Reply to HARDY MIDDLE SCHOOL: Record numbers from feeder schools for 2014-2015

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[quote=Anonymous]Horace Mann 5th graders moms and dads writing.

This year Mann Elementary School is sending a record number of 5th graders to Hardy MS. Six families have already confirmed their intention to enroll their kids to Hardy’s 6th grade 2014-2015 . This is 25% of Mann’s 5th graders, an unprecedented share.

We have established a network with 5th grade parents from the five feeder schools (Key, Stoddert, Eaton, Hyde-Addison and Mann), who are committed or strongly interested in enrolling their kids to Hardy in 2014-2015.  We have begun regular networking events and meetings and we are working in close coordination with the feeder schools’ PTAs and Hardy Transition Committee representatives, as well as with Hardy’s Principal Patricia Pride, in order to strengthen numbers and identify requests to be submitted to Hardy’s Principal and to DCPS. Rather than standing on the sidelines, this year we are enthusiastic, organized, and are working hand in hand with Principal Pride to achieve a stronger neighborhood middle school.

During our meeting of last Wednesday, we estimated that as of now NO LESS THAN 30 FAMILIES from feeder schools are planning to send their kids to Hardy next year (enrollment will start from April 15th). We expect the number to further increase in the next weeks as parents learn of Hardy’s strengthened academic offer, and of the growing commitment from feeder school families. Most interestingly and unexpectedly, we are hearing from parents who left the IB elementary schools last year at the end of the fourth grade, who have not been fully satisfied about their current private/charter school, and are considering Hardy for 6th grade in 2014-2015.

What we ultimately want is the best environment for our children - a middle school that offers a great, well-rounded academic curriculum, so our kids will be prepared for high school and beyond.  We consider Hardy to be the best DC Middle School for our kids for several reasons:

- Full trust in Principal Pride. We believe she’s got all the ingredients: a solid leadership and vision, the experience and administrative capability to turn that vision into action, the support of DCPS.

- Strong academic Curriculum. This year Hardy introduced differentiated math instruction in separate classes for advanced students as early as 6th grade. The larger number of well-prepared students coming from feeder schools, will be met by additional differentiation for English and possibly Science. Principal Pride is already shaping the faculty to meet these enhanced needs. Starting from 2014, math/English offerings will match those at Deal MS and will be in line with the area's top independent schools.

- Great teachers. Teachers are skilled and motivated, eager to engage students on more advanced curriculum. We are currently in dialogue with Principal Pride on several issues, which include increased choice for the second language, more accelerated classes, increased athletics. Extended instructional day is also on the current agenda.

- Phenomenal facility. Thanks to the recent multimillion renovations, the school has large and functional outdoor sport facilities, an immense indoor gym, auditorium, IT rooms and equipment. Library is large, well-stocked and well-organized. Classes are extremely large and full of light. The school infrastructure is no second to any of the nearby private schools (with maybe the exception of St Albans/Cathedral). We encourage all parents to go and see with your eyes.

- Smaller school enrollment size. With a total enrollment size of 400 kids (compared to 1,200 at Deal MS), Hardy has a human size that will ensure a smooth transition from elementary schools. Separate floors are assigned to the three different grades, to ensure frictionless transition between classes and more comfort for the new kids, who will find their peers from their elementary school on the same floor, if not class.

- Neighborhood school. We value a social circle within walking & biking distance of home.

- Top-notch art and music programs, in cooperation with the Fillmore Center (hosted in the same building). A unique plus among all MD schools.

- Inclusive school setting, where teachers and administrators have high expectations for all students.

- Discipline. There’s a strong sense of discipline in the school injected by Principal Pride. Several of us visited the school in the morning, unannounced. The transition between classes looked smooth and disciplined. Kids looked engaged and respectful. Anyone who has a deeper knowledge of the new dynamics at Hardy will confirm that the perception that kids at Hardy are disruptive is totally outdated.

Our next meet & greet for feeder school 5th grade parents will be WEDNESDAY MARCH 5th . The agenda will be to review and update the enrollment counts/estimates, and identify/discuss a finite set of priority issues, to be submitted to Principal Pride’s attention. All PTA/LSAT Presidents of the feeder schools can provide interested families with information and coordinates for the next meeting (or you can send an email to parentsforHardy@gmail.com).

Hope to see more and more parents joining us.

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