Please SOUND OFF if you think FCPS is in decline!

[Anonymous]

A contrarian viewpoint, but what the hell, I don't give a funk. Yes, without the letter c.

As a parent of a former FCPS student who intentionally pulled them out to go out to private -- I am absolutely horrified at what is going on at FCPS. I don't care about the quality of the teachers, or the incompetence of the principals, or any of the many, many issues that FCPS has. The bottom line is that FCPS is a failing institution. I am reaching a point where I simply cannot imagine sending my child there.

Why? How about these examples. Not anecdotal, but an obvious and damning set of actual incidents in the last year alone:

1. The horrible and barbaric seclusion/restraint practices at some schools. Watch the video in this article. Would you send your child, particularly if they are considered special needs and have an IEP, to FCPS? https://wamu.org/story/19/03/21/video-this-is-what-seclusion-looks-like-at-one-fairfax-county-school/

2. Sexual predators at SACCs and other programs? Sure, you'll find that at FCPS. It's not that hard. How about this fine Fairfax County employee, Rolly Hammond, who sexually abused at least two children at the West Springfield ES allegedly for YEARS? That's not days or months, folks. Not just one child. At least two kids. Under his care at a SACC. For YEARS. http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/west-springfield-elementary-school-daycare-worker-charged-with-sexual-battery/article_3007836c-5246-11e9-83cf-c331a9c52154.html

And look! Even after being arrested, this fine human being is STILL listed on the SACC staff website for West Springfield ES. How helpful and considerate of the school district. Why don't you drop him a line, you'll find his email address on the page. https://westspringfieldes.fcps.edu/resources/parent-handbook/school-age-child-care-sacc

3. And oh yes, speaking of SACC, the parents of a 9 year old boy child who died at the Franconia ES SACC are suing FCPS for negligence. How did he die at the SACC, which is supposed to take care of kids? Read and find out. https://patch.com/virginia/kingstowne/family-boy-killed-franconia-school-sue-report

Again, not anecdotal. The above incidents are just from the last 12 months. There is a pattern here. A pattern of systematic negligence, abuse, injury, trauma, and death at the hands of FCPS.

Does that sound a tad dramatic? Perhaps. Then again, maybe ask the parents of the children who were sexually abused by Mr. Hammond. Or the parents of the children who urinated and defecated on themselves while in seclusion day after day in a cinder block closet.

So yes, FCPS can go f*ck itself. This time with the C. I would advise any parents who are considering sending your children there to seriously reconsider.

[Anonymous]

^^^Yes! Yes! Yes!^^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A contrarian viewpoint, but what the hell, I don't give a funk. Yes, without the letter c.

As a parent of a former FCPS student who intentionally pulled them out to go out to private -- I am absolutely horrified at what is going on at FCPS. I don't care about the quality of the teachers, or the incompetence of the principals, or any of the many, many issues that FCPS has. The bottom line is that FCPS is a failing institution. I am reaching a point where I simply cannot imagine sending my child there.

Why? How about these examples. Not anecdotal, but an obvious and damning set of actual incidents in the last year alone:

1. The horrible and barbaric seclusion/restraint practices at some schools. Watch the video in this article. Would you send your child, particularly if they are considered special needs and have an IEP, to FCPS? https://wamu.org/story/19/03/21/video-this-is-what-seclusion-looks-like-at-one-fairfax-county-school/

2. Sexual predators at SACCs and other programs? Sure, you'll find that at FCPS. It's not that hard. How about this fine Fairfax County employee, Rolly Hammond, who sexually abused at least two children at the West Springfield ES allegedly for YEARS? That's not days or months, folks. Not just one child. At least two kids. Under his care at a SACC. For YEARS. http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/west-springfield-elementary-school-daycare-worker-charged-with-sexual-battery/article_3007836c-5246-11e9-83cf-c331a9c52154.html

And look! Even after being arrested, this fine human being is STILL listed on the SACC staff website for West Springfield ES. How helpful and considerate of the school district. Why don't you drop him a line, you'll find his email address on the page. https://westspringfieldes.fcps.edu/resources/parent-handbook/school-age-child-care-sacc

3. And oh yes, speaking of SACC, the parents of a 9 year old boy child who died at the Franconia ES SACC are suing FCPS for negligence. How did he die at the SACC, which is supposed to take care of kids? Read and find out. https://patch.com/virginia/kingstowne/family-boy-killed-franconia-school-sue-report

Again, not anecdotal. The above incidents are just from the last 12 months. There is a pattern here. A pattern of systematic negligence, abuse, injury, trauma, and death at the hands of FCPS.

