How is Westbriar ES AAP program?

[Anonymous]

Don't want special treatment for my child, but I do want an education that is appropriate for him. Same that you want for your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some at Lemon Road complain the AAP program there is too small and doesn't have "critical mass." Others at Westbriar complain the AAP program there will get too big and overwhelm the school. It's no surprise that the School Board doesn't do what the "community" wants when the "community" doesn't speak with one voice.

Also, teachers are not ready to teach AAP. They did not know what to do .

Oh, barf. AAP kids are not some special breed. They don't need a "specially trained" teacher in any way, shape, or form. It's such a fallacy that AAP students need to handled with kid gloves and taught "just so" or else they won't be able to learn. It's amusing (and disgusting) how very serious some AAP parents are about their snowflakes needing special treatment.

FCPS disagrees: http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/faqs/esfaqs.shtml

"How does Local Level IV differ from the Full-time AAP Center?
The teachers in both settings are trained in gifted education..."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Actually, AAP kids do need special teachers. otherwise they will never reach their unexhibited potential.

Hoping this was a facetious remark? Of course, ALL kids need to reach their "unexhibited potential". Right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some at Lemon Road complain the AAP program there is too small and doesn't have "critical mass." Others at Westbriar complain the AAP program there will get too big and overwhelm the school. It's no surprise that the School Board doesn't do what the "community" wants when the "community" doesn't speak with one voice.

Also, teachers are not ready to teach AAP. They did not know what to do .

Oh, barf. AAP kids are not some special breed. They don't need a "specially trained" teacher in any way, shape, or form. It's such a fallacy that AAP students need to handled with kid gloves and taught "just so" or else they won't be able to learn. It's amusing (and disgusting) how very serious some AAP parents are about their snowflakes needing special treatment.

I guess your little one didn't get AAP, right?

Actually, my "little one" is now in high school, but was indeed in what used to be called "GT". You know, back when it meant something, not when it was simply a program for kids to do slightly advanced work. That any teacher is capable of teaching them.

[Anonymous]

I've read all the above posts and thought that I might add my two cents. I can not add anything as to satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the current Westbriar AAP, but can for Westbriar as a whole.

I have a child who was placed into the AAP from Westbriar and takes the bus each morning to Archer. I wish my child didn't have to ride the bus each way 20 minutes, those minutes are precious in a day. Not only did I have reservations about time on the bus, but the over crowded classrooms that Archer up front, in orientation, told us about.

This made me acutely aware of the implications of Westbriar's AAP kids no longer attending Archer and what the options would be, as I had a younger child who too might become part of this group.

Our option in the beginning was to bus our children to Lemon Road, not a bad option - just an option, but it would mean for some parents like myself going in two completely different directions for anything. I was thrilled when Westbriar as an AAP Center became an option.

Have their been adjustments to becoming a larger school? Absolutely. Traffic has been one, but our principal has worked to improve the situation and has stood on the corner herself in the morning to make sure the kids are able to cross the street safely. Her extraordinary efforts are found in every aspect of the school.

I love Westbriar, would have left my older child there but for a whole host of personal reasons, this was the best option for my child's education in the long run. Westbriar is a fantastic school and this year more before and after school programs have been added. The parents who you see at the PTA meetings are the same parents who are volunteering in every aspect of the school; reading programs, classroom parents, running and organizing before and after school programs, acquiring additional funding for technology in the classroom. These are the same parents you see volunteering their time on the sports fields, at church, and in the community.

This school is great because the principal, teachers, and parents make it so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the above posts and thought that I might add my two cents. I can not add anything as to satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the current Westbriar AAP, but can for Westbriar as a whole.

I have a child who was placed into the AAP from Westbriar and takes the bus each morning to Archer. I wish my child didn't have to ride the bus each way 20 minutes, those minutes are precious in a day. Not only did I have reservations about time on the bus, but the over crowded classrooms that Archer up front, in orientation, told us about.

This made me acutely aware of the implications of Westbriar's AAP kids no longer attending Archer and what the options would be, as I had a younger child who too might become part of this group.

Our option in the beginning was to bus our children to Lemon Road, not a bad option - just an option, but it would mean for some parents like myself going in two completely different directions for anything. I was thrilled when Westbriar as an AAP Center became an option.

Have their been adjustments to becoming a larger school? Absolutely. Traffic has been one, but our principal has worked to improve the situation and has stood on the corner herself in the morning to make sure the kids are able to cross the street safely. Her extraordinary efforts are found in every aspect of the school.

I love Westbriar, would have left my older child there but for a whole host of personal reasons, this was the best option for my child's education in the long run. Westbriar is a fantastic school and this year more before and after school programs have been added. The parents who you see at the PTA meetings are the same parents who are volunteering in every aspect of the school; reading programs, classroom parents, running and organizing before and after school programs, acquiring additional funding for technology in the classroom. These are the same parents you see volunteering their time on the sports fields, at church, and in the community.

