Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: As you can see, 14:34, it will never be enough.

It could be. But right now, it isn't, and it's gross how ITS likes to think of itself as progressive and woke yet doesn't do as well as nearby Title I schools in this area.

How long have you been at the school? What grade are you in?

Upper elementary and been there since a preschool grade. I work for DCPS so I am familiar with how other schools serve their at-risk kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: As you can see, 14:34, it will never be enough.

It could be. But right now, it isn't, and it's gross how ITS likes to think of itself as progressive and woke yet doesn't do as well as nearby Title I schools in this area.

How long have you been at the school? What grade are you in?

Anonymous wrote:As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

If you’re a family in need, I believe you know your contact to inquire. Again, the school is very conscious about stigmas but there is a process to be sure. They also find a way to give all families tickets to the annual spring gala free of charge. It may be lower than nearby schools but it’s not for lack of effort. Like I said, they do a lot of outreach. Families are hesitant to leave their high performing school like KIPP or Prep for a school with a weird curriculum (based on the Center and can’t be changed). Nonethess, the tier 1 rating and increasing test scores continues to help with outreach. Also, the school is a citywide lottery school so won’t look exactly like a neighborhood DCPS. We attended a nearby DCPS and have not received half of the assistance we have at ITS.

Anonymous wrote: As you can see, 14:34, it will never be enough.

It could be. But right now, it isn't, and it's gross how ITS likes to think of itself as progressive and woke yet doesn't do as well as nearby Title I schools in this area.

As you can see, 14:34, it will never be enough.

As a late-enrolling parent I did not get any of the info about free or scholarship stuff.

The at-risk percentage is still way, way below nearby schools.

Are at-risk kids more prevalent in the older grades?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.

The YMCA registration materials include a form where you can request financial assistance. The costs are not insignificant, to be sure, but when you consider the fact that full time enrollment includes free admission to school closure days, winter break, and spring break, it seems worthwhile when you consider the costs of childcare/camps on those days. If that benefit isn't of interest to a family it might not be such a deal.

I do think the day off care is an amazing deal. But I was referring to the activiies like ballet, etc., not the base aftercare. Inclusion means inclusion in everything. Not middle class kids getting a special activity and low-income kids left behind.

You're totally right. I noticed they had offered that support last year but not this year - I think it was an oversight but an unfortunate one. I was planning on asking them about that before the spring semester offerings so thank you for reminding me to follow up with them!

How sad! My god.

If there were more at-risk kids, it would be harder to forget things like that. Social norms and policies would shift to be more geared towards them.

Woah! A lot of misinformation going on here. As a family that receives a ton of support, I can speak to some of this.

1. YMCA aftercare is income based, full price $350/month includes school our days, winter and spring break. $300 if you’re a Y member.

2. School has free partial before care starting at 8am. Y covers before that.

3. There are school clubs that are free to all students (model UN, debate, chorus, dance, running, geo-plunge, game clubs, reading clubs that happen before and after school). I think I’m missing a few. Basketball delayed due to construction.

4. The school did have a coordinator that matched kids with DPR school’s out free aftercare that included tennis lessons, tutoring, chess, and other offerings. This also included dinner and snack and late care until 8pm if needed. This is on hold until next school year while DPR is under construction. The school works closely with DPR on this.

5. The school does provide dental services and encourages all families to opt in even if their kids have dental care to avoid a stigma with getting these services. They are very conscious about this.

6. The school works with students in need of clothing and dinners. They don’t advertise they do this, but I have seen this with my own eyes. They have also worked with parents experiencing short-term homelessness or unemployment.

7. The school does offer scholarships for extras.

8. The teachers offer 1:1 tutoring before and after school.

9. Many teachers have their own reading clubs, board game clubs, x-wing clubs.

10. The school constantly conducts outreach events in the community to increase the at-risk population. They are constant figures at the apartments in Edgewood. I know because I have worked events. As a result, the last two years, we have seen a large increase of neighboring students attend the school. This is getting easier as our test scores continue to improve. We are a direct competitor with DC Prep so it’s tough.

I’m sure I’m missing a lot.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.

The YMCA registration materials include a form where you can request financial assistance. The costs are not insignificant, to be sure, but when you consider the fact that full time enrollment includes free admission to school closure days, winter break, and spring break, it seems worthwhile when you consider the costs of childcare/camps on those days. If that benefit isn't of interest to a family it might not be such a deal.

