AppleTree Public Charter preschool - candid opinions please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can any current or recent Appletree CH parents comment on their lateness and absence policies? I've heard stories about kids not being allowed to come to school for the day if they arrive late. I want my kids to respect school, and we try very hard to get them out the door on time, but as a working parent, the idea that we're always one 5-minute delay away from having to find backup childcare for a day is terrifying to me.

At the Col. Hts. open house yesterday, they were very clear: School starts at 8:45; they have a 15-minute grace period until 9. At 9:01, you are not allowed in without a doctor's note. I think this is true of all their campuses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can any current or recent Appletree CH parents comment on their lateness and absence policies? I've heard stories about kids not being allowed to come to school for the day if they arrive late. I want my kids to respect school, and we try very hard to get them out the door on time, but as a working parent, the idea that we're always one 5-minute delay away from having to find backup childcare for a day is terrifying to me.

We went to CH last year. Once in awhile arriving at 9:02 or 9:07 will probably not be a problem. Arriving once a week 5+ minutes after 9:00.. Appletree is not for you. We are a family who can be quite chaotic in the mornings (well, chaotic all the time!), but in the end we appreciated Appletree's strictness on this, because it made us be there on time, and we almost always were. Sporadic lateness is probably workable. Regular lateness, not a good fit with Appletree.

Btw at CH they say the cut off is 8:45, which is why everyone is there by 9:00 because they start acting like you're late after 8:45. But as long as you're there by 9:00, you're good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can any current or recent Appletree CH parents comment on their lateness and absence policies? I've heard stories about kids not being allowed to come to school for the day if they arrive late. I want my kids to respect school, and we try very hard to get them out the door on time, but as a working parent, the idea that we're always one 5-minute delay away from having to find backup childcare for a day is terrifying to me.

We went to CH last year. Once in awhile arriving at 9:02 or 9:07 will probably not be a problem. Arriving once a week 5+ minutes after 9:00.. Appletree is not for you. We are a family who can be quite chaotic in the mornings (well, chaotic all the time!), but in the end we appreciated Appletree's strictness on this, because it made us be there on time, and we almost always were. Sporadic lateness is probably workable. Regular lateness, not a good fit with Appletree.

Btw at CH they say the cut off is 8:45, which is why everyone is there by 9:00 because they start acting like you're late after 8:45. But as long as you're there by 9:00, you're good.

Thank you! I have to think about this, but it's exactly what I needed to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can any current or recent Appletree CH parents comment on their lateness and absence policies? I've heard stories about kids not being allowed to come to school for the day if they arrive late. I want my kids to respect school, and we try very hard to get them out the door on time, but as a working parent, the idea that we're always one 5-minute delay away from having to find backup childcare for a day is terrifying to me.

We went to CH last year. Once in awhile arriving at 9:02 or 9:07 will probably not be a problem. Arriving once a week 5+ minutes after 9:00.. Appletree is not for you. We are a family who can be quite chaotic in the mornings (well, chaotic all the time!), but in the end we appreciated Appletree's strictness on this, because it made us be there on time, and we almost always were. Sporadic lateness is probably workable. Regular lateness, not a good fit with Appletree.

Btw at CH they say the cut off is 8:45, which is why everyone is there by 9:00 because they start acting like you're late after 8:45. But as long as you're there by 9:00, you're good.

Thank you! I have to think about this, but it's exactly what I needed to know.

Most kids are in the classroom by 8.40am. You can arrive any time after 8am. If you arrive consistently at 9am every day it is disruptive for the other kids and for the classroom. Morning meeting starts at 8.45am and it's an important part of the day. That said, I know that they only enforce the policy for those who are consistently late. A few weeks ago at our campus one of the parents told me that she had arrived shortly after 9am (a couple of minutes) and was turned away. It was the first time she'd been late. As she was putting her son back into the car she received a phone call telling her that she could come back and that they were only being strict with her because another parent who was habitually late had also just arrived and they were sending her away for the first time. She understood and was glad that her kid could go to school that day.

