Anonymous
Post 11/24/2025 13:20     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:

Susanna died less than two months ago. She finished her 16 YEARS of service to the school in June 2023. That doesn't deserve a mention at the Thanksgiving Assembly?? Wow, I hope my predecessor at the place I dedicate my final years to isn't as insensitive and threatened as Penny.




You do realize there are teaching positions available at other schools, right?
Anonymous
Post 11/24/2025 13:08     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I don’t weigh in much here but Penny’s decision to erase/ignore rather than celebrate her predecessor following her sad and sudden death was very noticeable and certainly seemed to confirm a lot of what is said about her narcissism



The school cancelled all events the afternoon of Mrs. Jones’ service earlier in the fall. They had an assembly dedicated to her and offered other counseling resources. (Separately, a while back, the learning commons is named after her and the dedication was really lovely). That felt like the school really focused on to, among the rest of the things they did. And, some of the younger girls don’t know her at all because she left a while back. Please keep that in mind.

You all really hate Penny. No one is perfect but my kid (and our family) feel differently. To each their own.


Susanna died less than two months ago. She finished her 16 YEARS of service to the school in June 2023. That doesn't deserve a mention at the Thanksgiving Assembly?? Wow, I hope my predecessor at the place I dedicate my final years to isn't as insensitive and threatened as Penny.
Anonymous
Post 11/24/2025 12:33     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:I don’t weigh in much here but Penny’s decision to erase/ignore rather than celebrate her predecessor following her sad and sudden death was very noticeable and certainly seemed to confirm a lot of what is said about her narcissism



The school cancelled all events the afternoon of Mrs. Jones’ service earlier in the fall. They had an assembly dedicated to her and offered other counseling resources. (Separately, a while back, the learning commons is named after her and the dedication was really lovely). That felt like the school really focused on to, among the rest of the things they did. And, some of the younger girls don’t know her at all because she left a while back. Please keep that in mind.

You all really hate Penny. No one is perfect but my kid (and our family) feel differently. To each their own.
Anonymous
Post 11/24/2025 08:02     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:Are things any better at NCS? They have a shorter schedule rotation (A-G instead of A-J), but in addition to the typical holidays they are also out of school whenever there is a significant security event at the cathedral (funerals, Pope, etc. - 4-5x year).


They don’t close 4-5 times per year. They didn’t close for Dick Cheney’s funeral last week, I think maybe 1-2 times per year is more accurate.
Anonymous
Post 11/24/2025 07:51     Subject: Holton Truth?
It depends. If your family is white you will probably not notice anything. Penny is anti-DEI and friends with the out going Governor of Virginia. The Marriot's pulled funding from the school because of Holton's DEI policies.

There was some emails, outbursts, and resignations. Most of the families that were offended are mostly gone and there's been far less drama. If diversity isn't a priority for you then there shouldn't be an issue.

All of it has been recorded in past chats, even the emails.

Anonymous
Post 11/22/2025 14:33     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:My daughter came home yesterday saying that the 6th grader had a better speech than Ms Evins at the Thanksgiving assembly.


Ugh, so did mine.
Anonymous
Post 11/22/2025 13:19     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:I don’t weigh in much here but Penny’s decision to erase/ignore rather than celebrate her predecessor following her sad and sudden death was very noticeable and certainly seemed to confirm a lot of what is said about her narcissism



School closed so that teachers could attend the funeral and Penny sent around lots of communications celebrating her. What more would you have her do? Honest question.
Anonymous
Post 11/22/2025 09:37     Subject: Holton Truth?
My daughter came home yesterday saying that the 6th grader had a better speech than Ms Evins at the Thanksgiving assembly.
Anonymous
Post 11/22/2025 09:33     Subject: Holton Truth?
I don’t weigh in much here but Penny’s decision to erase/ignore rather than celebrate her predecessor following her sad and sudden death was very noticeable and certainly seemed to confirm a lot of what is said about her narcissism

Anonymous
Post 11/22/2025 08:17     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:No! Not true! But Penny’s 17 minute(!) speech at Thanksgiving Day assembly was brutal. And no mention of Susanna Jones? Pitiful. We noticed. You probably didn’t even think about it.

Do better Penny. Oh, and have fun in Paris seeing your kids (on Holton’s dime) on the manufactured vacation that you created while students should be in seats learning things.




Rent free

Anonymous
Post 11/21/2025 20:41     Subject: Holton Truth?
No! Not true! But Penny’s 17 minute(!) speech at Thanksgiving Day assembly was brutal. And no mention of Susanna Jones? Pitiful. We noticed. You probably didn’t even think about it.

Do better Penny. Oh, and have fun in Paris seeing your kids (on Holton’s dime) on the manufactured vacation that you created while students should be in seats learning things.

Anonymous
Post 11/20/2025 17:30     Subject: Re:Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:Is there any truth to chatter that in 2027-28, they will change the name of the school to Holton Villa Grace?

Thoughts?


What? Elaborate please. This has to be a joke.
Anonymous
Post 11/20/2025 14:53     Subject: Re:Holton Truth?
Is there any truth to chatter that in 2027-28, they will change the name of the school to Holton Villa Grace?

Thoughts?
Anonymous
Post 11/20/2025 13:50     Subject: Holton Truth?
Anonymous wrote:Penny’s consultants and bidders at it again. The obviously pissed parent is correct. Classes don’t meet enough. Recent disruptions include: Holton/Landon collaboration day, Indigenous Peoples Day, two days of conferences, Thanksgiving assembly day, and Festival of Lights. The result, kids freaking out because of “test dumping” in the week before breaks.
Oh, and Penny, why don’t you try coming to work once in a while rather than “working from home” every day. Your zillion dollar house is literally a stones throw away from your office.


I don't mind, actually I (we) love the Thanksgiving Assembly and similar observations. It's part of being a community and being a student. I’m a parent btw. HS students should not have more than 2 tests in the same week, if they do bring it up with the Dean.
Now the Penny part...agree.
Anonymous
Post 11/20/2025 10:09     Subject: Holton Truth?
Are things any better at NCS? They have a shorter schedule rotation (A-G instead of A-J), but in addition to the typical holidays they are also out of school whenever there is a significant security event at the cathedral (funerals, Pope, etc. - 4-5x year).