New Principal at Oyster Adams? Whoa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People the liability excuse is just a cover for the real reason - equity.

If all kids can’t have it then no kids can.

BTW a PR trip at a hotel is not immersion and not anywhere close to the same experience. Also watch and wait if there is even approval for this since there is a cost and it’s not equitable.

You say that as if it's the wrong thing. Of course if not all can go, nobody should go. If equity is such a big deal for you, go to a private school. I bet you can afford it.

You are so entitled and elitist, it's gross. You know, OA has a lot of good things but one bad thing is people like you, who look down on everyone and think they are superior to everyone else.

I hope this new principal ignores all your temper tantrums and does what she need to do to make OA MORE equitable.

Nobody is looking down on anybody. You are making incorrect assumptions.
You don’t make things more equitable by taking away options that strengthen a child’s experience. You find a way to offer it to those who don’t have that option.

People like you and your way of thinking is what is driving families with options away from DCPS and the resources they provide and why more then 1/2 the kids in this city opt out.

As someone said earlier, Adams is not that great and coasting on its reputation. Making it equitable at all costs without seeing the big picture will further drive away families. Good luck with that.

The families in the OA zone already have by right access to an immersion program that most other DC families do not have the same access. Immersion schools should be district wide schools. It is a shame that Latino families in Colombia Heights and Brightwood aren’t afforded equal access to these opportunities.

Come on. I don’t live in OA boundaries but Marie Reed is in the Columbia Heights boundaries and Latino families can get into most DCPS schools due to spanish dominant preference.

Lastly, no immersion should not be district wide. It’s a niche. Many families don’t want immersion and not all kids will do well in immersion.

That is why it should be district wide. Everyone has equal opportunity and no one has an immersion school as an in-boundary assigned school.

That’s not happening because immersion is a niche. You have plenty of equal opportunities to get into immersion schools at charters and other DCPS schools.

You can basically get into most big the DCPS schools in K/1st

It shouldn’t be a niche school in a residential neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People the liability excuse is just a cover for the real reason - equity.

If all kids can’t have it then no kids can.

BTW a PR trip at a hotel is not immersion and not anywhere close to the same experience. Also watch and wait if there is even approval for this since there is a cost and it’s not equitable.

You say that as if it's the wrong thing. Of course if not all can go, nobody should go. If equity is such a big deal for you, go to a private school. I bet you can afford it.

You are so entitled and elitist, it's gross. You know, OA has a lot of good things but one bad thing is people like you, who look down on everyone and think they are superior to everyone else.

I hope this new principal ignores all your temper tantrums and does what she need to do to make OA MORE equitable.

Nobody is looking down on anybody. You are making incorrect assumptions.
You don’t make things more equitable by taking away options that strengthen a child’s experience. You find a way to offer it to those who don’t have that option.

People like you and your way of thinking is what is driving families with options away from DCPS and the resources they provide and why more then 1/2 the kids in this city opt out.

As someone said earlier, Adams is not that great and coasting on its reputation. Making it equitable at all costs without seeing the big picture will further drive away families. Good luck with that.

The families in the OA zone already have by right access to an immersion program that most other DC families do not have the same access. Immersion schools should be district wide schools. It is a shame that Latino families in Colombia Heights and Brightwood aren’t afforded equal access to these opportunities.

Yes, they are because they can rent or buy IB like all of the other IB OA families. If they can’t afford it, that’s their problem. Powell, MR, and the other immersion school in MP may fit their budget. The rest of us have to live within our means, and so should they.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The English side of Oyster should be districtwide. Given the program, absolutely.

People have beating this tired drum for generations. It’s not going to happen. Buy into an immersion school zone that you can afford.

[Anonymous]

Putting aside the cancelled international home-stay issue, which seems like DCPS at large has some say in, how is the new principal? We are thinking of OA for next year but a little worried about academics given past discussions as well as the recent turnover in principals. Any sense that this one might stick and make sure academics get back / stay on track?