I do think the day off care is an amazing deal. But I was referring to the activiies like ballet, etc., not the base aftercare. Inclusion means inclusion in everything. Not middle class kids getting a special activity and low-income kids left behind.

You're totally right. I noticed they had offered that support last year but not this year - I think it was an oversight but an unfortunate one. I was planning on asking them about that before the spring semester offerings so thank you for reminding me to follow up with them!

How sad! My god.

If there were more at-risk kids, it would be harder to forget things like that. Social norms and policies would shift to be more geared towards them.

Can't the IFA offer scholarships? That's what our school's PTA does. And/or just absorbs the cost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.

The YMCA registration materials include a form where you can request financial assistance. The costs are not insignificant, to be sure, but when you consider the fact that full time enrollment includes free admission to school closure days, winter break, and spring break, it seems worthwhile when you consider the costs of childcare/camps on those days. If that benefit isn't of interest to a family it might not be such a deal.

I do think the day off care is an amazing deal. But I was referring to the activiies like ballet, etc., not the base aftercare. Inclusion means inclusion in everything. Not middle class kids getting a special activity and low-income kids left behind.

You're totally right. I noticed they had offered that support last year but not this year - I think it was an oversight but an unfortunate one. I was planning on asking them about that before the spring semester offerings so thank you for reminding me to follow up with them!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.

The YMCA registration materials include a form where you can request financial assistance. The costs are not insignificant, to be sure, but when you consider the fact that full time enrollment includes free admission to school closure days, winter break, and spring break, it seems worthwhile when you consider the costs of childcare/camps on those days. If that benefit isn't of interest to a family it might not be such a deal.

I do think the day off care is an amazing deal. But I was referring to the activiies like ballet, etc., not the base aftercare. Inclusion means inclusion in everything. Not middle class kids getting a special activity and low-income kids left behind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.

The YMCA registration materials include a form where you can request financial assistance. The costs are not insignificant, to be sure, but when you consider the fact that full time enrollment includes free admission to school closure days, winter break, and spring break, it seems worthwhile when you consider the costs of childcare/camps on those days. If that benefit isn't of interest to a family it might not be such a deal.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

ITS cannot offer an at-risk preference; in fact no charters can offer one. It is not allowed under the School Reform Act.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.

Before the Edgewood Rec Center project, there was a lower priced aftercare option available through DPR. With no DPR building currently, only the YMCA-staffed aftercare at the school is offered. Hopefully when the brand new much bigger Edgewood Rec Center building opens DPR aftercare might be available to ITS students again, and I wonder if more affordable aftercare might have an impact on whether ITS actually get more lottery interest from lower income families.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think at this point it's people reaching out individually. Perhaps you can try to see if others would want to join in? I haven't gotten a clear answer re: the wraparound services. They have talked a lot (like at the PARCC meeting this fall) about the work they are doing to identify students who are lagging and coach teachers to accelerate improvement.

Providing struggling learners with individualized support isn't a wrap around service. That's is (or at least should be) a basic function of elementary education. A wrap around service is having a mobile dental unit visit the school so kids that can't access dental care have an opportunity for a cleaning. Etc.

Has ITS shown any real interest in building a school community that would serve high risk kids? It's okay if they haven't. Janney hasn't either. But it is hard to swallow the talk of community and diversity given what actually happens.

A mobile dental unit does visit the school - usually in the spring, I think? I agree with you Inspired could do a better job of recruiting and serving at-risk kids and families. But I also think that drawing conclusions about how the school serves the kids it has based on a couple months of attendance probably doesn't give you a full picture on which to judge how the school is meeting the needs of its families.

There are multiple PPs here. I am the newly joined one and I did not write the above remarks. But I will say I think an at-risk lottery preference wouls be excellent.

I also notice that the aftercare activities are quite expensive. Hope they are giving some scholarships.

NP: Sliding scale costs are available, but if it isn't clear to folks that might be a deterrent. (similar to how full sticker price at the college level often deters folks who don't realize the full amount of financial aid available).

FWIW my kid has received quality differentiated instruction at ITS, but I can't speak to the experience of families as a whole.

I never got the memo about the sliding scale. And even I as a financially confortable person thought it was quite high.