Maret or GDS (US)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would suggest OP read this recent thread citing multiple issues at GDS HS including discipline process, college counseling office, HS principal

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1185149.page

GDS HS parent here. It's much better this year with the much-disliked former head of the HS having been bounced.

The school still has a broken, capricious, and non-sensical disciplinary process. And in the HS, all assemblies are programmed by the DEI office - 100% of all assemblies. And no student clubs are funded except affinity groups. So if you are not in an affinity group club you need to ask the HS for funding instead of getting automatic funding for your club as all race-based and identity based affinity groups get

Have had 2 finish there and last one is done soon. Teaching is mostly great - though English dept has massive turnover every year for some reason. Lots to love about the school but like many institutions, it over-torqued in 2020-2022 and is slowly moving back

What was the issue with the former head? We are new, but she seemed nice.

Unfortunately, the former HS principal never really connected with the students. I can't speak to how the faculty regarded her, but the HS student body did not find her to be a good leader. She was IMHO hired because she came from Dalton, did DEI work there, and had ties to the Black and Jewish communities, but she had no experience as a HS principal. GDS HS is not a place where you can put in a newbie principal and expect her to thrive. The search committee failed, big time. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, she would have had the experience and wisdom to navigate the position, but she was a poor choice.

Faculty was not supportive. It’s a group of excellent very experienced teachers - so heavy handed approach not particularly welcome. Students not that supportive either. Was a swing and a miss

[Anonymous]

Gds parent here. Lunch thing is not a big deal or an equity issue. Only a few kids door dash regularly and most people think that’s absurd.

My hs kids bring a sandwich and a few other things. Just not a big deal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would suggest OP read this recent thread citing multiple issues at GDS HS including discipline process, college counseling office, HS principal

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1185149.page

GDS HS parent here. It's much better this year with the much-disliked former head of the HS having been bounced.

The school still has a broken, capricious, and non-sensical disciplinary process. And in the HS, all assemblies are programmed by the DEI office - 100% of all assemblies. And no student clubs are funded except affinity groups. So if you are not in an affinity group club you need to ask the HS for funding instead of getting automatic funding for your club as all race-based and identity based affinity groups get

Have had 2 finish there and last one is done soon. Teaching is mostly great - though English dept has massive turnover every year for some reason. Lots to love about the school but like many institutions, it over-torqued in 2020-2022 and is slowly moving back

What was the issue with the former head? We are new, but she seemed nice.

Unfortunately, the former HS principal never really connected with the students. I can't speak to how the faculty regarded her, but the HS student body did not find her to be a good leader. She was IMHO hired because she came from Dalton, did DEI work there, and had ties to the Black and Jewish communities, but she had no experience as a HS principal. GDS HS is not a place where you can put in a newbie principal and expect her to thrive. The search committee failed, big time. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, she would have had the experience and wisdom to navigate the position, but she was a poor choice.

Faculty was not supportive. It’s a group of excellent very experienced teachers - so heavy handed approach not particularly welcome. Students not that supportive either. Was a swing and a miss

Yup exactly - she was green at the role, had previously run community engagement at Dalton and nothing bigger. Sadly, it was a 2021 era hiring mistake like many institutions made. The faculty greatly disliked her as did students, She came in heavy handed, wanted to change some core basic rituals that students have had for decades (senior run in, themed school dances) and caused WWIII. With long standing faculty she banned certain field trips/overnight trips. It all seemed random. She was managing from inside her office most days and did not walk around and get to know students or make any effort. And there were other issues too. School decided mid last year to not renew her and then did not tell community until end of school year had passed. The way that all went down was not cool. as if school did not want to admit its hiring mistake. She was disappeared 1 week after school year ended.

[Anonymous]

If you are a Jewish GDS is the clear choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gds parent here. Lunch thing is not a big deal or an equity issue. Only a few kids door dash regularly and most people think that’s absurd.

