I pulled my children out because the work load was excessive. We're talking three or four hours of homework a night for third graders and that's just ridiculous. The bus was a joke too. It was never on time to school or home because school hours and rush hour coincide. They'd get on the bus around 8am and wouldn't get home until 5pm, with 3-4 hours worth of homework each night? It just wasn't happening and something had to give so we pulled them out halfway through the year because it really wasn't worth it. The amount of work and number of projects was not challenging my children, it was challenging my patience. The kids were tired, cranky, and had a workload that prevented them from being kids. There wasn't time to go out and ride a bike, shoot some hoops, or watch even one show on the TV. It was school, snack, homework, dinner, homework, shower, homework, reading (part of homework) and bed. Only to rise the next day to eat breakfast and get back on the bus and start all over again.

Two friends pulled their kids out at the same time I did, for the exact same reason, and another friend waited for the year to end. None of us thought our kids were receiving a better education than they had been in the TAG program at our neighborhood school. All the kids were much happier because they were better rested and had down time.

An observation. As a parent at another PGCPS school, I have come into contact with the GWES principal on a few occasions and she seems pretty committed. Earlier this year I attended a competitive educational event with my school and she was in attendance supporting her school. While our administration was nowhere to be found. I think that speaks volumes when the principal shows up to support their school on their own time. Just thought I would share this observation since other than parental involvement it is also key to have involvement from the administration.

Has anyone on the wait list for glenarden woods been called?

Hi it's me again. Snark about being a single parent in PG aside, my point about involvement is that the need for being an involved parent, however you define that, did not seem to differ moreso than at a comprehensive ed school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:12:19 again. Re: involvement, I don't know.[/b] I'm a single parent [b]with a dayjob, so my ability to be involved is limited to showing up to performances after school in the evening, signing permission slips, and discussions about homework.
The homework load starts to get a little heavy at that age regardless of where you are, I suspect. The teachers really did try and manage it. At least it was mostly interesting.

There is a surprise

Were you trying to bold my status as a single parent for some reason?

Re: uniform, yep. My son LOVED this one year (between Oak Crest and middle school) where he didn't have to wear a uniform and could express himself.

During our tour they seemed genuine. They talked about homework before the question was asked. They also stated that work should begin this summer for the renovated school. We are in prayers that our child will have a positive experience. I was shocked no uniform policy was in place. This will be and adjustment for me.

Anonymous wrote:12:19 again. Re: involvement, I don't know.[/b] I'm a single parent [b]with a dayjob, so my ability to be involved is limited to showing up to performances after school in the evening, signing permission slips, and discussions about homework.
The homework load starts to get a little heavy at that age regardless of where you are, I suspect. The teachers really did try and manage it. At least it was mostly interesting.

There is a surprise

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is going to Glenarden Woods next year and I was wondering about behaviors among students?communication among administration or teachers and safety in the building since two schools are sharing?

Is the new school going to be a complete remodel since it closed for two years? Will the budget problems stop the renovations?

As far as I can tell the renovations at GWES haven't even started. The building is boarded up with nary a contractor in sight. I'm deeply worried about PGCPS's ability to reopen the school for the 2016-17 school year.

My daughter is going to Glenarden Woods next year and I was wondering about behaviors among students?communication among administration or teachers and safety in the building since two schools are sharing?

Is the new school going to be a complete remodel since it closed for two years? Will the budget problems stop the renovations?

12:19 again. Re: involvement, I don't know. I'm a single parent with a dayjob, so my ability to be involved is limited to showing up to performances after school in the evening, signing permission slips, and discussions about homework.

The homework load starts to get a little heavy at that age regardless of where you are, I suspect. The teachers really did try and manage it. At least it was mostly interesting.

How does the homework load compare to the 'regular' homework load?

Anonymous wrote:My son went there for 5th grade after the TAG boundaries changed. His experience was a good one. The homework load was better, I think, than at Oakcrest (his previous school). Ms. Stewart was his science teacher, and she was WONDERFUL!

They say it can be a little bit of a pressure cooker. And that parents have to be more involved than at "regular schools". Lots of homework and science projects, etc.

My son went there for 5th grade after the TAG boundaries changed. His experience was a good one. The homework load was better, I think, than at Oakcrest (his previous school). Ms. Stewart was his science teacher, and she was WONDERFUL!

Considering it for 3rd grade, our son got in through the lottery. Homework load? Teachers?