Anonymous
Post 09/22/2019 17:40     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.


I am a neighborhood parent and really hope Wells does well. That being said- what is the plan for year 3 and beyond when they are enrolling so many kids??? There won’t be nearly enough space for all the neighborhood kids. Why does DCPS do this?


It's currently at 184 for 6th grade, built for anticipated 550 and 100% capacity at 630. We've already realized the cafeteria size could be an issue (since it's shared with Coolidge), but educational spaces have room to grow.

We were told for years by Council that we'd never fill the school so it wasn't worth doing. FWIW.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2019 17:24     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.


I am a neighborhood parent and really hope Wells does well. That being said- what is the plan for year 3 and beyond when they are enrolling so many kids??? There won’t be nearly enough space for all the neighborhood kids. Why does DCPS do this?
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2019 09:53     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:You raise a very good point. The bilingual DCPS schools offered are not in this area, where most native speakers live. Remember, the point of bilingual ed is not only to teach a language to English speakers, but to serve ELL kids better. Those parents are the least likely to advocate for themselves to DCPS.



Many Latino families do not want a Spanish middle, high school, the students speak enough Spanish at home and in the community. The want their students to do well in English and go on to lead successful lives. In mixed-bilingual families, families from high SES they may prefer ...
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2019 09:19     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:Powell is in Ward 4 and as a dual language program and has a high percentage of Hispanics in the neighborhood.

There you go OP or whomever is advocating for an additional program.


Powell is the only DCPS dual language program in Ward 4. PPs are saying that perhaps there should be another, especially considering the percentage of ELL learners in the Wells/Coolidge feeder pattern. IMO Brightwood should be a dual-language school and offer students preference or something to MacFarland or CHEC.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2019 15:50     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Powell is in Ward 4 and as a dual language program and has a high percentage of Hispanics in the neighborhood.

There you go OP or whomever is advocating for an additional program.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2019 15:32     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.


Congrats on your stellar test scores, PP. To what do you attribute Whittier's success?


We have really high teacher retention. My son's third grade teachers have known him since he was 4. The curriculum aligns through the grade levels so there's less time spent learning the teaching style. We also work really hard to understand the lives the kids bring to school and support the whole child (and family). Because the staff is so stable, the kids develop solid relationships with them and know they are loved. To that end, we had 4 suspensions last year. Total. Student satisfaction is 99%.

A couple of years ago we focused on reducing the 1s and 2s on PARCC; it paid off, and now we are seeing the growth at the top of the scale too. When we look at the internal data, it's even better: 89% at or above benchmark in DIBELS at the end of last year, with similar numbers on math benchmarks.


That is super impressive. What did they do for the 1s and 2s? I totally agree focusing on the most challenging areas will pay off across the board.


Combination of data-driven instruction, heavy use of extended day, and a focus on improving attendance. Great partnership between our teaching team, the social worker and behavioral aides, and the administration.

We of course have a lot of room left for growth but my son and I both look forward to school every day, and it feels like most of the rest of the school community does too. Appreciate your positive questions!
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2019 14:36     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.


Congrats on your stellar test scores, PP. To what do you attribute Whittier's success?


We have really high teacher retention. My son's third grade teachers have known him since he was 4. The curriculum aligns through the grade levels so there's less time spent learning the teaching style. We also work really hard to understand the lives the kids bring to school and support the whole child (and family). Because the staff is so stable, the kids develop solid relationships with them and know they are loved. To that end, we had 4 suspensions last year. Total. Student satisfaction is 99%.

A couple of years ago we focused on reducing the 1s and 2s on PARCC; it paid off, and now we are seeing the growth at the top of the scale too. When we look at the internal data, it's even better: 89% at or above benchmark in DIBELS at the end of last year, with similar numbers on math benchmarks.


That is super impressive. What did they do for the 1s and 2s? I totally agree focusing on the most challenging areas will pay off across the board.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2019 14:26     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.