My hs kids bring a sandwich and a few other things. Just not a big deal

Many of us would prefer lunch to be served at the school. Can't for understand why a school would be built without a cafeteria. Would love to have one added in any future building plans (as part of the Wisconsin ave building development, for example). It would make the school an even more attractive and competitive destination than it already is. I do believe that people sometimes choose other schools like Maret over GDS in part because of the cafeteria. No downside to adding one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would suggest OP read this recent thread citing multiple issues at GDS HS including discipline process, college counseling office, HS principal

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1185149.page

GDS HS parent here. It's much better this year with the much-disliked former head of the HS having been bounced.

The school still has a broken, capricious, and non-sensical disciplinary process. And in the HS, all assemblies are programmed by the DEI office - 100% of all assemblies. And no student clubs are funded except affinity groups. So if you are not in an affinity group club you need to ask the HS for funding instead of getting automatic funding for your club as all race-based and identity based affinity groups get

Have had 2 finish there and last one is done soon. Teaching is mostly great - though English dept has massive turnover every year for some reason. Lots to love about the school but like many institutions, it over-torqued in 2020-2022 and is slowly moving back

What was the issue with the former head? We are new, but she seemed nice.

Unfortunately, the former HS principal never really connected with the students. I can't speak to how the faculty regarded her, but the HS student body did not find her to be a good leader. She was IMHO hired because she came from Dalton, did DEI work there, and had ties to the Black and Jewish communities, but she had no experience as a HS principal. GDS HS is not a place where you can put in a newbie principal and expect her to thrive. The search committee failed, big time. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, she would have had the experience and wisdom to navigate the position, but she was a poor choice.

It'll be interesting to see the experience level of the new prospects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would suggest OP read this recent thread citing multiple issues at GDS HS including discipline process, college counseling office, HS principal

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1185149.page

GDS HS parent here. It's much better this year with the much-disliked former head of the HS having been bounced.

The school still has a broken, capricious, and non-sensical disciplinary process. And in the HS, all assemblies are programmed by the DEI office - 100% of all assemblies. And no student clubs are funded except affinity groups. So if you are not in an affinity group club you need to ask the HS for funding instead of getting automatic funding for your club as all race-based and identity based affinity groups get

Have had 2 finish there and last one is done soon. Teaching is mostly great - though English dept has massive turnover every year for some reason. Lots to love about the school but like many institutions, it over-torqued in 2020-2022 and is slowly moving back

What was the issue with the former head? We are new, but she seemed nice.

Unfortunately, the former HS principal never really connected with the students. I can't speak to how the faculty regarded her, but the HS student body did not find her to be a good leader. She was IMHO hired because she came from Dalton, did DEI work there, and had ties to the Black and Jewish communities, but she had no experience as a HS principal. GDS HS is not a place where you can put in a newbie principal and expect her to thrive. The search committee failed, big time. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, she would have had the experience and wisdom to navigate the position, but she was a poor choice.

Faculty was not supportive. It’s a group of excellent very experienced teachers - so heavy handed approach not particularly welcome. Students not that supportive either. Was a swing and a miss

Yup exactly - she was green at the role, had previously run community engagement at Dalton and nothing bigger. Sadly, it was a 2021 era hiring mistake like many institutions made. The faculty greatly disliked her as did students, She came in heavy handed, wanted to change some core basic rituals that students have had for decades (senior run in, themed school dances) and caused WWIII. With long standing faculty she banned certain field trips/overnight trips. It all seemed random. She was managing from inside her office most days and did not walk around and get to know students or make any effort. And there were other issues too. School decided mid last year to not renew her and then did not tell community until end of school year had passed. The way that all went down was not cool. as if school did not want to admit its hiring mistake. She was disappeared 1 week after school year ended.

So it was known well ahead of time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would suggest OP read this recent thread citing multiple issues at GDS HS including discipline process, college counseling office, HS principal

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1185149.page

GDS HS parent here. It's much better this year with the much-disliked former head of the HS having been bounced.

