SLParent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Postive stories about SL....
>
> The SLHS PTSA has met regarding the redistricting
> and is very active in providing information to the
> SL parents. They are a great group of parents
> with strong leadership. I applaud their hard
> work.

Come on you can do better. Herndon PTA is way ahead of us with a strategy to achieve a perfered outcome: keeping both Aldrin and Armstrong.

> I'm sure the same can be said for other
> schools but you are asking about SL specifically.
> When I attending the last meeting, they gave a
> very clear overview of the issue without trying to
> provide a hidden agenda.
>
> Mr. Butler, in my humble opinion, is a good
> principal. He is fair, compassionate and very
> approachable. He is at most sporting events and
> activities

and stands under the goals posts schmoozing with Wendall and the other coaches on duty

and last year played guitar in a
> multi-cultural talent show.

That was good, showed some humanity.

> I have only had good
> experiences with him (even in tough situations).

Details, man, details.

> I know he attends a lot of events because I have 2
> VERY active students at SLHS and I see him all the
> time.

Did you talk to him then, what did he say to you or a neighbor, if he's great, tell the story.

> Since becoming the DSA, Ms. Jones has made great
> improvements.

Like what.

We don't a softball coach or a womens lacross coach and it's November

Though I don't agree with you, I'm saying there's not enough of a story here to persuade.

> Her first concern is the
> improvement in the SLHS athletic program.

A dead cat would have been better than Henthorn. Details. Tell a better story.

>
> I'm not sure if you were aware of last year's
> Fight for a Seahawk Campaign. A SL student was
> diagnosed with cancer and the school raised money
> to help the family. Ms. Trout, the ADSA, shaved
> her head into a mohawk because the students met
> the fundraising goal.

this is a good story of student body cohesion and staff support. Sl needs a score more. Who's got one?

> This is only what I could think of during my busy work day.

Next week you'll all need more than this.

chantilly mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> somewhere in Oak Hill Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Perhaps you should talk to your kids....or
> engage
> > in a conversation with your neighbors whose
> kids
> > go to Chantilly. You would be amazed at the
> > "information" you can get. hint: gang activity.
>
> > We are not talking about the teachers or the
> > principal here. It is the extracurricular
> > activities some of the student engaged, some of
> it
> > at the hallways and locker rooms. Like I
> > mentioned earlier, each school has good
> students
> > and some bad apples, and Chantilly is not the
> > exception.
>
>
>
> there is no gang activity at chantilly. My
> children go to and have gone to chantilly as do
> all my neighbors children. It is a wonderful
> school. In the 5 years that I have been active in
> the school none of my children, my friends
> children or neighbors children have had any
> problems or ever mentioned gangs or violence. Just
> because there are minorities in a school does not
> automatically imply they are in gangs.
>
> and if you think that the kids who go to TJ,
> Oakton or PaulVI don't drink or do drugs then you
> are kidding yourself... maybe you should talk to
> your kids...
>
> you need to check yourself for racism and snobbery
> sweetie.... the northern virginia "air of
> superiority"" seems to have affected your brain.

So far we're all relying on our kids regarding the existence or non-existence of gang activity at each of our kids school and repeating it to each other. And, while I love all four of mine dearly, I expect they neither know nor would related the whole story.

Has anyone asked their school's SRO?

Based on my discussions with SROs at South Lakes over the last 11 years, the supposed existence of "gang activity" is grossly over blown thanks to Railly. Mostly, a series of groups of 3-4 kids, mostly white, who want to be "gangsta's" and are rapidly brought back in line but ask the SROs yourselves.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2007 05:28PM by Thomas More.

SL Verity - got it on the gang thing

Any reply on the fabricated numbers in your At A Glance Doc?