This school is great because the principal, teachers, and parents make it so.

NP here- don't follow what you ended up doing- Asking re. the part I bolded above..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:our friends are complain of AAP in Westbriar.
compare to other school ...not really AAP
she will move to Luise El

Good. Maybe if enough people feel that way Westbriar can go back to being regular neighborhood school.

I feel the same way about our school. It's a center and definitely has lost any neighborhood or community feel. Such a shame what centers have done to what should be community schools.

Yes the centers need to stay separate from neighborhood schools. My kids are in a non-center school. I used to feel differently and didn't understand why the separation of center/neighborhood schools but as I go through elementary with 3 kids the divide needs to be. It is a healthier environment for all students. One thing that could change the atmosphere of the AAP program in general is to let parents self select the AAP center for their children. Since it is no longer a gifted program and it is a FCPS public school this makes more sense to me. I personally would not select AAP for my child but many parents want it so since their tax dollars are paying for it let them place their students there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the above posts and thought that I might add my two cents. I can not add anything as to satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the current Westbriar AAP, but can for Westbriar as a whole.

I have a child who was placed into the AAP from Westbriar and takes the bus each morning to Archer. I wish my child didn't have to ride the bus each way 20 minutes, those minutes are precious in a day. Not only did I have reservations about time on the bus, but the over crowded classrooms that Archer up front, in orientation, told us about.

This made me acutely aware of the implications of Westbriar's AAP kids no longer attending Archer and what the options would be, as I had a younger child who too might become part of this group.

Our option in the beginning was to bus our children to Lemon Road, not a bad option - just an option, but it would mean for some parents like myself going in two completely different directions for anything. I was thrilled when Westbriar as an AAP Center became an option.

Have their been adjustments to becoming a larger school? Absolutely. Traffic has been one, but our principal has worked to improve the situation and has stood on the corner herself in the morning to make sure the kids are able to cross the street safely. Her extraordinary efforts are found in every aspect of the school.

I love Westbriar, would have left my older child there but for a whole host of personal reasons, this was the best option for my child's education in the long run. Westbriar is a fantastic school and this year more before and after school programs have been added. The parents who you see at the PTA meetings are the same parents who are volunteering in every aspect of the school; reading programs, classroom parents, running and organizing before and after school programs, acquiring additional funding for technology in the classroom. These are the same parents you see volunteering their time on the sports fields, at church, and in the community.

This school is great because the principal, teachers, and parents make it so.

NP here- don't follow what you ended up doing- Asking re. the part I bolded above..

Sure. Like many families in NOVA, we are not here permanently. At the time, Westbriar only offered Level 3 services. We wanted to give our older child a chance to demonstrate the ability to excel in the program before changing school systems.

What we have learned is that AAP is not the same in all parts of the country. Some school districts in the country screen for abilities before kindergarten, and in those schools you stay with the program through 8th grade all in one school. Our child had started in a program like this and then we moved here only to find that Fairfax did not do the same. In the beginning we were frustrated but have come to appreciate Fairfax's process. Knowing that we will move again, it is not only helpful to have those test results, but the report cards demonstrating the ability so that when we go to request the same kind of services from another district it MAY make the process smoother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the above posts and thought that I might add my two cents. I can not add anything as to satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the current Westbriar AAP, but can for Westbriar as a whole.

I have a child who was placed into the AAP from Westbriar and takes the bus each morning to Archer. I wish my child didn't have to ride the bus each way 20 minutes, those minutes are precious in a day. Not only did I have reservations about time on the bus, but the over crowded classrooms that Archer up front, in orientation, told us about.

This made me acutely aware of the implications of Westbriar's AAP kids no longer attending Archer and what the options would be, as I had a younger child who too might become part of this group.

Our option in the beginning was to bus our children to Lemon Road, not a bad option - just an option, but it would mean for some parents like myself going in two completely different directions for anything. I was thrilled when Westbriar as an AAP Center became an option.

Have their been adjustments to becoming a larger school? Absolutely. Traffic has been one, but our principal has worked to improve the situation and has stood on the corner herself in the morning to make sure the kids are able to cross the street safely. Her extraordinary efforts are found in every aspect of the school.

I love Westbriar, would have left my older child there but for a whole host of personal reasons, this was the best option for my child's education in the long run. Westbriar is a fantastic school and this year more before and after school programs have been added. The parents who you see at the PTA meetings are the same parents who are volunteering in every aspect of the school; reading programs, classroom parents, running and organizing before and after school programs, acquiring additional funding for technology in the classroom. These are the same parents you see volunteering their time on the sports fields, at church, and in the community.

This school is great because the principal, teachers, and parents make it so.

NP here- don't follow what you ended up doing- Asking re. the part I bolded above..

Sure. Like many families in NOVA, we are not here permanently. At the time, Westbriar only offered Level 3 services. We wanted to give our older child a chance to demonstrate the ability to excel in the program before changing school systems.

