That sounds more like a teacher trying to answer an off the wall question rather than part of the curriculum. Anyway I like the new principal a lot and can tell she's a big improvement. In the end some teachers are always better than others but its still a very good school. My only real complaint is that the arts programs are pretty disappointing but I guess it did help us find McLean Community Center which is fantastic.

another KG parent with a 1st grader - was this recent? I haven't heard anything like this either, I'm so curious, will ask my child about it after school today

Are you sure it's not just your kid? I have a First Grader at Kent Gardens and that's definately not what he is learning. But I do know that there are a number of military families at the school so maybe she is picking it up from her friends.

Anonymous wrote:Ok but why do they get so much crap about the military. They're teaching my kid that we are fighting for freedom in Afghanistan and that war is honorable. WTF? She is in first grade. And I don't agree that we are fighting for freedom in Afghanistan.

Maybe you need to schedule a conference with the teacher.

Anonymous wrote:Ok but why do they get so much crap about the military. They're teaching my kid that we are fighting for freedom in Afghanistan and that war is honorable. WTF? She is in first grade. And I don't agree that we are fighting for freedom in Afghanistan.

Is your child in the French immersion program there? Who is teaching about the military?

Ok but why do they get so much crap about the military. They're teaching my kid that we are fighting for freedom in Afghanistan and that war is honorable. WTF? She is in first grade. And I don't agree that we are fighting for freedom in Afghanistan.

The school has a cute Twitter page - makes me want to be in elementary school again!

https://twitter.com/KentGardens

Not sure why this thread got revived, but I do agree with the PP, the new principal is a win for the school. She's a mover and a shaker and changes are happening for the better. The teachers seem to like her and I know many parents do.

I have found most of the parents I have encountered to be remarkably down to earth, except for maybe the occasional WTF comment. PTA raises a lot of money for the school and it's welcoming. The attitude seems to be if you want to volunteer for the PTA (or school) please do and the more the better. I don't see any of the "queen B" dynamics you hear about at other schools.

My child was in 1st grade - French Program this year. I was happy with the teachers and the program. His French teacher was great but she is leaving next year. The program is highly sought after and highly regarded. I just bought a 2nd grade book for the summer and my kids are finding it easy so I am pleased with the curriculum. They were 25 kids in the class which is quite a lot but this is public school and I do believe that it's the best way for them to learn how to be self sufficient and self learner.
The new principal Mrs. McGuigan is doing lots of good changes for the school. It looks like with Dr. Hooker, teachers were left to do whatever pleased them including hours of TV watching. The new principal (after hearing many parents' complains, has decided that there will be no more TV watching next year (YEAH!).
Also, my kid had a "horrible" long term substitute teacher but when many parents complained, it took very little time for the principal to replace her.
So far, I have found her very effective and active. I see her pretty much every single time I visit the school and she is very involved.
We are not living in McLean but I am fairly involved with the school. I definitely had to adjust to the McLean attitude and borderline stupid comments from some parents. But overall, I would recommend the school and I have great hopes with the new principal as she is making thinks happen.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone here have a 1st grader in the French program? We are contemplating a move to the district, and want to be sure of the right decision. What are the odds for in-district 1st time admissions (no siblings)? Non-francophone, but a good vocab foundation. Do you recommend the program and do you see any difference since Hooker left?

I can only comment on the principal change. So far it's working out well, but it has only been a few months. She entered into a mess-so many issues to address at once. I get the sense the faculty like her. She either offers more principal/parent coffees than was offered last school year or I just miss the advertising last year for anything more than the beginning of the year coffees.

Anonymous wrote:How is person granted access to read peelbacktheapple or the other blog?? It says i have to be invited. Considering KGES. Thanks

I believe Catherine Lorenze moved her blog to Red Apple Mom -- try a Google search.