Congratulations Washington Latin!

[Anonymous]

I am happy for you! I hope this grant makes a difference, and that the school continues to seek and receive the support that will allow for its rational, measured growth as a great, public classics-based alternative for children grades 5-12 in the District.

From Washington Post --

"EDUCATION Washington Latin School Gets Federal Grant

Washington Latin Public Charter School in the District has won a $721,102 grant from a federal program to promote safe schools and healthy students, the U.S. Education Department announced yesterday.

The school is the only one from the Washington region named as a grant recipient this year among schools and school systems from 18 states and the District, which were awarded $32.8 million. None were from Maryland. Albemarle County public schools in the Charlottesville area was the only grant winner in Virginia, receiving $1,456,378.

The program, run by the departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services, sponsors initiatives to prevent violence and alcohol and drug abuse, provide mental health services and other support, and promote early-childhood learning.

-- Nick Anderson "

[Anonymous]

That's really terrific, but what are the specifics? Promoting a safe and healthy school seems like a broad mandate!

[Anonymous]

Was it just Washington Latin alone that received this grant? Or was this a collaborative effort with other schools in the area? I would be curious to know why Washington Latin felt that it needed funding to support violence prevention, alcohol and substance abuse prevention, etc. What is the demonstrated need for this funding?

[Anonymous]

I think Washington Latin needs to explain this better! I would think based on this short description that this sort of grant would go more to at risk schools. And of all grantees, were there single schools or did the grants go to school districts?

[Anonymous]

Grants are open to all schools that meet whatever the specific parameters to apply for; I am sure Washington Latin--among a vast number of public and charter schools nationally--applied for this grant. It does not mean a school has severe issues to engage in proactive prevention programs. It looks like this funding stream can be applied to a number of worthy initiatives, from funding a counselor to anti-bullying or peer mediation programs to teacher training in team-building (I am speculating but that would be my guess). Let's be happy that Washington Latin is getting some dedicated money for this type of work, and encourage your school to seek out equally worthy funding. With all the stimulus money etc. floating around, I am sure there is no shortage of dedicated money. However, it takes energy and know-how to put together a grant app--so let's all get on it!

[Anonymous]

The program, run by the departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services, sponsors initiatives to prevent violence and alcohol and drug abuse, provide mental health services and other support, and promote early-childhood learning.

This federal program does not sound like it was designed for schools like Washington Latin, which starts at Grade 5. I'm all for schools, charter and public, getting grants but this is a lot of money for a solid, top-performing charter school that does not seem to be facing problems that many DCPS schools are.

[Anonymous]

I think for many of us considering Washington Latin for our kids it would be important to know why this funding was sought and what outcomes they hope to achieve.

The feds aren't in the habit of giving out grants unless you meet very specific parameters and follow stringent guidelines for how the money is spent.

Maybe more more information will be available soon.

[Anonymous]

20:01 I've seen lots of federal grants, in education and in the arts, that didn't exactly have stringent spending guidelines! I'm curious as a D.C. parent who's not even considering Latin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The program, run by the departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services, sponsors initiatives to prevent violence and alcohol and drug abuse, provide mental health services and other support, and promote early-childhood learning.

Doesn't almost every school, including the top privates, face at least some substance abuse problems? WLS is doing a great job of motivating kids from all over DC. So I'm glad to see it rewarded.

[Anonymous]

22:41 Of course. But for a school this size, with such a small at-risk population, this grant seems extravagant.

[Anonymous]

OP - I am sure you only posted this to congratulate the school. But it might be a good idea to provide more details to put these questions to rest. As you probably know DCUMers don't take information at face value.

Putting in an application and getting funding is great. But I think folks would like to know how the funding will be used and how it will enhance the school.

[Anonymous]

As you probably know DCUMers don't take information at face value.
6:51 Most DCUMers? Try most people!

[Anonymous]

Why all the hostility? The school got a competitive grant to be used for an apparently good purpose? Someone gave the school a shout out for its skill and initiative. Really, what is the potential downside here?

[Anonymous]

WL is a Middle and HS--show me a top school in Virginia that does not have programs aimed at the behaviours the grant is designed to prevent. By virtue of being a charter school, WL has less money for worthy initiatives, counselors etc. that public schools take for granted. I think it is great! If they have a large grant dedicated to this type of programming, they can use it wisely. It's hefty scope means the school will really be able to develop a meaningful, long-term social curriculum plan - not just lip-service. All schools should run, not walk, to seek out such wonderful grants. I too am not sure why all the haters, or why the paranoia about a grant like this. Grants like these are actively sought after by proactive not-for-profits, publics, charters and independents ALL the time. WL happened to score this one. This grant will surely enable the school to teach adolescent students positive decision-making in the face of temptation, peer pressure and all the other strains of modern life. I wish all schools had access to such a grant. Why hate?

[Anonymous]

I agree; I think it's great. They applied for it; they obviously met the criteria, and they got it. What's wrong with that? I'm glad their initiative was rewarded.