South Arlington elementary school boundary adjustments 2019

[Anonymous]

Agree that the barcroft pilot has failed. If you make the barcroft umc families send their kids to Randolph or Carlin springs I guarantee those families will sell their homes and move. No doubt at all. It would be an exodus.

Just fix the school, don’t eliminate it. And, it is right in the middle of the neighborhood. I cannot imagine a choice school there. Not next to any major roads. No teams of buses.

[Anonymous]

Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a benefit to a specific population within that boundary. It was created to help reduce mid year absences.

Is there a specific population at this one school that is not present at Randolph, Henry, Carlin Springs, Abingdon, Claremont, Campbell, etc.? And do we make policy based on the exception rather than the rule? This policy was created in the 1980's. A LOT has changed in Arlington since that time, and a LOT has changed in this neighborhood over the same period of time. Time to take another look.

Not really
It was majority immigrant then
It’s majority immigrant now

And Randolph and Carlin Springs are majority immigrant. So what's different about the kids at Barcroft? Nothing. And the neighborhood has changed, but the families who want a regular school that aligns with all the other schools in APS and with siblings, and camp schedules, and Congressional recess, and friends outside the neighborhood don't have one. Just make it a regular calendar already. Or an option school, here or elsewhere. It's one or the other.

Barcroft became year round in 2003, and the motivation was to decrease summer learning loss, including English language skills.

Then shouldn't the calendar be paired with the school with the highest percentage of ELL students, which is coincidentally NOT Barcroft? And the neighborhood demographics have changed significantly during the same period of time, even if the school does not reflect this change. If APS is so worried about saving money, maybe they should try to get those 297 transfers from Barcroft back to their walkable neighborhood school. This calendar has not benefited the students, based on objective data. They've had 15 years to "pilot" this without any positive measurable result.

This wasn't a "pilot" program effort. The parents at the time requested it and fought for it. I believe it required at least 80% buy-in. I am eternally grateful for their efforts. It was a community initiative, and and an opt-out to Barrett was made available until Barret became too crowded and the default school became Randolph. So many people criticize the calendar without even experiencing it. Is it an adjustment? perhaps. is it odd to send your kids to school while other kids are still spending their summer days at the pool for a few more weeks? yeah. But it is a really great feeling when September comes around and your kids and family are already in the swing and rhythm of things and everyone else is just getting started and adjusting. And being able to take a break in the autumn when places aren't so crowded and may even cost less is a huge advantage. And the intersession opportunities that are possible with the MSY have provided experiences and opportunities that MANY of the schools' students would never otherwise have had. That was more true several years ago before the superintendent decided to force some changes to intersession requirements; but that's another discussion. If the UMC families in other parts of the County realized how inexpensive four weeks of intersessions are v. 4 weeks of summer camps, I bet a lot more folks would at least be interested in hearing how the calendar works. And it is easier for two working parents (UMC working parents who have jobs with paid vacation leave) to spread out leave over the course of the year than to figure out coverage for ten consecutive weeks during the summer. So, while you may argue objective data hasn't benefited the students, there is no evidence that it has harmed them and there are so many other benefits to the calendar. A LOT of teachers like the calendar and often express how they wish more schools would adopt it. People whine that it makes planning summr vacations too hard - really? is that the priority? Sad that their children's education might be such an inconvenience and crimp in their lifestyle. Why can't they plan their vacation around a pre-printed calendar published well in advance? There are still ten weeks to choose from, just 5 or 6 in the summer and 4 in the autumn and then 3 consecutive weeks in spring. It can be different when kids age up into middle school and the family is on two different calendars. But it is hardly the end of the world, and temporary. A family with a wide age-range in kids might find it more of a hassle because they'd be dealing with the different schedules for a long period of time. But a few years isn't much and it affords one-on-one opportunities with each child that otherwise would not be possible. In fact, in my family, one kid very much enjoyed having a day off school when the other didn't. There are some families who really thought the calendar would just not work for them due to working on the hill and August being their time off from work but the kids are going back to school. But it's worked just fine for them.

And I would strongly agree with the other poster's comment about Carlin Springs teaching to the test. They may have higher test scores; but I know from talking with teachers there that non-tested subjects are short-changed and that the teachers do not have the opportunity to go as broad into the curriculum as other schools do. There are many things those students are missing out on for the sake of higher standardized test scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a benefit to a specific population within that boundary. It was created to help reduce mid year absences.

Is there a specific population at this one school that is not present at Randolph, Henry, Carlin Springs, Abingdon, Claremont, Campbell, etc.? And do we make policy based on the exception rather than the rule? This policy was created in the 1980's. A LOT has changed in Arlington since that time, and a LOT has changed in this neighborhood over the same period of time. Time to take another look.

