Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

These are the things I’m worried about too. Yes, new anything can be messy but there are degrees... and the union thing has me worried about how happy the teachers are. Reasonably happy teachers are a big deal!

I would recommend them you stay where you are if you both are already unsure. You either are or are not comfortable with taking a chance at the new campus. Just realize that the probability is low that you will get a spot at either MV campus in the future.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, if you're still waffling with the decision, you're probably going to struggle with the school. Some people have more or less of an appetite for growing pains, which is totally fine. The first few years of any new school are challenging. But MV is already more disorganized than many peer charters and these first few years will be chaotic. If you don't mind some chaos, then go for it. But don't accept a spot then complain in a few months when its harder than you expected.

I agree. If you are not committed and wavering at this early point then stay where you are. If your expectations are not already met, then the new school is likely not going to work for you. We are not uncertain or losing sleep over any of this.

We are in and committed. We know there are unknown variables, and there is going to be growing pains as such with any new school. We are flexible to changes, adaptable to changes and improving on things that might not work, and don’t stress or complain about minor things. We know there will be bumps along the way and already anticipate that. We plan on being active at the school as parents in working with the staff, administration, and the principal for everyone has the same end goal - to make it a good, if not great school. We also realize that it’s not going to happen overnight or in one year but is a moving process.

P St original leadership apparently was not organized and not good at communicating to the MV family and parents. Apparently, the new principal at P is better. We have met the new principal at 8th St, have asked her many questions, and believe she has the potential to be a good leader. Also having taught in South America and having 2 masters (BTW very relevant to ECE immersion programs), I suspect she is not the disorganized type. Also as someone who gave a big tour group of parents her contact email, this leads me to believe she will be accessible and potentially good at communicating to staff, parents, etc.. I don’t know this for sure but these are good signs.

So if you are not the “start up” personality type and not good dealing with uncertainty and changes, stay where you are. Don’t sign on and then complain all year about things. We are not complainers. We don’t expect others to do things. We are the action type. We plan on being actively involved as parents and working with the teachers and leadership as a team at the new campus. We plan on staying at the new school thru 5th, then track to DCI for middle and high school so we are in it for the long term.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

I probably wouldn't go if you have another option you are excited about (you like your daycare and have a good IB your guaranteed to by K), otherwise at PK3 you have nothing to loose.

for pk4 & K however I definitely wouldn't leave a place my kid is already happy for a start up

Honestly, if you're still waffling with the decision, you're probably going to struggle with the school. Some people have more or less of an appetite for growing pains, which is totally fine. The first few years of any new school are challenging. But MV is already more disorganized than many peer charters and these first few years will be chaotic. If you don't mind some chaos, then go for it. But don't accept a spot then complain in a few months when its harder than you expected.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

Most school districts in the area just began hiring. I think they were fairly transparent about the building not being available for viewing until the summer and the outdoor space. If these things bother you than I would definitely stay put where you are.

Anonymous wrote:If they get their union and the across the board pay raise they want, the teachers will be far happier.

Unhappy teachers can just leave or join DCPS which pays more than charter schools. These teachers likely don’t want to leave but are invested in the school and want to stay but they want more of a voice at the table. I respect that they are collectively organizing. I support that and it looks like many of the P St parents also support it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

School can’t show you an unfinished renovation project, and they can’t hire much staff until they are closer to having money to start paying them. They have repeated said Turkey Thicket is the playground.

No, for this year the playground is the playground. There already is one. I think TT option was once they need more space or something?

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

If you're PK3 you must mean stay put in daycare. I would definitely pick this startup over daycare, any daycare (unless I already knew I would leave in 1-2 years for another IB or etc).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

School can’t show you an unfinished renovation project, and they can’t hire much staff until they are closer to having money to start paying them. They have repeated said Turkey Thicket is the playground.

I dont think there will be much renovation taking place before the start of this school year.

If they get their union and the across the board pay raise they want, the teachers will be far happier.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

School can’t show you an unfinished renovation project, and they can’t hire much staff until they are closer to having money to start paying them. They have repeated said Turkey Thicket is the playground.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

These are the things I’m worried about too. Yes, new anything can be messy but there are degrees... and the union thing has me worried about how happy the teachers are. Reasonably happy teachers are a big deal!

OP here. Our other option right now is to stay put where we are. I think I’m juggling the fact that this will essentially be a start up(yes, I’m aware that the model is in place). We listed with the hope that more would be in place at this point. For example, STAFF, outdoor space, also the fact that we haven’t been given the opportunity to view the inside of the building. Also, upon reading about union effort it just seems like the current staff not particularly pleased with the working conditions.

Anonymous wrote:Help! Deadline approaching and still up in the air with Prek3 enrollment. If you enrolled your DC, what were your deciding factors to move forward with all the unknowns?

Do you have sibling preference anywhere else? Otherwise, I don't understand the hesitance to enroll at this point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Help! Deadline approaching and still up in the air with Prek3 enrollment. If you enrolled your DC, what were your deciding factors to move forward with all the unknowns?

Main factor: what other options do you have? Is this the best of those? It's always relative.

Yeah, what other school are you weighing? What do you have to lose?

Assuming you matched for PK3, what's there to decide at this point? You won't lose your place in line any other wait listed spots by enrolling. Honestly, I don't understand why would people would add MV8 as a lottery spot without considering this in advance?