Sibling Preference and Inspired Teaching

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

Hmm the school’s offerings are on the lower to moderate size compared to its similar peers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

Exactly.

Being of low or moderate income does not feel normal at some schools and that puts people off of enrolling. I understand that more wealthy people want their $200 ballet class, but I think it would be nicer to find activities that work for more people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

In contrast, DC Prep's full pay after care cost is $225/month (less in Dec and June) and they will accept the child care subsidy. https://www.dcprep.org/Uploads/file/SY18-19_PrepEXapplicationV2.pdf

I mention that because PP says that's the main competition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

In contrast, DC Prep's full pay after care cost is $225/month (less in Dec and June) and they will accept the child care subsidy. https://www.dcprep.org/Uploads/file/SY18-19_PrepEXapplicationV2.pdf

I mention that because PP says that's the main competition.

Their competition on DCUM is CMI, MV, YY. Their aftercare is $400-$500. ITS has free aftercare through the Y for those that need it. They will also resume free aftercare through DPR that includes wrap around services. In fact, Prep students as well as ITS students to participate in this offering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

Exactly.

Being of low or moderate income does not feel normal at some schools and that puts people off of enrolling. I understand that more wealthy people want their $200 ballet class, but I think it would be nicer to find activities that work for more people.

You’re missing that there is free dance, free running, free Girl Scouts, free debate, free geo plunge, free UN, free reading clubs, free chorus, free photography, and others.

[Anonymous]

I agree that ITS likes to claim to be progressive and inclusive, yet its concrete actions belie this. They are NOT great with bright kids with special needs and the “feel” of the school is white progressives who think very highly of themselves.may e it has changed...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

Exactly.

Being of low or moderate income does not feel normal at some schools and that puts people off of enrolling. I understand that more wealthy people want their $200 ballet class, but I think it would be nicer to find activities that work for more people.

You’re missing that there is free dance, free running, free Girl Scouts, free debate, free geo plunge, free UN, free reading clubs, free chorus, free photography, and others.

Free dance? Do you mean dance the special during the school day? Come on.

As a parent entering after the first day of school, I heard about none of these free things. They must be for the older kids? What is free for K and 1st students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

All the hush hush about it is stigmatizing! If the school were set up so that things were more affordable from the get-go, people wouldn't need to come asking for special help.

Exactly.

Being of low or moderate income does not feel normal at some schools and that puts people off of enrolling. I understand that more wealthy people want their $200 ballet class, but I think it would be nicer to find activities that work for more people.

You’re missing that there is free dance, free running, free Girl Scouts, free debate, free geo plunge, free UN, free reading clubs, free chorus, free photography, and others.

Free dance? Do you mean dance the special during the school day? Come on.

As a parent entering after the first day of school, I heard about none of these free things. They must be for the older kids? What is free for K and 1st students?

NP for 1st I believe there is geo-plunge, game club, reading club, and Girl Scouts. I could be wrong (have an older kid). I think girls on the run starts in 2nd.

-a progressive black mom that loves our school...also, not sure who the “progressive white folk” are since 66% (was 100% last year) of the leadership of school and half of IFA leadership are black. Not sure I agree about the way a PP is painting their picture.

[Anonymous]

NP for 1st I believe there is geo-plunge, game club, reading club, and Girl Scouts. I could be wrong (have an older kid). I think girls on the run starts in 2nd.

-a progressive black mom that loves our school...also, not sure who the “progressive white folk” are since 66% (was 100% last year) of the leadership of school and half of IFA leadership are black. Not sure I agree about the way a PP is painting their picture.

Thank you for posting and sharing. We attended the a open house and were actually really happy to see a lot of teacher and staff of color their and pictured on the walls. It is definitely important to us that our child see themselves reflected at all levels in the school they attend. We were also impressed with the SPED team and resources we saw at the school. We also like the "you broke it you fix it" idea applied to discipline vrs punishment without thought.
The other posts were definitely starting to worry me a bit that maybe we missed something. Maybe it wasn't all we thought it might be... I am glad to hear prospective from another parent of color on this topic. We are new and haven't had a chance to meet many parents out side of our current IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

NP for 1st I believe there is geo-plunge, game club, reading club, and Girl Scouts. I could be wrong (have an older kid). I think girls on the run starts in 2nd.