You need to plan to be there by 8.45am every day. If you can't commit to getting there on time then find a different school. It's not daycare. Any school has a policy that kids need to be there at a certain time, and few will tolerate chronic lateness.

[Anonymous]

I have two comments to make about AppleTree ELPCS. The first, I read a post yesterday (post entry 1408) in regards to a parent who alleged some unacceptable behaviors from teachers (OK Ave campus) towards her child. As a parent, I felt her anguish but as a person who works in the education arena, I was outraged that this parent has not brought her concerns to the leadership there. I would strongly recommend-no urge you to reach out to the chief of schools or the director of school leadership. Their names and numbers are listed on the AppleTree website. If that does not render immediate action-then go higher to the board of directors. Never should you have to attempt to resolve your issues with your child schools on a forum-regardless of how well organized and responsive Urban Moms is, your child is the longest and the best investment you will ever make, and he/she deserves the best you and the school you choose have to offer! No offense, parent. I feel for you and just want to offer some assistance.

The second comment is from a post about a lot of school closing at AppleTree. Firstly, OSSE and PCSB requires that all schools have monthly PD (Professional Development) for their instructional staff. Secondly, AppleTree, as with other charters follow DCPS calendar. So they are out (holidays) when DC schools are.
These concerns should brought to the attention of PCSB. They have meetings all the time where the public is welcomed to come and air their concerns/opinions as well as make suggestions. You may want to consider running to become a board member!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have two comments to make about AppleTree ELPCS. The first, I read a post yesterday (post entry 1408) in regards to a parent who alleged some unacceptable behaviors from teachers (OK Ave campus) towards her child. As a parent, I felt her anguish but as a person who works in the education arena, I was outraged that this parent has not brought her concerns to the leadership there. I would strongly recommend-no urge you to reach out to the chief of schools or the director of school leadership. Their names and numbers are listed on the AppleTree website. If that does not render immediate action-then go higher to the board of directors. Never should you have to attempt to resolve your issues with your child schools on a forum-regardless of how well organized and responsive Urban Moms is, your child is the longest and the best investment you will ever make, and he/she deserves the best you and the school you choose have to offer! No offense, parent. I feel for you and just want to offer some assistance.

The second comment is from a post about a lot of school closing at AppleTree. Firstly, OSSE and PCSB requires that all schools have monthly PD (Professional Development) for their instructional staff. Secondly, AppleTree, as with other charters follow DCPS calendar. So they are out (holidays) when DC schools are.
These concerns should brought to the attention of PCSB. They have meetings all the time where the public is welcomed to come and air their concerns/opinions as well as make suggestions. You may want to consider running to become a board member!

It's possible to have monthly PD without closing school. My school does it, and so does DCPS. Why can't AppleTree do the same? Makes it tough for working parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have two comments to make about AppleTree ELPCS. The first, I read a post yesterday (post entry 1408) in regards to a parent who alleged some unacceptable behaviors from teachers (OK Ave campus) towards her child. As a parent, I felt her anguish but as a person who works in the education arena, I was outraged that this parent has not brought her concerns to the leadership there. I would strongly recommend-no urge you to reach out to the chief of schools or the director of school leadership. Their names and numbers are listed on the AppleTree website. If that does not render immediate action-then go higher to the board of directors. Never should you have to attempt to resolve your issues with your child schools on a forum-regardless of how well organized and responsive Urban Moms is, your child is the longest and the best investment you will ever make, and he/she deserves the best you and the school you choose have to offer! No offense, parent. I feel for you and just want to offer some assistance.

The second comment is from a post about a lot of school closing at AppleTree. Firstly, OSSE and PCSB requires that all schools have monthly PD (Professional Development) for their instructional staff. Secondly, AppleTree, as with other charters follow DCPS calendar. So they are out (holidays) when DC schools are.
These concerns should brought to the attention of PCSB. They have meetings all the time where the public is welcomed to come and air their concerns/opinions as well as make suggestions. You may want to consider running to become a board member!