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SL Verity wanted to let you know your document
> SLHS at a Glance has some factual errors.
>
> The SOL scores looked incorrect. So I checked the
> county web site link =
> http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:18
> :3311824215875689::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:320
>
> I did not check for other "errors" but given the
> data below I am sure there are some. I applaud the
> effort to put the doc together. You discredit
> yourselves when you fail to use the correct data.
>
> SOL SCORES FOR 2006-2007
>
> SUBJECT / YOUR DOC / # ON COUNTY WEB SITE
> ------------------------------------------
> ENGLISH
> Reading / 95 / 93.6
> Writing / 94 / 92.9
> MATH
> Algebra I / 89 / 82.3 *** whopper ***
> Algebra II / 83 / 80.6 *** whopper ***
> Geometry / 83 / 79.6
> SCIENCES
> Biology / 85 / 74.1 *** whopper ***
> Chemistry / 73 / 67.5 *** whopper ***
> Earth Science / 91 / 87.8
> HISTORY
> World History I / 90 / 82.9 *** whopper ***
> World History II / 86 / 84.3
> US/VA History / 93 / 92,9
>

Word, have you confirmed that the school profile you reference is up to date or accurate before denigrating the At-a-Glance sheet? I will pass your comments on to the school, but please consider that perhaps your source may not be correct or up to date. I do know that the county has two sets of numbers for each school and that one includes students who live in the district but don't attend the base school for various reasons. So perhaps you are not looking at an accurate set of numbers.

I'll be sure to get back to you, though, and thank you for your due diligence.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SL Verity - got it on the gang thing
>
> Any reply on the fabricated numbers in your At A
> Glance Doc?

Boy, I guess seeing plan A crumble before your eyes was difficult to bear.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2007 05:28PM by SLVerity.

My source is Fairfax County Public Schools.

Are you saying the County is posting incorrect numbers and only the South Lakes parents know the truth?

Come on man!

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My source is Fairfax County Public Schools.
>
> Are you saying the County is posting incorrect
> numbers and only the South Lakes parents know the
> truth?
>
> Come on man!

I have heard you state many times (again, I'm paraphrasing here) that FCPS is not always infallible. Now everything they say and all of their websites are up-to-the-minute accurate? I am sure there is a perfectly good explanation for the discrepancy and that we will know soon enough. Don't put on your tin-foil hat or get out your long knives just yet.

Do you really think that we would purposely publish incorrect numbers with number crunchers like you lurking out there to knock them down?

Why do you assume that I am a man?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2007 05:36PM by SLVerity.

Word, Mystery solved. The numbers are from the Virginia Department of education, which is the authority:

https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/report.do?division=29&schoolName=1310

Sorry to let you know that we aren't cooking the books. Would you like to recant your whopper statements.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SL Verity wanted to let you know your document
> SLHS at a Glance has some factual errors.
>
> The SOL scores looked incorrect. So I checked the
> county web site link =
> http://schoolprofiles.fcps.edu/schlprfl/f?p=108:18
> :3311824215875689::NO::P0_CURRENT_SCHOOL_ID:320
>
> I did not check for other "errors" but given the
> data below I am sure there are some. I applaud the
> effort to put the doc together. You discredit
> yourselves when you fail to use the correct data.
>
> SOL SCORES FOR 2006-2007
>
> SUBJECT / YOUR DOC / # ON COUNTY WEB SITE
> ------------------------------------------
> ENGLISH
> Reading / 95 / 93.6
> Writing / 94 / 92.9
> MATH
> Algebra I / 89 / 82.3 *** whopper ***
> Algebra II / 83 / 80.6 *** whopper ***
> Geometry / 83 / 79.6
> SCIENCES
> Biology / 85 / 74.1 *** whopper ***
> Chemistry / 73 / 67.5 *** whopper ***
> Earth Science / 91 / 87.8
> HISTORY
> World History I / 90 / 82.9 *** whopper ***
> World History II / 86 / 84.3
> US/VA History / 93 / 92,9
>
> I am still waiting on the link to the "gang"
> figures from the county that you like to site.

Since everyone is asking for measurable positive information about SL, and since I promised that I would have access to some numbers, I am posting once again this informative fact sheet about South Lakes that highlights the school's mission and some measurable data about the school.

If Word contests the SOL numbers, it is because the school used the official numbers from the VA Department of Education, not the FCPS site.

