Matched parent here.

One thing I didn't expect at the open house this week: a PK3 teacher told us that they have quite a bit of parental involvement. She said one parent comes into her PK3 classroom to help weekly and the teacher also knows she can give her a call for other support as needed. When we visited one of the two PK4 room, there was a parent volunteering to help a group of PK4 kids prepare the soil in some planters outside before they sow new seeds.

Another aspect of the teaching that I didn't expect to hear about there is how close to 'expeditionary learning' they get, with a lot of field trips even at the Early Childhood level. I wonder if that is a bit of a new direction for them.

Based on my DC's age, I have a good idea of which two teachers (one Spanish and one English) my DC will get, and I'm pretty happy about that.

My son is in his second year at Bruce Monroe. He loves it. He does get some "specials" but that is not a concern of mine. They spend much of the day singing, playing and dancing, so it's like the specials are in the classroom. It is a 50/50 model. One day in Spanish, one day in English. My son had been exposed to quite a bit of Spanish prior to attending, but did not speak it. In his second year now, he is well on his way to becoming bilingual. The school is not perfect, but we are very happy there. I am happy to answer questions.

Why are you talking about Powell on a Bruce Monroe thread?

Since you raised this issue, I can guarantee that the spanish teachers at bruce monroe speak only spanish, all the time.

Whats your point? I am answering comments from previous posters about which model is best. Of course Bruce Monroe Spanish teachers speak Spanish all the time THATS THE POINT. Their model is more carefully planned and authentic because they are investing in hiring 2 certified teachers to model each language appropriately.

Anonymous wrote:Powell's PK teachers speak English only the Spanish is delivered by the assistants, regardless of what admin there says so please pay attention when you visit

Why are you talking about Powell on a Bruce Monroe thread?

Since you raised this issue, I can guarantee that the spanish teachers at bruce monroe speak only spanish, all the time.

Powell's PK teachers speak English only the Spanish is delivered by the assistants, regardless of what admin there says so please pay attention when you visit

John Lingat, the Dean of students, helped me set up a private tour. John.lingat@dc.gov

I don't feel comfortable putting emails on this forum but try contacting Friends of Bruce Monroe or post on Petworth Listserve and u will probably get an answer. Also you can contact the kindergarten teacher Ms. Bravo--she helped me set up a private visit.

Anyone know how to see the school through an open house or tour? I have looked around and emailed the principal but did not hear back.

Bmpv has a group called Parents and Friends of Bruce Monroe. It is not incorporated or affiliated with the national PTA. The group was very active around the 2012 renovation, but has sort of lost its focus this year. I think that might change as they gear up for Phase II. The first School Improvement Team meeting was last Thursday and there were a ton of existing parents there. Also, the is a small group of neighborhood volunteers with kids too young to enter that have been organizing events and assisting with resources. So I think the PTA situation is likely to change a lot over the next few years. The admin is. Very committed to parent involvement and has actually hired two parent coordinators this year to pull the group together.