Does that sound a tad dramatic? Perhaps. Then again, maybe ask the parents of the children who were sexually abused by Mr. Hammond. Or the parents of the children who urinated and defecated on themselves while in seclusion day after day in a cinder block closet.

So yes, FCPS can go f*ck itself. This time with the C. I would advise any parents who are considering sending your children there to seriously reconsider.

Just clicked and there he is! Wow. Just wow.

[Anonymous]

OP of the longish post above. Just noticed some typos in what I wrote, I was on a roll.

Yes -- it's unbelievable that the sexual predator is still listed on the SACC staff website. But, that's FCPS for you.

Here's the attorney's notice to FCPS for the parents of the child who died at the Franconia ES SACC. It's heartbreaking. https://media.nbcwashington.com/documents/Lipicky+Family+Notifies+Fairfax+County+Schools+of+Intent+to+Sue.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have two kids in FCPS. I feel like they're just largely being "pushed through". My kids are bright, but bored. It feels like kids are locked into a lane at age 7 and they're never allowed to get out of it. It feels like all the resources are pushed toward the top 5% of students and the rest get the scraps.

I don't like it. We're looking at moving out of state to give our kids a better education.

I could have written this word-for-word.

West Virginia?

Nope. Fairfax County Public Schools sweetheart!

I think the PP was asking if you are moving to WV.

"Sweetheart"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP of the longish post above. Just noticed some typos in what I wrote, I was on a roll.

Yes -- it's unbelievable that the sexual predator is still listed on the SACC staff website. But, that's FCPS for you.

Here's the attorney's notice to FCPS for the parents of the child who died at the Franconia ES SACC. It's heartbreaking. https://media.nbcwashington.com/documents/Lipicky+Family+Notifies+Fairfax+County+Schools+of+Intent+to+Sue.pdf

I want to throw up. I cannot even begin to imagine how the parents are handling this. God bless his or her little soul. Prayers for the parents.

[Anonymous]

FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

Public education has always been about serving those without other options, including poor immigrants. The only thing that’s changed is the color of the immigrants and the media available for right-wing haters to share their racist, nativist views.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

Public education has always been about serving those without other options, including poor immigrants. The only thing that’s changed is the color of the immigrants and the media available for right-wing haters to share their racist, nativist views.

DP- you are wrong. There were always brown immigrant kids in FCPS, and it was fine because they were a minority. They were easily dispersed through out classes. Those kids got fantastic immersive educations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

Public education has always been about serving those without other options, including poor immigrants. The only thing that’s changed is the color of the immigrants and the media available for right-wing haters to share their racist, nativist views.

DP- you are wrong. There were always brown immigrant kids in FCPS, and it was fine because they were a minority. They were easily dispersed through out classes. Those kids got fantastic immersive educations.

No, you are wrong. Both AA kids and immigrant kids receive better educations now; in the past, they often were placed in non-academic track classes and not encouraged to aim higher. It’s much better now; you simply liked things when there were fewer of them and the schools were majority white. Sorry - that FCPS, like that America, is gone and is never coming back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

Public education has always been about serving those without other options, including poor immigrants. The only thing that’s changed is the color of the immigrants and the media available for right-wing haters to share their racist, nativist views.

DP- you are wrong. There were always brown immigrant kids in FCPS, and it was fine because they were a minority. They were easily dispersed through out classes. Those kids got fantastic immersive educations.

Hi, brown immigrant here. You sound white and painfully privileged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SOLs were the beginning of the end for FCPS.

I think the testing has affected schools everywhere.

The motive was good: accountability.
The reality is a mess. Teaching to the test does not good education make.

The other issue is lack of personal responsibility. Blame the schools if your child cannot behave. Blame the school if a child comes to school without ever having seen a book.

+1


This is absolutely true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

Public education has always been about serving those without other options, including poor immigrants. The only thing that’s changed is the color of the immigrants and the media available for right-wing haters to share their racist, nativist views.

DP- you are wrong. There were always brown immigrant kids in FCPS, and it was fine because they were a minority. They were easily dispersed through out classes. Those kids got fantastic immersive educations.

No, you are wrong. Both AA kids and immigrant kids receive better educations now; in the past, they often were placed in non-academic track classes and not encouraged to aim higher. It’s much better now; you simply liked things when there were fewer of them and the schools were majority white. Sorry - that FCPS, like that America, is gone and is never coming back.

