Protest at Mundo on P street

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. Did the protest at Cook happen too?

The flyer at the twitter link says:
Enough is Enough
Our kids deserve better
3rd grade caregivers are writing to demand a response. We asking for:
Two adults in all 3rd grade classrooms for the remainder of SY 22/23
Commitment to at least 2 hour of actual instruction in Math and ELA each day for the remainder of SY 22/23
Additional academic support (tutoring, summer programming, after care enrichment, etc) specifically for 3rd grade students
An additional teacher (or aide) for each teaching pair for SY 23/24

Okay, hold on now. I'm no MV booster (far from it!), but how many schools have two teachers/aides per classroom in third grade? What does an additional teacher/aide for each teaching pair mean? A third adult in the classroom half of the time? How many charters provide tutoring, summer academics, and academics in after care?

Without context this seems like a lot to ask from a charter school, and even DCPS when it comes to having two adults in the classroom. Is this a post-pandemic issue with third grade (who did K and 1st virtually)? Has there not been enough intervention to get those kids caught up? Are classrooms totally out of control that they need 2-3 adults in third grade every day? I deleted my Twitter, but can anyone see the comments to see (hopefully) more details?

I'd really love more information because I came here fully ready to pile on MV, but it's a charter school, not DCPS, they don't HAVE to offer all of the bells and whistles if they don't want to.

MV has extremely inexperienced teachers and plenty of kids with behaviors, and the teachers can't both teach and maintain safety/peace in the classroom. The situation becomes much worse in the 2nd grade when the model of 2 teachers per classroom ends.

yes - from what I have heard, there are a lot of teachers that are native spanish speakers and professionals, but not necessarily trained in Education so that makes classroom management and other demands difficult to handle for some. Have also heard admin can be demanding and there is a somewhat toxic work environment where teachers a have a lot on their plate and are expected to stay late. This coupled with not being paid well compared to DCPS leads to lots of turn over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the message that the school administrators sent to the entire community in response to the protest. It seems a little apathetic to the issues the children are facing—


“Dear Mundo Verde Families,

We are writing to let you know that a group of Third Grade parents and caregivers from J.F. Cook campus organized a protest today, June 14, during arrival. Please be aware that while we hope to minimize disruptions during arrival and 5th grade Expo, this small group may continue these actions tomorrow. While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.

Some students might have seen this action by these parents/caregivers, some might have been encouraged to participate in various ways, and some might have been upset as a result. Teachers and staff will be on alert Thursday to identify any unusual stress or worry that this situation may have caused and will encourage students to share any concerns they may have.

The stated goal of this protest was to schedule a meeting with the school leadership to talk about staffing and their experience with the school. Without listing all the meetings, hours and events, please know that school leadership has held many hours of meetings throughout the year to listen carefully to the concerns raised. If you would like to know more about the specific opportunities that have been provided for these discussions please contact us.

As school leaders, we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”

I don't have a kid at MV and I don't know anything about the concerns or protests. This response from MV is TOTALLY off base and inappropriate. It is overtly threatening to those who choose to participate and gives BS lip services to concern for students who might be stressed out by protesters and signs. Would that they were as concerned about the drug use and shootings in their neighborhood. This is a bad look for MV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the message that the school administrators sent to the entire community in response to the protest. It seems a little apathetic to the issues the children are facing—


“Dear Mundo Verde Families,

We are writing to let you know that a group of Third Grade parents and caregivers from J.F. Cook campus organized a protest today, June 14, during arrival. Please be aware that while we hope to minimize disruptions during arrival and 5th grade Expo, this small group may continue these actions tomorrow. While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.

Some students might have seen this action by these parents/caregivers, some might have been encouraged to participate in various ways, and some might have been upset as a result. Teachers and staff will be on alert Thursday to identify any unusual stress or worry that this situation may have caused and will encourage students to share any concerns they may have.

The stated goal of this protest was to schedule a meeting with the school leadership to talk about staffing and their experience with the school. Without listing all the meetings, hours and events, please know that school leadership has held many hours of meetings throughout the year to listen carefully to the concerns raised. If you would like to know more about the specific opportunities that have been provided for these discussions please contact us.

As school leaders, we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”

I don't have a kid at MV and I don't know anything about the concerns or protests. This response from MV is TOTALLY off base and inappropriate. It is overtly threatening to those who choose to participate and gives BS lip services to concern for students who might be stressed out by protesters and signs. Would that they were as concerned about the drug use and shootings in their neighborhood. This is a bad look for MV.

This. Sorry but Truxton Circle and P St are regularly scary. Parents with signs is nothing compared to the other things kids see.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DCI is what keeps many families at MV.

