Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 12:31     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:Agreed. For exaple, there have been NO statistics presented as to the alleged safety issues at the middle schools, yet everyone believes it so much less safe than other institutions in other jurisdictions. Undoubtedly, there are issues there. But there are at other schools too. Its just fear run amuck on this thread.


Actually there are some. The stats appear on the "report cards" issued by the state that also show the test scores. The track things like offenses against other students, offenses against staff, etc.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 12:20     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
There are not guarantees. It's a gamble either way. One way just has better odds.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 12:16     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:I agree - the low parental satisfaction and negativity in Alexandria seems to have a lot to do with the ongoing perception issues. Hysteria breeds hysteria -the Middle Schools have their share of challenges in both districts. Alexandria's main obstacle, in addition to the challenges meeting the needs of such a diverse population, seems to be the ability to build sustainable support among large segments of the parent community - Arlington is able to weather the storm (issues with overcrowding for instance). much better because they have a much stronger, enthusiadtic, involved foundation. Given they both have the same SOL standards to meet, the differences in what you actually GET in terms of educational offerings, may not be as different as nIght and day. But I have seen first hand how low the tolerance level is for many ACPS parents - they come into the system wary and surround themselves with other parents that are often uneasy as well. The families that stick around see their kids thriving and don't get the negativity - and don't appreciate all the pot stirring. I get the sense there are far fewer folks fanning the flames in Arlington - and as a result, they are a stronger and better system across the board.


Arlington has quite a few low performing schools, but the more vocal parents, typically in North Arlington, will praise APS and claim "you can't go wrong" because they are happy with the status quo. You have to decide whether you prefer being in a system where no one wants to point out the inequities or one where people acknowledge the challenges openly.


Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 11:54     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
Agreed. For exaple, there have been NO statistics presented as to the alleged safety issues at the middle schools, yet everyone believes it so much less safe than other institutions in other jurisdictions. Undoubtedly, there are issues there. But there are at other schools too. Its just fear run amuck on this thread.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 11:20     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
I agree - the low parental satisfaction and negativity in Alexandria seems to have a lot to do with the ongoing perception issues. Hysteria breeds hysteria -the Middle Schools have their share of challenges in both districts. Alexandria's main obstacle, in addition to the challenges meeting the needs of such a diverse population, seems to be the ability to build sustainable support among large segments of the parent community - Arlington is able to weather the storm (issues with overcrowding for instance). much better because they have a much stronger, enthusiadtic, involved foundation. Given they both have the same SOL standards to meet, the differences in what you actually GET in terms of educational offerings, may not be as different as nIght and day. But I have seen first hand how low the tolerance level is for many ACPS parents - they come into the system wary and surround themselves with other parents that are often uneasy as well. The families that stick around see their kids thriving and don't get the negativity - and don't appreciate all the pot stirring. I get the sense there are far fewer folks fanning the flames in Arlington - and as a result, they are a stronger and better system across the board.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 07:04     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:There's plenty of section 8 housing in Arlington - and food stamps, pedophiles, drugs, low lifes etc. etc. Even so, it is a nice place to live in pockets - as is Alexandria. You can get away from the section 8 and still live in Alexandria......problem is, you may not be able to afford it - which may be the reason to move, and in that case, I do not blame you. There is not one school in Arlington that doesn't have some of the elements you are trying to get away from. And, when it comes down to it - there are probably more single parent, less educated middle and lower middle class kids for your kids to pal around with. Just sayin.....be careful what you wish for.


There are in fact several schools in Arlington without these elements. More importantly, even in the schools where these elements exist, they don't dominate the culture of the school the way they do in Alexandria for some reason. The achievement numbers and parental satisfication levels support this.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 07:00     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:Parents - having experienced both private and public, I urge you to ask yourself how confident you are to influence and guide your child. You are what matters most - in fact - I have always been amazed at the numbers of top ivy league parents with kids in public vs. the 2nd and 3rd tier college parents sending their kids to private - on that note alone, I can't WAIT for my kids to start attending TC. Think I'm kidding - start asking around - meet some TC parents - attend the TC Gala - meet the kids - they are AMAZING (and certainly much more mature and accomplished than some of the ridiculous tori burch wearing vacants at SSSAS and Potomoac...although there are good, outstanding kids at those schools too - just not as many as you may think. Take some time to get to know the parents and the community within the school - those most likely to be in your child's peer group - and if you are not impressed then clearly, you should start writing checks and go to Arlington where your kids are just as likely to have teen moms and drug dealers sitting next to them, but somehow you will feel better about it.






