Not to promote segregation, but if this AAP trip tradition continues on, then someone should organize a similar field trip just for Gen Ed kids so they get to have fun too.

History gets taken so out of context. This program was originally developed by the school for the AAP kids and teachers ran the program. When funding got cut the parents continued voluntarily because of the tradition that was created. Logistically it is difficult to run a volunteer program with 300+ kids and a handful of dedicated parents, and limited space-someone will always be left out. Most parents don't get involved anyway, and that too poses a safety risk. It would be great if the non-AAP parents banded together and a bonding activity for their kids too.

Anonymous wrote:And they say Burke is the land of low key parents. Sure..

The school is in Springfield.

I have children in AAP but I feel that this is not fair for the other children in the community. It will make them left out for sure. I feel that no one can’t see how it would make the other children feel left out.
Why not do it for all or not do it at all. At least for those students in the community who would like to attend, why not give them a chance? By all means, while the AAP program benefits those who need it, it should not be one that makes the other children feel less in any way

FCPS would have as much say in this non school activity as they would for who gets invited to birthday parties.
As for reasonable administration- kids are forbidden from reading during recess and from running on the playground or the black top.
Al fresco is for fun. Not meant to exclude but provide a comfortable environment for many kids to try things a bit out of their comfort zone.

Anonymous wrote:I cannot believe FCPS allows this.

Was just going to say this. Unbelievable.

And they say Burke is the land of low key parents. Sure..

I cannot believe FCPS allows this.

Wow, this still exists? It is not new. I went on these trips as a Keene Mill Elementary school kid in the late 80s! I think that back then it was school sponsored and during the week. Still just for GT (as it was called back then) kids, though.

Anonymous wrote:Really? Now we're having segregated field trips?

Seriously. Sorry, but AAP has been taken way too far and it needs to stop.

a sleep away camp that kids in 4th grade AAP to 6th grade AAP get to go to with fun activities like marshmallow gun fights and silly string fights too.parents can volunteer or your child can ride a bus.there are cabins for 4th grade girls 4th grade boys 5th grade girls...so on

Anonymous wrote:No, he doesn't. I posted the details about Al Fresco not being about pranking based on a very detailed discussion with a soccer mom of one of the kids on my son's soccer team. She actually was very good about discussing it both good and bad. She also said that though she did not agree with how exclusionary it is, she let her son go and he had a good time. He's a 5th grader.

So, how can you know there is no pranking if all you have is 3rd hand information as it sounds like the mom to whom you spoke did not go either?

As long as he had a good time, it must be fine despite being discriminatory. (sarcasm)

No, he doesn't. I posted the details about Al Fresco not being about pranking based on a very detailed discussion with a soccer mom of one of the kids on my son's soccer team. She actually was very good about discussing it both good and bad. She also said that though she did not agree with how exclusionary it is, she let her son go and he had a good time. He's a 5th grader.

Anonymous wrote:

Doesn't your school have a directory? I find it is very easy to get nearly everyone's email and phone number through the directory. Federal funds (as minimal as they are in FCPS) would not get docked if it was a school sanctioned field trip. No matter how you whitewash it, it is still discriminatory to exclude "certain" types of students. Perhaps that is the reason the school does not support it.

Not my son's school.. Just passing on info from a soccer kid's mom

Does your son go to Keene Mill?

Doesn't your school have a directory? I find it is very easy to get nearly everyone's email and phone number through the directory. Federal funds (as minimal as they are in FCPS) would not get docked if it was a school sanctioned field trip. No matter how you whitewash it, it is still discriminatory to exclude "certain" types of students. Perhaps that is the reason the school does not support it.

Not my son's school.. Just passing on info from a soccer kid's mom