Negative outcome from both Takoma Park and Eastern wait pools

[Anonymous]

just received notification from both schools. DC was in wait pool for both schools. Letters state that "support the decision to remain in wait pool" "wait pool active until beginning of grade 6".

The chances of being moved off either wait pool at this point is pretty minuscule right? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Some people accept just because that's easier than rushing a decision. But by the time school arrives they have decided to decline. So there's hope. Also the effective wait pool shrinks a bit as families make alternative plans they won't change for a last minute invite.

[Anonymous]

The waitlists really don’t move much, OP, so I would make my peace with it, or gear up for an appeal.

[Anonymous]

Middle school waitpools don't move much - kids aren't waiting to hear from private schools. Usually it's only if someone moves. I would focus on getting your child exicted for their home middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle school waitpools don't move much - kids aren't waiting to hear from private schools. Usually it's only if someone moves. I would focus on getting your child exicted for their home middle school.

Naive question - more kids go to private school for high school vs. middle school?

[Anonymous]

Ha ha

[Anonymous]

The wait pool can still move. But, your best shot is to add compelling info to DC's file. Has DC entered MoCo Science Fair? If they win something, send it on to TPMS. Same for Humanities related at Eastern. Is there another teacher who would highly recommend DC? Send it in. Added info can affect how your kid is viewed next time they evaluate the pool.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for helpful tips on my kid on the wait pool, too.

[Anonymous]

There are pretty strict guidelines for what additional information they will consider at this time, and they specifically request that you not seek teacher recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Middle school waitpools don't move much - kids aren't waiting to hear from private schools. Usually it's only if someone moves. I would focus on getting your child exicted for their home middle school.

Naive question - more kids go to private school for high school vs. middle school?

Yes each oriavate school with 9-12 either starts with 9 or has a 49 person intake then. More than any other year’s intake, including PK or K.

[Anonymous]

40 person intakes in the k-12

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are pretty strict guidelines for what additional information they will consider at this time, and they specifically request that you not seek teacher recommendations.

PP here. Is that a change? (We did this a few years ago). If so, what a bummer. Do they say this somewhere overtly? If not, I say why not! (But make sure it's good).

My kids both went to TPMS magnet. I found the coordinator to be very considerate. I sent in some info regarding my kid (before decisions were made). I didn't receive any response, but I think they heard me. I mailed it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are pretty strict guidelines for what additional information they will consider at this time, and they specifically request that you not seek teacher recommendations.

PP here. Is that a change? (We did this a few years ago). If so, what a bummer. Do they say this somewhere overtly? If not, I say why not! (But make sure it's good).

My kids both went to TPMS magnet. I found the coordinator to be very considerate. I sent in some info regarding my kid (before decisions were made). I didn't receive any response, but I think they heard me. I mailed it.

Yeah, in the FAQ, it says no recommendation letter from teachers.

OP here - thanks for all the information. It is my fault. I got my own expectations up since DC was on wait list for both. I misjudged the wait pool situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are pretty strict guidelines for what additional information they will consider at this time, and they specifically request that you not seek teacher recommendations.

PP here. Is that a change? (We did this a few years ago). If so, what a bummer. Do they say this somewhere overtly? If not, I say why not! (But make sure it's good).

My kids both went to TPMS magnet. I found the coordinator to be very considerate. I sent in some info regarding my kid (before decisions were made). I didn't receive any response, but I think they heard me. I mailed it.

Yes the process is totally different now, and the waitpool letter explicitly states what you can and cannot send in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are pretty strict guidelines for what additional information they will consider at this time, and they specifically request that you not seek teacher recommendations.

PP here. Is that a change? (We did this a few years ago). If so, what a bummer. Do they say this somewhere overtly? If not, I say why not! (But make sure it's good).

My kids both went to TPMS magnet. I found the coordinator to be very considerate. I sent in some info regarding my kid (before decisions were made). I didn't receive any response, but I think they heard me. I mailed it.

Yeah, in the FAQ, it says no recommendation letter from teachers.

OP here - thanks for all the information. It is my fault. I got my own expectations up since DC was on wait list for both. I misjudged the wait pool situation.

Your letters are just informing you that the waitpool status didn't change as a result of the level one appeal that you was automatic for all waitpool students. It doesn't change your waitpool chances. There is more movement than some people think and it tends to come in summer- especially now that the magnet courses are at all middle schools.

They did seem to change the guidelines about extra information. Not much they will consider.