Anonymous
06/27/2014 07:40
Subject: Re:haynes vs west
Anonymous wrote:LPJackson76 wrote:Morning All,
I'm a current West parent (rising 5th & 7th graders) as well as a West Alumna and current Treasurer of the West Parent Organization.
West is a school that is definitely on its way back up. Historically it's been a great school, blue-ribbon award winning, top test scores, etc. However when the neighborhood aged the enrollment declined and so did everything else, until it was on the verge of closure. In the last 5 - 6 years however the school has made some significant changes and improvements, including a serious jump in enrollment, which has lead to more funding, which has led to more programs - sadly in our DCPS system butts in the seats determine how much cash you get.
I have to give *much* kudos to the current principal - and I say this as someone who got off to a pretty rough start with her when she came on board. But her leadership and creative methods of enhancing programming despite budget shortfalls has led to some awesome enhancements for the kids. Most notably (in my opinion) is a Preferred Activity Class (PAC) program where teachers and volunteers choose a subject they are particularly passionate about and teach an elective course on it - these are subjects like Step Dance, Yoga, Cooking, Knitting, Choir, and more - I personally taught a Creative Writing class this past semester. It's a way to bring an expanded curriculum to the school even without funding for it.
There's a focused plan each year for motivating students and increasing test scores, but from the kids' perspective it's not about "We have to score high on the tests for the school" it's more of "I want to beat my own scores because Ms. Fill-In-The-Blank-Teacher said I can do even better than I did last time." They actually believe that - at least my kids do.
There is absolutely more improvements that can be done, but I have to say right now is an exciting time at the school because we have some seriously invested and involved parents and staff members who are determined to see good changes. There's also room right now for new ideas and they are welcomed - not that every idea can be implemented, but they're all up for discussion.
As to the ES/MS/HS feeder pattern, personally I'm a proponent of the Education Campus Model and will be pretty sad to see it go away all together - I like the idea of my kids staying in one school with a solid MS program built in, but would very much like to see a good MS option in our neighborhood. We've also noticed there's a SERIOUS difference in the scores between kids who came to West in Early Childhood grades and STAYED thru the 8th grade vs those who transferred in later...something to be said for the continuity of education in one school.
My two cents - happy to answer any questions, admittedly I'm a happy parent so maybe a little biased
So YOU'RE the one! I've never met anyone who thought the EC model was a good idea, you are as rare as a leprechaun with a pot of gold
There are far worse ideas out there. While I'm in the camp of a separate middle school, there are some attractive features of the EC model. I'd love to have a great middle school, but right now, West at least provides a known and acceptable option. 60% of 8th graders got HS credit for Algebra.
Also, I happen to be the product of a K-8 school - I didn't know what middle school was until much later in life.
Anonymous
06/26/2014 23:50
Subject: Re:haynes vs west
LPJackson76 wrote:Morning All,
I'm a current West parent (rising 5th & 7th graders) as well as a West Alumna and current Treasurer of the West Parent Organization.
West is a school that is definitely on its way back up. Historically it's been a great school, blue-ribbon award winning, top test scores, etc. However when the neighborhood aged the enrollment declined and so did everything else, until it was on the verge of closure. In the last 5 - 6 years however the school has made some significant changes and improvements, including a serious jump in enrollment, which has lead to more funding, which has led to more programs - sadly in our DCPS system butts in the seats determine how much cash you get.
I have to give *much* kudos to the current principal - and I say this as someone who got off to a pretty rough start with her when she came on board. But her leadership and creative methods of enhancing programming despite budget shortfalls has led to some awesome enhancements for the kids. Most notably (in my opinion) is a Preferred Activity Class (PAC) program where teachers and volunteers choose a subject they are particularly passionate about and teach an elective course on it - these are subjects like Step Dance, Yoga, Cooking, Knitting, Choir, and more - I personally taught a Creative Writing class this past semester. It's a way to bring an expanded curriculum to the school even without funding for it.
There's a focused plan each year for motivating students and increasing test scores, but from the kids' perspective it's not about "We have to score high on the tests for the school" it's more of "I want to beat my own scores because Ms. Fill-In-The-Blank-Teacher said I can do even better than I did last time." They actually believe that - at least my kids do.
There is absolutely more improvements that can be done, but I have to say right now is an exciting time at the school because we have some seriously invested and involved parents and staff members who are determined to see good changes. There's also room right now for new ideas and they are welcomed - not that every idea can be implemented, but they're all up for discussion.
As to the ES/MS/HS feeder pattern, personally I'm a proponent of the Education Campus Model and will be pretty sad to see it go away all together - I like the idea of my kids staying in one school with a solid MS program built in, but would very much like to see a good MS option in our neighborhood. We've also noticed there's a SERIOUS difference in the scores between kids who came to West in Early Childhood grades and STAYED thru the 8th grade vs those who transferred in later...something to be said for the continuity of education in one school.
