FME Mom:
-------------------------------------------------------
I would really like it if you would consider visiting and having a tour. I think you might change your mind at least a little. My children graduated in 2006 and 2007 and both loved SL. I can only speak for my family's experience, but it was good.

>>>>Well, since you obviously think AP is superior, then let's just add AP courses to SL and then disallow pupil placement.<<<<

I have ALWAYS assumed that is exactly what they would do, but it will be difficult to have that rule ONLY for South Lakes. I don't see them not allowing pupil placement at ALL schools because that would defeat the original purpose of IB, to keep students in those schools AND to attract out of boundary students.

Berdhuis Wrote:

"Warning, Neen and Neenesis are the same people, er, person. Take your meds, both of you, er, just the one of you..."

_____________________

Berduis.... just so you know, I've never bought your story. Too obvious.

Berdhuis.... You, my dear man, are full of shit.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis.... You, my dear man, are full of shit.

Only when I'm constipated.

Any other observations?

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Berduis.... just so you know, I've never bought
> your story.

Very good, I've never put it for sale.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Berduis.... just so you know, I've never bought
> your story. Too obvious.


BirdLover, seriously, I don't know what you're talking about - was this to be a joke and I just missed it?

VaDriver Wrote:
--------------------------------------------------

Tests were counted, packaged, and mailed all
over the world for grading. Tests
this year were mailed to Dubai, Vietnam, and
several other exotic locations."
So, in summary, Vietnamese and people from
other "exotic" countries are grading South Lakes High
School, FCPS tests??
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berdhuis Wrote:

When I lived in North Carolina, I worked for a
company that graded papers from all over the U.S.
My batch was from the Illinois Dept of Ed.

Never heard of tests being sent overseas, though.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VaDriver wrote:
At least your grading was all in the USA...but this is really the ultimate in "outsourcing" and a bit weird
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: Berdhuis
Date: December 10, 2007 09:42PM
I for one enjoyed the presentation tonight. Compared to my relative ignorance of both IB and AP, I have to say that I appreciate the increased knowledge on IB directly from the source, and not through hearsay.

There were some good questions, and most answers were adequate. Could've gotten a better response about transferable credits, though.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VaDriver:

Berdhuis….just wondering ….did you ask the question regarding the Vietnamese grading South Lakes Test Papers?
I’m simply having trouble with that concept. I have learned more about the history of IB…understand it is a European programme based in Wales and Geneva. It seems to be have been quite a success as originally designed for International students.

But here in Fairfax County, Virginia, why can’t US Citizens grade our papers?

Any thoughts?

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis.... You, my dear man, are full of shit.

BirdLover, you wrote me at 1:11am to tell me you're not buying my story, and then you wait another 40 minutes later to tell me you think I'm constipated?

You really should have slept on that one, BirdLover (great name, by the way). Start over?

VaDriver Wrote:

> But here in Fairfax County, Virginia, why can’t
> US Citizens grade our papers?
>
> Any thoughts?

I know that some school districts outsource the grading of their essay exams to companies in the U.S. I worked for one of those companies. As for sending tests overseas for grading, I don't know if those are essays or 'fill in the ovals'.

If they're the 'fill in the ovals' tests, I suppose anyone can overlay a template and count which ovals are correctly filled. So I've no problem with that. However, I'm sure there are companies here who already do that - better to keep it local, I think.

Most definitely essays should be graded here.

Regarding South Lakes IB Tests being sent to Vietnam and other exotic places for grading..

My impression of the IB tests in question.... "Essay" format. But, I'll do a little more research on this.

So, its simply another piece of information about IB that is very different and, in my opinion, odd, when compared to US programs such as AP and for that matter SOL‘s, SAT‘s.

Of course, I’m completely “lost” on interpreting the IB Mission statement…..

“creating global citizens, maintaining a sustainable society, and World Peace”..

It reminds me of painfully listening to the youtube video of Miss South Carolina at the Teen USA 2007 beauty contest. None of it is decipherable.

I think we should leave all boundary's the way they are...most taxpayers seem to be satisfied.

Berdhuis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I for one enjoyed the presentation tonight.
> Compared to my relative ignorance of both IB and
> AP, I have to say that I appreciate the increased
> knowledge on IB directly from the source, and not
> through hearsay.
>
> There were some good questions, and most answers
> were adequate. Could've gotten a better response
> about transferable credits, though.

-------------------
1. What did they have to say about AP?
2. Did they explain the difference between SL and HL, especially in regards to college recognition (admission, placement, and credit)?
3. Will there be any barriers to pupil placement into or out of IB schools, other than not being able to place into an already-overcrowded school? How about being able to place into or out of IB middle schools?
4. Did they say where we can find IB and AP test results posted by school, by subject, as are the SOL scores?

SLVerity Wrote:
> Berdhuis, as one whom I think respects the
> position of others, please consider that the
> people of South Lakes don't want a magnet. It will
> do nothing to help the base school students. A TJ
> West would only serve the most advantaged students
> in our district and would be like a separate
> school on the same campus.

Having listened to the presentation last night, and I was definitely impressed with the IB programme, I suspect that if it were strengthened and focused even more in Hughes/SL, that it would enjoy the same kind of success that Maria Montessori had in Rome.

The way IB was presented, albeit incompletely, it resembled Montessori methodology somewhat. Hmm, curious now.

Forum Reader Wrote:
> -------------------
> 1. What did they have to say about AP?

A lot, just don't have to time to adequately answer this one now. Public, anyone out there want to take Question #1?

> 2. Did they explain the difference between SL and
> HL, especially in regards to college recognition
> (admission, placement, and credit)?

Yes, they did explain the difference between SL an HL in regard to college recognition. HL gets the credit, some schools won't give credit for SL if just part of the certificate program. Correct me if I'm wrong here, public, but if SL was part of the Diplome IB, then credit was given.

