Anonymous wrote:Because some of us have AAP students and general ed students or some of us even have AAP students and can see how ridiculous other parents are. Some people care about class size or resources over AAP teaching. I hear the word snowflake used all over this forum for years. Not just one person or forum.

This is precisely why parents, both AAP and Gen Ed, should feel free to come to this forum and express any opinions about AAP they wish. If you don't agree, I'm sure you have your opinions too. Didn't realize this was the "Advanced Academic Programs Boosters Forum".

Anonymous wrote:I haven't mocked any AAP posters recently, but I have to say that some occasionally seem to go over the edge of reason and need some kind of reality check. They are the low-hanging fruit for DCUM amusement. Easy pickin's.

And, no, I haven't used the snowflake term.

Exactly. If you come across as entitled and self-serious, prepare to be mocked. And this is coming from an AAP parent who just doesn't think this whole situation is so freaking serious. This is elementary school, people! Wait until high school when no one will know or care that our kids were in AAP.

Yes, the term "snowflake" is annoying, along with the use of precious names such as "Larla" and "Ignatius." The use of such names comes across as mocking others and doesn't lend to an intelligent discussion of the issues.

^ and I don't come to the AAP board specifically. Only pick up on interesting posts under Recent Topics.

I haven't mocked any AAP posters recently, but I have to say that some occasionally seem to go over the edge of reason and need some kind of reality check. They are the low-hanging fruit for DCUM amusement. Easy pickin's.

And, no, I haven't used the snowflake term.

Disagreement and discussion is one thing. Using the term snowflake in an obnoxious way is another (isn't this obvious???).

I would be surprised if more than just one or two people here fall in the second category.

PP again: by the way, what's so laudable about a parent who goes around denigrating her own and other children's intelligence and potential? Stand up to the weird P.C. vibe on this board encouraging you to confess that your child really isn't that smart and that a mediocre, teach to the middle education is just great for them and should be good enough for all!

I never said only one person could disagree -- on the contrary I said a healthy discussion would include a range of opinions. Either there's one annoying poster who resorts to the same tired shorthand accusations or there's a bunch of intellectually lazy posters who rely on one loaded, not constructive term to carry their argument and act like bullies on this board. I'm not sure which is better.

Anonymous wrote:My theory: the "precious snowflake" poster = the "+1000" poster. Maybe try an original, thoughtful post for once! Healthy debate is great; a pile-on by multiple posters (or multiple posts by one person) all espousing the same point of view while throwing in obnoxious remarks and assumptions about anyone who disagrees is not healthy debate. In an actual discussion by real parents, some or most of whom actually support good GE AND AAP education, there would be a range of opinions, not just the same angry p.o.v. said over and over again.

It boggles the mind that you assume one poster uses "+1000" or the term "snowflake". These are both common enough that any poster on these forums might use them, and most probably do. I see them everywhere, not just here at the AAP forum. It might be comforting to some of you to assume that it has to be only one crazy poster who hold views that differ from your own, but sadly, that just isn't the case. I imagine if FCPS were ever to actually listen to parents' varying views on AAP, the system at it stands today would drastically change, and for the better. And while "snowflake" may offend, it tends to be used in reaction to parents who explain, oh so solemnly, how they only want what's best for "their highly gifted child," with no regard to all the other children who attend FCPS. It may be annoying to hear that term often, but it's usually used for a reason. As a parent of both AAP and Gen Ed kids, I cringe when I hear some of the AAP parents describing the special learning environment their kids "must" have to survive FCPS.

My theory: the "precious snowflake" poster = the "+1000" poster. Maybe try an original, thoughtful post for once! Healthy debate is great; a pile-on by multiple posters (or multiple posts by one person) all espousing the same point of view while throwing in obnoxious remarks and assumptions about anyone who disagrees is not healthy debate. In an actual discussion by real parents, some or most of whom actually support good GE AND AAP education, there would be a range of opinions, not just the same angry p.o.v. said over and over again.

Good example of the broad brushed, offensive and unproductive remarks we are complaining of. PP adds nothing to a discussion of AAP but simply insults.

I have used the term snowflake in exasperated reaction to some of the attitudes expressed by certain posters, yes. Multiple people use that terms since it's pretty apt.

Anonymous wrote:The postings I've seen aren't attacking. They are pointing out flaws with the current system. You're mistaken if you think all AAP parents have the same view how schooling should be within FCPS.

Posts like that (constructive discussion, disagreements) are welcome -- but there are also a lot of snide, snarky attacks on ourselves or our children by people who are making some horrible assumptions about both, that we are "entitled", our children are "special snowflakes," that we think lower of non-AAP kids and don't have diverse friends already of all different kinds, etc.

I am not a tiger-parent and have no Ivy League aspirations for my AAP child. I'd like posters to understand this, maybe then we can have actual discussions and information-sharing, not personal attacks on AAP kids or parents.

It takes a village ~ AAP students can't insulate themselves forever.

Please raise your hand if you are the "snowflake" person.

Hi, could you please either leave or cut it out? Thank you.

(Hopefully I didn't offend any pro-snowflake Gen Ed, AAP, or hybrid parents).