The school still has a broken, capricious, and non-sensical disciplinary process. And in the HS, all assemblies are programmed by the DEI office - 100% of all assemblies. And no student clubs are funded except affinity groups. So if you are not in an affinity group club you need to ask the HS for funding instead of getting automatic funding for your club as all race-based and identity based affinity groups get

Have had 2 finish there and last one is done soon. Teaching is mostly great - though English dept has massive turnover every year for some reason. Lots to love about the school but like many institutions, it over-torqued in 2020-2022 and is slowly moving back

What was the issue with the former head? We are new, but she seemed nice.

Unfortunately, the former HS principal never really connected with the students. I can't speak to how the faculty regarded her, but the HS student body did not find her to be a good leader. She was IMHO hired because she came from Dalton, did DEI work there, and had ties to the Black and Jewish communities, but she had no experience as a HS principal. GDS HS is not a place where you can put in a newbie principal and expect her to thrive. The search committee failed, big time. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, she would have had the experience and wisdom to navigate the position, but she was a poor choice.

Faculty was not supportive. It’s a group of excellent very experienced teachers - so heavy handed approach not particularly welcome. Students not that supportive either. Was a swing and a miss

Yup exactly - she was green at the role, had previously run community engagement at Dalton and nothing bigger. Sadly, it was a 2021 era hiring mistake like many institutions made. The faculty greatly disliked her as did students, She came in heavy handed, wanted to change some core basic rituals that students have had for decades (senior run in, themed school dances) and caused WWIII. With long standing faculty she banned certain field trips/overnight trips. It all seemed random. She was managing from inside her office most days and did not walk around and get to know students or make any effort. And there were other issues too. School decided mid last year to not renew her and then did not tell community until end of school year had passed. The way that all went down was not cool. as if school did not want to admit its hiring mistake. She was disappeared 1 week after school year ended.

So it was known well ahead of time?

Umm maybe by some in the administration but it was a surprise to most students and parents - but a welcome surprise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid considering applying to these schools it blows my mind that a school claiming to be focused on equality and social justice has multiple families talking about eating out and door dashing daily. Our full -pay family could not afford that and I would think that type of behavior creates disparity among students. Rich kids door dashing or going to Whole Foods and the other half unpacking their turkey sandwiches from home? That is pretty tone deaf at best.

Your creating an issue that doesn't exist. Fall of freshman year kids are excited with the newness of eating out. That dies down quickly and the majority of kids end up bringing their lunch. Often, they walk out in groups and a some will buy lunches and a some will bring them from home--they will still all eat together and they don't care who is doing what. My kid has never door-dashed a lunch or felt bad because someone else did.

As a private school, GDS is fairly cost-conscious for expenses outside of tuition. They provide all text books. The bussing is much lower cost than other schools bussing (drop in for $2/morning). All grade overnight trips are free. Their summer policy institute that is 4 weeks long from 9-3 and includes a 3-4 night trip is $500 for the entire program. There are free events families can join (interesting speakers, volunteer days, coffees, ice-cream socials, etc.) and no pressure to attend galas, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid considering applying to these schools it blows my mind that a school claiming to be focused on equality and social justice has multiple families talking about eating out and door dashing daily. Our full -pay family could not afford that and I would think that type of behavior creates disparity among students. Rich kids door dashing or going to Whole Foods and the other half unpacking their turkey sandwiches from home? That is pretty tone deaf at best.

+1 They should institute a dress code that requires everyone to wear the same clothes and shoes too. Kids rolling up to school in their limited edition $500 Nikes while the middle class full pay families have to rough it with their off the shelf tennis shoes is also tone deaf.

Kids should also be required to be dropped off at least 3 blocks away from school on a staggered schedule lest classmates see others with fancier and more expensive cars. Would it be too much to require Uber for all to make pick up and drop off more equitable?

This is a false comparison. Lunch effects the time these students spend together, where they go, who they are with, and what they are doing.

