Langley 25?

[Anonymous]

As a neighbor, I want to thank Steve Stuban, the Kilbys, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Griffith and Jack's parents for their courage to speak their family's stories. They confirmed what many of us have been thinking - these boys mostly kept their pain silent, were working so hard to be successful and their environment placed heavy burdens on them. A culture change needs to occur - mental health services need to be readily available and responsive, extra curricular and academic pressures need to be toned down starting at the top - FCPS and Virginia High School League need to set more limits here because the fierce competition to get accepted into coveted spots in our VA public colleges (namely, W&M, UVA and VA Tech) is forcing some of our children to over-achieve beyond reasonable expectations. Woodson graduates from the class of 2010 who were accepted at the University of Virginia took an average of 7.95 AP exams, William & Mary 7.77, and Virginia Tech 6.32. That means some students were taking 10 in order to compete for a coveted spot in their public University! For the most part, WTW grads are not attending Ivy league or very elite colleges. The VA colleges have quotas by region and Northern VA is heavily populated with high achieving students. Culture change needs to start at the State and National level.

Langley has kids taking 16 APs and they brag about this.

[Anonymous]

By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

One can't poison waters if everyone is thinking independently. But people thinking independently CAN cling to the perfect image of their schools and communities. So which do you think it is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a neighbor, I want to thank Steve Stuban, the Kilbys, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Griffith and Jack's parents for their courage to speak their family's stories. They confirmed what many of us have been thinking - these boys mostly kept their pain silent, were working so hard to be successful and their environment placed heavy burdens on them. A culture change needs to occur - mental health services need to be readily available and responsive, extra curricular and academic pressures need to be toned down starting at the top - FCPS and Virginia High School League need to set more limits here because the fierce competition to get accepted into coveted spots in our VA public colleges (namely, W&M, UVA and VA Tech) is forcing some of our children to over-achieve beyond reasonable expectations. Woodson graduates from the class of 2010 who were accepted at the University of Virginia took an average of 7.95 AP exams, William & Mary 7.77, and Virginia Tech 6.32. That means some students were taking 10 in order to compete for a coveted spot in their public University! For the most part, WTW grads are not attending Ivy league or very elite colleges. The VA colleges have quotas by region and Northern VA is heavily populated with high achieving students. Culture change needs to start at the State and National level.

Langley has kids taking 16 APs and they brag about this.

Exactly. Thank you. Good, well-thought out post!

[Anonymous]

Jack Chen's goodbye note states exactly why he made the choice to end his own life. Yet there will be people who will say that it was about other things. LISTEN to what kids are SAYING, not what YOU think they mean:

“There is too much stress in my life from school and the environment it creates, expectations for sports, expectations from my friends and expectations from my family,” Jack wrote. He ended with a simple: “Goodbye.”

God Bless

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^I'm not BM (Bullis/bully mom) but I have to add: it's not just that she insists on having the last word (she does) but that every single thread that directly, indirectly, tangentially relates to Langley or any high school issue becomes her personal battlefield where she trots out her same 5 stories of how Langley was too stressful for her (er, her DD). And then goes on and on and on and on as if saying over and over makes it sound like others agree. Any point raised by any other poster is shot down immediately with her tired little retorts such that no one else wants to bother discussing the relevant issue anymore. So the thread dies (and maybe she thinks she's won). Bully for you.

You are absolutely right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^I'm not BM (Bullis/bully mom) but I have to add: it's not just that she insists on having the last word (she does) but that every single thread that directly, indirectly, tangentially relates to Langley or any high school issue becomes her personal battlefield where she trots out her same 5 stories of how Langley was too stressful for her (er, her DD). And then goes on and on and on and on as if saying over and over makes it sound like others agree. Any point raised by any other poster is shot down immediately with her tired little retorts such that no one else wants to bother discussing the relevant issue anymore. So the thread dies (and maybe she thinks she's won). Bully for you.

not sure why everyone thinks there is only 1 person unhappy at Langley. There are many. And most of the type A parents are still oblivious even after 2 suicides and multiple channels of dissemination of info that children are stressed and have difficulties at fcps high schools and ESPECIALLY Langley.

It is just a shame what goes on and on and on. same problems, same stress and same denials.

same crowd of over achievers and athletes that bond together and reinforce how nice Langley is.

see - http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/after-woodson-high-suicides-a-search-for-solace-and-answers/2014/04/11/a394dc64-b069-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html

Ok, I've had more than enough of your innuendo. I'm a Langley parent and my kids are by no means overachievers or athletes. They're pretty much your average kids, with average friends. And they are happy, or as happy as any teen in any high school is going to be. They try hard, do their work, get enough sleep, hang out with friends, live their lives. They don't have whatever hangups you're trying to make it sound like "many" Langley students have. You and your ridiculous axe to grind need to take a vacation and see a therapist about YOUR issues and stop trying to make it sound like the entire school community is at fault. Clearly, you have larger issues going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

One can't poison waters if everyone is thinking independently. But people thinking independently CAN cling to the perfect image of their schools and communities. So which do you think it is?

I think people may post very defensively if they feel like they are repeatedly under personal attack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^I'm not BM (Bullis/bully mom) but I have to add: it's not just that she insists on having the last word (she does) but that every single thread that directly, indirectly, tangentially relates to Langley or any high school issue becomes her personal battlefield where she trots out her same 5 stories of how Langley was too stressful for her (er, her DD). And then goes on and on and on and on as if saying over and over makes it sound like others agree. Any point raised by any other poster is shot down immediately with her tired little retorts such that no one else wants to bother discussing the relevant issue anymore. So the thread dies (and maybe she thinks she's won). Bully for you.

not sure why everyone thinks there is only 1 person unhappy at Langley. There are many. And most of the type A parents are still oblivious even after 2 suicides and multiple channels of dissemination of info that children are stressed and have difficulties at fcps high schools and ESPECIALLY Langley.

