Matched IB Ludlow Taylor :( What is the lowest WL position worth considering as an option?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cobbs just doesn't play the "let me be concerned about YOU" game very well. It's not that she doesn't say "how high?" when you tell her to jump, it's that she truly doesn't engage at all on the soical/emotional aspects of schooling that more involved parents (NOT just white) hope their schools will provide in the elementary years.

I heard a very experienced AA family detail their interaction with her and it was simply that she wasn't going "to get involved with that." Yes, she takes care of her teachers, but the lacking component at LT is really the "warm fuzzy," which is quite important to some parents when it comes to their little kids. I think parents have a right to expect a little bit of warmth being sent int heir direction or in their kids' direction. It sets a tone for a culture and her culture is one of "get over it." I think she'd make a much better middle school principal, in a different district. Perhaps she's used to bigger problems, and so it's hard for her to engage, but she's clearly missing the mark. She has neighborhood people who are hungry to do th work and they aren't sticking it out.

You are ridiculous. So now elementary schools are supposed to cater to the "social and emotional needs" of the PARENTS??

Not sure what you mean, but I think you are missing the point. Think of it this way. The principal is the CEO, and the parents are the shareholders. While, yes, the CEO should focus on the bottomline, i.e., educating children, he also should be focused on instilling confidence in the shareholders that he is the right person for the job. That's just good business.

Not only that, but many public school parents don't seem to realize the importance of fundraising. A big part of what makes Brent-Brent and Deal-Deal is that they raise a ton of money....from parents who enjoy supporting the principal.

Amen. OP here. I've been amazed by the awesome discussion that has cropped up. But this is really what hits home for me.

If our child goes to a school, we don't want to do it half-heartedly, parsing their experience and ignoring ours.. because at the end of the day, we have more children whom we would like to go to this school. We are looking for a "long term relationship", even though the steps after K at this school remain very murky. Just that alone is enough to consider other options... We want to go all in, but realize that might mean going all in only for three years for each child, and then we will be investing in another institution with our efforts, finances, etc. If its only three years plus a bunch of bs, I don't think it would be the right fit. (kind of like someone who says they are "not ready for a serious relationship")

So while we might come off as total narcissists, we are not. We want to be meaningfully engaged in growing an institution. We have regularly donated to four different schools fundraisers over the years, for schools we knew we would never be a part of, but that are part of the community we live in and love. We would want to do the same at LT if our son were to go there. We are not looking to have our hands held or our egos stroked. We work hard and live modestly, we respect people who work hard, even if they have an edge, but we want to have opportunities to help grow the school. If we are just an annoyance to the culture of the school, what is the point? We aren't just looking for free daycare or free preschool. We are looking for a place where our child and our family can weave a larger set of memories, contributions, and friendships. We want to leave the school a better place than we found it, it benefits our children, our neighboorhood, and the lives of many.

'The bad things" I initially mentioned were the out of bounds students and knife fights. A serious physical threat to a teacher. A playground injury to a younger child by an older one that required hospitalization. They were a few years ago. There were some more personal anecdotes that I don't feel that I could share on a public site, but yes, the sum total was not cool. I've seen the school, pre- and post-renovation, and yes, it is all renovated beautifully, including the light filled, colorful ECE classrooms, but how a place looks isn't actually what I care about at the end of the day. I am skeptical about open houses in general, we signed up but ended up having a conflict.

And to the snarky posters, believe me, if we choose to go to L-T, you will love us.

OP, I try my dardnest not to be snarky on this forum, but I must say that I don't think you are cut out for public school in DC. And I mean any public school. And I really don't think I would love you...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our PreK-3 daughter was waitlisted 120's for all of our preferred schools, while matched with IB Ludlow Taylor.

We have heard really bad things about Ludlow Taylor and don't really know what we should do at this point. Advice?

Current ludlow taylor parents' feedback appreciated...

Did not read the whole thread because I can guess the content from having read many others LT discussions. I just wanted to add that we have also matched to LT and my 3yo is going to go there next year. If it makes you feel better we, the parents, are married and both hold science PhDs from an Ivy. I would not worry so much about preK.