My two cents - happy to answer any questions, admittedly I'm a happy parent so maybe a little biased
So YOU'RE the one! I've never met anyone who thought the EC model was a good idea, you are as rare as a leprechaun with a pot of gold
Anonymous
06/26/2014 23:43
Subject: haynes vs west
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't want to bash West because I know there is a lot of potential there and that many kids do great...but...a friend has struggled with her kids there due to some special needs not being met with the most thoughtful/innovative response (both for a child with a learning disability and a gifted child). If you have such needs, you might want to see if Haynes is better equipped to handle them.
I hear you, but I will also tell you (and others) that this happens all over DCPS in some of the "best" schools. I really feel for your friend, but unfortunately it's the reality of the lives of SN kids in public schools (actually, from my SN-specific country-wide listserve, I can tell you it happens all over the country). I can see a movement at West that looks promising (just observing from a far).
It doesn't happen all over DCPS, nor all over the "best" DCPCS.
It's so annoying when people just make sh*t up to further their own agendas.
Make your point or whatever, but don't insult us with your pretend data.
Farking Jagg-offs.
Anonymous
06/26/2014 23:22
Subject: Re:haynes vs west
OP here, thank you all for your thoughts about West and McFarland and Roosevelt and beyond. We're staying put for now, but that doesn't mean we can't also get involved at West, so I will be in touch--we're at Hamilton all the time anyway!
LPJackson76
06/26/2014 10:36
Subject: Re:haynes vs west
Morning All,
I'm a current West parent (rising 5th & 7th graders) as well as a West Alumna and current Treasurer of the West Parent Organization.
West is a school that is definitely on its way back up. Historically it's been a great school, blue-ribbon award winning, top test scores, etc. However when the neighborhood aged the enrollment declined and so did everything else, until it was on the verge of closure. In the last 5 - 6 years however the school has made some significant changes and improvements, including a serious jump in enrollment, which has lead to more funding, which has led to more programs - sadly in our DCPS system butts in the seats determine how much cash you get.
I have to give *much* kudos to the current principal - and I say this as someone who got off to a pretty rough start with her when she came on board. But her leadership and creative methods of enhancing programming despite budget shortfalls has led to some awesome enhancements for the kids. Most notably (in my opinion) is a Preferred Activity Class (PAC) program where teachers and volunteers choose a subject they are particularly passionate about and teach an elective course on it - these are subjects like Step Dance, Yoga, Cooking, Knitting, Choir, and more - I personally taught a Creative Writing class this past semester. It's a way to bring an expanded curriculum to the school even without funding for it.
There's a focused plan each year for motivating students and increasing test scores, but from the kids' perspective it's not about "We have to score high on the tests for the school" it's more of "I want to beat my own scores because Ms. Fill-In-The-Blank-Teacher said I can do even better than I did last time." They actually believe that - at least my kids do.
There is absolutely more improvements that can be done, but I have to say right now is an exciting time at the school because we have some seriously invested and involved parents and staff members who are determined to see good changes. There's also room right now for new ideas and they are welcomed - not that every idea can be implemented, but they're all up for discussion.
As to the ES/MS/HS feeder pattern, personally I'm a proponent of the Education Campus Model and will be pretty sad to see it go away all together - I like the idea of my kids staying in one school with a solid MS program built in, but would very much like to see a good MS option in our neighborhood. We've also noticed there's a SERIOUS difference in the scores between kids who came to West in Early Childhood grades and STAYED thru the 8th grade vs those who transferred in later...something to be said for the continuity of education in one school.
My two cents - happy to answer any questions, admittedly I'm a happy parent so maybe a little biased
I'm a current West parent (rising 5th & 7th graders) as well as a West Alumna and current Treasurer of the West Parent Organization.
West is a school that is definitely on its way back up. Historically it's been a great school, blue-ribbon award winning, top test scores, etc. However when the neighborhood aged the enrollment declined and so did everything else, until it was on the verge of closure. In the last 5 - 6 years however the school has made some significant changes and improvements, including a serious jump in enrollment, which has lead to more funding, which has led to more programs - sadly in our DCPS system butts in the seats determine how much cash you get.
I have to give *much* kudos to the current principal - and I say this as someone who got off to a pretty rough start with her when she came on board. But her leadership and creative methods of enhancing programming despite budget shortfalls has led to some awesome enhancements for the kids. Most notably (in my opinion) is a Preferred Activity Class (PAC) program where teachers and volunteers choose a subject they are particularly passionate about and teach an elective course on it - these are subjects like Step Dance, Yoga, Cooking, Knitting, Choir, and more - I personally taught a Creative Writing class this past semester. It's a way to bring an expanded curriculum to the school even without funding for it.