It is just a shame what goes on and on and on. same problems, same stress and same denials.

same crowd of over achievers and athletes that bond together and reinforce how nice Langley is.

see - http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/after-woodson-high-suicides-a-search-for-solace-and-answers/2014/04/11/a394dc64-b069-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html

Ok, I've had more than enough of your innuendo. I'm a Langley parent and my kids are by no means overachievers or athletes. They're pretty much your average kids, with average friends. And they are happy, or as happy as any teen in any high school is going to be. They try hard, do their work, get enough sleep, hang out with friends, live their lives. They don't have whatever hangups you're trying to make it sound like "many" Langley students have. You and your ridiculous axe to grind need to take a vacation and see a therapist about YOUR issues and stop trying to make it sound like the entire school community is at fault. Clearly, you have larger issues going on.

Um, I'm Bullis Mom. And I didn't post any of the above. But by all means, enjoy your rant

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

One can't poison waters if everyone is thinking independently. But people thinking independently CAN cling to the perfect image of their schools and communities. So which do you think it is?

I think people may post very defensively if they feel like they are repeatedly under personal attack.

That's not thinking. That is reacting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

One can't poison waters if everyone is thinking independently. But people thinking independently CAN cling to the perfect image of their schools and communities. So which do you think it is?

I think people may post very defensively if they feel like they are repeatedly under personal attack.

That's not thinking. That is reacting.

Perhaps, although it begs the question as to whether you post to spur a discussion or trigger a reaction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

One can't poison waters if everyone is thinking independently. But people thinking independently CAN cling to the perfect image of their schools and communities. So which do you think it is?

I think people may post very defensively if they feel like they are repeatedly under personal attack.

That's not thinking. That is reacting.

Perhaps, although it begs the question as to whether you post to spur a discussion or trigger a reaction.

I think everyone is responsible for thinking through their post. What I find curious is when people react with such anger and animosity towards another when their experiences don't jive. I feel there is a real problem with high-pressure schools, Langley being one of them. That's my opinion. My experience with the administration at Langley has not impressed me. On the other hand, my interactions with South Lakes administrators have. To respond defensively to that is odd to me.

One thing about not being quiet is that people in the community come to speak to you about their own experiences. To those who have had positive experiences, great. But to hack on others because they have not? They are simply proving why the school has the reputation it has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^I'm not BM (Bullis/bully mom) but I have to add: it's not just that she insists on having the last word (she does) but that every single thread that directly, indirectly, tangentially relates to Langley or any high school issue becomes her personal battlefield where she trots out her same 5 stories of how Langley was too stressful for her (er, her DD). And then goes on and on and on and on as if saying over and over makes it sound like others agree. Any point raised by any other poster is shot down immediately with her tired little retorts such that no one else wants to bother discussing the relevant issue anymore. So the thread dies (and maybe she thinks she's won). Bully for you.

not sure why everyone thinks there is only 1 person unhappy at Langley. There are many. And most of the type A parents are still oblivious even after 2 suicides and multiple channels of dissemination of info that children are stressed and have difficulties at fcps high schools and ESPECIALLY Langley.

It is just a shame what goes on and on and on. same problems, same stress and same denials.

same crowd of over achievers and athletes that bond together and reinforce how nice Langley is.

see - http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/after-woodson-high-suicides-a-search-for-solace-and-answers/2014/04/11/a394dc64-b069-11e3-a49e-76adc9210f19_story.html

Ok, I've had more than enough of your innuendo. I'm a Langley parent and my kids are by no means overachievers or athletes. They're pretty much your average kids, with average friends. And they are happy, or as happy as any teen in any high school is going to be. They try hard, do their work, get enough sleep, hang out with friends, live their lives. They don't have whatever hangups you're trying to make it sound like "many" Langley students have. You and your ridiculous axe to grind need to take a vacation and see a therapist about YOUR issues and stop trying to make it sound like the entire school community is at fault. Clearly, you have larger issues going on.

Um, I'm Bullis Mom. And I didn't post any of the above. But by all means, enjoy your rant

Didn't say you were Bullis Mom. Doesn't really matter who you are; your bitterness speaks volumes. And my "rant" was simply in reaction to your rants. That's what happens as a consequence of people posting the same things over and over. Eventually, rational people lose their patience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By my count, there are at least two Langley posters who frequently express their dissatisfaction with the school's "culture." And, while we're not at Langley, when I shared a negative episode at another school, another poster jumped on me very quickly, either assuming I was Bullis Mom or making it clear that some people don't ever want to hear negative things said about their schools.

Not sure what to make of this - BM may have poisoned the waters with the volume and tenor of her posts, or some people cling to a perfect image of their schools and communities like a lifeboat, or both. A candid discussion of school-related issues seems impossible here.

One can't poison waters if everyone is thinking independently. But people thinking independently CAN cling to the perfect image of their schools and communities. So which do you think it is?

I think people may post very defensively if they feel like they are repeatedly under personal attack.

That's not thinking. That is reacting.

Perhaps, although it begs the question as to whether you post to spur a discussion or trigger a reaction.

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

IMO, as a parent of a rising 9th grader in Langley district, rational people should examine why Langley and Woodson have had recent suicides. This includes parents of kids who seem well-adjusted.