Please take the time to read it if you are interested.
Attachments:

SLSMom - your defensiveness is astounding as to my comment about sending children to private schools. I could easily send my children to private schools but do not do so because I think it not worth it to spend my hard earned money on the limited private school choices we have here in No. Va. So I do not do so even with the issues I have with the schools. My guess is thousands of other parents here would say the exact same thing. So my attitude is far from condescending, far from making anyone seem poor or helpless or incompetent, and just a fair statement of the reality of the choices we have here in the area. And of course the choices are limited given the relatively recent phenomena of the population boom and emerging infrastructure here. The public schools typically (although not always) are the better imperfect solution. I am aware of some in our area who have the means to do so who send their children to tony private schools in DC or in Maryland - I question the value proposition of doing this but of course support those who want to make that choice if it works for them.

I am also amused at all of the emotional reaction I get - condescending, etc.,which is really just a code word (or so it seems) to supplant intelligent debate on the facts. Really, the name calling self authenticates a unwillingness to stridently debate facts and ideas. The schools are better when they are subject to a competitive marketplace for ideas, and where excellence and a notion that our young people must compete in a global economy is socialized throughout, and merely defending the status quo and calling people names who bring up ideas that make you uncomfortable hardly moves that objective forward. Cheers.

Thomas More - I hate to call any athlete out by name (although his failure to make the NCAA requirements is quite public). But suffice to say he ran 800 meters, had the fastest time in nation that year, holds the Virginia state record, won the high school national championship indoors and out - ran a top 10 all time high school time in the event, had near world class speed in the 400 meters, and is now competing - with unfortunately very limited improvement - not a surprise given how our farm system works - for Nike's Oregon Track Club. I am persuaded he would have been a national champion at Tennessee (where he was recruited), a school with an exemplary record of producing champions in this event and more importantly, getting these kinds of kids through with a degree - often phys ed but not always, that permits them to teach and coach when athletic days are over. A little sleuthing will find the name. And my sense of outrage is genuine. He was not even prepared for junior college (also publicly known), which does lead anyone rational to question what the heck the people at the school were doing. Ok, I concur, completely anecdotal, but really bothersome.

chantilly mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> somewhere in Oak Hill Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Perhaps you should talk to your kids....or
> engage
> > in a conversation with your neighbors whose
> kids
> > go to Chantilly. You would be amazed at the
> > "information" you can get. hint: gang activity.
>
> > We are not talking about the teachers or the
> > principal here. It is the extracurricular
> > activities some of the student engaged, some of
> it
> > at the hallways and locker rooms. Like I
> > mentioned earlier, each school has good
> students
> > and some bad apples, and Chantilly is not the
> > exception.
>
>
>
> there is no gang activity at chantilly. My
> children go to and have gone to chantilly as do
> all my neighbors children. It is a wonderful
> school. In the 5 years that I have been active in
> the school none of my children, my friends
> children or neighbors children have had any
> problems or ever mentioned gangs or violence. Just
> because there are minorities in a school does not
> automatically imply they are in gangs.
>
> and if you think that the kids who go to TJ,
> Oakton or PaulVI don't drink or do drugs then you
> are kidding yourself... maybe you should talk to
> your kids...
>
>
>
>
> you need to check yourself for racism and snobbery
> sweetie.... the northern virginia "air of
> superiority"" seems to have affected your brain.
-------------

Sweetie in northern VA
I don't know which PLANET you come from.....my kids also go to CHANTILLY...and we don't live in UTOPIA....just because your kids are not involved and don't want to be involved (good for you!)...doesn't mean gang activity doesn't exist...
Again, talk to your kids....I DO talk to mine.

quantum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas More - I hate to call any athlete out by
> name (although his failure to make the NCAA
> requirements is quite public). But suffice to
> say he ran 800 meters, had the fastest time in
> nation that year, holds the Virginia state record,
> won the high school national championship indoors
> and out - ran a top 10 all time high school time
> in the event, had near world class speed in the
> 400 meters, and is now competing - with
> unfortunately very limited improvement - not a
> surprise given how our farm system works - for
> Nike's Oregon Track Club. I am persuaded he would
> have been a national champion at Tennessee (where
> he was recruited), a school with an exemplary
> record of producing champions in this event and
> more importantly, getting these kinds of kids
> through with a degree - often phys ed but not
> always, that permits them to teach and coach when
> athletic days are over. A little sleuthing will
> find the name. And my sense of outrage is
> genuine. He was not even prepared for junior
> college (also publicly known), which does lead
> anyone rational to question what the heck the
> people at the school were doing. Ok, I concur,
> completely anecdotal, but really bothersome.