> 3. Will there be any barriers to pupil placement
> into or out of IB schools, other than not being
> able to place into an already-overcrowded school?

We were told last night that the only barriers to pupil placement would be space and abandonment of the pre-AP/AP curriculum by the student.

> How about being able to place into or out of IB
> middle schools?

No one asked that question, and they did not provide any info on it.

> 4. Did they say where we can find IB and AP test
> results posted by school, by subject, as are the
> SOL scores?

They said to go to the school profile web sites for all information. This was one of their somewhat vague answers. I think that with a little digging, a conclusive answer can be found.

Hope this helps!

Berdhuis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BirdLover Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Berduis.... just so you know, I've never bought
> > your story. Too obvious.
>
>
> BirdLover, seriously, I don't know what you're
> talking about - was this to be a joke and I just
> missed it?



BirdLover had her beak in the hooch, again. I think we witnessed the twenty minute/two cocktail interval at 1 am.

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> BirdLover had her beak in the hooch, again. I
> think we witnessed the twenty minute/two cocktail
> interval at 1 am.

Padre, you really know how to brighten a cloudy morning!

Padre:
You were with me at 1am this morning. Don't you remember what we were doing???

SLVerity:
Trust me, Padre's so happy this morning, he could brighten up a solar eclipse.

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> “creating global citizens, maintaining a
> sustainable society, and World Peace”..

The presenter for the IB programme last night did stress, at the beginning, that the IB programme's mission is to "create global citizens, and achieve world peace".

Personally, I like it.

Scene at Padre's house
Tuesday, 10:50AM

Wife enters Padre's study.

Padre hits the minimize button on computer and stock market quotes appear.

Padre pretends to study the numbers but he's looking a bit flushed, not to mention tired.

Honey, what's wrong, she asks.

Oh, nothing. It's just that this one stock I've been following jumps around too much. It was up and now it's down. Darn.

SLVerity,
How did you like the presentation last night? Did it cover enough material, or beg more questions?

> 3. Will there be any barriers to pupil placement
> into or out of IB schools, other than not being
> able to place into an already-overcrowded school?

We were told last night that the only barriers to pupil placement would be space and abandonment of the pre-AP/AP curriculum by the student.
------------

- Should be interesting to see how this plays out. Open space at neighboring schools will available post redistricting. High end students will be able to pupil place if they are committed to AP. Fewer high-end students = fewer high-end classes/choices. There will be a price to be paid for the strident, stubborn stand on IB.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > 3. Will there be any barriers to pupil
> placement
> > into or out of IB schools, other than not being
> > able to place into an already-overcrowded
> school?
>
> We were told last night that the only barriers to
> pupil placement would be space and abandonment of
> the pre-AP/AP curriculum by the student.
> ------------
>
> - Should be interesting to see how this plays out.
> Open space at neighboring schools will available
> post redistricting. High end students will be able
> to pupil place if they are committed to AP. Fewer
> high-end students = fewer high-end
> classes/choices. There will be a price to be paid
> for the strident, stubborn stand on IB.



We will defeat Stu-Pid and the other heretics that support redistricting.....

We will shutdown the first Boundary meeting and force FCPS to abandon redistricting....

We will gather at the second meeting as the Blackshirts and shout down the infidels who dare to pose the Boundary scenarios........

We will punish those strident, stubborn SLHS heathens by pupil-placing all those stellar, high-end kids who want AP and only AP......

We will start a new Redistricting site on Fairfax Underground, so we can show fat people and lawnworkers as South Lakes.......

We are South Lakes,,,,,,,We are South Lakes......

Yeah but I cant get a real Philly CheeseSteak at the SOuth Fuckin lakes Cafateria no way no how. Screw that REDISCTRICT ME!

SLVerity Wrote:
>
> So your data does not tell us about the
> socioeconomic status of the students taking the AP
> or IB exams. ...
----------
In response to my question, "Did they say where we can find IB and AP test results posted by school, by subject, as are the SOL scores?"

Berdhuis Wrote:
>
> They said to go to the school profile web sites
> for all information. This was one of their
> somewhat vague answers. I think that with a little
> digging, a conclusive answer can be found.
>
I am looking at Fairfax County Public Schools > Schools and Centers Directory > School Profiles > South Lakes HS > IB and I see data by race for total IB Participation and number who scored 4 or above overall.

There is no disaggregation for data by ESOL, FRM, or Special Ed, but only by race, which several posters have written they do not want to discuss.

There is also no breakout of data by HL and SL or by subject matter.

---------

On the FCPS test page I see 2006-2007 HL test results, County wide, by exam by test score.

Example: In 06-07, of of 2,394 HL exams taken by FCPS students (all eight IB high schools), only 101 exams were taken in IB HL Math. Here are the scores given:
"2" - 17
"3" - 19
"4" - 33 [this is the lowest grade considered "passing"]
"5" - 24 [this is the lowest grade considered for credit by more competitive colleges]
"6" - 7
"7" - 1 [this is the top possible score]

There is of disaggregation for data by ESOL, FRM, or Special Ed, or by race.

I know this is getting into the weeds of for many fellow forum readers, but minority student achievement means not only what percentage get over the minimum bar of passing the SOLs but also how many succeed in the most challenging courses. For example, in 03-04, 125 HL exams taken by FCPS Hispanics earned a passing grade, including 58 in Spanish - but only one in math and five in any science. [Sorry, I just do not have access to comparable data for FRM, ESOL, of Special Ed.]

It is these sorts of numbers that lead to some concern about IB math and science.

[Sorry, SLV, but do not know how to access FCPS IB and AP data by socio-economic status. I would be grateful if anyone can provide a link to such data.]

