Reply to JKLM to Shepherd

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We attended both.  You should keep in mind that all of DCPS has the same curriculum. But at a JKLM school, it’s the positive attitude of staff and the bells and whistles that seems to be enjoyed the most (happy teachers who get extra aides, playground extras, great aftercare. chickens!!!). Shepherd has very little in the way of these extras because in my view [b]very little is asked of the parents, it’s not neighborhood school like the JKLMs are[/b], and many teachers have job security that in my view shouldn’t be there.  Ultimately we left due to the lack of effective teaching and the  misbehavior of kids AND teachers that changed our child. We are not  alone -  Its been a mostly out of bounds school for many many years, save the prek. Which stinks because it would be great to have a school that serves our neighborhood. I know many families who are trying to change the narrative. More power to them! To me, it  seems intractable. [/quote]

I don't doubt the veracity of your claims as applied to whenever your child attended.  However, a lot has changed very quickly in the last few years.  The school was about almost 40% IB last year (lower grades are almost entirely IB).  It's not perfect, and there are certainly some things that can be improved, but it's a solid option.

I know a few neighbors who drive across town to WOTP schools, but I wouldn't for my early elementary child.  We like the International Bacc. curriculum, French or Spanish 2-3x/week, and the benefits of having a neighborhood school. YMMV.

[/quote]

P.S. I mean to add that I wouldn't say that little is asked of parents currently.  Many parents are very actively involved in the school.  Also, my kid's classes have had at least two room parents every year, with active participation from class families.

If interested, check out Shepherd's Twitter feed.  Some nice pics of International Day festivities were recently featured.  Parents definitely come out to support this and other events.[/quote]

I think the PP you are responding to is referring to money when she says little is asked of Shepherd parents. Keep in mind at Mann, Lafayette, Janney the expectation / pressure is for all parents to give at least $1000 per year, if not more, to fund additional teachers aides and other initiatives. [/quote]

PP here.  Yes, much less is asked of Shepherd families financially.  However, this is still a school where 29% of kids is economically disadvantaged.  Shepherd is not going to raise as much as a Janney or Lafayette, schools that are much wealthier and twice as large.  I think more will be raised as the school continues to become more IB.

However, part of what makes the school special, IMO, is its diversity, which includes SES diversity.  I think it will be much more socioeconomically diverse than most other Deal/Wilson feeders for years to come.  Fundraising won't rival JKLMs anytime soon, but there are other ways that parents of all SES levels participate in the community.[/quote]

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