Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Would you rather they just drop out, so your snowflakes don’t have to see them?

Some of them would. There's a contingent of upper-middle-class parents-- who have the means for private school* but opt into TC-- who like to pretend that TC isn't a citywide school that serves a diverse population. They'd like to pretend that their kids' little bubble at TC is the norm and not be reminded of real life. The problem is that ACPS enables their behavior; they market to those parents and let them believe that little Jaxon and Braelynn won't have to see or interact with The Less Fortunate.



*Or who don't quite have the means, but want to leave the impression that they do

The people you're referring to would never name their kids Jaxson or Braelynn. That has Ashburn all over it. These kids are more likely named, Jack, William, Audrey, or Elizabeth.

and mommy proudly has her TC Crew sticker on her SUV

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Would you rather they just drop out, so your snowflakes don’t have to see them?

Some of them would. There's a contingent of upper-middle-class parents-- who have the means for private school* but opt into TC-- who like to pretend that TC isn't a citywide school that serves a diverse population. They'd like to pretend that their kids' little bubble at TC is the norm and not be reminded of real life. The problem is that ACPS enables their behavior; they market to those parents and let them believe that little Jaxon and Braelynn won't have to see or interact with The Less Fortunate.



*Or who don't quite have the means, but want to leave the impression that they do

The people you're referring to would never name their kids Jaxson or Braelynn. That has Ashburn all over it. These kids are more likely named, Jack, William, Audrey, or Elizabeth.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Would you rather they just drop out, so your snowflakes don’t have to see them?

Some of them would. There's a contingent of upper-middle-class parents-- who have the means for private school* but opt into TC-- who like to pretend that TC isn't a citywide school that serves a diverse population. They'd like to pretend that their kids' little bubble at TC is the norm and not be reminded of real life. The problem is that ACPS enables their behavior; they market to those parents and let them believe that little Jaxon and Braelynn won't have to see or interact with The Less Fortunate.



*Or who don't quite have the means, but want to leave the impression that they do

Some of them would. There's a contingent of upper-middle-class parents-- who have the means for private school* but opt into TC-- who like to pretend that TC isn't a citywide school that serves a diverse population. They'd like to pretend that their kids' little bubble at TC is the norm and not be reminded of real life. The problem is that ACPS enables their behavior; they market to those parents and let them believe that little Jaxon and Braelynn won't have to see or interact with The Less Fortunate.

Anonymous wrote: Would you rather they just drop out, so your snowflakes don’t have to see them?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ACPS teacher here. I'd be interested in your recommendations for "addressing our low VDOE ranking." My classes are 30% ELL, 30% free/reduced lunch, and 30% upper middle/middle class. I stay after many days to tutor students (for free). I have an extensive classroom library that I've furnished myself. I mentor students through our mentoring program. I come to work at 7:15 and usually leave at 5:30 or later. Our city is much more diverse than other parts of Virginia, and teachers and schools can only do so much. What are your suggestions?

I believe our ACPS teachers should be paid like our ACPS administrators are: top dollar. I believe teachers deserve much more salary $$$ in ACPS. I believe the dead weight teachers should have been booted years ago. I am firm in my belief that it's human nature to respond to perceived "worth". I have posted many times on DCUM stating my view, have emailed ACPS SB as well as Council about this and spread the word to neighbors, friends and families.

If you're in a 30% ELL, 30% FARMS, 30% UMC school within ACPS you still deserve the same salary as those in 60% ELL/FARMS as I know most ACPS teachers try hard. I want you to know as a long time resident here in AVA, I continue to speak up for our ACPS Teachers!

Anonymous wrote:ACPS teacher here. I'd be interested in your recommendations for "addressing our low VDOE ranking." My classes are 30% ELL, 30% free/reduced lunch, and 30% upper middle/middle class. I stay after many days to tutor students (for free). I have an extensive classroom library that I've furnished myself. I mentor students through our mentoring program. I come to work at 7:15 and usually leave at 5:30 or later. Our city is much more diverse than other parts of Virginia, and teachers and schools can only do so much. What are your suggestions?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've lived in Alexandria City a long time. Our kids went through ACPS and graduated, finishing in 2012.

OP, you ask a tough question not because of "gangs" (few if any) or so much "bad influence" (not a major presence), but in my opinion because in spite of huge support for ACPS all these decades (taxes as well as volunteering), ACPS never goes up in state ranking thus showing academically, we aren't succeeding so buyers are hesitant to buy. Can you imagine if we had the level of academic success present in Arlington? Alexandria would do nothing but benefit all across the board. ACPS has had a confluence of different Superintendents and visions over the last 15 years, as well as an increase of per student money ($19K per kid now) and lots of community support. So, what indeed is going on that we are viewed so far down academically and repetitively get questions as to the "Yale or jail". Just mind boggling really. We should be way past that as well as way pass 4 probationary/non accredited schools.

If the taxpayers in Alexandria could rally around a single ACPS point, I'd suggest it be to demand rigor of academics, as that's what kids need to survive and use in real time life and to get businesses to move here in our very competitive northern Virginia climate.

