Shake Up at SSMA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I heard a bunch of longtime SSMA families moved over to Garrison Elementary in Shaw. The PP is probably there. I think it’s DCPS? Would anyone who made that switch be willing to share their experience? Why did so many SSMA families go there? Is it Montessori? I’m a current SSMA parent desperate for some options for next year!

We know at least two families (if not more) who left SSMA for Garrison. I don't believe it's Montessori. They all seem really happy there. Unfortunately the distance / commute just doesn't work for us to make it a feasible option.

Garrison is not Montessori but communication with parents is great, teachers and staff are happy, the building is beautiful and the principal is AMAZING. See for yourself. There is an open house on the first Tuesday of each month at 9am.

[Anonymous]

Does SSMA have a new principal now? Who?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does SSMA have a new principal now? Who?

No and apparently the heat has been not working all week, so kids are wearing coats inside again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does SSMA have a new principal now? Who?

No and apparently the heat has been not working all week, so kids are wearing coats inside again.

They have not hired a new principal (shockingly, it's not easy to find a Montessori-trained principal mid-year!) but they do have someone under contract who is in charge of the curriculum (who apparently had previously been working with the school and admin before the former principal left).

The heat issue this time has been on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Main floor and lower level have been fine. Were told a pump replacement was made on Monday or Tuesday, but have heard it is still cold upstairs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does SSMA have a new principal now? Who?

No and apparently the heat has been not working all week, so kids are wearing coats inside again.

They have not hired a new principal (shockingly, it's not easy to find a Montessori-trained principal mid-year!) but they do have someone under contract who is in charge of the curriculum (who apparently had previously been working with the school and admin before the former principal left).

The heat issue this time has been on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Main floor and lower level have been fine. Were told a pump replacement was made on Monday or Tuesday, but have heard it is still cold upstairs.

Has anyone else heard that the Sr Director of Programs that they mysteriously hired last year has suddenly quit? I heard she officially quit in January and no one has been told until now.

[Anonymous]

Is her name Ms. Jenkins or does she hold a different position?

[Anonymous]

The fact that parents still put up with SSMA shows how terrible some IBs are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fact that parents still put up with SSMA shows how terrible some IBs are.

Or how biased and misinformed some parents are about their IB schools. There are some strong elementary schools that are IB for many SSMA parents but there is such a prevelant misconception that charters are inherently better. Our DCPS elementary school has a principal, outstanding teachers who are treated with respect, communication and transparency with families, and an HVAC system that works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The fact that parents still put up with SSMA shows how terrible some IBs are.

Or how biased and misinformed some parents are about their IB schools. There are some strong elementary schools that are IB for many SSMA parents but there is such a prevelant misconception that charters are inherently better. Our DCPS elementary school has a principal, outstanding teachers who are treated with respect, communication and transparency with families, and an HVAC system that works.

I understand that people are reluctant to change schools after starting there. But we gave up a seat at SSMA for Langley OOB and no regrets. It is really sad to hear of the issues at SSMA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The fact that parents still put up with SSMA shows how terrible some IBs are.

Or how biased and misinformed some parents are about their IB schools. There are some strong elementary schools that are IB for many SSMA parents but there is such a prevelant misconception that charters are inherently better. Our DCPS elementary school has a principal, outstanding teachers who are treated with respect, communication and transparency with families, and an HVAC system that works.

I'm really glad you're happy at your IB and I have no doubt you're right... about some IBs. Our DD is at our IB currently, so it's not like we weren't willing to give it a chance, but she will not be staying. It's not bias or misinformation. The school won't work for us. It actually has a great principal and some outstanding teachers, but that's not enough, unfortunately. Luckily we have the means to move IB for somewhere better, we just have to downsize and smush.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is her name Ms. Jenkins or does she hold a different position?

Ms. Wooden

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The fact that parents still put up with SSMA shows how terrible some IBs are.

Or how biased and misinformed some parents are about their IB schools. There are some strong elementary schools that are IB for many SSMA parents but there is such a prevelant misconception that charters are inherently better. Our DCPS elementary school has a principal, outstanding teachers who are treated with respect, communication and transparency with families, and an HVAC system that works.

It all depends on where you live. Access to charters citywide via lottery is a better option for me than any of the IB schools in my area.

[Anonymous]

Did anyone get out and want to anonymously confess it here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone get out and want to anonymously confess it here?

I'm sure there's a bunch!

But we'll be back. Good news is that things seem to be looking up (*knocks on wood*)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone get out and want to anonymously confess it here?

We got out because older sibling was already in a great school (with strong SPED programming which DC needs) that was an opposite commute for us and we can’t do another year of dual commute. There is a lot we’ll be sad about with leaving Shining Stars though. It’s a lovely place.