It's possible to have monthly PD without closing school. My school does it, and so does DCPS. Why can't AppleTree do the same? Makes it tough for working parents.

AppleTree is 100% Early Childhood. The requirements for teachers are that students are supervised 100% of the time - they do not have "planning periods" away from children like elementary/middle/high schools have. This is possible in schools with older children because of electives and specials. In schools such as this - it is sometimes possible to hold continuous PD with teachers while the kids are in music, PE, etc. It's a loop hole. That being said - almost all schools I know have take FULL or HALF days off for these purposes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have two comments to make about AppleTree ELPCS. The first, I read a post yesterday (post entry 1408) in regards to a parent who alleged some unacceptable behaviors from teachers (OK Ave campus) towards her child. As a parent, I felt her anguish but as a person who works in the education arena, I was outraged that this parent has not brought her concerns to the leadership there. I would strongly recommend-no urge you to reach out to the chief of schools or the director of school leadership. Their names and numbers are listed on the AppleTree website. If that does not render immediate action-then go higher to the board of directors. Never should you have to attempt to resolve your issues with your child schools on a forum-regardless of how well organized and responsive Urban Moms is, your child is the longest and the best investment you will ever make, and he/she deserves the best you and the school you choose have to offer! No offense, parent. I feel for you and just want to offer some assistance.

The second comment is from a post about a lot of school closing at AppleTree. Firstly, OSSE and PCSB requires that all schools have monthly PD (Professional Development) for their instructional staff. Secondly, AppleTree, as with other charters follow DCPS calendar. So they are out (holidays) when DC schools are.
These concerns should brought to the attention of PCSB. They have meetings all the time where the public is welcomed to come and air their concerns/opinions as well as make suggestions. You may want to consider running to become a board member!

It's possible to have monthly PD without closing school. My school does it, and so does DCPS. Why can't AppleTree do the same? Makes it tough for working parents.

AppleTree is 100% Early Childhood. The requirements for teachers are that students are supervised 100% of the time - they do not have "planning periods" away from children like elementary/middle/high schools have. This is possible in schools with older children because of electives and specials. In schools such as this - it is sometimes possible to hold continuous PD with teachers while the kids are in music, PE, etc. It's a loop hole. That being said - almost all schools I know have take FULL or HALF days off for these purposes.

Not monthly, they don't. And no, we don't hold PD while kids are in specials. Those classes are 40 minutes-- you can't do PD in that time. We have it after school. Yes, we do have full day PD, but we're talking a couple times a year. Not once a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have two comments to make about AppleTree ELPCS. The first, I read a post yesterday (post entry 1408) in regards to a parent who alleged some unacceptable behaviors from teachers (OK Ave campus) towards her child. As a parent, I felt her anguish but as a person who works in the education arena, I was outraged that this parent has not brought her concerns to the leadership there. I would strongly recommend-no urge you to reach out to the chief of schools or the director of school leadership. Their names and numbers are listed on the AppleTree website. If that does not render immediate action-then go higher to the board of directors. Never should you have to attempt to resolve your issues with your child schools on a forum-regardless of how well organized and responsive Urban Moms is, your child is the longest and the best investment you will ever make, and he/she deserves the best you and the school you choose have to offer! No offense, parent. I feel for you and just want to offer some assistance.

The second comment is from a post about a lot of school closing at AppleTree. Firstly, OSSE and PCSB requires that all schools have monthly PD (Professional Development) for their instructional staff. Secondly, AppleTree, as with other charters follow DCPS calendar. So they are out (holidays) when DC schools are.
These concerns should brought to the attention of PCSB. They have meetings all the time where the public is welcomed to come and air their concerns/opinions as well as make suggestions. You may want to consider running to become a board member!