Forum Reader Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLVerity Wrote:
> >
> > So your data does not tell us about the
> > socioeconomic status of the students taking the
> AP
> > or IB exams. ...
> ----------
> In response to my question, "Did they say where we
> can find IB and AP test results posted by school,
> by subject, as are the SOL scores?"
>
> Berdhuis Wrote:
> >
> > They said to go to the school profile web sites
> > for all information. This was one of their
> > somewhat vague answers. I think that with a
> little
> > digging, a conclusive answer can be found.
> >
> I am looking at Fairfax County Public Schools >
> Schools and Centers Directory > School Profiles >
> South Lakes HS > IB and I see data by race for
> total IB Participation and number who scored 4 or
> above overall.
>
> There is no disaggregation for data by ESOL, FRM,
> or Special Ed, but only by race, which several
> posters have written they do not want to discuss.
>
>
> There is also no breakout of data by HL and SL or
> by subject matter.
>
> ---------
>
> On the FCPS test page I see 2006-2007 HL test
> results, County wide, by exam by test score.
>
> Example: In 06-07, of of 2,394 HL exams taken by
> FCPS students (all eight IB high schools), only
> 101 exams were taken in IB HL Math. Here are the
> scores given:
> "2" - 17
> "3" - 19
> "4" - 33
> "5" - 24
> "6" - 7
> "7" - 1
>
> There is of disaggregation for data by ESOL, FRM,
> or Special Ed, or by race.
>
> I know this is getting into the weeds of for many
> fellow forum readers, but minority student
> achievement means not only what percentage get
> over the minimum bar of passing the SOLs but also
> how many succeed in the most challenging courses.
> For example, in 03-04, 125 HL exams taken by FCPS
> Hispanics earned a passing grade, including 58 in
> Spanish - but only one in math and five in any
> science.
>
> It is these sorts of numbers that lead to some
> concern about IB math and science.
>
>


I still say redisctrict all your dumb asses to a refurbished LORTON PRISON. I aint saying you is gold diggers but we aint messin with no Broke Negroes.

“>>>>creating global citizens, maintaining a sustainable society, and World Peace”..

It reminds me of painfully listening to the youtube video of Miss South Carolina at the Teen USA 2007 beauty contest. None of it is decipherable.<<<

FCPS educrats love that kind of stuff. Makes them feel all warm and fuzzy. Please don't tell them that our society has been sustaining itself for hundreds of years and most people are very happy to be US citizens. That's why the rest of the world wants to come HERE. Educrats want to hug the globe and sing yumbaba. It doesn't help to educate anyone, but they love the warm and fuzzy feelings.

Feelings..........nothing more than feelings...........

>>>The presenter for the IB programme last night did stress, at the beginning, that the IB programme's mission is to "create global citizens, and achieve world peace".

Personally, I like it.<<<

Can you explain what that means and how the IB program will achieve world peace?

Thanks.

>>>>There will be a price to be paid for the strident, stubborn stand on IB.<<<<

And they won't care. They love what they love and students are stuck with it, like fuzzy, fuzzy, math, whole language, no phonics, open schools, more art with less math and science and hugging the globe. They don't care what parents want. They have no reason to.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>The presenter for the IB programme last night
> did stress, at the beginning, that the IB
> programme's mission is to "create global citizens,
> and achieve world peace".
>
> Can you explain what that means and how the IB
> program will achieve world peace?
>
> Thanks.

Sure, it means that our children will come to understand that the UN needs to be moved out of New York, and headquartered in Jerusalem instead, where it truly belongs.

Berdhuis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Sure, it means that our children will come to
> understand that the UN needs to be moved out of
> New York, and headquartered in Jerusalem instead,
> where it truly belongs.


Wow you want to Redisctrict the Fuckin UN from NYC to JESUStown? what are you on CRACK?

What's the scoop on the Japanese immersion program being added to SL in 08. What schools have the progam in the area? Does anyone know? I thought the meeting last night was billed AP and IB - sounds like they only covered IB.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Can you explain what that means and how the IB
> program will achieve world peace?

Neen, seriously, I firmly believe that an increased understanding among different nations and cultures does foster peace, however achingly slowly this occurs. The younger the process of this understanding begins in students, the better off our society will be.

The US does not live in a vacuum, and we would be short-changing our children if we did not expose them to this notion at an early age.

December 7, 10:27 AM - DC Examiner Local Opinion Editor Barbara Hollingsworth blogs on local issues and politics affecting residents of the greater Washington region.


When Fairfax County School Board member Stuart Gibson was accused of releasing confidential information about an 8-year-old boy during his latest reelection bid, FCPS attorneys defended him by arguing that any parent who discusses the challenges of raising a special needs child with an online support group automatically waives their privacy rights.

This absurd idea was justifiably shot down by the Virginia Department of Education.
Despite a sworn declarations from Gibson himself that no illegal disclosure had occurred, the state found him - and FCPS - in noncompliance with laws protecting the privacy rights of children with disabilities. No matter what parents themselves do, the Nov. 27 Letter of Findings concluded, school officials are not allowed to make a child’s educational record public without explicit parental consent.

But that’s not the end of the story. Christine Arakelian, the mother of the third grader in question, was running against Gibson for his Hunter Mill seat when he released confidential details about her son in a July 1 letter to the local PTA and again during a Sept. 19 newspaper interview. Incensed, she called Supt. Jack Dale’s office to complain: “Just because I’m running for office doesn’t mean my son is fair game,” she angrily told school officials. After receiving “absolutely no response” from Dale’s office, Arakelian says, she filed formal complaints with state and federal authorities and still plans to pursue legal action against Gibson.

FCPS has until Dec. 27 to appeal the state’s ruling, which found every one of its arguments to be without merit. FCPS officials would not comment until they discussed the case with other School Board members. Since Gibson refuses to acknowledge this clear breach of his legal and ethical responsibilities as a Board member, they have a lot to talk about. A recall petition now circulating should help focus their attention.

