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The Sycamore School in Arlington???
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Anonymous
| A quick Google search brought me here, first thing that pops up for TSS reviews. |
Anonymous
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[quote=Anonymous]These are not true statements and a bad argument. All new staff? This implies that all the teachers currently there have worked at TSS less than one school year… that’s not of the norm. Adding percentages doesn’t make it sound better. TSS employees leave because administrators. The varying circumstances stem from the negative work environment. The HOS fails to acknowledge her part in that. So, it’s great every new staff stayed.. for now.. but it says something that TSS doesn’t retain teachers beyond 1-3 years and that’s a generous number.
[/quote] No, it means "all of the new staff" who began working at the school this school year are staying. They were a minority of the total staff. Why would they do that if the school actually ran as alleged here, the big money (see below)? Yes, percentages are an accepted way in social science analysis and many other fields to evaluate a situation mathematically. The school is a startup business that has only been open a limited time. Ask anyone who has run one what happens with staff in the first several years. TSS has kept its core leadership, like most startups. Sadly, working on a startup budget means you don't have fat salaries to dangle at employees in a tight job market. So people move on. Others go because partners take jobs in other cities and countries. Again, anyone who has been around a few schools knows this drill. A school that does better is a unicorn, so go chase it if you want to. |
Anonymous
Yes, it appears so. One poster said she heard about this thread from another parent. I’m ok with that. I do think it’s strange that the parents who are writing (and claim to be new posters) all have the exact same formal, stilted writing style. But perhaps they are just copying each other’s style. I don’t know what to make of it. |
Anonymous
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As I searched Google for insights on The Sycamore School, seeking reviews and opinions, I stumbled upon this thread. A few weeks back, my journey led me to interview with The Sycamore School. While the curriculum and facilities were interesting, it was the demeanor of The Head School and the observations on staff and student retention that left me contemplating.
Ultimately, I chose to pursue a different path. The decision wasn't easy, but it was necessary for the holistic growth and well-being of my child. My experience underscores the importance of aligning not just with a school's academic offerings but also with its culture and values. Every educational institution has its unique character, and finding the right fit can make all the difference. While The Sycamore School may not have been the perfect fit for us, I encourage others to explore and evaluate it based on their own needs and aspirations. After all, the journey to finding the right educational environment is deeply personal, and each step brings us closer to the ideal destination. |
Anonymous
The style is quite obviously similar. Perhaps someone is using AI to crank out "parent" sounding texts. Since more people have posted about the school in 48 hours than did before in 7 years, it's hardly a spontaneous or organic development. And the DCUM administrator already confirmed a few IPs posing as multiple posters. |
Anonymous
| Deny deny deny |
Anonymous
Sounds like some of the middle schoolers now, LOL.... |
Anonymous
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Their voices are also valid. You’re affiliated with a school but don’t understand that?
Sad |
Anonymous
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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]So, are TSS parents telling each other to come here and post? This is just a bizarre sudden flurry of activity.[/quote]
Yes, it appears so. One poster said she heard about this thread from another parent. I’m ok with that. I do think it’s strange that the parents who are writing (and claim to be new posters) all have the exact same formal, stilted writing style. But perhaps they are just copying each other’s style. I don’t know what to make of it.[/quote] The style is quite obviously similar. Perhaps someone is using AI to crank out "parent" sounding texts. Since more people have posted about the school in 48 hours than did before in 7 years, it's hardly a spontaneous or organic development. And the DCUM administrator already confirmed a few IPs posing as multiple posters.[/quote] Easy to point fingers when you’re trying to deflect! |
Anonymous
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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]So, are TSS parents telling each other to come here and post? This is just a bizarre sudden flurry of activity.[/quote]
Yes, it appears so. One poster said she heard about this thread from another parent. I’m ok with that. I do think it’s strange that the parents who are writing (and claim to be new posters) all have the exact same formal, stilted writing style. But perhaps they are just copying each other’s style. I don’t know what to make of it.[/quote] The style is quite obviously similar. Perhaps someone is using AI to crank out "parent" sounding texts. Since more people have posted about the school in 48 hours than did before in 7 years, it's hardly a spontaneous or organic development. And the DCUM administrator already confirmed a few IPs posing as multiple posters.[/quote] Easy to point fingers when you’re trying to deflect! [/quote] Imagine if lawyers responded to evidence-based arguments with that in court. As for valid voices, if a few people are mimicking multiple posters to push a narrative, that's contrived. The IP evidence we saw points that way. But with all anonymous posting, identities and motives are mostly a mystery. Best to stick to the facts as they emerge. Which are different from emotional assertions without details. |
Anonymous
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As a current employee at The Sycamore Scho, I feel compelled to leave a review reflecting my experiences. While the school offers a strong curriculum and dedicated staff, there are significant concerns regarding the administration, particularly the head of school.
Unfortunately, the head of school's tendency to act emotionally and immaturely towards staff, parents, and students has created a challenging environment. This behavior has fostered tension and unease instead of open communication and collaboration. As someone who has seen the impact firsthand, I believe it's important to highlight these issues. The constant drama and unpredictability have made it difficult to focus on providing the best education for our students. While I've appreciated my time at The Sycamore School, it's clear that changes are needed for the well-being of everyone involved. As I prepare to depart this summer, I hope that the administration addresses these concerns to create a healthier work environment for future employees. |
Anonymous
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[quote=jsteele]I keep getting reports about this thread and removed several posts in which posters were accusing each other of sock puppeting. Let me just speak to that. Since this thread was revived, there are only about 5 or 6 unique posters. Only one of those has made any effort to identify herself as a repeat poster and even she hasn't been perfect. The others have not exactly sock puppeted, but they have not made clear that they are a previous poster which gives the impression that they are a new poster. That is why there is surprise at the apparent number of posters in this thread. There really aren't that many.
[/quote] RP here, 5-6 posters actually and I am one of the current parents at TSS. I have stated my child isn’t returning and that I have put that in the school wide survey they sent out. I imagine if a lawyer responded they would at some point request discovery in court and there would be evidence to support both sides.. don’t really understand the mention of lawyers. Anyways, I think there are some valid points on both sides. Clearly parents and past employees with negative experiences, as well as, current admin/staff standing up for TSS. I do believe when you start to try to put others down or become defensive you lose your argument. We made the right choice of not returning, I encourage others to do what’s best for them! |
Anonymous
This is where evidence would actually make a difference. Tendencies that create challenging environments and fostering tensions and all that stuff and those things that are bad...... That's just management consulting doublespeak. No one in the last 60 posts has spelled out any concrete statement or action taken or not taken and pointed to a tangible consequence. Zippo. It's easy to coordinate a PR attack with vague generalities. We have this thread as evidence of that at least. |
Anonymous
I thought the first rule of DCUM was to not talk about it... |
Anonymous
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first '24 here
learn from this. Honestly. It's not coordinated. We are all too busy and tired to coordinate. |