Aren't there more Spanish speaking kids in feeders than seats at DCI? At some point won't parents do the math on lousy ES and a non-guaranteed DCI path and choose otherwise? I honestly don't get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the message that the school administrators sent to the entire community in response to the protest. It seems a little apathetic to the issues the children are facing—


“Dear Mundo Verde Families,

We are writing to let you know that a group of Third Grade parents and caregivers from J.F. Cook campus organized a protest today, June 14, during arrival. Please be aware that while we hope to minimize disruptions during arrival and 5th grade Expo, this small group may continue these actions tomorrow. While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.

Some students might have seen this action by these parents/caregivers, some might have been encouraged to participate in various ways, and some might have been upset as a result. Teachers and staff will be on alert Thursday to identify any unusual stress or worry that this situation may have caused and will encourage students to share any concerns they may have.

The stated goal of this protest was to schedule a meeting with the school leadership to talk about staffing and their experience with the school. Without listing all the meetings, hours and events, please know that school leadership has held many hours of meetings throughout the year to listen carefully to the concerns raised. If you would like to know more about the specific opportunities that have been provided for these discussions please contact us.

As school leaders, we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”

I don't have a kid at MV and I don't know anything about the concerns or protests. This response from MV is TOTALLY off base and inappropriate. It is overtly threatening to those who choose to participate and gives BS lip services to concern for students who might be stressed out by protesters and signs. Would that they were as concerned about the drug use and shootings in their neighborhood. This is a bad look for MV.

This. Sorry but Truxton Circle and P St are regularly scary. Parents with signs is nothing compared to the other things kids see.

And yet; the School administration allegedly called the police on the protestors. Shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the message that the school administrators sent to the entire community in response to the protest. It seems a little apathetic to the issues the children are facing—


“Dear Mundo Verde Families,

We are writing to let you know that a group of Third Grade parents and caregivers from J.F. Cook campus organized a protest today, June 14, during arrival. Please be aware that while we hope to minimize disruptions during arrival and 5th grade Expo, this small group may continue these actions tomorrow. While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.

Some students might have seen this action by these parents/caregivers, some might have been encouraged to participate in various ways, and some might have been upset as a result. Teachers and staff will be on alert Thursday to identify any unusual stress or worry that this situation may have caused and will encourage students to share any concerns they may have.

The stated goal of this protest was to schedule a meeting with the school leadership to talk about staffing and their experience with the school. Without listing all the meetings, hours and events, please know that school leadership has held many hours of meetings throughout the year to listen carefully to the concerns raised. If you would like to know more about the specific opportunities that have been provided for these discussions please contact us.

As school leaders, we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”

I don't have a kid at MV and I don't know anything about the concerns or protests. This response from MV is TOTALLY off base and inappropriate. It is overtly threatening to those who choose to participate and gives BS lip services to concern for students who might be stressed out by protesters and signs. Would that they were as concerned about the drug use and shootings in their neighborhood. This is a bad look for MV.

Just wondering in regards to “While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.”

Do the core values of ESPICA not include like regular classroom time and lessons in core subjects?

I am so glad these parents are going public and I hope every local news channel publishes the name of the administration and every Board member. This is revolting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are these parents staying if it’s so bad? Are their IB schools that bad? Sounds like it would most likely be better than this!

If it's P street, our school (Seaton) lost a bunch of students to MV early on (like in PK). I myself almost fell for the hype a few times, but I am SO thankful we stayed. I have a third grader, this feels like a parallel path that my kid could have experienced. Instead he has a team of third grade teachers (ELA and Math) who both have been at the school for more than a decade, are superstars, have grad degrees, and have him working way above grade level on both subjects. In addition to the ELA teachers and math/reading specialists who are always pulling kids out.

I'm going to say it -- families fled their IB school bc they were afraid of the demographics. But it is a better school, period.

Us too (not at Seaton). I feel really grateful I trusted my instincts and didn’t fall for the hype. The grass isn’t always greener.

My kid is now in MS but as far back as when we did open houses and lottery research for PK3 the signs of trouble at MV were there. We did not include MV on our lottery list as a result. These issues are not new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is that the third grade class has experienced serious issues with teacher attrition this year as well as last year, to the point where kids have been without a teacher for long periods of time.

I think that's why their requests for teachers for this year seem excessive -- the issue is that kids have had short term subs and been stuck with virtual learning aids for significant portions of this year, and the families want the school to prioritize getting teachers in those classrooms NOW to address learning loss that has happened this year and last due to the school's inability to retain teachers.

I also suspect that is what the request for summer programming is for -- not just regular summer school/camp, but extra services for these specific kids to address deficiencies in their experience over the last two years from teacher attrition.