The release of private, privileged information about a political opponent’s disabled child is an appalling act of political bullying. As a Justice Department attorney who campaigned on his expertise in education law, Gibson can’t say he didn’t know what he did was illegal. Nor can he credibly claim ignorance of School Board regulations that subject FCPS employees to dismissal for similar violations.

This issue is bigger than one aggrieved parent. Gibson is the mastermind behind the controversial Western County redistricting, and has reportedly cut a deal with other Board members to exempt some areas from the controversial redistricting.

But a School Board member who doesn’t follow the law and the board’s own rules of conduct has no business making life-altering decisions about other people’s children.


this was copied from the paper verbatium!

>>>>Neen, seriously, I firmly believe that an increased understanding among different nations and cultures does foster peace, however achingly slowly this occurs. The younger the process of this understanding begins in students, the better off our society will be.

The US does not live in a vacuum, and we would be short-changing our children if we did not expose them to this notion at an early age.<<<<

My kids have traveled all over the world, but I was hoping for a bit more from schools, like a background in math and science so they might be able to be doctors, scientists, researchers, who could discover new medicines, cures for diseases, new solar systems, better ways to grow crops and help animals survive, better ways to extend life. We have enough people who want to hug the world. Thinking warm thoughts about the world is not enough. We need more people who can actually DO something to help the world.

A Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's the scoop on the Japanese immersion program
> being added to SL in 08. What schools have the
> progam in the area? Does anyone know? I thought
> the meeting last night was billed AP and IB -
> sounds like they only covered IB.


the scoop is a student exchange. ASian porn stars come here and teach Hentai while Blonde nubiles travel to japan to become comfort women for Japansese business men and learn the fine art of Roving you Rong time.

Berdhuis,
Please, expose your children to anything that you feel is important in the world. Expose them to any notion that you support. Please work for world peace, if you are so inclined. Introduce them to different cultures. Travel the globe. Invite people into your home from many different backgrounds. Do whatever you think is important for your children.

Must our schools do that too? How 'bout if they just stick to the education business, real math, real science, real literature and real history, and we let parents teach all the other stuff? Let families decide what they think is important for their children to know about the world and other people.

Truth Seeker,
Do you have a link to that article?

>>>Sure, it means that our children will come to understand that the UN needs to be moved out of New York, and headquartered in Jerusalem instead, where it truly belongs.<<<<

HUH? And THAT will achieve world peace? Why does the UN belong in Jerusalem?

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> We have enough people who want to hug the world.
> Thinking warm thoughts about the world is not
> enough. We need more people who can actually DO
> something to help the world.

I totally agree with you, Neen, that's why we also need principled writers, clergymen, politicians, artists. They all can reveal the divine and help humanity in powerful, albeit mystical ways.

A Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's the scoop on the Japanese immersion program
> being added to SL in 08. What schools have the
> progam in the area? Does anyone know? I thought
> the meeting last night was billed AP and IB -
> sounds like they only covered IB.

Fox mill and Floris have elementary school Japanese immersion. If Japanese was added prior to the boundary change vote I guess it is/was a clue to the new attendance area.

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>>
> Fox mill and Floris have elementary school
> Japanese immersion. If Japanese was added prior
> to the boundary change vote I guess it is/was a
> clue to the new attendance area.


Floris Japanese program been phased out and soon no longer. Now only Fox Mill. Guess that is clue to new attendance area?

Berdhuis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > We have enough people who want to hug the
> world.
> > Thinking warm thoughts about the world is not
> > enough. We need more people who can actually DO
> > something to help the world.
>
> I totally agree with you, Neen, that's why we also
> need principled writers, clergymen, politicians,
> artists. They all can reveal the divine and help
> humanity in powerful, albeit mystical ways.



Amen.

I know countless people who use "real business" and "real science" to "DO" something to help the world on a sustainable (read: profitable and ethical) basis. They utterly reject the narrow definition and false choice that Neen would apply.

Who is Neen to label everyone or anyone? Her repetitive, narcissistic chant is oppressive and dictatorial.

Quick response to two questions:
-SLHS offers Japanese and I heard a commitment from Bruce Butler to continue doing so esp. if Japanese immersion programs feed into the school.
-Diploma students can get credit for one SL course at most universities in addition to HL courses.

Off to see the David Macaulay exhibit at the National Building Museum. Author/illustrator of "The Way Things Work." We need him to illustrate the FCPS redistricting process! :-)

A Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's the scoop on the Japanese immersion program
> being added to SL in 08. What schools have the
> progam in the area? Does anyone know?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not sure if the following information is specifically responsive to your question, but it's the latest from the PTSA.

From the November 2007 South Lakes PTSA Newsletter

FRENCH
The level 2 classes are beginning their unit on homes and will begin a fun project based on the Mtv show “cribs”.

JAPANESE
Our new Japanese program is off and running! We have three wonderful have three wonderful classes of enthusiastic students who are busy learning their characters. We are looking forward to watching this program grow.

Hi, I just read about this redistricting business at the Free Republic.
An attorney there is absolutely sure this will end up in federal court. He was very sure that there have been civil violations.

So, maybe there's a chance this bazarre, and underhanded action will be halted.

What a bad bunch that board is. And it looks like most of them are posting right here. So many liberals here ranting their trash.

tia Wrote:

>
> What a bad bunch that board is. And it looks like
> most of them are posting right here. So many
> liberals here ranting their trash.


Liberals dont rant trash they take it out to the curb to be placed in the dump where it belongs. Conservatives just stir it up and dump trash on those less fortunate than themselves. Tia! im talking to YOU TIA!

OKaaaaaaaaaaaaay, there ferfuz.
Whatever you say.