Congrats on your stellar test scores, PP. To what do you attribute Whittier's success?


We have really high teacher retention. My son's third grade teachers have known him since he was 4. The curriculum aligns through the grade levels so there's less time spent learning the teaching style. We also work really hard to understand the lives the kids bring to school and support the whole child (and family). Because the staff is so stable, the kids develop solid relationships with them and know they are loved. To that end, we had 4 suspensions last year. Total. Student satisfaction is 99%.

A couple of years ago we focused on reducing the 1s and 2s on PARCC; it paid off, and now we are seeing the growth at the top of the scale too. When we look at the internal data, it's even better: 89% at or above benchmark in DIBELS at the end of last year, with similar numbers on math benchmarks.
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2019 07:42     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.


Congrats on your stellar test scores, PP. To what do you attribute Whittier's success?
Anonymous
Post 09/21/2019 06:48     Subject: Re:How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:Back on topic, school year is very new but seems so far so good. Of course some working out of the kinks but lots of potential.


Great to hear!!
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2019 23:37     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Whittier parent here. Everything is working out logistically for the schools being across the street from each other. The principals talk frequently (calling it #manorparktowerofpower). Wells was so far above expected enrollment they established a sixth cohort and had to hire more teachers. I haven’t been inside during the day yet but all seems well. Our alumni in 6th grade come back over for hugs a lot.

As far as bilingual or immersion, we talked about it and our families don’t want it. A couple of years ago our 8th graders were second behind Brightwood for all of DCPS on a Spanish language exam. The families who do prioritize it have found other options. We’re investing (relatively speaking) in our STEM program, which we’re really excited about.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2019 22:17     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:You raise a very good point. The bilingual DCPS schools offered are not in this area, where most native speakers live. Remember, the point of bilingual ed is not only to teach a language to English speakers, but to serve ELL kids better. Those parents are the least likely to advocate for themselves to DCPS.



Immigrant family here. I want my kids in a traditional school.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2019 21:16     Subject: Re:How's Ida B Wells doing?
Back on topic, school year is very new but seems so far so good. Of course some working out of the kinks but lots of potential.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2019 15:11     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You raise a very good point. The bilingual DCPS schools offered are not in this area, where most native speakers live. Remember, the point of bilingual ed is not only to teach a language to English speakers, but to serve ELL kids better. Those parents are the least likely to advocate for themselves to DCPS.


IMO - and I realize this is FAR off topic for this thread, Oyster no longer makes sense as the LOCATION for a dual language program. The vast majority of native speaks are OOB. Personally I'd move that program (at least the Spanish teachers and an administrators) to northern Ward 4.

DCPS is trying to put one in each ward, but shouldn't the places with the most Spanish-speaking density get more than one?

(Waiting to be flamed relentlessly)


Why? I do not have children at a language immersion school, I would have loved had my child been able to get in but that did not happen through the lottery. The point of language immersion (I thought) was to teach a second language, I get why there is a preference for Spanish language speakers for the immersion model, but this is not about haveing spanish language schools for spanish language speakers is it? This is about an immersion program for whoever wants it and spreading it around the city actually seems fair to me.

-No dog in this fight.
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2019 15:00     Subject: How's Ida B Wells doing?
Anonymous wrote:You raise a very good point. The bilingual DCPS schools offered are not in this area, where most native speakers live. Remember, the point of bilingual ed is not only to teach a language to English speakers, but to serve ELL kids better. Those parents are the least likely to advocate for themselves to DCPS.


IMO - and I realize this is FAR off topic for this thread, Oyster no longer makes sense as the LOCATION for a dual language program. The vast majority of native speaks are OOB. Personally I'd move that program (at least the Spanish teachers and an administrators) to northern Ward 4.

DCPS is trying to put one in each ward, but shouldn't the places with the most Spanish-speaking density get more than one?

(Waiting to be flamed relentlessly)