Anonymous wrote:Competition is good for everyone. However, the charter schools in the neighborhood are not exceeding expectation. Additionally, the new trend will be on building neighborhood schools, where parents have much more control. As a new residence in the area, I will be enrolling my two children in Bunker Hill.

What evidence do you have that building neighborhood schools is actually a trend gaining traction??

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are enrolled at Bunker Hill for PK3 17/18.

We did a tour with the principal, asked a ton of questions, and enjoyed seeing what they are doing there. She is already turning things around from the stats and numbers she was responding with. We were encouraged with the specials (looks to have a great Art teacher) and that the current pk3 teachers have been there for 3+ years. Enrollment is growing, and they are going through some repairing due to the middle school being removed.

They want to have a PTA and have more parent involvement, and are very child focused. I think Bunker Hill could be a great school if it continues on it's current trajectory and has more people giving it a chance.

You will give it a chance to provide free daycare for you but your child won't be enrolled there by 2nd grade.

Wife is a stay at home mom, so free daycare wasn't the reasoning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The new principal of Bunker Hill ES is Kara Kuchemba. An experience administrator from within DC Public Schools.

Is she new this year or will she start next year? Fingers crossed fro this school

This is her second year. Absenteeism has already been cut in half, and they are using the creative curriculum now. They are also part of the Turnaround Arts program. The art teacher, principal, and a couple of other teachers in PK3 definitely lifted our spirits. The hallways are decorated with the kids art, which was really cool to see. High Hopes this will turn this school around.

Anonymous wrote:The new principal of Bunker Hill ES is Kara Kuchemba. An experience administrator from within DC Public Schools.

Is she new this year or will she start next year? Fingers crossed fro this school

Anonymous wrote:We are enrolled at Bunker Hill for PK3 17/18.

We did a tour with the principal, asked a ton of questions, and enjoyed seeing what they are doing there. She is already turning things around from the stats and numbers she was responding with. We were encouraged with the specials (looks to have a great Art teacher) and that the current pk3 teachers have been there for 3+ years. Enrollment is growing, and they are going through some repairing due to the middle school being removed.

They want to have a PTA and have more parent involvement, and are very child focused. I think Bunker Hill could be a great school if it continues on it's current trajectory and has more people giving it a chance.

You will give it a chance to provide free daycare for you but your child won't be enrolled there by 2nd grade.

We are enrolled at Bunker Hill for PK3 17/18.

We did a tour with the principal, asked a ton of questions, and enjoyed seeing what they are doing there. She is already turning things around from the stats and numbers she was responding with. We were encouraged with the specials (looks to have a great Art teacher) and that the current pk3 teachers have been there for 3+ years. Enrollment is growing, and they are going through some repairing due to the middle school being removed.

They want to have a PTA and have more parent involvement, and are very child focused. I think Bunker Hill could be a great school if it continues on it's current trajectory and has more people giving it a chance.

Anonymous wrote:17:36, that would be best. But how do you know? Do you work for her? Who are you?

Yes I echo the sentiments about Burroughs fast rise and hope for the same at Bunker Hill. I believe the rock star principal at Bunker Hill referred to your dad was Amenda Alexander. Before my time. But then she was transferred to Ross and did great things there. IIRC.

Amanda Alexander left a path of destruction everywhere she went. Worked for her and several principals at Bunker Hill before her and after her. She was the absolute worst. Bunker Hill started to lose its flare under another principal in 2004. Charter schools killed the enrollment. About 100 students left in one school year. Carolyn Preston returned for one year, but could not stop the bleeding. That ship had sailed. That school has had principal after principal ever since. Seasoned teachers left and "temporary" once passed through. Amanda chased out the last of the great ones with lies and vindictiveness. Once under Brookland's takeover and their principal, there was no turning back.

Bunker Hill is in a wonderful location. So sad to see that it is still in turmoil with yet another principal. Seems like that scenario is being played out all over the city. Terrible principals chase out veterans and are left with "instant" teachers via Teach For America and similar programs. Those teachers often do three years at most and roll out to their desired professions. Teaching for many of them is only a guaranteed salary until the real job comes around.

I would like info too. We're IB for Bunker Hill but my son isn't even a year old yet, so we've got some time before he'd enroll. I would be interested in knowing as a member of the community how to support BH -- what can I do? I would love to send my kids to the neighborhood school with full confidence that they'd be well-cared for and well-educated, and I want to be part of that revitalization, but I honestly have no idea what type of support the school needs. And before anyone asks, I'm on the Brookland Kids listserv but there is very little info about BH.

Bunker Hill used to be a great school. It is in an excellent location near good public transportation. There is a sizable playground/field. It has the potential to be great with the right leadership and marketing. Looking forward to hearing more about this school.

I would like to know too. We are zoned in bound for Bunker Hill but have 2 years until Pre K.

I'm bumping this old thread in case of new information or updates on Bunker Hill and its principal?

No, I am not on the Kiidlist, but as soon as I find out how to register, I will.

Thanks. Are you on the Brooklsnd Kids Yahoo Group? Please post there about your positive experiences and knowledge of the new principal. In the past inquiries about Bunker Hill have gone unanswered.

I am just a neighborhood resident, with two delightful children at Bunker Hill. I my only goal is for the school to serve as a beacon for what can happen when adults work together. if Boroughs is your standard for quality education, than surely that success can be duplicated at Bunker Hill. Just at the resources that we have in our community. Based upon what I heard, the new principal, understands what it takes to connect with the community. Finally, the glory days can be replicated and duplicated.

17:36, that would be best. But how do you know? Do you work for her? Who are you?

Yes I echo the sentiments about Burroughs fast rise and hope for the same at Bunker Hill. I believe the rock star principal at Bunker Hill referred to your dad was Amenda Alexander. Before my time. But then she was transferred to Ross and did great things there. IIRC.