I feel bad for the kids who are struggling through this. I know a kid at another immersion charter who had a bunch of teacher losses this year and it's so hard on the kids. A school should be able to, at a minimum, provide kids with continuity in teaching during the duration of the school year. The fact that multiple teachers are bailing in the middle of the year is really bad.

What do you mean? In school virtual learning with subs?

Is MV8 really not having these issues? If it's about pay and structural issues with MV, why wouldn't MV8 teachers be having the same problems?

I mean, it's not even clear that this is a problem with all of Cooke campus, or just specific to the 3rd grade cohort. I can see a situation where these kids came out of Covid virtual school, lost a teacher last year maybe mid-year, got a new teacher but had lag time in between, the new teacher had a huge hill to climb because the kids really had not had consistent instruction since pre-Covid, and that led that teacher to quit, too.

(I have serious questions about any teacher who will quit mid-year, it's something I've never understood unless your job is actually abusive or you have extenuating circumstances in your life -- I would stick it out until the end of the year if I could for the kids, but it happens).

Anyway, it's unclear if this is a school-wide issue or just a series of unfortunate circumstances for this class. Either way, the school is responsible to these kids for fixing it, obviously.

I will say there may be something about 3rd graders. These were the kids in kindergarten when the pandemic hit. Our 3rd graders in our fancy WOTP elementary are kind of jerks too. So are a lot of the 4th graders. Missed some formative life skills from 5-7 years old

Fancy elementary school? And you come to post on a thread about a school that is struggling? Wow. And you’re calling 9 year olds jerks? Take a look at yourself in the mirror.

NP. You seem really insecure. I didn't read their post like that at all. They were making the exact opposite point. What they said was that 3rd grade is a challenge everywhere, even at their demographically advantaged NW ES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the message that the school administrators sent to the entire community in response to the protest. It seems a little apathetic to the issues the children are facing—


“Dear Mundo Verde Families,

We are writing to let you know that a group of Third Grade parents and caregivers from J.F. Cook campus organized a protest today, June 14, during arrival. Please be aware that while we hope to minimize disruptions during arrival and 5th grade Expo, this small group may continue these actions tomorrow. While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.

Some students might have seen this action by these parents/caregivers, some might have been encouraged to participate in various ways, and some might have been upset as a result. Teachers and staff will be on alert Thursday to identify any unusual stress or worry that this situation may have caused and will encourage students to share any concerns they may have.

The stated goal of this protest was to schedule a meeting with the school leadership to talk about staffing and their experience with the school. Without listing all the meetings, hours and events, please know that school leadership has held many hours of meetings throughout the year to listen carefully to the concerns raised. If you would like to know more about the specific opportunities that have been provided for these discussions please contact us.

As school leaders, we will continue to actively engage with all members of the community who are contributing to the school’s overall success.”

I don't have a kid at MV and I don't know anything about the concerns or protests. This response from MV is TOTALLY off base and inappropriate. It is overtly threatening to those who choose to participate and gives BS lip services to concern for students who might be stressed out by protesters and signs. Would that they were as concerned about the drug use and shootings in their neighborhood. This is a bad look for MV.

Just wondering in regards to “While we hope it will not be repeated on Thursday, some parents and caregivers brought accusatory signage to campus on Wednesday - a regrettable and unfortunate public display of disrespect for the core values of ESPICA that we teach our students and ask everyone to practice.”

Do the core values of ESPICA not include like regular classroom time and lessons in core subjects?

I am so glad these parents are going public and I hope every local news channel publishes the name of the administration and every Board member. This is revolting.

Former MV parent and I agree 100%. The ED is the biggest gaslighter I have ever met. She's in way over her head and refuses to listen and then gets upset when people say it and acts like we're being unreasonable. The MV Board and Charter board have been notified numerous, numerous times over the years; the unionization movement was in the news and maybe on WAMU, and still, nothing. It's a huge letdown for the city and I wish the ED would step away and let someone else have a try. Their model is a tough one, but my goodness, just spend some money having someone write curriculum for these new and untrained teachers so they can have SOMETHING to fall back on every day! That would be a huge lift all around.

[Anonymous]

I will say there may be something about 3rd graders. These were the kids in kindergarten when the pandemic hit. Our 3rd graders in our fancy WOTP elementary are kind of jerks too. So are a lot of the 4th graders. Missed some formative life skills from 5-7 years old[/quote wrote:

Fancy elementary school? And you come to post on a thread about a school that is struggling? Wow. And you’re calling 9 year olds jerks? Take a look at yourself in the mirror.