Not really
It was majority immigrant then
It’s majority immigrant now

And Randolph and Carlin Springs are majority immigrant. So what's different about the kids at Barcroft? Nothing. And the neighborhood has changed, but the families who want a regular school that aligns with all the other schools in APS and with siblings, and camp schedules, and Congressional recess, and friends outside the neighborhood don't have one. Just make it a regular calendar already. Or an option school, here or elsewhere. It's one or the other.

Barcroft became year round in 2003, and the motivation was to decrease summer learning loss, including English language skills.

Then shouldn't the calendar be paired with the school with the highest percentage of ELL students, which is coincidentally NOT Barcroft? And the neighborhood demographics have changed significantly during the same period of time, even if the school does not reflect this change. If APS is so worried about saving money, maybe they should try to get those 297 transfers from Barcroft back to their walkable neighborhood school. This calendar has not benefited the students, based on objective data. They've had 15 years to "pilot" this without any positive measurable result.

This wasn't a "pilot" program effort. The parents at the time requested it and fought for it. I believe it required at least 80% buy-in. I am eternally grateful for their efforts. It was a community initiative, and and an opt-out to Barrett was made available until Barret became too crowded and the default school became Randolph. So many people criticize the calendar without even experiencing it. Is it an adjustment? perhaps. is it odd to send your kids to school while other kids are still spending their summer days at the pool for a few more weeks? yeah. But it is a really great feeling when September comes around and your kids and family are already in the swing and rhythm of things and everyone else is just getting started and adjusting. And being able to take a break in the autumn when places aren't so crowded and may even cost less is a huge advantage. And the intersession opportunities that are possible with the MSY have provided experiences and opportunities that MANY of the schools' students would never otherwise have had. That was more true several years ago before the superintendent decided to force some changes to intersession requirements; but that's another discussion. If the UMC families in other parts of the County realized how inexpensive four weeks of intersessions are v. 4 weeks of summer camps, I bet a lot more folks would at least be interested in hearing how the calendar works. And it is easier for two working parents (UMC working parents who have jobs with paid vacation leave) to spread out leave over the course of the year than to figure out coverage for ten consecutive weeks during the summer. So, while you may argue objective data hasn't benefited the students, there is no evidence that it has harmed them and there are so many other benefits to the calendar. A LOT of teachers like the calendar and often express how they wish more schools would adopt it. People whine that it makes planning summr vacations too hard - really? is that the priority? Sad that their children's education might be such an inconvenience and crimp in their lifestyle. Why can't they plan their vacation around a pre-printed calendar published well in advance? There are still ten weeks to choose from, just 5 or 6 in the summer and 4 in the autumn and then 3 consecutive weeks in spring. It can be different when kids age up into middle school and the family is on two different calendars. But it is hardly the end of the world, and temporary. A family with a wide age-range in kids might find it more of a hassle because they'd be dealing with the different schedules for a long period of time. But a few years isn't much and it affords one-on-one opportunities with each child that otherwise would not be possible. In fact, in my family, one kid very much enjoyed having a day off school when the other didn't. There are some families who really thought the calendar would just not work for them due to working on the hill and August being their time off from work but the kids are going back to school. But it's worked just fine for them.

And I would strongly agree with the other poster's comment about Carlin Springs teaching to the test. They may have higher test scores; but I know from talking with teachers there that non-tested subjects are short-changed and that the teachers do not have the opportunity to go as broad into the curriculum as other schools do. There are many things those students are missing out on for the sake of higher standardized test scores.

Sorry, correction - that would be 2 weeks potential vacation time in the autumn (not 4).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the modified calendar is in place to make Barcroft happy?

Yes. Just like other schools have their gimmicks to make them happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

The calendar is of no educational benefit. It costs more to run a year-round school, and costs more to bus walkable students out to a different neighborhood school or an option school. Schools are for educating, not babysitting, not letting you take an off-peak vacation. FFS.

The families who pushed for this calendar aren't in the school any longer. Their children have aged out and they've moved on.

And take a look at the HHI for the neighborhood. It's not majority poor, not by a long shot. Why do you think they tore down the Food Star and are replacing it with a Harris Teeter? Business aren't charities and they do their market research. The people are here. It's too late. It's the same reason why your "brilliant" suggestion of courting a Sweet Green to open in the empty space at Arlington Mill was ridiculous and made you a laughing stock in the neighborhood.

The tireless work of the families in Barcroft. Are you kidding me? Why don't you go ask our former Civic Associatoon pres why he sent all four of his kids to an option school and is currently advocating for an educational model that requires additional funding, funding which could instead be used to shore up the ESL budget, which is also in danger of being cut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.