This. Parents and children will always use material goods to position themselves socially just like social clubs and vacation destinations will create in groups/out groups. That said, if you can’t interact with certain peers at lunch because they are eating elsewhere or off buying food that will limit your ability to bond with and get close to those people. It creates a more fractured environment at lunch and I imagine it’s particularly challenging for kids who are not in the mix as much socially, who may just find it easier to eat lunch alone than to try to find people to eat lunch with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid considering applying to these schools it blows my mind that a school claiming to be focused on equality and social justice has multiple families talking about eating out and door dashing daily. Our full -pay family could not afford that and I would think that type of behavior creates disparity among students. Rich kids door dashing or going to Whole Foods and the other half unpacking their turkey sandwiches from home? That is pretty tone deaf at best.

+1 They should institute a dress code that requires everyone to wear the same clothes and shoes too. Kids rolling up to school in their limited edition $500 Nikes while the middle class full pay families have to rough it with their off the shelf tennis shoes is also tone deaf.

Kids should also be required to be dropped off at least 3 blocks away from school on a staggered schedule lest classmates see others with fancier and more expensive cars. Would it be too much to require Uber for all to make pick up and drop off more equitable?

This is a false comparison. Lunch effects the time these students spend together, where they go, who they are with, and what they are doing.

This. Parents and children will always use material goods to position themselves socially just like social clubs and vacation destinations will create in groups/out groups. That said, if you can’t interact with certain peers at lunch because they are eating elsewhere or off buying food that will limit your ability to bond with and get close to those people. It creates a more fractured environment at lunch and I imagine it’s particularly challenging for kids who are not in the mix as much socially, who may just find it easier to eat lunch alone than to try to find people to eat lunch with.

So GDS prohibits kids who bring their lunch to school from going off-campus with their friends and eating their bagged lunch wherever their friends decide to buy theirs? That's crazy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid considering applying to these schools it blows my mind that a school claiming to be focused on equality and social justice has multiple families talking about eating out and door dashing daily. Our full -pay family could not afford that and I would think that type of behavior creates disparity among students. Rich kids door dashing or going to Whole Foods and the other half unpacking their turkey sandwiches from home? That is pretty tone deaf at best.

+1 They should institute a dress code that requires everyone to wear the same clothes and shoes too. Kids rolling up to school in their limited edition $500 Nikes while the middle class full pay families have to rough it with their off the shelf tennis shoes is also tone deaf.

Kids should also be required to be dropped off at least 3 blocks away from school on a staggered schedule lest classmates see others with fancier and more expensive cars. Would it be too much to require Uber for all to make pick up and drop off more equitable?

This is a false comparison. Lunch effects the time these students spend together, where they go, who they are with, and what they are doing.

This. Parents and children will always use material goods to position themselves socially just like social clubs and vacation destinations will create in groups/out groups. That said, if you can’t interact with certain peers at lunch because they are eating elsewhere or off buying food that will limit your ability to bond with and get close to those people. It creates a more fractured environment at lunch and I imagine it’s particularly challenging for kids who are not in the mix as much socially, who may just find it easier to eat lunch alone than to try to find people to eat lunch with.

So GDS prohibits kids who bring their lunch to school from going off-campus with their friends and eating their bagged lunch wherever their friends decide to buy theirs? That's crazy

The lack of a cafeteria creates a fractured social scene at lunch that ends up socially privileging kids who are more socially adept and wealthy.

And just to catch you up on basic manners, PP: consuming outside food at a restaurant not only undermines that restaurant’s business model and is rude and disruptive, it also creates liability and safety issues for the restaurant. So no, it’s not appropriate or advisable for kids whose parents might be more cost conscious to bring their packed lunch to a restaurant to consume alongside their paying friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid considering applying to these schools it blows my mind that a school claiming to be focused on equality and social justice has multiple families talking about eating out and door dashing daily. Our full -pay family could not afford that and I would think that type of behavior creates disparity among students. Rich kids door dashing or going to Whole Foods and the other half unpacking their turkey sandwiches from home? That is pretty tone deaf at best.

+1 They should institute a dress code that requires everyone to wear the same clothes and shoes too. Kids rolling up to school in their limited edition $500 Nikes while the middle class full pay families have to rough it with their off the shelf tennis shoes is also tone deaf.