OP here again. We are not worried about Pre-K. We are worried about years 4,5,6,7 and children 2,3,... and so on. I've worked in a lot of different companies, lived in different cities and houses, and we were somewhat thinking of moving over middle school and highschool and I just couldn't stomach it. I too am from an ivy, have worked abroad, and come from a super-academic family. A lot of my friends are in the DC school system, albeit in the past 5-6 years. The Principal and the culture they create is a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cobbs just doesn't play the "let me be concerned about YOU" game very well. It's not that she doesn't say "how high?" when you tell her to jump, it's that she truly doesn't engage at all on the soical/emotional aspects of schooling that more involved parents (NOT just white) hope their schools will provide in the elementary years.

I heard a very experienced AA family detail their interaction with her and it was simply that she wasn't going "to get involved with that." Yes, she takes care of her teachers, but the lacking component at LT is really the "warm fuzzy," which is quite important to some parents when it comes to their little kids. I think parents have a right to expect a little bit of warmth being sent int heir direction or in their kids' direction. It sets a tone for a culture and her culture is one of "get over it." I think she'd make a much better middle school principal, in a different district. Perhaps she's used to bigger problems, and so it's hard for her to engage, but she's clearly missing the mark. She has neighborhood people who are hungry to do th work and they aren't sticking it out.

You are ridiculous. So now elementary schools are supposed to cater to the "social and emotional needs" of the PARENTS??

Not sure what you mean, but I think you are missing the point. Think of it this way. The principal is the CEO, and the parents are the shareholders. While, yes, the CEO should focus on the bottomline, i.e., educating children, he also should be focused on instilling confidence in the shareholders that he is the right person for the job. That's just good business.

Not only that, but many public school parents don't seem to realize the importance of fundraising. A big part of what makes Brent-Brent and Deal-Deal is that they raise a ton of money....from parents who enjoy supporting the principal.

Amen. OP here. I've been amazed by the awesome discussion that has cropped up. But this is really what hits home for me.

If our child goes to a school, we don't want to do it half-heartedly, parsing their experience and ignoring ours.. because at the end of the day, we have more children whom we would like to go to this school. We are looking for a "long term relationship", even though the steps after K at this school remain very murky. Just that alone is enough to consider other options... We want to go all in, but realize that might mean going all in only for three years for each child, and then we will be investing in another institution with our efforts, finances, etc. If its only three years plus a bunch of bs, I don't think it would be the right fit. (kind of like someone who says they are "not ready for a serious relationship")

So while we might come off as total narcissists, we are not. We want to be meaningfully engaged in growing an institution. We have regularly donated to four different schools fundraisers over the years, for schools we knew we would never be a part of, but that are part of the community we live in and love. We would want to do the same at LT if our son were to go there. We are not looking to have our hands held or our egos stroked. We work hard and live modestly, we respect people who work hard, even if they have an edge, but we want to have opportunities to help grow the school. If we are just an annoyance to the culture of the school, what is the point? We aren't just looking for free daycare or free preschool. We are looking for a place where our child and our family can weave a larger set of memories, contributions, and friendships. We want to leave the school a better place than we found it, it benefits our children, our neighboorhood, and the lives of many.

'The bad things" I initially mentioned were the out of bounds students and knife fights. A serious physical threat to a teacher. A playground injury to a younger child by an older one that required hospitalization. They were a few years ago. There were some more personal anecdotes that I don't feel that I could share on a public site, but yes, the sum total was not cool. I've seen the school, pre- and post-renovation, and yes, it is all renovated beautifully, including the light filled, colorful ECE classrooms, but how a place looks isn't actually what I care about at the end of the day. I am skeptical about open houses in general, we signed up but ended up having a conflict.

And to the snarky posters, believe me, if we choose to go to L-T, you will love us.

OP, I try my dardnest not to be snarky on this forum, but I must say that I don't think you are cut out for public school in DC. And I mean any public school. And I really don't think I would love you...

...said the person who is fine with accepting mediocrity. We go to a sought after DCPS and it is filled with people who share OP's views on what they want to get out of the school. It's people like you and Bowser who think these schools just spring from the earth and all parents need to do is drop the kids at the door---those great principals who run a tight ship will take care of the rest.

[Anonymous]

BWAHAHA - I also live in the neighborhood, and I'm dying trying to imagine which dillweed is the OP. I agree that you're probably not as beloved as you think, OP. I think L-T will be just fine without you. Good luck with your 120+ waitlist numbers.

[Anonymous]

OP, I try my dardnest not to be snarky on this forum, but I must say that I don't think you are cut out for public school in DC. And I mean any public school. And I really don't think I would love you...