Why do you think the U.N. should be moved to Israel? That's about the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time. Are for real?

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Neen Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> >
> > > We have enough people who want to hug the
> > world.
> > > Thinking warm thoughts about the world is not
> > > enough. We need more people who can actually
> DO
> > > something to help the world.
> >
> > I totally agree with you, Neen, that's why we
> also
> > need principled writers, clergymen,
> politicians,
> > artists. They all can reveal the divine and
> help
> > humanity in powerful, albeit mystical ways.
>
>
>
> Amen.
>
> I know countless people who use "real business"
> and "real science" to "DO" something to help the
> world on a sustainable (read: profitable and
> ethical) basis. They utterly reject the narrow
> definition and false choice that Neen would apply.
>
>
> Who is Neen to label everyone or anyone? Her
> repetitive, narcissistic chant is oppressive and
> dictatorial.

You are really wacked, mister. What are you talking about? To do something to help the world on a sustainable basis?

IS EVERY ONE WACKED HERE?

Berdhuis is Thomas More

To all concern:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Boundary_Line_Redrawing_Controversy

Some food for thought for you all......

Isn't it interesting--the people who moved out in droves or made their kids attend private school, by their actions and negative comments in the media created by the lawsuit, caused their own housing values to drop. IF they had stayed and made the best of the situation, I doubt the outcome would have been the same.

The people who moved in later enjoyed a blue ribbon school and probably got their house cheaper because of the hysterics of the people involved in the dispute.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Scene at Padre's house
> Tuesday, 10:50AM
>
> Wife enters Padre's study.
>
> Padre hits the minimize button on computer and
> stock market quotes appear.
>
> Padre pretends to study the numbers but he's
> looking a bit flushed, not to mention tired.
>
> Honey, what's wrong, she asks.
>
> Oh, nothing. It's just that this one stock I've
> been following jumps around too much. It was up
> and now it's down. Darn.

BirdLover, please grow up. No one wants to hear your immaturity on a blog about might I remind you, REDISTRICTING. Leave the childish antics to the playground.

tia Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLHS Padre Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Berdhuis Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Neen Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > >
> > > > We have enough people who want to hug the
> > > world.
> > > > Thinking warm thoughts about the world is
> not
> > > > enough. We need more people who can
> actually
> > DO
> > > > something to help the world.
> > >
> > > I totally agree with you, Neen, that's why we
> > also
> > > need principled writers, clergymen,
> > politicians,
> > > artists. They all can reveal the divine and
> > help
> > > humanity in powerful, albeit mystical ways.
> >
> >
> >
> > Amen.
> >
> > I know countless people who use "real business"
> > and "real science" to "DO" something to help
> the
> > world on a sustainable (read: profitable and
> > ethical) basis. They utterly reject the narrow
> > definition and false choice that Neen would
> apply.
> >
> >
> > Who is Neen to label everyone or anyone? Her
> > repetitive, narcissistic chant is oppressive
> and
> > dictatorial.
>
> You are really wacked, mister. What are you
> talking about? To do something to help the world
> on a sustainable basis?
>
> IS EVERY ONE WACKED HERE?


Wacked, adj.: To view the world through a narrow prism, while disdaining and denigrating others who have different backgrounds, values, or skin color, e.g., it is wacked to think that the world begins and ends at TJ and Madison High Schools and to make such an assertion repeatedly in the middle of the night through a staccato burst of short, unintelligible posts on Fairfax Underground.

My three cents,

Thank you for the link. Looks like we are in for a storm! I sure hope so. I’m not going down without a fight. This is government gone amok! At what point to these “representatives’ start leaving the reservation and join their own exclusive club?

Any thoughts on the mailer we received today? Interesting timing…...

“Senator Mark Herring , 33rd District & Delegate Kenneth R. Plum, Reston,Va. are doing a town meeting at Fox Mill Elementary School on January 7, 2008 , 7:30pm to 9pm.”

“Speak to your elected representatives about issues of concern to you”

“Pre-registration not required.”

$.03 - great link, interesting. I'm sure the board is aware of such lawsuits and will be looking to minimize oppostion. And that means McNair is going to be moved for sure.

Just a guess Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis is Thomas More

All depends on what is is.

Seriously, I am not Thomas More. I know that can be validated among a few of you, too.

> Her repetitive, narcissistic chant is oppressive and
> dictatorial.

But the mystery and humility is that I am continually provoked to creative ideas by your smart-assed sarcasm, Neen. Thank you.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis.... You, my dear man

Awww, BirdLover, that was sweet. How nice! I think you're just dear, too.

=^D

Apparently there are federal laws about assigning students by places of residence. If a group of predominantly caucasian students live near a school in their school district they can't just assign them to another school if it results in greater segregation. This is handled by the Dept of Justice where I thought Gibson worked. .

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/edo/filecomp.htm

Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 , the EEOA, which prohibits some practices at the elementary and secondary level including this:
d. Assignment to other than the school closest to residence within the school district of residence which results in greater segregation on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1938005/posts#comment?q=1

someone posted this on Free Republic....
The county's attorney forgot two very important facts. One is that VIRGINIA is a designated state in the federal civil rights statutes (with a well known history for playing games with districting/redistricting to screw blacks and/or other minorities). And the second thing is that violating some of those laws is a federal felony sort of thing.
I would imagine that lawyer himself is subject to charges if it comes to that, and it will.

tia Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> You are really wacked, mister. What are you
> talking about? To do something to help the world
> on a sustainable basis?

Is there something wrong with creating and using a curriculum that inspires children to be a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem?

Of course not, and SLHS Padre is most certainly not whacked. There should be more of such folk in the world.

I hope, tia, that you escape the cynicism.

Just a guess wrote:

Berdhuis is Thomas More.

__________________

Could be.

