What is happening at Chesterbrook Elementary?

[Anonymous]

Most of the 3rd grade is leaving, including two veteran teachers that have been at the school for over 10 years!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of the 3rd grade is leaving, including two veteran teachers that have been at the school for over 10 years!

Are they going to another school or not teaching?

[Anonymous]

They heard OP’s kid was coming to third grade and ran for the hills. No one wanted to deal with OP and her pot stirring, gossiping and innuendos.

[Anonymous]

Oh so it’s not confirmed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They heard OP’s kid was coming to third grade and ran for the hills. No one wanted to deal with OP and her pot stirring, gossiping and innuendos.

[Anonymous]

Changes in administration?

[Anonymous]

AAP for why so many third graders are leaving- but it isn’t close to most. Don’t know about the teachers, but this is a highly mobile area and teachers frequently are trailing spouses.

[Anonymous]

I’m a teacher possibly switching to be a better commute and I don’t see any vacancies listed for Chesterbrook. So OP you might’ve heard a rumored.

[Anonymous]

Per email from Chesterbrook's principal, "most of the third grade team is leaving Chesterbrook next year."

3 of 4 "core teachers" and both special ed teachers are departing. 1 retirement, 2 moves out of the area, and 2 moves to other elementary schools within FCPS. The two moves within FCPS raise red flags; both are experienced teachers who have spent their entire careers (decade and a half each) at Chesterbrook. Both are excellent and highly esteemed, as are the two moving out of the area.

It's not surprising that parents are alarmed. Chesterbrook has had a lot of turnover over the past 5 years, and the current principal is in her 2nd year, so whether parents like her or not, it's natural to wonder what effect the leadership change has on the teachers' experiences and desire to remain.

[Anonymous]

Parents ~ YOU are the problem. That's why they leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Per email from Chesterbrook's principal, "most of the third grade team is leaving Chesterbrook next year."

3 of 4 "core teachers" and both special ed teachers are departing. 1 retirement, 2 moves out of the area, and 2 moves to other elementary schools within FCPS. The two moves within FCPS raise red flags; both are experienced teachers who have spent their entire careers (decade and a half each) at Chesterbrook. Both are excellent and highly esteemed, as are the two moving out of the area.

It's not surprising that parents are alarmed. Chesterbrook has had a lot of turnover over the past 5 years, and the current principal is in her 2nd year, so whether parents like her or not, it's natural to wonder what effect the leadership change has on the teachers' experiences and desire to remain.

'

I don't see any communication that was phrased like that. I did find the following, which suggests there was plenty of notice to adjust classroom assignments and hire new teachers:

"We realize the legacy we are losing with the transition of Ms. Keefer and Mrs. Skousen from the Chesterbrook community. They have devoted many years of service and excellence in teaching to Chesterbrook and will be missed dearly.

It is important that we continue to have strong teaching teams at all our grade levels. With the concentration of staff changes in third grade, we have ensured a strong foundation with veteran teaching staff to join Mrs. Heugel. We welcome to our third grade team, Mrs. Hudler and Miss Harmon. We have also hired one new teacher to join our third grade team for the 2020-21 school year.

Additionally we have hired two experienced teachers that are moving to the Northern Virginia area and joining our Chesterbrook Staff. We look forward to introducing them to you in the future."

That would seem to explain why no vacancies are currently posted.

[Anonymous]

This is not uncommon in FCPS. Many teachers have nasty commutes and look for jobs closer to home. Sometimes it’s just a coincidence that there are multiple on a grade level. Sometimes ladies/gents have worked together for a long time and all decide together that this will be their year to move on. It’s not necessarily an indictment of the school or admin

[Anonymous]

I know several teachers who have left Chesterbrook to move closer to their house. It is hard to find affordable housing anywhere close.

[Anonymous]

It’s not a coincidence and it’s not about the commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s not a coincidence and it’s not about the commute.

The total number of departures is not high, but they are concentrated in one grade.

But that won’t stop you with the innuendo, because you have an agenda.