I'm just confused and disturbed by people screaming "don't tell me what to do" so loudly (yet anonymously) that they would boldly proclaim they'd rather their kids went without supplies than do the right thing. And yet the school is filled with hundreds of people who give freely of their time and money all the time.
The only thing I can conclude is that this is once again some person/people who intentionally get on here to malign the school. Weird!

Anonymous wrote:"Everyone will still pay fees for supplies"

You know, that smug declaration just inspires me not to pay.

Given the reserve this school has, we know these fees are in no way necessary. This is about saving money for the next building.

WOW!

Anonymous wrote:My impression was a bit different than the PP. the PA President stated that due to the feedback submitted, there is no tie between voting rights and dues. There was also a draft doc given out for discussion regarding dues (like $10) and optional supply fee. There was no mention of hounding or such.

Agree, this is exactly how it went down. I have no clue where the PP was last night, but she wasn't at the meeting. I also agree that there was a draft document that they are asking families to comment and provide suggestions and feedback. Admin will collect their necessary school supply fees and PA is out of it. It will be up to Admin to decide if they want to collect fees and purchase supplies in bulk or give parents the list and let them do their own shopping. PA is simply asking all parents to contribute what they can to the PA. Apparently, schools receive grant money based on parent participation; therefore, a dollar donation is considered participation. Parents who contribute $10 or more will receive a directory. There was something also on the draft form which would allow parents to donate monies to families who could not pay the entire supply fee. I am sure there are things that I am missing, but that is body. Most of the time at the meeting was spent on by-laws and election.

Where are the results of the PA election? Can't find it anywhere.

Very nice of you to do that PP! Some people really can't afford the hefty fees.

Anonymous wrote:"Everyone will still pay fees for supplies"

You know, that smug declaration just inspires me not to pay.

Given the reserve this school has, we know these fees are in no way necessary. This is about saving money for the next building.

I totally disagree. The fees are to pay for materials -- paper, crayons, markers, Chinese language materials. Most schools send out lists of supplies to bring in. I find this method far superior -- I also like that the kids all have to same supplies. I usually write a check for double the amount (in other words, sponsor a family who cannot afford the fees), but it is this attitude that makes me think twice about it. Are there really families who CAN afford to pay the fees and don't?

Anonymous wrote:and ding-dong, the warlock is dead !!!!

+1

There was no mention that "everyone will still pay". I imagine the people who have paid the fee for the past 4 years will continue to pay--if they believe it helps the school. It is optional.

"Everyone will still pay fees for supplies"

You know, that smug declaration just inspires me not to pay.

Given the reserve this school has, we know these fees are in no way necessary. This is about saving money for the next building.

My impression was a bit different than the PP. the PA President stated that due to the feedback submitted, there is no tie between voting rights and dues. There was also a draft doc given out for discussion regarding dues (like $10) and optional supply fee. There was no mention of hounding or such.

Everyone will still pay fees for supplies. The PA will just hound you for them instead of requiring them for membership- just like the JKLM schools. Also now they will be able to hike up them more easily and without such a fuss, which is a good thing. Personally, I hope to see them more in line with the better schools in the city which would put them closer to the $300-500 range.

21:31, Details? Couldn't make the meeting and everyone I know at the school in real life was pro-fees. How did it go down?

and ding-dong, the warlock is dead !!!!

FWIW, the Yu Ying PA no longer requires any payment or fee to be a voting member.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:
Not personally, no, but I have a relative who lives in the apt complex next door to the school who leaves for work 20 minutes earlier than before they were there. Not exactly loved in the neighborhood.

C'mon, every neighbor hates the additional traffic that comes with every new charter school -- that's hardly unique to YY. (Neighbors had the cops out at ELH's Kansas campus shortly after it opened last year -- it was ridiculous.) And I can't believe the extra traffic means anything like an extra 20 minutes -- that's just a drama queen puffing her story.

If someone used to leave at 8:15, may chose to leave at 7:55 to just be out of the area before the congestion begins. Probably takes an extra couple of light cycles if you leave during the busiest drop off time.

See this thread for a discussion of the statement: Charter schools have zero direct benefit to their immediate neighborhood: http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/199670.page

Couldn't disagree more with this assertion. We live in Southwest and Appletree runs a great program there with many neighborhood families enrolled. If it wasn't for Appletree then many of these families would likely leave the neighborhood or DC altogether. Appletree's presence creates a sense of community that benefits families beyond those who are enrolled. And Appletree's presence encourages parents to enroll in Amidon, providing that struggling school with a (small) cohort of well prepared Kindergartners.

ITA! In my neighborhood (Shaw) the KIPP school is about 1000% percent better than the old surrounding (and now mostly closed) DCPSs ever were. Bring more charters!