse than it used to be (and it was never representative of the city). Since it's not a neighborhood school anymore, I'm afraid that may be a continuing trend.

It's very difficult to raise questions like this, especially at a place like SWS, where many families are "all in" on the concept of the school and all of its initiatives. So I wanted to float these thoughts here and see if any SWS parents have any views on the school's attitudes about diversity and race.

Good for you for raising the question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an SWS parent but not one of the really plugged-in ones. I've recently heard some expressions of unhappiness about how the school, and in particular its leadership, deals with students and families of color. I must say, I have never observed anything other than committed, sensitive behavior from SWS staff, so I've been a little reluctant to accept that there's anything wrong. But then I look around and see that the school's teaching and professional staff has become progressively less and less diverse, and the student body is even less diverse than it used to be (and it was never representative of the city). Since it's not a neighborhood school anymore, I'm afraid that may be a continuing trend.

It's very difficult to raise questions like this, especially at a place like SWS, where many families are "all in" on the concept of the school and all of its initiatives. So I wanted to float these thoughts here and see if any SWS parents have any views on the school's attitudes about diversity and race.

It is an astute observation and a valid concern that should be raised with administration as uncomfortable as that conversation will be. I know for a fact that at some schools parents are bullying the principal to hire based on color rather than on experience and ability. D.C. is really sad when it comes to issues of race and equality.

[Anonymous]

Bullying, really?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullying, really?

Hey aggressive parent! *waving*

[Anonymous]

OP, I think it is great that you are raising this.

[Anonymous]

I've known SWS for a long time, and I think the school is exceptionally welcoming to all children, regardless of their family makeup, learning challenges, or race. I think the school leadership and the long-time teachers, including the ECE altererista, would be very willing and open to talk to those who have expressed unhappiness regarding their "dealing" with students and families of color. I know it's shorthand, but I put "dealing" in quotes because I don't think that anyone should simply be dealt with. Rather, I think if there are specific issues with regard to race, they should be discussed with specific language: teaching, interacting with, disciplining, redirecting behavior, providing services for, encouraging applications from, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've known SWS for a long time, and I think the school is exceptionally welcoming to all children, regardless of their family makeup, learning challenges, or race. I think the school leadership and the long-time teachers, including the ECE altererista, would be very willing and open to talk to those who have expressed unhappiness regarding their "dealing" with students and families of color. I know it's shorthand, but I put "dealing" in quotes because I don't think that anyone should simply be dealt with. Rather, I think if there are specific issues with regard to race, they should be discussed with specific language: teaching, interacting with, disciplining, redirecting behavior, providing services for, encouraging applications from, etc.

OP here. I meant "dealing with" in the sense of "interacting with."

[Anonymous]

I think SWS could certainly stand to do better in several areas. Overall I think the principal is awesome, but could be more proactive. There is one single solitary black lead teacher for instance. That is inexcusable. The lack of diversity of staff is really appalling.

Some teachers also say/do things that aren't supportive of diverse families, even though they don't mean to be discriminatory. I've heard several teachers talk about students of color whose families (they claim) "don't value education" because they "don't come to the school." (Read linked article below for help understanding why this is coded racial language)

http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/08/10-ways-well-meaning-white-teachers-bring-racism-into-our-schools/

[Anonymous]

There are 115 elementary schools on myschooldc. SWS is the third whitest. 67% white in a city that is majority people of color.

Lafayette 73
Janney 71
School Within a School 67
Murch 66
Brent 65

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are 115 elementary schools on myschooldc. SWS is the third whitest. 67% white in a city that is majority people of color.

Lafayette 73
Janney 71
School Within a School 67
Murch 66
Brent 65

One of these things is not like the other...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are 115 elementary schools on myschooldc. SWS is the third whitest. 67% white in a city that is majority people of color.

Lafayette 73
Janney 71
School Within a School 67
Murch 66
Brent 65

One of these things is not like the other...

Exactly. It's worse that a city-wide school is so white.

[Anonymous]

Is it possible that AA families/teachers have less of a desire to attend/teach at this school for some reason?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it possible that AA families/teachers have less of a desire to attend/teach at this school for some reason?

Like they're made to feel unwelcome? Or there is a lack of diversity reflected in teaching materials? Or examples used in the classroom are specific to white culture?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it possible that AA families/teachers have less of a desire to attend/teach at this school for some reason?

Well, it's certainly true that white Hill families have been HIGHLY motivated to get into SWS, which is perceived as being better than almost every other Hill school. Witness the extremely unattractive proximity push by white neighbors a couple years back.