Kids should also be required to be dropped off at least 3 blocks away from school on a staggered schedule lest classmates see others with fancier and more expensive cars. Would it be too much to require Uber for all to make pick up and drop off more equitable?

This is a false comparison. Lunch effects the time these students spend together, where they go, who they are with, and what they are doing.

This. Parents and children will always use material goods to position themselves socially just like social clubs and vacation destinations will create in groups/out groups. That said, if you can’t interact with certain peers at lunch because they are eating elsewhere or off buying food that will limit your ability to bond with and get close to those people. It creates a more fractured environment at lunch and I imagine it’s particularly challenging for kids who are not in the mix as much socially, who may just find it easier to eat lunch alone than to try to find people to eat lunch with.

So GDS prohibits kids who bring their lunch to school from going off-campus with their friends and eating their bagged lunch wherever their friends decide to buy theirs? That's crazy

The lack of a cafeteria creates a fractured social scene at lunch that ends up socially privileging kids who are more socially adept and wealthy.

And just to catch you up on basic manners, PP: consuming outside food at a restaurant not only undermines that restaurant’s business model and is rude and disruptive, it also creates liability and safety issues for the restaurant. So no, it’s not appropriate or advisable for kids whose parents might be more cost conscious to bring their packed lunch to a restaurant to consume alongside their paying friends.

lol, ok. Sorry your snowflake is too embarrassed (or too sympathetic to the eatery’s business model!) to eat their pb&j at chipotle with the rest of the cool kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a kid considering applying to these schools it blows my mind that a school claiming to be focused on equality and social justice has multiple families talking about eating out and door dashing daily. Our full -pay family could not afford that and I would think that type of behavior creates disparity among students. Rich kids door dashing or going to Whole Foods and the other half unpacking their turkey sandwiches from home? That is pretty tone deaf at best.

+1 They should institute a dress code that requires everyone to wear the same clothes and shoes too. Kids rolling up to school in their limited edition $500 Nikes while the middle class full pay families have to rough it with their off the shelf tennis shoes is also tone deaf.

Kids should also be required to be dropped off at least 3 blocks away from school on a staggered schedule lest classmates see others with fancier and more expensive cars. Would it be too much to require Uber for all to make pick up and drop off more equitable?

This is a false comparison. Lunch effects the time these students spend together, where they go, who they are with, and what they are doing.

This. Parents and children will always use material goods to position themselves socially just like social clubs and vacation destinations will create in groups/out groups. That said, if you can’t interact with certain peers at lunch because they are eating elsewhere or off buying food that will limit your ability to bond with and get close to those people. It creates a more fractured environment at lunch and I imagine it’s particularly challenging for kids who are not in the mix as much socially, who may just find it easier to eat lunch alone than to try to find people to eat lunch with.

So GDS prohibits kids who bring their lunch to school from going off-campus with their friends and eating their bagged lunch wherever their friends decide to buy theirs? That's crazy

The lack of a cafeteria creates a fractured social scene at lunch that ends up socially privileging kids who are more socially adept and wealthy.

And just to catch you up on basic manners, PP: consuming outside food at a restaurant not only undermines that restaurant’s business model and is rude and disruptive, it also creates liability and safety issues for the restaurant. So no, it’s not appropriate or advisable for kids whose parents might be more cost conscious to bring their packed lunch to a restaurant to consume alongside their paying friends.

lol, ok. Sorry your snowflake is too embarrassed (or too sympathetic to the eatery’s business model!) to eat their pb&j at chipotle with the rest of the cool kids.

DP. Chipotle is not going to let you bring in a peanut butter sandwich.

I think in this whole lunch thing is a nonissue, but you’re quite strange with that suggestion.

[Anonymous]

I think if you’re really worried about the lunch situation and class social dynamics, Maret is the right place for you. The food is abysmal and everyone is eating it together in the cafeteria so then kids can bond over a shared discussed of the food (or at least until junior spring when they start leaving for lunch every day so they can eat something that’s not gross)

I have a picky kid and I have a kid that would eat just about anything and they both say that the food is terrible