Are you talking about Richard Smith?

Richard Montgomery HS in Rockville, MD is the selective IB magnet in Montgomery County. It does NOT offer SL Math or HL Math. Instead, it offers what it calls "IB Precalc," and those students take the IB SL Math exam. Then they choose between AP Calc AB and AP Calc BC, and if they take Calc BC then they can take post-AP Multivariable Calc.

By allowing precalc students to take the IB SL Math test, Richard Montgomery HS enables them to get an IB Diploma while taking AP math classes.

IB has 6 groups of subjects, which in effect impose distribution requirements. Math are computer science are part of Group 5. To get an IB Diploma, you need to take three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) courses. Taking the SL Math test after precalc means that the student could take 3 HL courses in other subjects, while taking AP Calculus, etc. In fact, a student might even be able to do the same thing with science.

you have got to love kathy smith and stu gibson. What would you people do without this issue. middle school and high school folkes relax, the change will be a slow one starting with elementary schools be changed then middle this will allow time for SL to get the programs they need. 7/8 graders are safe to go where they are scheduled to go. this will take affect in 2009 school year.

In general, colleges treat a 6/7 on an IB HL science test like a 4/5 on an AP science test. For example, at Johns Hopkins University, a 4+ on the AP Chem test is the same as a 6+ on IB HL Chem. At Carnegie Mellon, a 4 in AP Chem is worth the same as a 6 in IB HL Chem, and a 5 in AP Chem is worth the same as a 7 in IB HL Chem. But at Cornell's College of Engineering, a 5 in AP Chem is the same as a 6 or 7 in HL Chem.

Physics is the exception. It appears that IB HL Physics covers about half the normal AP Physics C class. A 7 in HL Physics is usually like a 5 in AP Physics C-Mechanics, but gives no credit towards the AP Physics C-Electricity/Magnetism. A friend who graduated from MIT explained that IB HL Physics also requires only algebra, while AP Physics C definitely requires calculus.

South Lakes parents may want to get AP Physics C (not AP Physics B), in addition to the AP math classes. And in the process, ask about the distribution of recent scores on the IB HL Biology and IB HL Chemistry exams. If there aren't many 6s or 7s, find out why.

hugs and kisses Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> middle school and high school folkes relax, the
> change will be a slow one starting with elementary
> schools be changed then middle this will allow
> time for SL to get the programs they need. 7/8
> graders are safe to go where they are scheduled to
> go. this will take affect in 2009 school year.

And the basis for this little bit of internet valium is what exactly?

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> hugs and kisses Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > middle school and high school folkes relax, the
> > change will be a slow one starting with
> elementary
> > schools be changed then middle this will allow
> > time for SL to get the programs they need. 7/8
> > graders are safe to go where they are scheduled
> to
> > go. this will take affect in 2009 school year.
>
> And the basis for this little bit of internet
> valium is what exactly?


ahhh, but the tranquility works for me!

Question for SLVerity

What is your best guess as to what transpires from the boundary changes?
I mean what elementaries and/or road boundaries will end up assigned to South Lakes? A most likely scenario and second most likely would be appreciated.

Your posts seem to be well thought out...appreciate your input.

Ditto, Cricket.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2007 11:15PM by Dunk.

PAL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Question for SLVerity
>
> What is your best guess as to what transpires from
> the boundary changes?
> I mean what elementaries and/or road boundaries
> will end up assigned to South Lakes? A most likely
> scenario and second most likely would be
> appreciated.
>
> Your posts seem to be well thought
> out...appreciate your input.

Dear PAL, thank you for the compliment. I can't even presume to guess what the outcome will be, although I would bet that McNair will not be moved to South Lakes. Though no doubt there are many great families in the McNair community, it is hard to imagine that the County will want to concentrate so many challenged feeder schools in one high school.

As to best case scenarios, there are others on this site who enjoy and are better at crunching numbers and coming up with scenarios. I know there are many posting here who think that the outcome has already been decided by the powers that be. Call me a Pollyanna, but I am simply not that cynical. Therefore, I look forward to some energetic discussions at the boundary meetings.