Interesting how these people lack the ability to develop their characters.

Berdhuis arrives, 5 or 6 days ago with this ... Oh, damn it, the county is running all over us, here in McNair. Yet, even in his first post, he says that people who care about their property values are SELFISH.

TO: South Lakes

Advice for your next character who arrives... a bit upset about the redistricting, yet, open to your ideas and suggestions... until, amazingly, he is praising the virtues of South Lakes, IB, Global Citizens, Sustainable Societies, and all the other B.S.:

Don't have the character do something stupid in the fist post. Berdhuis was unable to gain credibility with his first post.

Just tying to help you South Lakes folks out. Usually, I charge alot of money for that, but this one's on the house.

Agree the birdman is a plant, actually i busted another one of you SL posters about 30-40 pages ago. You know who you are. Remember?

BirdLover,

1. I am strongly opposed to redistricting
2. I support the ideals of the IB programme

The two beliefs can coexist with each other in a man. Simple, non?

SLSuperlative wrote:

"BirdLover, please grow up. No one wants to hear your immaturity on a blog about might I remind you, REDISTRICTING. Leave the childish antics to the playground.'
_______________________________

Mrs. Padre, I presume.

May I suggest that you take care of Mr. Padre, and stop being so boring..... and then, maybe, just maybe, (cause I don't know what you look like), but maybe, he won't show up on my doorstep late at night.

Birdlover, Mrs. Padre can handle her man just fine. It is you who seem to be gettin' all hot and bothered on this site. May I suggest other venues for getting your kicks? This forum is about redistricting, not satisfying your warped desires.

Have another cocktail on me and the Padre.

>>>>The people who moved in later enjoyed a blue ribbon school<<<

Doesn't that mean a poor school that exceeds expectations? Wouldn't that be nice at Dogwood or McNair?

>>>on a blog about might I remind you, REDISTRICTING<<<

Oh yes, deadly serious business.

Would it kill you South Lakes people to have a little fun now and then?

Birdlover is FUNNY! You remember fun and funny, don't you?

>>>This forum is about redistricting, not satisfying your warped desires.<<<

Oh come on. Padre can do both.

You KNOW he can. ;) ;)

>>>>he is praising the virtues of South Lakes, IB<<<

Thomas More would never praise IB.

Perhaps Berdhuis is Wii Wii. She loves IB.

Berdhuis is too nice to be Muse.

>>>BirdLover, please grow up. No one wants to hear your immaturity<<<

Speak for yourself! Unless you plan to provide the late night fun around here.

>>>>But the mystery and humility is that I am continually provoked to creative ideas by your smart-assed sarcasm, Neen. Thank you.<<<

No problem! Someone has to do it. Glad to be of service.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>This forum is about redistricting, not
> satisfying your warped desires.<<<
>
> Oh come on. Padre can do both.
>
> You KNOW he can. ;) ;)

And here I was thinking that it was Birdlover who was getting all hot and bothered.

Dunk

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dunk

As in slam dunk?

>>>They all can reveal the divine and help humanity in powerful, albeit mystical ways.<<<<

One toke over the line, Sweet Jesus, one toke over the line............

awesome dude, far out, party on Garth.

I think you know what I mean.

Dunk hasn't posted since November 4th. I think dunk is a fig newton of your imagination

You were Dunk, and now you are Berdhuis.

Wrong, I am most certainly not Berduis, but thanks for the compliment. Let me guess, though. You are actually Birdlover, here for the kicks.

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Apparently there are federal laws about assigning
> students by places of residence. If a group of
> predominantly caucasian students live near a
> school in their school district they can't just
> assign them to another school if it results in
> greater segregation. This is handled by the Dept
> of Justice where I thought Gibson worked. .
>
> http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/edo/filecomp.htm
>
> Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 , the
> EEOA, which prohibits some practices at the
> elementary and secondary level including this:
> d. Assignment to other than the school closest to
> residence within the school district of residence
> which results in greater segregation on the basis
> of race, color, sex, or national origin.
>
> http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1938005/p
> osts#comment?q=1
>
> someone posted this on Free Republic....
> The county's attorney forgot two very important
> facts. One is that VIRGINIA is a designated state
> in the federal civil rights statutes (with a well
> known history for playing games with
> districting/redistricting to screw blacks and/or
> other minorities). And the second thing is that
> violating some of those laws is a federal felony
> sort of thing.
> I would imagine that lawyer himself is subject to
> charges if it comes to that, and it will.


Then wouldn't this mean that the districts as they are right now are illegal? There are areas that are much closer to South Lakes than to the schools they attend now and the absence of them is definately changing the make-up of the South Lakes student body...

Word, I am simply beside myself thinking of the fun we will have if you are redistricted to South Lakes. Did you attend the meeting at SL last night? If so, how did you find the facilities and the short commute from the Crossfield district.

My very best friends in the world live off of West Ox, and we can be door-to-door in 10 minutes or less. It's fabulous.

Thanks Dusty, for pointing out what was obvious from the post. I am surprised that the subtleties of the argument escaped our asute StopRD visitors.

No I did not. The words will not be attending SL.

Final recommendation will be posted to the county web site tomorrow afternoon, or if they can't get the presentation completed thursday AM. Basically you have Option 3 coming your way.

Yup. The approved option is always option #3. In every boundary adjustment, option 3 is staff's chosen option. I hear that there may be a very small 'tweak' but that could be just a rumor.

How do you know that they are announcing it tomorrow or Thursday? Doesn't that give the public too long before the meeting next week? Surely staff wouldn't want to let people have a week to organize their groups and their arguments? Why post it tomorrow? Rather than Monday?

SLVerity wrote:

"Birdlover, Mrs. Padre can handle her man just fine. It is you who seem to be gettin' all hot and bothered on this site. May I suggest other venues for getting your kicks? This forum is about redistricting, not satisfying your warped desires.