There's a focused plan each year for motivating students and increasing test scores, but from the kids' perspective it's not about "We have to score high on the tests for the school" it's more of "I want to beat my own scores because Ms. Fill-In-The-Blank-Teacher said I can do even better than I did last time." They actually believe that - at least my kids do.
There is absolutely more improvements that can be done, but I have to say right now is an exciting time at the school because we have some seriously invested and involved parents and staff members who are determined to see good changes. There's also room right now for new ideas and they are welcomed - not that every idea can be implemented, but they're all up for discussion.
As to the ES/MS/HS feeder pattern, personally I'm a proponent of the Education Campus Model and will be pretty sad to see it go away all together - I like the idea of my kids staying in one school with a solid MS program built in, but would very much like to see a good MS option in our neighborhood. We've also noticed there's a SERIOUS difference in the scores between kids who came to West in Early Childhood grades and STAYED thru the 8th grade vs those who transferred in later...something to be said for the continuity of education in one school.
My two cents - happy to answer any questions, admittedly I'm a happy parent so maybe a little biased
Anonymous
06/25/2014 21:10
Subject: haynes vs west
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't want to bash West because I know there is a lot of potential there and that many kids do great...but...a friend has struggled with her kids there due to some special needs not being met with the most thoughtful/innovative response (both for a child with a learning disability and a gifted child). If you have such needs, you might want to see if Haynes is better equipped to handle them.
My friend's 8 y.o. son was essentially expelled from one of DCUM's HRCSs because they couldn't handle his ADHD. In the middle of the school year, they basically said, "Get out."
Because of the timing they were stuck, so they sent him to their IB school which doesn't have a good overall rep. Ironically though, they were used to dealing with kids with issues and the boy has thrived there and they are going to send him again next year.
SN are a challenge everywhere.
A neighbors daughter ended up leaving a HRCS for her IB school just to get her SN child into a private school.
Anonymous
06/25/2014 14:52
Subject: haynes vs west
Anonymous wrote:I don't want to bash West because I know there is a lot of potential there and that many kids do great...but...a friend has struggled with her kids there due to some special needs not being met with the most thoughtful/innovative response (both for a child with a learning disability and a gifted child). If you have such needs, you might want to see if Haynes is better equipped to handle them.
My friend's 8 y.o. son was essentially expelled from one of DCUM's HRCSs because they couldn't handle his ADHD. In the middle of the school year, they basically said, "Get out."
Because of the timing they were stuck, so they sent him to their IB school which doesn't have a good overall rep. Ironically though, they were used to dealing with kids with issues and the boy has thrived there and they are going to send him again next year.
SN are a challenge everywhere.
Anonymous
06/25/2014 14:09
Subject: haynes vs west
Anonymous wrote:I don't want to bash West because I know there is a lot of potential there and that many kids do great...but...a friend has struggled with her kids there due to some special needs not being met with the most thoughtful/innovative response (both for a child with a learning disability and a gifted child). If you have such needs, you might want to see if Haynes is better equipped to handle them.
I hear you, but I will also tell you (and others) that this happens all over DCPS in some of the "best" schools. I really feel for your friend, but unfortunately it's the reality of the lives of SN kids in public schools (actually, from my SN-specific country-wide listserve, I can tell you it happens all over the country). I can see a movement at West that looks promising (just observing from a far).
Anonymous
06/25/2014 12:32
Subject: haynes vs west
I don't want to bash West because I know there is a lot of potential there and that many kids do great...but...a friend has struggled with her kids there due to some special needs not being met with the most thoughtful/innovative response (both for a child with a learning disability and a gifted child). If you have such needs, you might want to see if Haynes is better equipped to handle them.
Anonymous
06/25/2014 12:17
Subject: Re:haynes vs west
Hello...another West parent here...I have two kids at West (a rising 3rd grader and a rising 1st grader) and have been at West for 5 years now. In those past 5 years, the school has continued to improve, both academically and culturally, and my family and I are very invested in continuing to work to make it a thriving neighborhood school. I am also very involved in the Ward 4 Education Alliance, http://ward4ed.org/, and would encourage you to attend the next meeting or engage in the discussion via email or the website. There are a lot of people out there like you and me who are tentatively willing to imagine an alternative other than Deal and Wilson for our children and because of this I am very hopeful that a new middle school at MacFarland and quality programming at a brand new Roosevelt is a possibility. I'm tired of playing the lottery game (or thinking about playing it, since I haven't needed to for the past 5 years) and would love to have a neighborhood school option through high school.