What we have learned is that AAP is not the same in all parts of the country. Some school districts in the country screen for abilities before kindergarten, and in those schools you stay with the program through 8th grade all in one school. Our child had started in a program like this and then we moved here only to find that Fairfax did not do the same. In the beginning we were frustrated but have come to appreciate Fairfax's process. Knowing that we will move again, it is not only helpful to have those test results, but the report cards demonstrating the ability so that when we go to request the same kind of services from another district it MAY make the process smoother.

So your oldest child is at Archer for AAP? or stayed at Westbriar for level III? I apologize if it is clear in your reply- I had little sleep last night..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since it is no longer a gifted program and it is a FCPS public school this makes more sense to me.

Ok, I'll bite -- what is it if "it is no longer a gifted program?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've read all the above posts and thought that I might add my two cents. I can not add anything as to satisfaction or dissatisfaction of the current Westbriar AAP, but can for Westbriar as a whole.

I have a child who was placed into the AAP from Westbriar and takes the bus each morning to Archer. I wish my child didn't have to ride the bus each way 20 minutes, those minutes are precious in a day. Not only did I have reservations about time on the bus, but the over crowded classrooms that Archer up front, in orientation, told us about.

This made me acutely aware of the implications of Westbriar's AAP kids no longer attending Archer and what the options would be, as I had a younger child who too might become part of this group.

Our option in the beginning was to bus our children to Lemon Road, not a bad option - just an option, but it would mean for some parents like myself going in two completely different directions for anything. I was thrilled when Westbriar as an AAP Center became an option.

Have their been adjustments to becoming a larger school? Absolutely. Traffic has been one, but our principal has worked to improve the situation and has stood on the corner herself in the morning to make sure the kids are able to cross the street safely. Her extraordinary efforts are found in every aspect of the school.

I love Westbriar, would have left my older child there but for a whole host of personal reasons, this was the best option for my child's education in the long run. Westbriar is a fantastic school and this year more before and after school programs have been added. The parents who you see at the PTA meetings are the same parents who are volunteering in every aspect of the school; reading programs, classroom parents, running and organizing before and after school programs, acquiring additional funding for technology in the classroom. These are the same parents you see volunteering their time on the sports fields, at church, and in the community.

This school is great because the principal, teachers, and parents make it so.

NP here- don't follow what you ended up doing- Asking re. the part I bolded above..

Sure. Like many families in NOVA, we are not here permanently. At the time, Westbriar only offered Level 3 services. We wanted to give our older child a chance to demonstrate the ability to excel in the program before changing school systems.

What we have learned is that AAP is not the same in all parts of the country. Some school districts in the country screen for abilities before kindergarten, and in those schools you stay with the program through 8th grade all in one school. Our child had started in a program like this and then we moved here only to find that Fairfax did not do the same. In the beginning we were frustrated but have come to appreciate Fairfax's process. Knowing that we will move again, it is not only helpful to have those test results, but the report cards demonstrating the ability so that when we go to request the same kind of services from another district it MAY make the process smoother.

Do you feel as good about Louise Archer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:our friends are complain of AAP in Westbriar.
compare to other school ...not really AAP
she will move to Luise El

Good. Maybe if enough people feel that way Westbriar can go back to being regular neighborhood school.

I feel the same way about our school. It's a center and definitely has lost any neighborhood or community feel. Such a shame what centers have done to what should be community schools.

Yes the centers need to stay separate from neighborhood schools. My kids are in a non-center school. I used to feel differently and didn't understand why the separation of center/neighborhood schools but as I go through elementary with 3 kids the divide needs to be. It is a healthier environment for all students. One thing that could change the atmosphere of the AAP program in general is to let parents self select the AAP center for their children. Since it is no longer a gifted program and it is a FCPS public school this makes more sense to me. I personally would not select AAP for my child but many parents want it so since their tax dollars are paying for it let them place their students there.

This is a very good suggestion and one that I can't believe hasn't been implemented yet, in light of all the negative issues AAP has caused. Middle and high school students can already self-select Honors and AP classes; why shouldn't parents be able to opt their kids in (or out) of AAP as well? We all pay taxes into this public school system; there is no need for AAP to be a closed program. PP, I envy you having your children in a non-center school. If AAP has to exist, then it needs to be open to everybody. Of course, there would be a huge outcry from current AAP parents who can't stomach the thought of their kids' "peer group" being diluted. But, oh well. There are plenty of other taxpaying families that FCPS needs to consider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since it is no longer a gifted program and it is a FCPS public school this makes more sense to me.

Ok, I'll bite -- what is it if "it is no longer a gifted program?"

It's a slightly more advanced program using exactly the same curriculum as in Gen Ed. Not a gifted program by a long shot.

[Anonymous]

anybody has any idea if Westbriar is planning to get experienced teachers for AAP classes? How are the current AAP teachers they have?

[Anonymous]

What happened to the westbriar mom with the LA kid? She hasn't answered some questions re. LA..?