Huh? Try again?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

The calendar is of no educational benefit. It costs more to run a year-round school, and costs more to bus walkable students out to a different neighborhood school or an option school. Schools are for educating, not babysitting, not letting you take an off-peak vacation. FFS.

The families who pushed for this calendar aren't in the school any longer. Their children have aged out and they've moved on.

And take a look at the HHI for the neighborhood. It's not majority poor, not by a long shot. Why do you think they tore down the Food Star and are replacing it with a Harris Teeter? Business aren't charities and they do their market research. The people are here. It's too late. It's the same reason why your "brilliant" suggestion of courting a Sweet Green to open in the empty space at Arlington Mill was ridiculous and made you a laughing stock in the neighborhood.

The tireless work of the families in Barcroft. Are you kidding me? Why don't you go ask our former Civic Associatoon pres why he sent all four of his kids to an option school and is currently advocating for an educational model that requires additional funding, funding which could instead be used to shore up the ESL budget, which is also in danger of being cut.

I’m sorry, but the food star being torn down hardly makes Barcroft the next Lyon village. Please.
You are hemmed in by a ton of affordable housing. There are more of them, than you. What works for the majority of students is for the best. Sounds like there are plenty of families with incredibly high incomes. I’m sure they can find another solution if the year round calendar isn’t to their liking. As I understand it, Randolph has room. Enjoy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

The calendar is of no educational benefit. It costs more to run a year-round school, and costs more to bus walkable students out to a different neighborhood school or an option school. Schools are for educating, not babysitting, not letting you take an off-peak vacation. FFS.

The families who pushed for this calendar aren't in the school any longer. Their children have aged out and they've moved on.

And take a look at the HHI for the neighborhood. It's not majority poor, not by a long shot. Why do you think they tore down the Food Star and are replacing it with a Harris Teeter? Business aren't charities and they do their market research. The people are here. It's too late. It's the same reason why your "brilliant" suggestion of courting a Sweet Green to open in the empty space at Arlington Mill was ridiculous and made you a laughing stock in the neighborhood.

The tireless work of the families in Barcroft. Are you kidding me? Why don't you go ask our former Civic Associatoon pres why he sent all four of his kids to an option school and is currently advocating for an educational model that requires additional funding, funding which could instead be used to shore up the ESL budget, which is also in danger of being cut.

Many of the families who don’t have a strong voice appreciate that calendar. It’s a benefit to those families.

[Anonymous]

Dude, Randolph is NOT across the street. I am not sure it is even walkable and any walkers would have to cross Columbia Pike. So, passing an insane intersection isn’t ok for north Arlington snowflakes, but it is for south Arlington. Nice. How often do you see red lights run at g mason and the Pike. I see it almost every single day.

Randolph does not have room to absorb barcroft. Nor should it. Crazy lady.

[Anonymous]

The year round program is terrible for property values. Anyone with more than one kid will avoid having two schedules. The neighborhood is a last resort. And many newer families moved there because their kids were already in choice schools. I have two new neighbors in barcroft, both have two kids in choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

The calendar is of no educational benefit. It costs more to run a year-round school, and costs more to bus walkable students out to a different neighborhood school or an option school. Schools are for educating, not babysitting, not letting you take an off-peak vacation. FFS.

The families who pushed for this calendar aren't in the school any longer. Their children have aged out and they've moved on.

And take a look at the HHI for the neighborhood. It's not majority poor, not by a long shot. Why do you think they tore down the Food Star and are replacing it with a Harris Teeter? Business aren't charities and they do their market research. The people are here. It's too late. It's the same reason why your "brilliant" suggestion of courting a Sweet Green to open in the empty space at Arlington Mill was ridiculous and made you a laughing stock in the neighborhood.

The tireless work of the families in Barcroft. Are you kidding me? Why don't you go ask our former Civic Associatoon pres why he sent all four of his kids to an option school and is currently advocating for an educational model that requires additional funding, funding which could instead be used to shore up the ESL budget, which is also in danger of being cut.

Many of the families who don’t have a strong voice appreciate that calendar. It’s a benefit to those families.

Is it an educational benefit or a convenience? It sounds like a convenience, which is not the concern of APS. And again, if this is for families who need it most, why isn't it at Randolph or Carlin Springs instead? It does not comport with the Barcroft neighborhood of today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

The calendar is of no educational benefit. It costs more to run a year-round school, and costs more to bus walkable students out to a different neighborhood school or an option school. Schools are for educating, not babysitting, not letting you take an off-peak vacation. FFS.