Yes, I think we probably have different visions of public school. I went to public til college, but let me tell you, they were damn excellent public schools.

Here is what the DCPS website says about Parent Engagement. Maybe it is time for you to find a new school district.....?

http://dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/Parents+and+Community/Engaging+Families+and+Community#Your Child's School

Your Child’s School

Goal: Principals, parents, and the community work in partnership achieving school success.

Our standard is schools that:

Create a welcoming and engaging climate with strong relationships and communications between families and school staff.
Partner with families to support student achievement.
Invest families and community in school success.

Our work is to support:

Schools create and implement high-impact family engagement strategies that drive student achievement and school improvement.
Schools effectively engage the school community in school planning, budgeting, and plan implementation.
Schools create welcoming and inviting schools where all people feel welcome.
School leadership and parent and community leaders effectively partner and communicate.
Support schools effectively leverage community partnerships to enhance students learning and experiences.
Parent leaders and LSAT members to effectively contribute to school success

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our PreK-3 daughter was waitlisted 120's for all of our preferred schools, while matched with IB Ludlow Taylor.

We have heard really bad things about Ludlow Taylor and don't really know what we should do at this point. Advice?

Current ludlow taylor parents' feedback appreciated...

Did not read the whole thread because I can guess the content from having read many others LT discussions. I just wanted to add that we have also matched to LT and my 3yo is going to go there next year. If it makes you feel better we, the parents, are married and both hold science PhDs from an Ivy. I would not worry so much about preK.

OP here again. We are not worried about Pre-K. We are worried about years 4,5,6,7 and children 2,3,... and so on. I've worked in a lot of different companies, lived in different cities and houses, and we were somewhat thinking of moving over middle school and highschool and I just couldn't stomach it. I too am from an ivy, have worked abroad, and come from a super-academic family. A lot of my friends are in the DC school system, albeit in the past 5-6 years. The Principal and the culture they create is a big deal.

Given the WL at other schools, your best bet is to buy time and do ECE at LT- which is almost universally praised. In most places w/o universal preschool you would go to daycare or private preS, so the 'school bonding' experience you seek would not start till later anyway.
I don't think going to LT while considering it 'free day care' is all that bad; especially because in reality is not free, but rather paid for indirectly through taxes. You might as well save the money you might need for tuition at a private later on.

[Anonymous]

OP, you've heard from several current parents who say they like the school, feel like their kids are getting a great education, and think the principal does a good job of hiring and running a good program. Scores are good, the facilities are nice, and it's becoming more and more in demand. Sorry if you don't think it matches up to the "bonding" experience you hoped for. I'm sure your son, (or daughter? you said both in different posts) will do fine at whatever school you wind up at. But I agree that L-T is not a good fit for your family.

[Anonymous]

OP, I logged on after my self-imposed DCUM evening moratorium specifically for the purpose of flaming you. You, on the basis of scant, if any, knowledge, are criticizing a hard-working and apparently very successful civil servant because her AFFECT is not as deferential to you think all your vaunted Ivyness deserves. Can't you see how that comes off? You really need to check yourself before you get any further into this thing. I don't know what sort of steamrollering you are used to doing in your professional life, but it's not appropriate to apply that ethos here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I logged on after my self-imposed DCUM evening moratorium specifically for the purpose of flaming you. You, on the basis of scant, if any, knowledge, are criticizing a hard-working and apparently very successful civil servant because her AFFECT is not as deferential to you think all your vaunted Ivyness deserves. Can't you see how that comes off? You really need to check yourself before you get any further into this thing. I don't know what sort of steamrollering you are used to doing in your professional life, but it's not appropriate to apply that ethos here.

i don't care about her affect, except as it translates over time into the culture. I care about the culture. I said in the earlier post that I really appreciated all of this dialogue, and it has completely changed my opinion on the schools culture, which seems now to have a pretty active group that cares and is sticking around. Relax. I am not vaunted nor a steamroller. Go play with your kids. I am stuck working unfortunately and happily thinking of meeting more of you lovely LT parents. No joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I logged on after my self-imposed DCUM evening moratorium specifically for the purpose of flaming you. You, on the basis of scant, if any, knowledge, are criticizing a hard-working and apparently very successful civil servant because her AFFECT is not as deferential to you think all your vaunted Ivyness deserves. Can't you see how that comes off? You really need to check yourself before you get any further into this thing. I don't know what sort of steamrollering you are used to doing in your professional life, but it's not appropriate to apply that ethos here.

i don't care about her affect, except as it translates over time into the culture. I care about the culture. I said in the earlier post that I really appreciated all of this dialogue, and it has completely changed my opinion on the schools culture, which seems now to have a pretty active group that cares and is sticking around. Relax. I am not vaunted nor a steamroller. Go play with your kids. I am stuck working unfortunately and happily thinking of meeting more of you lovely LT parents. No joke.

