Message
Folks, there is a simple solution for this year's applicant group. First, you have to start with the premise that FCPS has to (gasp!) abide by the court ruling. That means they cannot use the 1.5% minimum -- which is a quota by any other name -- and they cannot use the "Experience Factors." Those were clearly the two elements of the process which were judged unconstitutional.
At this point, they have the applications already in. No need to use an admissions test. No need for teacher recommendations. Admit the kids based on their "fit" for the school. Hell, I hate that they won't have sufficient data to make the best determination about the "best" applicants, but time is of the essence and why make families suffer through more uncertainty at this point?
(Side issue: The fact that FCPS says they "grade" the student applications based on how well the kids demonstrate the qualities of "Portrait of a Graduate" is a joke, given that this is a STEM school. But I suppose it's legal for them to do this, even if it is absolutely destructive of TJ itself.)
Then FCPS should go through an authentic process of evaluating how best to admit kids to TJ -- the best, the brightest -- and how to expand opportunities for those who haven't had success in the past.
Right now the SB needs to just DO THEIR JOB and give some advisory information to the admissions office in a chaotic situation. It need not be perfect advisory language. But it needs to be legal, and it needs to allow the process to move forward.
At this point, they have the applications already in. No need to use an admissions test. No need for teacher recommendations. Admit the kids based on their "fit" for the school. Hell, I hate that they won't have sufficient data to make the best determination about the "best" applicants, but time is of the essence and why make families suffer through more uncertainty at this point?
(Side issue: The fact that FCPS says they "grade" the student applications based on how well the kids demonstrate the qualities of "Portrait of a Graduate" is a joke, given that this is a STEM school. But I suppose it's legal for them to do this, even if it is absolutely destructive of TJ itself.)
Then FCPS should go through an authentic process of evaluating how best to admit kids to TJ -- the best, the brightest -- and how to expand opportunities for those who haven't had success in the past.
Right now the SB needs to just DO THEIR JOB and give some advisory information to the admissions office in a chaotic situation. It need not be perfect advisory language. But it needs to be legal, and it needs to allow the process to move forward.
I'm posting this to the wider DCUM list in hopes that -- particularly in our rough economy -- one of you may be looking for an exciting opportunity to work at a fantastic nursery school in Northern Virginia.
Temple Rodef Shalom Nursery School (TRSNS) is seeking a teacher interested in running its "Kindergarten Buddies" program for next year (2011-2012). This program was successfully begun last fall and is intended as a supplement to Fairfax County's 1/2 day Kindergarten program. While TRSNS would not require any particular training or certification, teaching experience would be strongly recommended. The program runs Tuesday through Friday, from 9:10 - 11:30 a.m.
You should be aware that while this program was extremely well-received in its first year, TRSNS is unable to offer a contract until parents themselves know whether their children have been assigned to morning or afternoon kindergarten. (In order to attend, a child would have to be assigned to afternoon kindergarten.) Unfortunately, Fairfax County does not release these lists until days before the start of the school year. This puts TRSNS in the difficult position of planning for a program that the school may (or may not) be able to offer. However, TRSNS hopes to see the program continue -- as it serves an important need in our community for additional social enrichment -- and will do its best to attract as many students as possible.
First, however, TRSNS needs a qualified and interested teacher. If you have ever taught young children and might be looking for some additional work hours next fall, please e-mail or call Fran Pfeffer, the director of Temple Rodef Shalom Nursery School. Her phone number is (703) 532-2227. You can also reach her via e-mail at FPfeffer@TempleRodefShalom.org.
Best,
Nancy Trainer
Temple Rodef Shalom Nursery School (TRSNS) is seeking a teacher interested in running its "Kindergarten Buddies" program for next year (2011-2012). This program was successfully begun last fall and is intended as a supplement to Fairfax County's 1/2 day Kindergarten program. While TRSNS would not require any particular training or certification, teaching experience would be strongly recommended. The program runs Tuesday through Friday, from 9:10 - 11:30 a.m.
You should be aware that while this program was extremely well-received in its first year, TRSNS is unable to offer a contract until parents themselves know whether their children have been assigned to morning or afternoon kindergarten. (In order to attend, a child would have to be assigned to afternoon kindergarten.) Unfortunately, Fairfax County does not release these lists until days before the start of the school year. This puts TRSNS in the difficult position of planning for a program that the school may (or may not) be able to offer. However, TRSNS hopes to see the program continue -- as it serves an important need in our community for additional social enrichment -- and will do its best to attract as many students as possible.
First, however, TRSNS needs a qualified and interested teacher. If you have ever taught young children and might be looking for some additional work hours next fall, please e-mail or call Fran Pfeffer, the director of Temple Rodef Shalom Nursery School. Her phone number is (703) 532-2227. You can also reach her via e-mail at FPfeffer@TempleRodefShalom.org.
Best,
Nancy Trainer