It's possible to have monthly PD without closing school. My school does it, and so does DCPS. Why can't AppleTree do the same? Makes it tough for working parents.

AppleTree is 100% Early Childhood. The requirements for teachers are that students are supervised 100% of the time - they do not have "planning periods" away from children like elementary/middle/high schools have. This is possible in schools with older children because of electives and specials. In schools such as this - it is sometimes possible to hold continuous PD with teachers while the kids are in music, PE, etc. It's a loop hole. That being said - almost all schools I know have take FULL or HALF days off for these purposes.

Not monthly, they don't. And no, we don't hold PD while kids are in specials. Those classes are 40 minutes-- you can't do PD in that time. We have it after school. Yes, we do have full day PD, but we're talking a couple times a year. Not once a month.

Appletree doesn't have them once a month either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have two comments to make about AppleTree ELPCS. The first, I read a post yesterday (post entry 1408) in regards to a parent who alleged some unacceptable behaviors from teachers (OK Ave campus) towards her child. As a parent, I felt her anguish but as a person who works in the education arena, I was outraged that this parent has not brought her concerns to the leadership there. I would strongly recommend-no urge you to reach out to the chief of schools or the director of school leadership. Their names and numbers are listed on the AppleTree website. If that does not render immediate action-then go higher to the board of directors. Never should you have to attempt to resolve your issues with your child schools on a forum-regardless of how well organized and responsive Urban Moms is, your child is the longest and the best investment you will ever make, and he/she deserves the best you and the school you choose have to offer! No offense, parent. I feel for you and just want to offer some assistance.

The second comment is from a post about a lot of school closing at AppleTree. Firstly, OSSE and PCSB requires that all schools have monthly PD (Professional Development) for their instructional staff. Secondly, AppleTree, as with other charters follow DCPS calendar. So they are out (holidays) when DC schools are.
These concerns should brought to the attention of PCSB. They have meetings all the time where the public is welcomed to come and air their concerns/opinions as well as make suggestions. You may want to consider running to become a board member!

It's possible to have monthly PD without closing school. My school does it, and so does DCPS. Why can't AppleTree do the same? Makes it tough for working parents.

AppleTree is 100% Early Childhood. The requirements for teachers are that students are supervised 100% of the time - they do not have "planning periods" away from children like elementary/middle/high schools have. This is possible in schools with older children because of electives and specials. In schools such as this - it is sometimes possible to hold continuous PD with teachers while the kids are in music, PE, etc. It's a loop hole. That being said - almost all schools I know have take FULL or HALF days off for these purposes.

Not monthly, they don't. And no, we don't hold PD while kids are in specials. Those classes are 40 minutes-- you can't do PD in that time. We have it after school. Yes, we do have full day PD, but we're talking a couple times a year. Not once a month.

Appletree doesn't have them once a month either.

Yes, they absolutely do. They are closed typically the first Friday of every month. In January they tacked it on to break (so it was Jan. 6 and 7), but they most definitely close once a month for PD.

[Anonymous]

http://www.appletreeinstitute.org/school/calendar-of-events/

[Anonymous]

What is the discipline system for bad behavior?

[Anonymous]

^^^^depressing to hear this question posed in that way about 3 and 4 year olds, just saying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the discipline system for bad behavior?

Time outs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the discipline system for bad behavior?

Time outs.

No it's not. At least not exactly. It's "calm down spot" which is where the kids go to "calm their bodies down" when they are having tantrums. After a couple of weeks the kids start taking themselves there to control their emotions. It's just a quiet spot of the classroom with cushions. Then there is "sit and watch" which is used when a kid needs to be removed from a situation because they are not following rules or being disruptive. This is used only rarely and the kid sits there and watches how the other kids are behaving before re-joining the activities. To me this is different from "time out".

They also reward good behavior with stars, fun activities (e.g. the dance party, or bounces on a trampoline) and "prize box". The kids are very well behaved in the classroom.