That is too funny SL Verity = Dunk! I saw that.

/word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That is too funny SL Verity = Dunk! I saw that.
We all have alter egos/mischievious twins. Maybe all three of us can engage at the meeting next Tuesday.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/07/2007 11:23PM by Dunk.

Thanks for the laugh.

BTW I forwarded a note to VA DOE and FCPS to explain why the numbers are different. I'll let you know what comes back. I'm not interested in being right, I'm interested in the truth.

The discrepancy in numbers has come up in meetings before and I think it does have to do with the way that the county reports. I'm not sure why, but I think they include the scores of students who attend other schools (e.g., alternative schools, expulsions) in the base school score. (Erroneously, though, they don't include TJ scores in the base school score). Perhaps the DOE adjusts for those numbers.

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> it is hard
> to imagine that the County will want to
> concentrate so many challenged feeder schools in
> one high school.

What if it was just the portion of Mcnair now going to Westfield?

> As to best case scenarios, there are others on
> this site who enjoy and are better at crunching
> numbers and coming up with scenarios.

You don't have a preferred outcome?

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Now this is heading in the right direction. How about some names?


Anonymous or not, I'm actually not comfortable giving names for teachers who have left .. however I'm glad to give some info on what happened and praise some of the teachers I'm aware of.

One French teacher (known by students as "the crazy French teacher") left .. she had been crying hysterically in her classes and saying that the class was so bad she'd have to "kill" herself. She was replaced for obvious reasons after concerned parents talked to the administration. I haven't heard complaints about the new one (and I haul a car full of kids -- other than just my own -- to various sports practices and events several times weekly, so I hear a lot about the school and their teachers).

A Spanish teacher also left. It was her first year in a high school environment and she seemed to be having a problem coping with teenagers. The kids were so concerned about not being ready for IB Spanish after being in her class that we had to meet with the administration to discuss whether or not they should be tutored over the summer. In any case, she left to join her son's family in warmer climes after the year ended. Ms. Fullerton is teaching most of the IB Spanish students and the word I'm hearing is that she's great .. patient and encouraging .. and that they're learning much more this year than in the past.

An Art teacher left after attempting to teach photography. I'm guessing she's at another school now. Again, the administration was very focused on making this right for the students after conversations with parents. Ms. Saylor is teaching IB Art/Photo and is doing a great job of working with kids on advanced technique .. they're certainly excited about it this year.

I hear much student praise for Mr. Sharp (IB Math) who is dynamic, interesting and uses some new approaches to the material so that the kids can see the "real world" applications of what they're learning.

Ms. Starkey (IB Chem II) is also high on the list for praise. She also works on presenting the curriculum in different ways to help students grasp the more difficult concepts. And I hear that she's very enthusiastic (in a good way)!

The teachers mentioned all are described by the students as enthusiastic, interested (and interesting), and willing to go the step further in order to help students make sense of complicated material. Most have found ways to present the material outside of the usual book presentation, which should be a given for all teachers, but, sadly, isn't.

Incidentally, if you've never checked out RateMyTeachers.com, you should. It's not entirely accurate, of course, but seeing the student ratings and comments for teachers in your (or another) school can be a real eye-opener.

Hope this is what you were looking for, Thomas (and sorry if I disappoint in not naming names of the departed) (grin)

THomas, I would say unite Reston, but I am afraid that the traffic conjestion around impending Metro addiitons will serve as an impediment and further split Reston in time. So my ideal then would be Crossfield and Fox Mill to SL:) because they are in the closest proximity.

Likely Scenario...

The county is adressing two main issues overcrowding at Westfield, Chantilly. Open Seats at South Lakes.

To reduce Westfield, McNair will be removed. (It is the furthest area from Westfield and removing Floris would make McNair be a Westfield Island.) This is the only area that is experiencing growth (eg new elem school) - must be addressed.
- (1) Herndon (contiguous border) will pick up McNair west of Centreville Rd and that will set it up to take on the new Coppermine ES opening in two years. Herndon enrollment is going down and they could probably absorb this overtime.
- (2) South Lakes will pick up McNair (contiguous border) east of Centreville Rd. (approx 200-250)

To reduce Chantilly, Navy (part that goes to Chantilly) will be removed.
- Oakton will pickup all of Navy (contiguous border), they only have part of it now. Oakton will also have to up give up Fox Mill to make room for Navy.
- South Lakes will pick up Fox Mill (approx 400-450). Fox Mill will go to SL rather than Crossfield because removing Crossfield would make Fox Mill an "Oakton island".