[Anonymous]

How would anyone have a sense of whether a principle has what it takes and will stick around —? She has been there since August.

Further, you mention academics without definition. Do you mean test results, grade proficiency, engendering a love of learning versus developing cut throat competitiveness?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Putting aside the cancelled international home-stay issue, which seems like DCPS at large has some say in, how is the new principal? We are thinking of OA for next year but a little worried about academics given past discussions as well as the recent turnover in principals. Any sense that this one might stick and make sure academics get back / stay on track?

What grade? K? What academics are you hearing about being off track?

I would say it seems like this principal will stay. We’re really happy there. Happy to answer any specific questions I’m just not really sure what you’re asking. Are you IB and considering other schools or just looking at it in the lottery?

[Anonymous]

We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

Oh wow. OA is really going down the race to the bottom path... What a shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

Who is Dr. Tito?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

Oh wow. OA is really going down the race to the bottom path... What a shame.

Did OA ever had Algebra 1 in 7th grade? I don't think so. As far as I know, a lower (than other WoP middle schools) lever of Math was always the case for OA. Wasn't it? So, not necessarily the new Principals' fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

My daughter is now a freshman at JR but attended the international trip to Costa Rica as an 8th grader at Deal. I had the same thoughts as you and was hesitant allowing her to go especially as no parents could attend, but she had a great time and experience especially staying with the host family. The parents are vetted through the Walking Tree program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

Oh wow. OA is really going down the race to the bottom path... What a shame.

Huh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People the liability excuse is just a cover for the real reason - equity.

If all kids can’t have it then no kids can.

BTW a PR trip at a hotel is not immersion and not anywhere close to the same experience. Also watch and wait if there is even approval for this since there is a cost and it’s not equitable.

You say that as if it's the wrong thing. Of course if not all can go, nobody should go. If equity is such a big deal for you, go to a private school. I bet you can afford it.

You are so entitled and elitist, it's gross. You know, OA has a lot of good things but one bad thing is people like you, who look down on everyone and think they are superior to everyone else.

I hope this new principal ignores all your temper tantrums and does what she need to do to make OA MORE equitable.

Nobody is looking down on anybody. You are making incorrect assumptions.
You don’t make things more equitable by taking away options that strengthen a child’s experience. You find a way to offer it to those who don’t have that option.

People like you and your way of thinking is what is driving families with options away from DCPS and the resources they provide and why more then 1/2 the kids in this city opt out.

As someone said earlier, Adams is not that great and coasting on its reputation. Making it equitable at all costs without seeing the big picture will further drive away families. Good luck with that.

I hope they make oa a pk-5 school and send everyone to MacFarland and Roosevelt. Then you can really work toward educational equity.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

Who is Dr. Tito?

brito

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are an OA family and I’m very aware of the “debate” about the international trips. I was surprised to learn that previous trips weee planned and chaperoned by teachers only.
My big concern was the “home stay” in another country. Not sure if I am comfortable sending my 13 year old to stay with strangers. I don’t know why they can’t just get hotels. I get the immersion part but still.
Btw, I like the principal and she has been very transparent about equity. The newest debate is about how to offer algebra 1 in 7th so kids that are ready can take geometry in 8th. So kids took it online but principal is putting a stop to that. So that’s getting parents riled up. Dr Tito was honest tho about the need to prioritize underachieving kids first.

Oh wow. OA is really going down the race to the bottom path... What a shame.

Did OA ever had Algebra 1 in 7th grade? I don't think so. As far as I know, a lower (than other WoP middle schools) lever of Math was always the case for OA. Wasn't it? So, not necessarily the new Principals' fault.

Kids who were "ready" were able to go straight geometry in 8th grade through an online class taken during the school day. This was after taking 7th grade "pre-algebra" but maybe they were to accelerate in the class. Dr Brito has said no to allowing online classes during the day.