I truly hope residents in Alexandria can face these facts. It's not buildings that educate, it's teachers with supportive admin. Support academic rigor and the rest in Alexandria will come along.

There are no good or bad school districts
School performance is directly correlated to income level period
T C Williams is fine. The top classes are just as good as any other school in the region

To actually "fix" things aka boost test scores

You need to convince more of the higher income people to embrace the school instead of choosing private school or leaving the district
UnPC throwing in more Asians would help too

Prior pp here. The expected push back begins. Approximately 11% of Alexandria City residents attend ACPS. Arlington County attendance by it's residents is not much higher (I think somewhere around 15%). Yet people buy in Arlington County for the excellence of it's school system. No one in Alexandria buys for the excellence of ACPS. You got it wrong pp: that's why the parents send their kids to private schools.

All I'm saying is we homeowners in Alexandria City should wise up: push academic instillation over other and you will see us flourish. Average buildings are okay, btw. We don't need over budget bells and whistles: just look at Jefferson Houston Elementary as proof.

Anyone who bought in Arlington for the excellence of its school system is getting a rude awakening. APS is struggling and overcrowded and its high schools are taking a giant ratings hit due to the performance gaps.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've lived in Alexandria City a long time. Our kids went through ACPS and graduated, finishing in 2012.

OP, you ask a tough question not because of "gangs" (few if any) or so much "bad influence" (not a major presence), but in my opinion because in spite of huge support for ACPS all these decades (taxes as well as volunteering), ACPS never goes up in state ranking thus showing academically, we aren't succeeding so buyers are hesitant to buy. Can you imagine if we had the level of academic success present in Arlington? Alexandria would do nothing but benefit all across the board. ACPS has had a confluence of different Superintendents and visions over the last 15 years, as well as an increase of per student money ($19K per kid now) and lots of community support. So, what indeed is going on that we are viewed so far down academically and repetitively get questions as to the "Yale or jail". Just mind boggling really. We should be way past that as well as way pass 4 probationary/non accredited schools.

If the taxpayers in Alexandria could rally around a single ACPS point, I'd suggest it be to demand rigor of academics, as that's what kids need to survive and use in real time life and to get businesses to move here in our very competitive northern Virginia climate.

I truly hope residents in Alexandria can face these facts. It's not buildings that educate, it's teachers with supportive admin. Support academic rigor and the rest in Alexandria will come along.

There are no good or bad school districts
School performance is directly correlated to income level period
T C Williams is fine. The top classes are just as good as any other school in the region

To actually "fix" things aka boost test scores

You need to convince more of the higher income people to embrace the school instead of choosing private school or leaving the district
UnPC throwing in more Asians would help too

Prior pp here. The expected push back begins. Approximately 11% of Alexandria City residents attend ACPS. Arlington County attendance by it's residents is not much higher (I think somewhere around 15%). Yet people buy in Arlington County for the excellence of it's school system. No one in Alexandria buys for the excellence of ACPS. You got it wrong pp: that's why the parents send their kids to private schools.

All I'm saying is we homeowners in Alexandria City should wise up: push academic instillation over other and you will see us flourish. Average buildings are okay, btw. We don't need over budget bells and whistles: just look at Jefferson Houston Elementary as proof.

Anonymous wrote:This. We're in ACPS now, with one in TC. It is perfectly good; the program is all-inclusive; the AP and Honors selections are impressive. The weak spot is the school board; the school board tinkers with ridiculous projects and distractions, in order to avoid more challenging, real work. The schools themselves are largely good, and have been improving since the late '00s. I would discount whispers about gang activity etc.

Anonymous wrote:We've lived in Alexandria City a long time. Our kids went through ACPS and graduated, finishing in 2012.

OP, you ask a tough question not because of "gangs" (few if any) or so much "bad influence" (not a major presence), but in my opinion because in spite of huge support for ACPS all these decades (taxes as well as volunteering), ACPS never goes up in state ranking thus showing academically, we aren't succeeding so buyers are hesitant to buy. Can you imagine if we had the level of academic success present in Arlington? Alexandria would do nothing but benefit all across the board. ACPS has had a confluence of different Superintendents and visions over the last 15 years, as well as an increase of per student money ($19K per kid now) and lots of community support. So, what indeed is going on that we are viewed so far down academically and repetitively get questions as to the "Yale or jail". Just mind boggling really. We should be way past that as well as way pass 4 probationary/non accredited schools.

If the taxpayers in Alexandria could rally around a single ACPS point, I'd suggest it be to demand rigor of academics, as that's what kids need to survive and use in real time life and to get businesses to move here in our very competitive northern Virginia climate.

I truly hope residents in Alexandria can face these facts. It's not buildings that educate, it's teachers with supportive admin. Support academic rigor and the rest in Alexandria will come along.

Anonymous wrote:“The weight of this sad time we must obey,/ Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.”

King Lear, Act 5, Scene 3
(V.iii.323–324).