South Lakes will also pick up the Madison Island which is negligble.

More scenarios later...

SLMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hope this is what you were looking for, Thomas
> (and sorry if I disappoint in not naming names of
> the departed) (grin)

Yes thank you

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So my ideal then would be
> Crossfield and Fox Mill to SL:) because they are
> in the closest proximity.

That's too many kids. Check the earlier post by Neen giving estimated number of kids contributed to high school from each elementary school



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 09:27AM by Thomas More.

I think Word's scenario is the most likely, because it takes care of Chantilly and Westfield and South Lakes. I worry about the socioeconomic balance of that solution though. Unlike Thomas, I am not convinced that south of the toll road is all high-income area. It would be nice to know the specific numbers of free lunch coming from that specific place. I asked Stu for these numbers and supposedly he is working on it and will have the numbers in time for the boundary meeting. However, he said that the data is not organized to be able to do this easily.

Like I said, my affordable housing map shows a big cluster south of the toll road, both east and west of Centerville Rd.

>That's too many kids. Check the earlier post by Neen giving estimated number of kids contributed to high school from each elementary school

Acutally I don't think so, considering projected declining enrollment in other areas. Also, I think Neen's figures are wrong.

- there also may be some minor adjustments like .... westfield would take fox mill students west of the county parkway.... westfield may retain a small bit of mcnair as well.

--- bottom line is McNair/Coppermine is the growth area, it's going to be dealt with, it has to go somewhere and the only border schools are westfield, herndon, and southlakes

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think Word's scenario is the most likely,
> because it takes care of Chantilly and Westfield
> and South Lakes. I worry about the socioeconomic
> balance of that solution though. Unlike Thomas, I
> am not convinced that south of the toll road is
> all high-income area. It would be nice to know
> the specific numbers of free lunch coming from
> that specific place. I asked Stu for these
> numbers and supposedly he is working on it and
> will have the numbers in time for the boundary
> meeting. However, he said that the data is not
> organized to be able to do this easily.
>
> Like I said, my affordable housing map shows a big
> cluster south of the toll road, both east and west
> of Centerville Rd.

I have to agree with you and I am certain that it is the case that not all students from that area are middle class. I want to remind everyone that the school board states on their faq sheet that eliminating attendance islands would be preferable, but that may not create the best outcomes for the affected schools.

Word,
That sounds like too many split feeders. If socioeconomic balance Of Herndon and South Lakes is considered, as it should be, it would probably best for Westfield to retain all of McNair and domino kids to Chantilly, to Oakton, etc, then Fox Mill and more of Crossfield to SL.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 09:47AM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

APorIBMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Richard Montgomery HS in Rockville, MD is the
> selective IB magnet in Montgomery County. It does
> NOT offer SL Math or HL Math. Instead, it offers
> what it calls "IB Precalc," and those students
> take the IB SL Math exam. Then they choose
> between AP Calc AB and AP Calc BC, and if they
> take Calc BC then they can take post-AP
> Multivariable Calc.
>
> By allowing precalc students to take the IB SL
> Math test, Richard Montgomery HS enables them to
> get an IB Diploma while taking AP math classes.
>
> IB has 6 groups of subjects, which in effect
> impose distribution requirements. Math are
> computer science are part of Group 5. To get an
> IB Diploma, you need to take three Higher Level
> (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) courses.
> Taking the SL Math test after precalc means that
> the student could take 3 HL courses in other
> subjects, while taking AP Calculus, etc. In fact,
> a student might even be able to do the same thing
> with science.


