APS School Board Caucus - Voting Underway

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As much as I hate to admit it, I find DCUM illuminating at times.

I guess I am a unicorn, bc I live in NA but I am an "essential" worker and have never been able to stay home.
And, this year has been awful for my kids (and for me). I also think we (and I mean locally) should have prioritized kids through the pandemic, and APS did not. I know many on here will disagree and if you have had a great or even tolerable year where your kids did well, then great.

For me, the issues have been, 1, APS has not honored ANY of its commitments to kids or families this year, and 2, being able to see firsthand how bad the instruction is has pulled the wool off my eyes. There is a serious trust issue between APS and the general community and it seems like neither teachers nor parents seem confident in leadership. Folks, this is not a recipe for a good school system.

But APS was clearly in trouble before. Prior to COVID, I was revolted at how few of my allegedly progressive neighbors seemed bothered by APS having to settle the DOJ lawsuit regarding treatment of ELL kids and their families. People were mad that their (white) kid was going to lose some special program, not that APS had botched things so badly. I was and am genuinely upset that this is NEVER discussed.

Now that I have had 2 kids failing their APS classes, I have seen that APS does...really, nothing. There really does seem to be this expectation that the parents will somehow step in and fix it. I don't know if this was the case before but in talking with families whose kids have IEPs, it seems like this has always been the way.

+1,000

This year was made extra awful by the formation of the parent groups, who really spoke to the extremists on all sides. APE, Smart Restart, and before that OneAPS (I forgot about that one!) as we can see in this thread and many other ones, just brought all of us into the gutter. And sadly, the Board listened to all of them, and gave no body what they wanted as a result. They spoke for themselves only.

This year is done. I don't think Mary will change the conversation. It will be more of them same, just five days a week.

I should have looked into private school for next year. I'm sure all slots are filled. I feel bad for our kids who are stuck in this system who doesn't care at all for them or their learning success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just send your kids to private whiners

+10000000000000000000000000000000000000

APS is awful. I can't believe how much better private school is and mine are not even in a fancy expensive private school. I learned a long time ago that the SB and APS were a disaster. So glad my kids are in private school. Stop whining and just pull them from APS already. Mary's not going to change anything. Miranda probably wouldn't have either. Do your kids a favor and get them out. If you can't afford it talk to the school and ask for assistance. I know many who have gotten reduced tuition and scholarships.

If you're in a private school, then you are aware that they are basically all waitlisted. Do you have schools with openings that you recommend? Come on.

Be smart. Get on waitlists for all of them. Most of them are full, you're right, but what does it hurt to get on waitlists. A lot of them move once school starts and you can convince the front office to let you on the waitlist if you aren't already. I know several people that got in this year by doing that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As much as I hate to admit it, I find DCUM illuminating at times.

I guess I am a unicorn, bc I live in NA but I am an "essential" worker and have never been able to stay home.
And, this year has been awful for my kids (and for me). I also think we (and I mean locally) should have prioritized kids through the pandemic, and APS did not. I know many on here will disagree and if you have had a great or even tolerable year where your kids did well, then great.

For me, the issues have been, 1, APS has not honored ANY of its commitments to kids or families this year, and 2, being able to see firsthand how bad the instruction is has pulled the wool off my eyes. There is a serious trust issue between APS and the general community and it seems like neither teachers nor parents seem confident in leadership. Folks, this is not a recipe for a good school system.

But APS was clearly in trouble before. Prior to COVID, I was revolted at how few of my allegedly progressive neighbors seemed bothered by APS having to settle the DOJ lawsuit regarding treatment of ELL kids and their families. People were mad that their (white) kid was going to lose some special program, not that APS had botched things so badly. I was and am genuinely upset that this is NEVER discussed.

Now that I have had 2 kids failing their APS classes, I have seen that APS does...really, nothing. There really does seem to be this expectation that the parents will somehow step in and fix it. I don't know if this was the case before but in talking with families whose kids have IEPs, it seems like this has always been the way.