If you really cared about the culture you would not be posting rumors about the school and frowning face emoticons on the internet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I logged on after my self-imposed DCUM evening moratorium specifically for the purpose of flaming you. You, on the basis of scant, if any, knowledge, are criticizing a hard-working and apparently very successful civil servant because her AFFECT is not as deferential to you think all your vaunted Ivyness deserves. Can't you see how that comes off? You really need to check yourself before you get any further into this thing. I don't know what sort of steamrollering you are used to doing in your professional life, but it's not appropriate to apply that ethos here.

i don't care about her affect, except as it translates over time into the culture. I care about the culture. I said in the earlier post that I really appreciated all of this dialogue, and it has completely changed my opinion on the schools culture, which seems now to have a pretty active group that cares and is sticking around. Relax. I am not vaunted nor a steamroller. Go play with your kids. I am stuck working unfortunately and happily thinking of meeting more of you lovely LT parents. No joke.

If you really cared about the culture you would not be posting rumors about the school and frowning face emoticons on the internet.

Hmm. Last time I checked it is generally considered healthy for people to ask questions. There does seem to be some false info from a few years ago that I heard, that is perhaps, thankfully, no longer relevant? I am not a young parent, so it doesn't surprise me that things could have changed, and in fact I am really grateful to know they have. It wasn't an issue to me to research until now, and is complicated by the fact I don't know anyone in the school currently. I wierdly know tons of other parents at other schools, but none in this school. I don't understand why you are so worked up, but maybe you should actually be grateful that this thread might help other people know more about the school that has, in the past, had a checkered history. How about this. I will write down the names of all of the people that have told me these things and you can take your issues out on them. Let me know, then you can have an actual hit list for the people who have had bad experiences at your precious school and dared to talk about it. Then, no one will ever be able to say anything less than glowing about Ludlow Taylor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I logged on after my self-imposed DCUM evening moratorium specifically for the purpose of flaming you. You, on the basis of scant, if any, knowledge, are criticizing a hard-working and apparently very successful civil servant because her AFFECT is not as deferential to you think all your vaunted Ivyness deserves. Can't you see how that comes off? You really need to check yourself before you get any further into this thing. I don't know what sort of steamrollering you are used to doing in your professional life, but it's not appropriate to apply that ethos here.

i don't care about her affect, except as it translates over time into the culture. I care about the culture. I said in the earlier post that I really appreciated all of this dialogue, and it has completely changed my opinion on the schools culture, which seems now to have a pretty active group that cares and is sticking around. Relax. I am not vaunted nor a steamroller. Go play with your kids. I am stuck working unfortunately and happily thinking of meeting more of you lovely LT parents. No joke.

This is an awesome flame-fest.

Where is Ludlow Taylor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BWAHAHA - I also live in the neighborhood, and I'm dying trying to imagine which dillweed is the OP. I agree that you're probably not as beloved as you think, OP. I think L-T will be just fine without you. Good luck with your 120+ waitlist numbers.

What is a dillweed?!

[Anonymous]

It is entirely reasonable to want your dc to attend a school that feels like a community. A community working together to build a school, that welcomes parents (and entire families), and encourages parent volunteers and engagement. We really value that aspect of our dc's school. And it is something that is tough to tell on a tour - these are the sorts of things that really require getting intel from friends, neighbors, and I guess these days anonymous forums. Not sure why OP should be attacked for raising questions. I for one learned a lot from the posters who were willing to answer questions thoughtfully.

[Anonymous]

At the last PTA meeting, a very active parent at the school stood up and announced a scary disease diagnosis she had received that afternoon. Overnight, the LT community - principal included -mobilized to provide this family with meals, grocery trips, kid dropoffs and pickups -- everything they needed while the mother healed. By the time I joined up, every single requested task for 3 months had already been signed up for by other members of the community; there was nothing left for me to do. It is an amazing place to send my child to school. The people are the best.

Signed,
an Ivy-educated LT parent