Wow, if SL could offer these options, I'd have no reservations about my kids going there. It sounds like they'd get a great education: the writing of the IB and the upper level math. One of the stated reasons why SL needs more students is to be able to offer more courses. Well, let's hold them to that.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Word,
> That sounds like too many split feeders. If
> socioeconomic balance Of Herndon and South Lakes
> is considered, as it should be, it would probably
> best for Westfield to retain all of McNair and
> domino kids to Chantilly, to Oakton, etc, then Fox
> Mill and more of Crossfield to SL.

All of McNair doesn't go to Westfield now. The part north of the Toll Road goes to HHS. I'm guessing that the part of McNair north of the Toll Raod has most of the subsidized lunch and ESL students.

The part of McNair south of the Toll Road goes to Westfield and those demographics are very different from the part north of Toll Road.

Fox Mill & Crossfields are too many kids to SL.

Thomas,
What hard data do you have to support the demographics of south of the toll road? My affordable housing map refutes your arguments, and it's based on something real, not conjecture.

Also, I said Fox Mill and MORE of Crossfield, not all of it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 10:06AM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

SLPP - actually the split feeder problem for McNair would go away when Coppermine ES opens. The boundary for that is most likely Centreville Rd.

I think what I proposed is most likely because it is provides minimal movement of families, contiguous borders, solves the attendance and growth area problems, and the lion share of what South Lakes picks up is a very good Fox Mill ES.

I can't imagine what the Oakton attendance map would look like if you remove Crossfield and Fox Mill and add McNair. You would have an Island 8 miles from any other part of the attendance area. In my opinion that is highly unlikely.

Word,
That's why south of toll road McNair should stay at Westfield. Wouldn't make sense to put it at Oakton. Dominoing Navy into Oakton, with Fox Mill and MORE of Crossfield at SL might eliminate some of the distance problems at Oakton.

I know minimal movement is preferable to many people, but socioeconomic balance is also important to Herndon and SL. If we could establish the mix of McNair students in specific neighborhoods south of the toll road, it would help this debate emmensely.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 10:16AM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Like I said, my affordable housing map shows a big
> cluster south of the toll road, both east and west
> of Centerville Rd.

That map is wrong! Why is this misinformation being propagated? Check the web sites of the apartment complexes listed on that map. Since when is $57,000 in annual income low income housing?

I have friends who live in that area. Please don't mislabel them and their property with information that has already been shown to be inaccurate. Their townhouse sold for $500,000. Is that low income? Their kids go to Westfield

If someone wrote this way about your neighborhood based on this map without ground truthing it when there obvious problems with the information on the map, you'd be properly outraged.

That map is not reliable. I asked before does it list Stonegate, Sycamore, the Alabama complex in Herndon. It does not. The area north of the Toll Road is the likely source of most of the free lunches at McNair

Get in your car, take a ride, go to the rental office of the complexes and ask them.

Its fine to disagree but at least come up with a rebuttal built on something other than that discredted map.

While you're there, drive around and see the multiple gated townhouses, see the all brick townhouses.

SLPP - You are not solving the Westfield problem or the problem of increased growth in the McNair area. They are adding Coppemine Elem. because there is so much growth. This will be addressed in the changes. You have to figure out how to solve the whole problem.

Distance problems at Oakton are a fact of life, created because of the location of the school with Madison and Fairfax less than a mile away. The only way to fix that is to move the school.

Thomas,
Who discredited the map? Based on what? Where are you getting the $57000 figure?

The map does have Stonegate Village. Not sure what the official name of the others your mention are?

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas,
> What hard data do you have to support the
> demographics of south of the toll road? My
> affordable housing map refutes your arguments, and
> it's based on something real, not conjecture.

I've check the websites of the apartment complexes listed. I've gone to the rental offices. I've driven and walked the neighborhood. Go back in this thread and see an extended number of exchanges trying to understand the physical realities of the neighborhood and the in accuracies of the map.

When someone else has done that I'd be happy to have an exchange with them but please stop with that inaccurate map.

Thomas,
Those apartment complexes are listed on the map as "Privately Owned Non-Federally Assisted Rental Units--includes Housing Trust Fund, Low Income Housing Tax Credit, FCRHA Tax Exempt Bond, and/or VHDA Bond Financed"

I don't know affordable housing speak, but it sounds to me like these units might be subsidized. Meaning, they are market rate, but people with lower incomes get subsidized to live there.