+1,000

This year was made extra awful by the formation of the parent groups, who really spoke to the extremists on all sides. APE, Smart Restart, and before that OneAPS (I forgot about that one!) as we can see in this thread and many other ones, just brought all of us into the gutter. And sadly, the Board listened to all of them, and gave no body what they wanted as a result. They spoke for themselves only.

This year is done. I don't think Mary will change the conversation. It will be more of them same, just five days a week.

I should have looked into private school for next year. I'm sure all slots are filled. I feel bad for our kids who are stuck in this system who doesn't care at all for them or their learning success.

Yup. All of this. I was not a fan of APE but do think they've been unfairly tainted by a couple of their crazies. That said, I followed this race closely and was very impressed by Miranda's thoughtfulness and her positions in the various forums. I think APS would have been well served by having an outsider perspective. An "education policy PTA prez" whose only "advocacy" during the pandemic was to thank the board (for what exactly?) is not what our kids need.

[Anonymous]

A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

Huh? Schools are reopening for full in person next year. The next presidential election is in 2024. Biden will be re-elected in a ‘96-like landslide.

[Anonymous]

CCPTA could be a powerful group and used to make positive changes to benefit all APS students. Hopefully the various parent groups will take their energy and funnel it into CCPTA.

Instead of complaining about masks, they could be advocating for something important...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

Sorry but what does trump have to do with the fact that local schools shuttered and the kids suffered?? Nothing. The blame lies solely on the board, the superintendent and the teachers. The fall out will be long lasting. SOLs will paint a very ugly picture and the social isolation resulting in mental health issues. Buckle up. The locals are responsible for that. I hate trump but he couldn’t force schools to open. Arlington is afraid of its own shadow and when leadership was needed they folded

[Anonymous]

APR is complaining about masks?! Please share for those of us not on other forums.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

Spinning this in to divisive political sides is a failing strategy. Here's the Fairfax County Democrats championing their efforts to malign the Open Schools groups as exclusively radical Republicans. Start at the 46 minute mark....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvL7Uh38jdI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

I said this two pages ago. Many families wanted the schools open but that doesn’t mean they wanted a single issue candidate, and that’s how Miranda came across. This was the blind spot. I recall going to her website and when it launched it was very thin on her stance in any issue except RTS. That was a red flag to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

I said this two pages ago. Many families wanted the schools open but that doesn’t mean they wanted a single issue candidate, and that’s how Miranda came across. This was the blind spot. I recall going to her website and when it launched it was very thin on her stance in any issue except RTS. That was a red flag to me.

I would have voted for her had she weighed in on anything other than RTS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of Open Schools now people are running in neighborhood districts. How they do will be a referendum on if these lobbying groups are a movement, or just loud.

The fact that Miranda Turner lost must be a topic in every APE-like group.

I find it fascinating.

(I voted for Turner.)

Agree that it's a very interesting political phenom. A lot of overlap between Republicans, Trumpers and Open Schools.

yeah and that's probably why it didn't play well in Arlington. But could do a whole lot better elsewhere

Many families across the political spectrums have wanted schools to stay open during the pandemic. Almost every day, there is an article in major media outlets about women leaving the workforce to care for their families and help their children with the indefinite challenges of virtual learning.

The Trump administration completely botched the entire response to the pandemic, but unfortunately, local school systems are paying the price. Democrats really have to show how they are prioritizing education and young families, otherwise we are going to end up with De Santis as our next president.

I said this two pages ago. Many families wanted the schools open but that doesn’t mean they wanted a single issue candidate, and that’s how Miranda came across. This was the blind spot. I recall going to her website and when it launched it was very thin on her stance in any issue except RTS. That was a red flag to me.

I would have voted for her had she weighed in on anything other than RTS

She didn't know anything about anything other than return to school, and even then her knowledge was actually pretty limited (and very one sided!). Most candidates have been a PTA president or been on committees to learn the system, and successful candidates campaign on more than one (dated) issue.