Have another cocktail on me and the Padre."
_________________________


"Mrs. Padre can handle her man."
Sorry, Verity, according to Mr. Padre, my skills in the handling department were, well..... just ask him, yourself.

"It is you who seem to be gettin' all hot"
Verity, unlike you, I am hot, and Padre knows it.

"This forum is about redistricting, not satisfying your warped desires."
Verity, this is all ABOUT your warped desires.

"Have another cocktail on me and the Padre."
OK, but please... but I don't want Padre serenading outside my window tonight. Take away his guitar.

_________________________

BirdLover.....fast asleep, is awakened by a Mexican singing a love song.

"Padre, go home. Your wife is looking for you."

Are the rumors true, Option 3, without Madison Island?

December 7, 10:27 AM - DC Examiner Local Opinion Editor Barbara Hollingsworth blogs on local issues and politics affecting residents of the greater Washington region.


When Fairfax County School Board member Stuart Gibson was accused of releasing confidential information about an 8-year-old boy during his latest reelection bid, FCPS attorneys defended him by arguing that any parent who discusses the challenges of raising a special needs child with an online support group automatically waives their privacy rights.

This absurd idea was justifiably shot down by the Virginia Department of Education.
Despite a sworn declarations from Gibson himself that no illegal disclosure had occurred, the state found him - and FCPS - in noncompliance with laws protecting the privacy rights of children with disabilities. No matter what parents themselves do, the Nov. 27 Letter of Findings concluded, school officials are not allowed to make a child’s educational record public without explicit parental consent.

But that’s not the end of the story. Christine Arakelian, the mother of the third grader in question, was running against Gibson for his Hunter Mill seat when he released confidential details about her son in a July 1 letter to the local PTA and again during a Sept. 19 newspaper interview. Incensed, she called Supt. Jack Dale’s office to complain: “Just because I’m running for office doesn’t mean my son is fair game,” she angrily told school officials. After receiving “absolutely no response” from Dale’s office, Arakelian says, she filed formal complaints with state and federal authorities and still plans to pursue legal action against Gibson.

FCPS has until Dec. 27 to appeal the state’s ruling, which found every one of its arguments to be without merit. FCPS officials would not comment until they discussed the case with other School Board members. Since Gibson refuses to acknowledge this clear breach of his legal and ethical responsibilities as a Board member, they have a lot to talk about. A recall petition now circulating should help focus their attention.

The release of private, privileged information about a political opponent’s disabled child is an appalling act of political bullying. As a Justice Department attorney who campaigned on his expertise in education law, Gibson can’t say he didn’t know what he did was illegal. Nor can he credibly claim ignorance of School Board regulations that subject FCPS employees to dismissal for similar violations.

This issue is bigger than one aggrieved parent. Gibson is the mastermind behind the controversial Western County redistricting, and has reportedly cut a deal with other Board members to exempt some areas from the controversial redistricting.

But a School Board member who doesn’t follow the law and the board’s own rules of conduct has no business making life-altering decisions about other people’s children.


this was copied from the paper verbatium!

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yup. The approved option is always option #3. In
> every boundary adjustment, option 3 is staff's
> chosen option. I hear that there may be a very
> small 'tweak' but that could be just a rumor.

I have a hard time seeing all of Navy going to Oakton. It's already split, so it wouldn't surprise me if the SB just sliced off the part east of the FFX County Pkwy.

Don't know why, according to their logic (except for the pure numbers of students), they would send McNair to SL, when it will eventually wind up in Herndon HS and likely stay there. Of course, Westfield is much better! Go Dawgs!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/12/2007 08:47AM by Berdhuis.

Not related to boundaries but definitely innappropriate - is this on the crude redistricting forum or school board tapes? The latter. Thank one of my kids.

While channel surfing I was quickly passing Red Apple 21 - turned out they were on Board Matters at the 12-6-07 School Board meeting. Teenagers in the room...in a unique and priceless moment one kid said somebody said "shot my wad."

Bizarrely enough that was S Gibson and it was something like "I previously shot my wad..." since it's on the public access tape at about 2:14 minutes into that segment if you listen and fast forward. I didn't believe the kid so checked for myself.

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public%20Current%20MeetingAll?OpenView&Start=1&Count=500&Expand=3.9&BaseTarget=NotesView#3.9

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=shot+my+wad

dusty Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> taxpayer Wrote:

> > ...Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 , the
> > EEOA, which prohibits some practices at the
> > elementary and secondary level including this:
> > d. Assignment to other than the school closest
> to
> > residence within the school district of
> residence
> > which results in greater segregation on the
> basis
> > of race, color, sex, or national origin...
> Then wouldn't this mean that the districts as they
> are right now are illegal? There are areas that
> are much closer to South Lakes than to the schools
> they attend now and the absence of them is
> definately changing the make-up of the South Lakes
> student body...

If anyone bothers to call the Dept of Justice [seems to not even require a written complaint] and they analyze the building capacities, locations, school assignements by residence by demographics/geography/travel routes, it seems to me that FCPS has a historical problem in portions of these attendance areas and middle and high school assignments :

Aldrin [proximity to Forest Edge, Lake Anne], Fox Mill, Floris, Flint Hill, Sunrise valley [who attends], Forestville

Maybe this is why they decided Westfield had to be the specific location drawn down for a big academy.

