MV seeking to replicate - expand to pld Potomac Lighthouse Bldg

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does any school currently occupy the space? Why didn't Breakthrough look into this location? Or did they?

They did but couldn't pay the hefty price the owner was asking. They could not come to an agreement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

This is similar to what I heard at pick-up today. The feeling among parents who I spoke to is that school is finally hitting its stride and worked out most of its kinks (not all) so why expand now? Four or five years from now fine, but not now. The second campus would most likely take away some of the better teachers from the first as they know the system and the culture.
Some of the parents were also a bit miffed that they heard about the possible expansion through twitter and listservs and not from the admin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

So, are you going to submit a comment to the DCPCSB?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

This. You realize the charter sector is using high SES families at HRCS as built-in astroturf (i.e. fake grassroots)? They didn't roll you out on ESSA measuring school quality at 80% of test scores because they know most of MV families would probably oppose, but then the sector sends you to the barricade when they have budget or other policy issues...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

This. You realize the charter sector is using high SES families at HRCS as built-in astroturf (i.e. fake grassroots)? They didn't roll you out on ESSA measuring school quality at 80% of test scores because they know most of MV families would probably oppose, but then the sector sends you to the barricade when they have budget or other policy issues...

Don't charters have independent PTAs?

[Anonymous]

They all have some sort of parent group. But none play the kind of role as a LSAT in a DCPS.

[Anonymous]

It's a beautiful building, but it's hard to imagine 600 students at the site. Any expansion would presumably consume the one bit of green space on the actual campus block. The playground can't accommodate that many kids, and there's definitely not enough parking for that much staff. No public green spaces near there either, though maybe they can strike a deal with one of the Catholic order facilities to use their green space -- but that doesn't necessary seem likely based on the nature of the orders (i.e. older nuns).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

This. You realize the charter sector is using high SES families at HRCS as built-in astroturf (i.e. fake grassroots)? They didn't roll you out on ESSA measuring school quality at 80% of test scores because they know most of MV families would probably oppose, but then the sector sends you to the barricade when they have budget or other policy issues...

You realize you sound union-trollish, right? (i.e, fake concern?) MV is vastly superior to the majority of DCPS, even more so when you consider its age. I have more confidence in MV than I have in any of the DCPS schools in a 3 mile radius. (I say that as a neighbor, and someone who cares about public school options. I'm not an MV parent, staff member, etc.).

[Anonymous]

MV does not have an independent PTA. Nor do they allow admitted families to their email list serv until the first day of school.

The administrators in the school also have students, so feel the two can/should be combined. No checks and balances.

- MV family

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

This. You realize the charter sector is using high SES families at HRCS as built-in astroturf (i.e. fake grassroots)? They didn't roll you out on ESSA measuring school quality at 80% of test scores because they know most of MV families would probably oppose, but then the sector sends you to the barricade when they have budget or other policy issues...

Don't charters have independent PTAs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re trump connections at mv That's pretty laughable considering the school's politics and welcoming attitude to immigrants.

Re proposal, haven't had time to read it yet, but would the management team be doubled or would the same folks be trying to manage two schools? Or would this be like a franchise situation?

Re optics. Schools should know that current families want to hear news from their school directly well before finding out about it on social media.

Re bunker hill mom, don't worry, our concern is for you, too. If the expansion is indeed too fast to handle well, it wouldn't be doing you or current families any favors.

- current parent, who is friends with a lot of other happy current parents and somehow have yet to meet the supposed disgruntled ones

yeah the school is not shy about asking parents to advocate in its behalf (I got texts to advocate regarding city budget and was also contacted regarding DCI when the building hadn't been transferred). if the school hasn't let parents know, my guess is that it is because they know not all parents will submit comments that are helpful to their efforts to start a second campus. And I am very sympathetic to parents looking for more good charters - but I think that if a second MV campus opens too soon, it wouldn't be a strong school and will also bring down quality at the current campus - so it would be a net loss for all students. Honestly if this goes forward I would no longer recommend the school to friends who are just starting the lottery process for preschool - I think there is too much danger that quality will go down.

Completely agree. Also, the lack of communication on this is reflective of the school's attempts to silence the community. I wish they would revisit this poorly thought-out policy.

[Anonymous]

Just read the expansion application. Did the charter board vote on this yesterday as indicated in the application? MV family, shocked, school is finally coming up for air and not ready for a successful expansion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just read the expansion application. Did the charter board vote on this yesterday as indicated in the application? MV family, shocked, school is finally coming up for air and not ready for a successful expansion.

No. The hearing in the proposal is May 22 (that's when public comments are due as well). The vote is scheduled for June.

Share your concerns with the DCPCSB. That's what the process is for.

[Anonymous]

I want to wish the school well, but honestly MV seems like it's still a toddler learning how to walk. Maybe wait to run until you're a little more grown so that you don't fall on your face?

It's nice to finally have a permanent facility, but this is the third location just since the school opened and it hasn't even graduated a class yet. Every time you move, your population changes, and that means your needs change. Contemplating an expansion will suck SO MUCH time and energy and resources from an administration that is still getting its stuff together. The idea of expansion benefits no-one. Who is going to staff this school?

Has anyone looked at the 2 Rivers example? Does anyone think the eastern campus is the equivalent of the 4th St. campus?

[Anonymous]

Two Rivers opened in 2004. The Young campus opened in 2015. So they had years (years!) more of operational experience before contemplating/executing the expansion. For comparison, MV opened in 2011. Would it be reasonable for them to contemplate an expansion in 5 years? Sure, if they maintain quality of learning, teachers, and demand from students over that period. Their proposed expansion just seems so, so premature.