Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 14:04     Subject: Re:Where is Shining Stars moving?
We love SSMA and are confident they are handling it. Definitely coming back.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 13:29     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Other charters thought the building needed repairs. My guess is that SSMA decided that they weren't necessary and was willing to pay the full asking price without asking for repairs or renovations.


I guess that makes sense. I'm not one who needs beautiful facilities if the teachers/policies/staff are solid, but I know building aesthetics means a lot to others.


I dunno, having a functioning HVAC system isn't aesthetic, and is important to most parents.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 13:21     Subject: Re:Where is Shining Stars moving?
Current SSMA parent here. Absolutely love the classroom experience and the teachers, parent community is great too. Biggest issue with the school is lack of outdoor play space for the kids - 3 and 4 year olds REALLY need that outside energy burn and gross motor development.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 10:14     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Very happy with the classroom experience and community at SS and definitely planning to follow the school to the new location. They haven't signed a lease yet, so I'm not going to count on the location as sure thing until it's a done deal. But yes, the plan is to move in time for the 16-17 school year.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 09:47     Subject: Re:Where is Shining Stars moving?


Anonymous wrote:
NP here, now considering SS based on the new proposed location. Has SS Admin indicated that the school will relocate to the new location by the start of the 2016/17 school year? Has administration said anything about renovations? I understand from the previous tenant that the building needs a new boiler/HVAC system, so a fundamental repair, not aesthetic.

At this point, I don't know a single family who attends SS (they all sought other options based on location/frustration with previous move). For current families, are you still satisfied with the classroom experience? Any particular pros/cons on what happens outside of the classroom?

Thanks in advance.



This needed to be factored in to the cost. It wasn't. So a very bad deal.


Did they discuss this aspect at the PTO meeting or something?
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 09:42     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
I dont have a kid at SS but woudl consider it now for this location. However, I was under the impression that this is the building that Lee wanted in Brookland? I was at the lee open house last night and they were pretty firm that the brookland location would happen (but wouldnt give an address).
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 09:36     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:NP here, now considering SS based on the new proposed location. Has SS Admin indicated that the school will relocate to the new location by the start of the 2016/17 school year? Has administration said anything about renovations? I understand from the previous tenant that the building needs a new boiler/HVAC system, so a fundamental repair, not aesthetic.

At this point, I don't know a single family who attends SS (they all sought other options based on location/frustration with previous move). For current families, are you still satisfied with the classroom experience? Any particular pros/cons on what happens outside of the classroom?

Thanks in advance.


This needed to be factored in to the cost. It wasn't. So a very bad deal.
Anonymous
Post 02/10/2016 09:23     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
NP here, now considering SS based on the new proposed location. Has SS Admin indicated that the school will relocate to the new location by the start of the 2016/17 school year? Has administration said anything about renovations? I understand from the previous tenant that the building needs a new boiler/HVAC system, so a fundamental repair, not aesthetic.

At this point, I don't know a single family who attends SS (they all sought other options based on location/frustration with previous move). For current families, are you still satisfied with the classroom experience? Any particular pros/cons on what happens outside of the classroom?

Thanks in advance.
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 17:18     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Who was negotiating for that property along with Shining Stars? What other schools?
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 17:17     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:Other charters thought the building needed repairs. My guess is that SSMA decided that they weren't necessary and was willing to pay the full asking price without asking for repairs or renovations.


How do we know what was paid and that other charters turned it down?
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 17:12     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If this location holds and they produce a 10 year lease I would be willing go back to the school. I really loved our time there, but their temp location was unworkable at the time so we moved to a DCPS that is great, but not necessarily for my child.


If they have to increase enrollment to pay for it, it could be bumpy for a year or two (see MV). It could be not the same school you left. So I'd lottery for it but be careful about switching unless you are at an IB school you can go back to.

It moved up on our list, but I'm cautious. Explaining how they will afford a building so many other charters couldn't afford would go a long way to reassuring me.

And wait till it goes through too (nothing till the ink is on the paper).

I hope it works.


I was there in 2014...I know bumpy, lol.

I've been keeping tabs on the school through some friends still at the school. I'm not quite sure how I will rank them There's only a couple schools I would move for. I know my child misses SS, so that would make for an easier transition. If we get lucky in the lottery, of course.
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 15:27     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:If this location holds and they produce a 10 year lease I would be willing go back to the school. I really loved our time there, but their temp location was unworkable at the time so we moved to a DCPS that is great, but not necessarily for my child.


If they have to increase enrollment to pay for it, it could be bumpy for a year or two (see MV). It could be not the same school you left. So I'd lottery for it but be careful about switching unless you are at an IB school you can go back to.

It moved up on our list, but I'm cautious. Explaining how they will afford a building so many other charters couldn't afford would go a long way to reassuring me.

And wait till it goes through too (nothing till the ink is on the paper).

I hope it works.


Don't forget MV was having major issues before they expanded enrollment.
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 15:25     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:Other charters thought the building needed repairs. My guess is that SSMA decided that they weren't necessary and was willing to pay the full asking price without asking for repairs or renovations.


I guess that makes sense. I'm not one who needs beautiful facilities if the teachers/policies/staff are solid, but I know building aesthetics means a lot to others.
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 15:17     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Other charters thought the building needed repairs. My guess is that SSMA decided that they weren't necessary and was willing to pay the full asking price without asking for repairs or renovations.
Anonymous
Post 02/05/2016 14:32     Subject: Where is Shining Stars moving?
Anonymous wrote:If this location holds and they produce a 10 year lease I would be willing go back to the school. I really loved our time there, but their temp location was unworkable at the time so we moved to a DCPS that is great, but not necessarily for my child.


If they have to increase enrollment to pay for it, it could be bumpy for a year or two (see MV). It could be not the same school you left. So I'd lottery for it but be careful about switching unless you are at an IB school you can go back to.

It moved up on our list, but I'm cautious. Explaining how they will afford a building so many other charters couldn't afford would go a long way to reassuring me.

And wait till it goes through too (nothing till the ink is on the paper).

I hope it works.