-a progressive black mom that loves our school...also, not sure who the “progressive white folk” are since 66% (was 100% last year) of the leadership of school and half of IFA leadership are black. Not sure I agree about the way a PP is painting their picture.

Thank you for posting and sharing. We attended the a open house and were actually really happy to see a lot of teacher and staff of color their and pictured on the walls. It is definitely important to us that our child see themselves reflected at all levels in the school they attend. We were also impressed with the SPED team and resources we saw at the school. We also like the "you broke it you fix it" idea applied to discipline vrs punishment without thought.
The other posts were definitely starting to worry me a bit that maybe we missed something. Maybe it wasn't all we thought it might be... I am glad to hear prospective from another parent of color on this topic. We are new and haven't had a chance to meet many parents out side of our current IB.

You may also be interested in this article that was written about the school today. It mentions the diversity of the staff (59% of staff are persons of color). As an AA mom of a boy, I have felt that it’s been really impactful having AA male teachers for him to identify with. He now says he wants to be a teacher. He’s also had Chinese, African, and Indian teachers. Also gay teachers.

https://www.the74million.org/article/a-d-c-school-meant-to-inspire-teachers-and-students/

[Anonymous]

In reference to free or available club opportunities mentioned upthread, here is a recent email from middle school principal.

Dear families,

Adolescence is a time when young people begin to look outwards, beyond their family and classroom, and wonder what it's like in the "real world."

At Inspired, we're always looking for ways to harness that outward-facing curiosity. Every day, our teachers work hard to infuse their curriculum with experiential learning--like baking a cake in Spanish, popping paint-filled gravity balloons in science, or being "removed" from their social studies classroom.

Starting this month, we'd also like to offer students the opportunity to learn in the "real world" by signing up for one of our new Real World Learning (RWL) experiences. Please note that participating students must get permission from teachers to participate, and are responsible for keeping up with missed classwork.

Inspired Voices: A collaboration with 826DC
12:30-3:30 PM at 826DC Writing Lab in Columbia Heights
5 Fridays: Jan 18, Feb 1, Feb 15, Mar 1, and Mar 22
For serious writers only. Students will work with professional writers and mentors to write their own chapbook. Transportation by bus.
Max size: 15
Cost: Free

Guitars Not Guns: Beginning Guitar
9:30-10:30 AM in Mr. T's Room.
8 Wednesdays, starting Jan 30.
Learn the basics of guitar. 7th and 8th graders get priority.
Max size: 10
Cost: $5-$100 (pay what you can)

Environmental Stewards Program: A collaboration with Rock Creek Conservancy
1:00-3:30 PM at various locations in Rock Creek Park. Transportation by metro.
Every other Friday, starting Jan 25. (Dependent on government re-opening).
Help keep Rock Creek Park beautiful and healthy by removing trash and invasive species.
Max size: 12
Cost: Free

Co-ed Flag Football: A collaboration with Flagstar Football
Practice times TBD (30 min/week during school hours)
Games are Sundays between 4:30-6:00 PM from April-June at DC Kipp College Prep.
Learn sportsmanship, stay fit, and have fun!
Max Size: 24
Cost: Free-$125 (pay what you can)

ITDS staff and family have offered and continue to offer other Real World Learning experiences, including debate, soccer, Student Government, and more. I'll be in touch about more opportunities soon!

Flyers/permission slips will be outside my office for interested students. We can use chaperones if you are interested!

Best,
Seth

[Anonymous]

What are the opportunities to volunteer as a parent at ITS? Be it with the PTO or as a room parent etc? I feel like volunteering at our current dcps has helped me gain a lot of insight as to how things really run, teachers personality building stronger connections and communication with teachers and staff. I would like to keep that up if we enroll at ITS

[Anonymous]

You won’t lack for volunteer opportunities at ITDS. Welcome!