The families who pushed for this calendar aren't in the school any longer. Their children have aged out and they've moved on.

And take a look at the HHI for the neighborhood. It's not majority poor, not by a long shot. Why do you think they tore down the Food Star and are replacing it with a Harris Teeter? Business aren't charities and they do their market research. The people are here. It's too late. It's the same reason why your "brilliant" suggestion of courting a Sweet Green to open in the empty space at Arlington Mill was ridiculous and made you a laughing stock in the neighborhood.

The tireless work of the families in Barcroft. Are you kidding me? Why don't you go ask our former Civic Associatoon pres why he sent all four of his kids to an option school and is currently advocating for an educational model that requires additional funding, funding which could instead be used to shore up the ESL budget, which is also in danger of being cut.

I’m sorry, but the food star being torn down hardly makes Barcroft the next Lyon village. Please.
You are hemmed in by a ton of affordable housing. There are more of them, than you. What works for the majority of students is for the best. Sounds like there are plenty of families with incredibly high incomes. I’m sure they can find another solution if the year round calendar isn’t to their liking. As I understand it, Randolph has room. Enjoy.

And? Our neighborhood school is supposed to maintain an outdated policy that might support kids who live outside of the neighborhood boundary, while the neighborhood families within a four blocks radius of the are supposed to make other arrangements? That's an option school, not a neighborhood school. Make it official and redraw our homes to a regular neighborhood school, or change the calendar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Barcroft families can transfer to Randolph for a traditional calendar. It’s right across the street. They should be offered a bus, but that is an easy enough fix.
The calendar is a benefit to the majority of students in attendance.
The neighborhood was majority poor 30 years ago, as it is today, thanks in large part to the tireless work of families within Barcroft who value diversity.
People uncomfortable with the schools have traditionally sold their homes and moved on. I think it’s for the best.

The calendar is of no educational benefit. It costs more to run a year-round school, and costs more to bus walkable students out to a different neighborhood school or an option school. Schools are for educating, not babysitting, not letting you take an off-peak vacation. FFS.

The families who pushed for this calendar aren't in the school any longer. Their children have aged out and they've moved on.

And take a look at the HHI for the neighborhood. It's not majority poor, not by a long shot. Why do you think they tore down the Food Star and are replacing it with a Harris Teeter? Business aren't charities and they do their market research. The people are here. It's too late. It's the same reason why your "brilliant" suggestion of courting a Sweet Green to open in the empty space at Arlington Mill was ridiculous and made you a laughing stock in the neighborhood.

The tireless work of the families in Barcroft. Are you kidding me? Why don't you go ask our former Civic Associatoon pres why he sent all four of his kids to an option school and is currently advocating for an educational model that requires additional funding, funding which could instead be used to shore up the ESL budget, which is also in danger of being cut.

Many of the families who don’t have a strong voice appreciate that calendar. It’s a benefit to those families.

Is it an educational benefit or a convenience? It sounds like a convenience, which is not the concern of APS. And again, if this is for families who need it most, why isn't it at Randolph or Carlin Springs instead? It does not comport with the Barcroft neighborhood of today.

Sounds like it’s inconvenient for your property values...
Not APS’ problem.
Barcroft of today has many immigrant families that benefit from a year round schedule. I’m sorry it’s inconvenient for your family, but it wasn’t a secret when you bought your home. That neighborhood has always been a mix of middle class and working poor families. It’s not a new dynamic.
Although this thread has inspired me to send an email to VOICE. They should be made aware that Barcroft is in the crosshairs of gentrifiers. That community should have a say in what best benefits them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live in barcroft and send my kid to a choice school along with every single family on my street. Families go choice for 3 reasons, in this order:

Low performing neighborhood school
Year round schedule is a close second
Would choice out regardless of location bc of attraction to program, such as immersion.

If the school had a regular schedule, that would help a lot. More UMC in the school wound then maybe make a dent in reason number 1. Done.

I don't think every family would order these priorities the same way, but I do agree with your premise. And good point that if you address reason #2 you may in effect address reason #1 as well. But I get the sense APS is committed to keeping one school year-round. I know they think it helps families, but only to the extent ALL your kids are in elementary school. If you have different aged kids on different timelines, it makes planning vacations, after school care, etc a nightmare.

I agree with this. I would help to tell APS to end the year round schedule for Barcroft, even though it’s not our school, if you can get some parents to start this request.
We have friends who named this as their number one issue for not sending their kids to Barcroft. It’s so difficult, unless all your kids are in elementary all at the same time, and even then it’s a pain going against most summer camps etc. really only works with one kid, or twins, and a stay at home parent.