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> dusty Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > taxpayer Wrote:
>
> > > ...Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 ,
> the
> > > EEOA, which prohibits some practices at the
> > > elementary and secondary level including
> this:
> > > d. Assignment to other than the school
> closest
> > to
> > > residence within the school district of
> > residence
> > > which results in greater segregation on the
> > basis
> > > of race, color, sex, or national origin...
> > Then wouldn't this mean that the districts as
> they
> > are right now are illegal? There are areas that
> > are much closer to South Lakes than to the
> schools
> > they attend now and the absence of them is
> > definately changing the make-up of the South
> Lakes
> > student body...
>
> If anyone bothers to call the Dept of Justice and
> they analyze the building capacities, locations,
> school assignements by residence by
> demographics/geography/travel routes, it seems to
> me that FCPS has a historical problem in portions
> of these attendance areas and middle and high
> school assignments :
>
> Aldrin , Fox Mill, Floris, Flint Hill, Sunrise
> valley , Forestville
>
> Maybe this is why they decided Westfield had to be
> the specific location drawn down for a big
> academy.

Maybe Langley will get involved after all...

foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> taxpayer Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > dusty Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > taxpayer Wrote:
> >
> > > > ...Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974
> ,
> > the
> > > > EEOA, which prohibits some practices at the
> > > > elementary and secondary level including
> > this:
> > > > d. Assignment to other than the school
> > closest
> > > to
> > > > residence within the school district of
> > > residence
> > > > which results in greater segregation on the
> > > basis
> > > > of race, color, sex, or national origin...
> > > Then wouldn't this mean that the districts as
> > they
> > > are right now are illegal? There are areas
> that
> > > are much closer to South Lakes than to the
> > schools
> > > they attend now and the absence of them is
> > > definately changing the make-up of the South
> > Lakes
> > > student body...
> >
> > If anyone bothers to call the Dept of Justice
> and
> > they analyze the building capacities,
> locations,
> > school assignements by residence by
> > demographics/geography/travel routes, it seems
> to
> > me that FCPS has a historical problem in
> portions
> > of these attendance areas and middle and high
> > school assignments :
> >
> > Aldrin , Fox Mill, Floris, Flint Hill, Sunrise
> > valley , Forestville
> >
> > Maybe this is why they decided Westfield had to
> be
> > the specific location drawn down for a big
> > academy.
>
> Maybe Langley will get involved after all...



If you recall, new Great Falls, the part west of Springvale, used to go to Herndon when we were at Langley. At the time, people didn't even consider that "real" Great Falls. Appointed school boards, as I recall, screwed that up, and changed their boundary to Langley. We wouldn't be in a lot of this mess if that area had staying in Herndon in the first place.

Housing prices off Seneca, a spit to Sterling, oops, sorry, Potomac Falls, would have stayed more reasonable, I believe. Who would build $2million + homes if they went to Herndon? Or possibly they would have continued to build bigger and more expensive homes, keeping Herndon, a more balanced school socio-economically. Something to ponder.

Old Timer wrote:
“Housing prices off Seneca, a spit to Sterling, oops, sorry, Potomac Falls, would have stayed more reasonable, I believe. Who would build $2million + homes if they went to Herndon? Or possibly they would have continued to build bigger and more expensive homes, keeping Herndon, a more balanced school socio-economically.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So then, might you agree....real estate value IS influenced by the school pyramid association? And….. that association….. can have either a positive or negative affect on value…

Therefore, if, hypothetically, a residence is redistricted from the Oakton, Westfield, Chantilly Pyramid, to the South Lakes Pyramid the value will likely be adversely affected.

And, again, we’ve gone through some of this earlier. I am not saying there aren’t beautiful, high value residences in Reston.. I’m simply saying the school pyramid affects home values. We all know the real estate market in the entire Metro area is in somewhat of a slump but that slump is equally distributed. So, the only variable I am addressing is the affect of a pyramid change on real estate value.

Driver, I think you and I can both agree that Langley is a different animal. In no way does the Oakton/Chantilly/Westfield area equate with Langley. I almost put a contract on a house on Seneca road around 15 years ago. Back then the area was still at Herndon and the prices were very expensive, because it was a Great Falls address.

I don't think your housing value will change in the least. If you or others move our Pyramid area, it will end up equalizing perception-wise with other close areas. Your prices won't fall but will likely stay the same. Outside of your little world, most people think of Reston as a very affluent community. They think of Reston Town Center, for example. They don't pick it apart the way you have.

Remeber, this is not a zero sum game. One area does not have to suffer at the expense of another.

Old Timer wrote: Who would build $2million + homes if they went to Herndon?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Would you please help us understand what you mean?

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Driver, I think you and I can both agree that
> Langley is a different animal. In no way does the
> Oakton/Chantilly/Westfield area equate with
> Langley. I almost put a contract on a house on
> Seneca road around 15 years ago. Back then the
> area was still at Herndon and the prices were very
> expensive, because it was a Great Falls address.
>
>
> I don't think your housing value will change in
> the least. If you or others move our Pyramid
> area, it will end up equalizing perception-wise
> with other close areas. Your prices won't fall but
> will likely stay the same. Outside of your little
> world, most people think of Reston as a very
> affluent community. They think of Reston Town
> Center, for example. They don't pick it apart the
> way you have.
>
> Remeber, this is not a zero sum game. One area
> does not have to suffer at the expense of another.


Thanks SLV for some clarity. I was actually criticizing previous appointed school boards not seeing that an exclusive area like Great Falls would have been more beneficial to the whole area by being split between two pyramids.

I do think there is the perception by some that one school pyramid over another add/detracts to home prices, but I haven't seen it pan out in the Reston area. Most of the real estate in Reston was built out prior to South Lakes high school. New construction has been relatively expensive. A friend in our elementary school district was looking to buy but had to buy in Crossfield to get a single family home. The single family homes in our elementary school pyramid, in Reston, were too expensive for her. One person's situation, but still true.

I think that what I and others believe is that it is beneficial to the entire county for all of the schools to be perceived as excellent as opposed to just one or two.

Old Timer,
Your friend bought in Crossfield to get her children OUT of SL, just like everyone else.