You really think that kids in highly segregated schools are being well served? Cmon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is just too big. Teachers cannot pivot and adjust for your own child. If your child is a ginger bread cookie cut from a cutter, or able to disguise him or herself as such, he or she may get a good education. But children are individuals. And, I would argue, even the children who may maladaptively shape themselves to fit what they see as the prescribed mold may end up suffering down the road.

Where does that leave FCPs? An educational system with a mandate to serve those with no other option: poor, immigrants, ELLs, etc.

Public education has always been about serving those without other options, including poor immigrants. The only thing that’s changed is the color of the immigrants and the media available for right-wing haters to share their racist, nativist views.

DP- you are wrong. There were always brown immigrant kids in FCPS, and it was fine because they were a minority. They were easily dispersed through out classes. Those kids got fantastic immersive educations.

No, you are wrong. Both AA kids and immigrant kids receive better educations now; in the past, they often were placed in non-academic track classes and not encouraged to aim higher. It’s much better now; you simply liked things when there were fewer of them and the schools were majority white. Sorry - that FCPS, like that America, is gone and is never coming back.

You really think that kids in highly segregated schools are being well served? Cmon.

You do not care about any kids in "highly segregated schools" other than white kids who may now be a minority in certain schools.

I am quite sure that minority students at many majority-minority schools in FCPS are receiving a much better education than they would have at majority white schools decades ago. .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A contrarian viewpoint, but what the hell, I don't give a funk. Yes, without the letter c.

As a parent of a former FCPS student who intentionally pulled them out to go out to private -- I am absolutely horrified at what is going on at FCPS. I don't care about the quality of the teachers, or the incompetence of the principals, or any of the many, many issues that FCPS has. The bottom line is that FCPS is a failing institution. I am reaching a point where I simply cannot imagine sending my child there.

Why? How about these examples. Not anecdotal, but an obvious and damning set of actual incidents in the last year alone:

1. The horrible and barbaric seclusion/restraint practices at some schools. Watch the video in this article. Would you send your child, particularly if they are considered special needs and have an IEP, to FCPS? https://wamu.org/story/19/03/21/video-this-is-what-seclusion-looks-like-at-one-fairfax-county-school/

2. Sexual predators at SACCs and other programs? Sure, you'll find that at FCPS. It's not that hard. How about this fine Fairfax County employee, Rolly Hammond, who sexually abused at least two children at the West Springfield ES allegedly for YEARS? That's not days or months, folks. Not just one child. At least two kids. Under his care at a SACC. For YEARS. http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/west-springfield-elementary-school-daycare-worker-charged-with-sexual-battery/article_3007836c-5246-11e9-83cf-c331a9c52154.html

And look! Even after being arrested, this fine human being is STILL listed on the SACC staff website for West Springfield ES. How helpful and considerate of the school district. Why don't you drop him a line, you'll find his email address on the page. https://westspringfieldes.fcps.edu/resources/parent-handbook/school-age-child-care-sacc

3. And oh yes, speaking of SACC, the parents of a 9 year old boy child who died at the Franconia ES SACC are suing FCPS for negligence. How did he die at the SACC, which is supposed to take care of kids? Read and find out. https://patch.com/virginia/kingstowne/family-boy-killed-franconia-school-sue-report

Again, not anecdotal. The above incidents are just from the last 12 months. There is a pattern here. A pattern of systematic negligence, abuse, injury, trauma, and death at the hands of FCPS.

Does that sound a tad dramatic? Perhaps. Then again, maybe ask the parents of the children who were sexually abused by Mr. Hammond. Or the parents of the children who urinated and defecated on themselves while in seclusion day after day in a cinder block closet.

So yes, FCPS can go f*ck itself. This time with the C. I would advise any parents who are considering sending your children there to seriously reconsider.

Listen to me you sensationalist piece of crap - look more closely at the story - no where does it say that Rolly Hammond sexually abused children *at* West Springfield. That is because there is no indication that it happened at the school. Don't get me wrong, it is still horrific and gut-wrenching, but it didn't happen on the campus of the school. I know because I am a parent of a child at SACC WSES right now and we met with the police. So please, this is obviously none of your business. As you say, your child does not even go to a FCPS school, let alone WSES. So if you are just writing this to give yourself some metaphorical pat on the back because you enjoy the suffering of others, then you are sick and have too much time on your hands. Please crawl back under your rock and stay there.