This response seems over the top. I thought the previous poster was just making the point that this group of kids is having a tough time due to world events, and being without teacher continuity could exacerbate that. I have a second grader and we've seen some of the same stuff.

[Anonymous]

I just have to push back on all the criticism, lest anyone think that every parent is unhappy with Mundo Verde.

I am happy with the school and have been for many years. We have always had delightful teachers and the kids are happy, engaged, and learning all sorts of great things.

The pandemic was stressful for so many reasons, and that seems to be at the root of many issues right now (affecting teachers, 3rd graders, etc). I empathize with the frustrations of parents who’ve dealt with teachers leaving mid-year. But to throw the whole school into this negative spiral seems overboard when the majority of parents I interact with are happy with the school and are choosing to stay. The majority of teachers have been exceptional.

Criticism is fine, but let’s be constructive. Bashing Mundo verde like this is not helpful. Let’s celebrate the things we love about the school and work positively on the things that need to be improved.

Also, to those parents who are gloating about being “so happy that their kids are not at Mundo verde,” how is that helpful?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just have to push back on all the criticism, lest anyone think that every parent is unhappy with Mundo Verde.

I am happy with the school and have been for many years. We have always had delightful teachers and the kids are happy, engaged, and learning all sorts of great things.

The pandemic was stressful for so many reasons, and that seems to be at the root of many issues right now (affecting teachers, 3rd graders, etc). I empathize with the frustrations of parents who’ve dealt with teachers leaving mid-year. But to throw the whole school into this negative spiral seems overboard when the majority of parents I interact with are happy with the school and are choosing to stay. The majority of teachers have been exceptional.

Criticism is fine, but let’s be constructive. Bashing Mundo verde like this is not helpful. Let’s celebrate the things we love about the school and work positively on the things that need to be improved.

Also, to those parents who are gloating about being “so happy that their kids are not at Mundo verde,” how is that helpful?

My friend, the school is already in a negative spiral and has been for some years. I'm glad your family is having a positive experience, but maybe you've just been lucky in your classroom assignments and have a kid who performs well despite the issues. When you're one of those happy people, other people won't voice their experience or their criticisms to your face. But you need to open your eyes to the very real and serious problems which have gone on for years.

[Anonymous]

MLK got tossed in jail for his convictions. They’ll be ok.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just have to push back on all the criticism, lest anyone think that every parent is unhappy with Mundo Verde.

I am happy with the school and have been for many years. We have always had delightful teachers and the kids are happy, engaged, and learning all sorts of great things.

The pandemic was stressful for so many reasons, and that seems to be at the root of many issues right now (affecting teachers, 3rd graders, etc). I empathize with the frustrations of parents who’ve dealt with teachers leaving mid-year. But to throw the whole school into this negative spiral seems overboard when the majority of parents I interact with are happy with the school and are choosing to stay. The majority of teachers have been exceptional.

Criticism is fine, but let’s be constructive. Bashing Mundo verde like this is not helpful. Let’s celebrate the things we love about the school and work positively on the things that need to be improved.

Also, to those parents who are gloating about being “so happy that their kids are not at Mundo verde,” how is that helpful?

My friend, the school is already in a negative spiral and has been for some years. I'm glad your family is having a positive experience, but maybe you've just been lucky in your classroom assignments and have a kid who performs well despite the issues. When you're one of those happy people, other people won't voice their experience or their criticisms to your face. But you need to open your eyes to the very real and serious problems which have gone on for years.

+1. This sort of response makes the PP complicit with the abusive working conditions and educational neglect that disproportionately impacts the most at-risk students. This is not an isolated incident or new post-pandemic, and the administration's response is inexcusable. The teacher turnover and student retention rates speak for themselves. Teachers and students are leaving the school in unprecedented numbers nowhere comparable to other schools (except perhaps SSMA...). When a school has to cut a classroom a few years after expansion because they can't fill seats EVEN WITH a DCI preference, it is deluded to say the majority of parents are happy and children are doing well. And even if they say that to your face, like PP said, it's a rare parent in DC that will openly bash a school until they get a lottery seat somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s really shocking that anyone is defending MV on this thread. Even if your child isn’t suffering, do you have no concern for the other children in your school community?
Even if no, do you really feel confident that your child won’t be in a similar position next year? Leaving kids unsupervised, especially during PARCC, the admin’s terrifyingly callous response to the protests, and the lack of staff to teach the curriculum should be an emergency for every family at the school.

No one is defending the school. I talked about my good experience so far, but believe me that the parent community of Both campus are working together, even though the complains are coming from P st third grade only.

But...so what? It doesn't seem like the parent community has much impact.