I observe at this juncture that the ACPS defenders tend to react to criticism of the SCHOOL SYSTEM consistently with ad hominem attacks on other posters and now random students at area private schools.

The criticism of ACPS has been largely focused on administrative policy and the very real concerns about safety in the middle schools.

I'm not sure exactly WHY the substantive remarks have been greeted with such hysterical and vicious responses, but it's very telling.

Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 06:42     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:And, when it comes down to it - there are probably more single parent, less educated middle and lower middle class kids for your kids to pal around with. Just sayin.....be careful what you wish for.


I don't suppose you have any statistics to backup this statement? What do you possibly have to base this statement on?
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 00:20     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
There's plenty of section 8 housing in Arlington - and food stamps, pedophiles, drugs, low lifes etc. etc. Even so, it is a nice place to live in pockets - as is Alexandria. You can get away from the section 8 and still live in Alexandria......problem is, you may not be able to afford it - which may be the reason to move, and in that case, I do not blame you. There is not one school in Arlington that doesn't have some of the elements you are trying to get away from. And, when it comes down to it - there are probably more single parent, less educated middle and lower middle class kids for your kids to pal around with. Just sayin.....be careful what you wish for.
Anonymous
Post 03/01/2012 00:10     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
We worked hard to have a better life. We don't feel the need to apologize for not wanting to live near the Alexandria's section 8 housing. This argument is stupid. Live where you want to, but don't judge others for their choices. This is a free country.
Anonymous
Post 02/29/2012 23:47     Subject: Re:Escaping Alexandria Schools
Parents - having experienced both private and public, I urge you to ask yourself how confident you are to influence and guide your child. You are what matters most - in fact - I have always been amazed at the numbers of top ivy league parents with kids in public vs. the 2nd and 3rd tier college parents sending their kids to private - on that note alone, I can't WAIT for my kids to start attending TC. Think I'm kidding - start asking around - meet some TC parents - attend the TC Gala - meet the kids - they are AMAZING (and certainly much more mature and accomplished than some of the ridiculous tori burch wearing vacants at SSSAS and Potomoac...although there are good, outstanding kids at those schools too - just not as many as you may think. Take some time to get to know the parents and the community within the school - those most likely to be in your child's peer group - and if you are not impressed then clearly, you should start writing checks and go to Arlington where your kids are just as likely to have teen moms and drug dealers sitting next to them, but somehow you will feel better about it.



Anonymous
Post 02/29/2012 19:50     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
It's called diversity. Just sayin' I know I know this concept is probably way over the head of those who grew up in those nice Midwestern areas?! I'm sure there are no drug dealers/users in the Midwest Your children will one day have to deal with others from...wait for it...shudder PUBLIC. HOUSING.


So, pp, when your dc have playdates with these kids from the projects, who hosts?


I grew up in the bronx. So "playdates" at the projects don't strike fear in my heart. I'm sorry you're so sheltered.


You didn't answer the question: When your dc have playdates with these kids from the projects, do you host, or does the other kid?

Or, will you admit that you sequester yourself from "those people" and are being a mite sanctimonious?


Not the PP, but we send our kid to the Rec after school where he often plays with "those people." I know it might be hard to believe, but he hasn't been the victim of crime yet. How miserable it must be for you to think that disadvantaged children are too tainted to play with your "precious" young one. You're a first-rate bitch.


And the key word here is "yet".

If you have been paying attention at all, you would know that there are a few elementary schools in the City doing ok but that at middle school is where it really falls apart. I also think you really don't know any of those "rec" families and certainly do not do playdates with them. My child participated in a sports league through the City and the kids did not attend Macartur or Lyles Crouch but other elementary schools like Polk, Patrick Henry, etc. Those parents do not want their kids going to the middle school either and are just as frightened as to what will happen to their kids when they hit middle school. So what do you say to those parents? Should I tell them that they need to embrace diversity??? That they need to get out of their midwestern mindset???
Anonymous
Post 02/29/2012 16:02     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
pwned
Anonymous
Post 02/29/2012 16:02     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Your children will copy your pathetic example.


+1



+2

Noticing the pp still hasn't answered the question, either.


Looks like this thread is hosting yet another online meeting of the Boring Housewives of NOVA Cul-de-Sacs.
Anonymous
Post 02/29/2012 15:50     Subject: Escaping Alexandria Schools
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Your children will copy your pathetic example.


+1



+2

Noticing the pp still hasn't answered the question, either.