Anonymous wrote:There are some local gangs- Arlington county has been pretty on top of ms13 creeping up Columbia pike from Annandale. They have some local ties in south Arlington crews; and tagging is quickly removed; hence Arlington county police take is seriously to subdue recruiting.

Gotcha good to know ACPD is on top of it. A few fights here and there seems normal to me for that age group (tbh I’m more worried about the bullying on social media when my kids get older). I hope they are keeping the gangs out of the schools, it’s hard enough to be in middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m sure I’m going to regret biting, but what gangs are at Kenmore? I think fighting is pretty normal amongst kids that age, but gangs?

I am in a group of friends with kids that go to several different Arlington middle schools. The only parents that report fighting so far this year is at Kenmore. At my kids middle school yes there’s been kids that have been suspended for different things but it’s more pushing limits than anything else (cheating, social media issues). There’s not been one fight at our middle school this year. The parents we know at Kenmore love the teacher/principal but are at a loss for how to navigate some of the situations their seventh graders are witnessing. From what I understand most of the issues seem to be in the seventh grade group right now.

There have been fights at Gunston this year.

Sorry to hear that. My kids don’t go there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m sure I’m going to regret biting, but what gangs are at Kenmore? I think fighting is pretty normal amongst kids that age, but gangs?

I am in a group of friends with kids that go to several different Arlington middle schools. The only parents that report fighting so far this year is at Kenmore. At my kids middle school yes there’s been kids that have been suspended for different things but it’s more pushing limits than anything else (cheating, social media issues). There’s not been one fight at our middle school this year. The parents we know at Kenmore love the teacher/principal but are at a loss for how to navigate some of the situations their seventh graders are witnessing. From what I understand most of the issues seem to be in the seventh grade group right now.

There have been fights at Gunston this year.

Meant to add, my kid is anxious and highly sensitive, and others would probably describe a “quirky” kid, and it hasn’t been an issue this year at school. But doesn’t have an IEP or 504, so not exactly your child’s profile. Also, they keep the grade levels separated. I think that is really helpful for 6th graders, especially.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m sure I’m going to regret biting, but what gangs are at Kenmore? I think fighting is pretty normal amongst kids that age, but gangs?

I am in a group of friends with kids that go to several different Arlington middle schools. The only parents that report fighting so far this year is at Kenmore. At my kids middle school yes there’s been kids that have been suspended for different things but it’s more pushing limits than anything else (cheating, social media issues). There’s not been one fight at our middle school this year. The parents we know at Kenmore love the teacher/principal but are at a loss for how to navigate some of the situations their seventh graders are witnessing. From what I understand most of the issues seem to be in the seventh grade group right now.

Well, you must not have heard about the knife fight at Swanson then. That made it to the news.

I have heard about fighting at all the schools from my mom friends, most not resulting in police intervention. Also, there is no “gang activity” at Kenmore and the police have only been called for specific threats, like the BB gun incident. The 7th grade is a mess. Kids have the bodies and hormones of 7th graders, but the social skills of 5th graders, thanks to being out of school for most of last year, many unsupervised and watching all kinds of violent media. I don’t know if it’s worse at Kenmore, but I have heard it’s widespread.

OP, can’t answer your questions about SpEd services, but my 6th grader was dreading MS and expecting to be miserable. Instead, it been wonderful, no safety fears, made new friends, is enjoying clubs and activities, and doing really well academically. Has had one long-term sub who was wonderful, a retired teacher who came back this year, but they just filled the position with a permanent teacher. Has had some homework, but nothing excessive, mostly study guides to review before tests. Great Principal, lots of communication, which really helps at this age. Friends and neighbors report similar experiences.

Anonymous wrote:I’m sure I’m going to regret biting, but what gangs are at Kenmore? I think fighting is pretty normal amongst kids that age, but gangs?

I am in a group of friends with kids that go to several different Arlington middle schools. The only parents that report fighting so far this year is at Kenmore. At my kids middle school yes there’s been kids that have been suspended for different things but it’s more pushing limits than anything else (cheating, social media issues). There’s not been one fight at our middle school this year. The parents we know at Kenmore love the teacher/principal but are at a loss for how to navigate some of the situations their seventh graders are witnessing. From what I understand most of the issues seem to be in the seventh grade group right now.

There are some local gangs- Arlington county has been pretty on top of ms13 creeping up Columbia pike from Annandale. They have some local ties in south Arlington crews; and tagging is quickly removed; hence Arlington county police take is seriously to subdue recruiting.

I’m sure I’m going to regret biting, but what gangs are at Kenmore? I think fighting is pretty normal amongst kids that age, but gangs?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kenmore has had the police presence mainly do to the school shooting threat and the BB gun incident. The police have been there at the schools request after the incidents.

Dismissal there are more mainly on fridays mostly if there has been tension building up with some kids/gangs.

Huh?
Are you saying they've been dismissing school on Fridays?

Not PP but I'm guessing they're trying to say that there are even more cops at Friday dismissal than usual. Not sure if that's true, but I think it's what is being said.