I would also be happy to talk with you, or anyone else considering West offline. We are also planning some get togethers this summer for perspective families to meet West parents and learn more about the school, so keep an eye out on your neighborhood listserves. Thanks for posing the question and being willing to consider your local DCPS...we need a lot more people like you to continue our successes!
You can contact me at carrelle_tiller@yahoo.com
Carrie Tiller (proud West parent)
I would also be happy to talk with you, or anyone else considering West offline. We are also planning some get togethers this summer for perspective families to meet West parents and learn more about the school, so keep an eye out on your neighborhood listserves. Thanks for posing the question and being willing to consider your local DCPS...we need a lot more people like you to continue our successes!
You can contact me at carrelle_tiller@yahoo.com
Carrie Tiller (proud West parent)
Anonymous
06/24/2014 20:10
Subject: Re:haynes vs west
I am in IB parent with 1 child at West and we, like others are optimistic and a bit nervous by the prospect of West into a new and improved ward 4 middle school and high school option. My older child went to Oyster and School Without Walls so I have an affinity to keeping my kids in DCPS.
We have been very impressed by the teachers and staff at West along with the atmosphere of learning and expectation. The kids are amazingly well-behaved - the building is quiet during academic time and the kids look you in the eye and say hello when they see you in the halls, hold doors and are generally nice and respectful to each other.
The class sizes are very small. This year (PK) my daughters class had 13 students and 2 teachers. And while the ration goes down as they get older, it is still a lot of individual attention. The school has a lot of great programs including enrichment programs and some advanced learning programs.
Mostly I love the sense of community at West and the idea that the kids we see at Hamilton Rec and around the neighborhood are the kids from school. We are committed to working to make it a great neighborhood school and hopefully will have the middle and high schools that are the same.
We have been very impressed by the teachers and staff at West along with the atmosphere of learning and expectation. The kids are amazingly well-behaved - the building is quiet during academic time and the kids look you in the eye and say hello when they see you in the halls, hold doors and are generally nice and respectful to each other.
The class sizes are very small. This year (PK) my daughters class had 13 students and 2 teachers. And while the ration goes down as they get older, it is still a lot of individual attention. The school has a lot of great programs including enrichment programs and some advanced learning programs.
Mostly I love the sense of community at West and the idea that the kids we see at Hamilton Rec and around the neighborhood are the kids from school. We are committed to working to make it a great neighborhood school and hopefully will have the middle and high schools that are the same.
JoshH
06/23/2014 18:47
Subject: haynes vs west
Hi neighbor, welcome to the bounds. I'm a parent of one kid (two next year) at West. There are quite a few families from the neighborhood here. I can connect you with other families in the classes that your kids would be with. If you are interested or have other questions about West we can trade messages here or you can email me at joshjh at gmail.
The school has a nice atmosphere despite the 1970s style building, and the scores have been steadily rising.
As for MacFarland, I think there's a range of reactions from "no way" to "awesome" and a lot of tentatively willing. From my view, I see a lot of interested parents with younger kids (including me). I think that if DCPS gets on board with some of the ideas that Jeff and others have been kicking around that it could take off really well.
The school has a nice atmosphere despite the 1970s style building, and the scores have been steadily rising.
As for MacFarland, I think there's a range of reactions from "no way" to "awesome" and a lot of tentatively willing. From my view, I see a lot of interested parents with younger kids (including me). I think that if DCPS gets on board with some of the ideas that Jeff and others have been kicking around that it could take off really well.
Anonymous
06/23/2014 10:29
Subject: haynes vs west
I think the Haynes middle and high schools are very different from the elementary school. Can you stay at Haynes but work with neighbors to improve the middle and high schools? I think West has a lot of promise too, but I wouldn't leave something I was happy with. (Not sure what your experience at Haynes has been like.) Good luck!
Anonymous
06/23/2014 09:45
Subject: haynes vs west
Our IB is west (my kid is 2, so not yet in school), and I've been thinking about this a lot. I think I'd almost like to give the West-MacFarland-Roosevelt plan a try. This could change, but for right now, I think that a neighborhood school improved by interested neighbors could eventually be on par with the WOTP schools. Those schools weren't always great, and with the remodels of MacFarland and Roosevelt, it might be worth attempting to change the culture and really fight for these schools. I think this might be part of the deal with staying in the city.
Anonymous
06/23/2014 09:39
Subject: haynes vs west
If the DME proposal goes forth, our IB school will now be West. We are currently at Haynes and relatively content, but the idea of being at a local DCPS and being with cohorts who might be willing to band together and work toward improving our middle/high school options in DC is appealing (and frightening too!). Thoughts on West going forth? How are West parents feeling about staying through elementary, about MacFarland?