Shake Up at SSMA?

[Anonymous]

All the classroom environment levels are listed in job openings (and some with terrible spelling and grammar): http://www.shiningstarspcs.org/images/pdf/career/2019/lower_elementary_guide_2020.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All the classroom environment levels are listed in job openings (and some with terrible spelling and grammar): http://www.shiningstarspcs.org/images/pdf/career/2019/lower_elementary_guide_2020.pdf

The spelling and grammar alone are enough to make me consider declining my seat at SSMA.

[Anonymous]

I went to the open house today. A few things I learned:
Ms. Jenkins will be staying on next year as acting principal.
Spanish will be offered as a "special" to all classes next year. There will be two primary immersion classes which will be internal lottery-driven (once the full primary school reaches max enrollment or August). Music won't be offered as a special (though may have a music teacher visit? This was a bit unclear). AM before care managed by Springboard; PM is managed by SSMA. Only PreK3 naps (this was possibly a misunderstanding but it's what was stated). The classrooms we visited generally seemed nice, well managed and well equipped. They say all the HVAC systems now repaired, and they are 4 years into a 10 year lease.

There is a seminar (??) tonight at 6PM in which guides will offer more information about the curriculum and how to prepare--totally unclear who this was supposed to be offered to, as it was a surprise to all the parents at the open house.

I was a bit taken aback by the very matter of fact manner of the people doing the open house, starting with them not understanding that the parents there were not yet enrolled and starting 15 minutes late. They also use a 10 minute video that is purely Dr. R talking in a monotone about the program--great content, totally odd delivery.

My apologies if I got any of these tidbits wrong - there was a lot of cross talk and repetition.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the update. Did they mention whether the plumbing issues have been resolved? Did the open house leave you feeling confident about enrolling at SSMA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the update. Did they mention whether the plumbing issues have been resolved? Did the open house leave you feeling confident about enrolling at SSMA?

I don't think they mentioned plumbing, sorry!

Right now, my WL situation gives me reasonable odds at 3-4 schools for PK4, all with comparable rankings (though different approaches, feeder paths, and commutes). From all I was reading on DCUM I was totally wary of the school, and I still am as a long term option. The board and leadership would need to prove themselves open to feedback and minor reform. However, for primary they seem to be in good shape and I'd consider an offer from them - though would prefer a couple of my other options first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to the open house today. A few things I learned:
Ms. Jenkins will be staying on next year as acting principal.
Spanish will be offered as a "special" to all classes next year. There will be two primary immersion classes which will be internal lottery-driven (once the full primary school reaches max enrollment or August). Music won't be offered as a special (though may have a music teacher visit? This was a bit unclear). AM before care managed by Springboard; PM is managed by SSMA. Only PreK3 naps (this was possibly a misunderstanding but it's what was stated). The classrooms we visited generally seemed nice, well managed and well equipped. They say all the HVAC systems now repaired, and they are 4 years into a 10 year lease.

There is a seminar (??) tonight at 6PM in which guides will offer more information about the curriculum and how to prepare--totally unclear who this was supposed to be offered to, as it was a surprise to all the parents at the open house.

I was a bit taken aback by the very matter of fact manner of the people doing the open house, starting with them not understanding that the parents there were not yet enrolled and starting 15 minutes late. They also use a 10 minute video that is purely Dr. R talking in a monotone about the program--great content, totally odd delivery.

My apologies if I got any of these tidbits wrong - there was a lot of cross talk and repetition.

Current parent here - will try to clarify at least two of your questions!

It is true that only PK3 naps. PK4 and Kindergarten have an additional work session in the afternoon. However, I know there are sometimes accommodations made if there are PK4 or Ks who need a rest time in the afternoon.

It seems odd to me that they mentioned the 6pm Curriculum Showcase tonight to parents at an open house as it's intended for currently enrolled students. But maybe it was just top of mind since it's today? Or they were touting it as an opportunity you would have next year if you attended? It's an event targeted at parents of students who are "stepping up" this year (i.e. moving from the primary classroom to lower elementary or moving from lower elementary to upper elementary). Since students are in each classroom for 3 years, it's an opportunity to introduce parents to what to expect in the following year and a new classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the update. Did they mention whether the plumbing issues have been resolved? Did the open house leave you feeling confident about enrolling at SSMA?

My understanding is that the plumbing issue from the school's side was fixed over winter break. And I'm not aware of any plumbing issues that have happened since then. However, IIRC there is some fix that has to be done on the city's side of things from the street, and I don't know what the timeline for that is.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PPs. The feedback is really helpful.

[Anonymous]

I decided to decline enrollment, so there's an open spot for someone on the SSMA wait list.

[Anonymous]

If we are under 20 on the waitlist, will we get in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If we are under 20 on the waitlist, will we get in?

What grade? (Doesn't really matter - the answer should be yes for any of the primary grades)

[Anonymous]

I wonder if the release of the 2019 PARCC scores will result in a change in leadership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if the release of the 2019 PARCC scores will result in a change in leadership.

If the school drops further on the PMF, which puts the charter at risk and triggers more monitoring — it could.

When was the last SSMA QSR?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if the release of the 2019 PARCC scores will result in a change in leadership.

If the school drops further on the PMF, which puts the charter at risk and triggers more monitoring — it could.

When was the last SSMA QSR?

2017. Ten year review is next year.

[Anonymous]

Ugh. Just close.