It may be that the percentage of subsidized units is low, but I don't think we know this for a fact. Please stop posting speculation as fact. Neither of us know the answers to these questions. As I recall, Cricket and other people familiar with the area think there is low-income housing there, and refute your earlier posts.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas,
> Who discredited the map? Based on what? Where are
> you getting the $57000 figure?
>
> The map does have Stonegate Village. Not sure
> what the official name of the others your mention
> are?

I asked before if Stonegate was on the map and was told it was not. I was alos told that there weren't any affordable housing shown in Herndon and we all know there is. Someone said the map came from Connolly's office. As described to me it sound like a marketing tool for potential employers to convince them that housing affordability is not a problem. Of course, housing costs are a real problem.

Go to the website of the complexes, see the monthly rent, add $100/mo for utilities, multiply by 12 for the annual housing expense, and divide that figure by .28 which is the target ratio of housing costs to income that landlords use to make sure tenants don't default on rent. Some will go as high as .33 but not if they don't have to. That's the income expected of tenants.

Go to the rental office ask the rental agent.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Please stop posting speculation as fact.

The speculation is the unsubstantiated claim that the part of McNair south of the Toll Road is a low income area.

They're spreading lies about my friends and their neighborhood recklessly.

After you've gone to web site of the complexes, gone to the rental offices let me know what you find out.

Please stop spreading unsubstantiated misinformation.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 10:57AM by Thomas More.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Cricket and other people familiar with the
> area think there is low-income housing there, and
> refute your earlier posts.

Cricket didn't refute anything. She simply demonstrated her ignorance and prejudice against people who don't live in single family detached homes on large lots like her.

Thomas,
What is the deal? I'm just trying to get to the bottom of why your experience and the map say two different things. That's all. I'm not spreading lies--I'm reporting what the map says. How is that a lie?

Why do you get so angry and defensive when someone questions your opinions?

Also, I can't find websites for Jefferson Commons and Dulles Center Apartments. Please post the links to the websites you cite.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thomas,
> > Who discredited the map? Based on what? Where
> are
> > you getting the $57000 figure?
> >
> > The map does have Stonegate Village. Not sure
> > what the official name of the others your
> mention
> > are?
>
> I asked before if Stonegate was on the map and was
> told it was not. I was alos told that there
> weren't any affordable housing shown in Herndon
> and we all know there is. Someone said the map
> came from Connolly's office. As described to me
> it sound like a marketing tool for potential
> employers to convince them that housing
> affordability is not a problem. Of course,
> housing costs are a real problem.
>
> Go to the website of the complexes, see the
> monthly rent, add $100/mo for utilities, multiply
> by 12 for the annual housing expense, and divide
> that figure by .28 which is the target ratio of
> housing costs to income that landlords use to make
> sure tenants don't default on rent. Some will go
> as high as .33 but not if they don't have to.
> That's the income expected of tenants.
>
> Go to the rental office ask the rental agent.


Stonegate IS on the map--I never said it wasn't. YOu've obviously not even seen the map, so please don't try to discredit it based on--nothing. You have no idea if there are subsidized units in those complexes. At least I have something to go on.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 11:02AM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas,
> What is the deal? I'm just trying to get to the
> bottom of why your experience and the map say two
> different things. That's all. I'm not spreading
> lies--I'm reporting what the map says. How is
> that a lie?

When a generalized claim is refuted with specific facts, the generalized mischaracterization is no longer truth, thus a lie.

> Why do you get so angry and defensive when someone
> questions your opinions?

Because my friends live in that neighborhood. It's not opinion. Its an observation that you can ground truth. And because we've done this before.

> Also, I can't find websites for Jefferson Commons
> and Dulles Center Apartments. Please post the
> links to the websites you cite.

How do you do that? Didn't we have this exchange weeks ago. Go back to those posts.

Please stop using a perjorative term to characterize an entire neighborhood you have not even visited.

Sort of like what you want people to do about SL.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 11:05AM by Thomas More.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Cricket and other people familiar with the
> > area think there is low-income housing there,
> and
> > refute your earlier posts.
>
> Cricket didn't refute anything. She simply
> demonstrated her ignorance and prejudice against
> people who don't live in single family detached
> homes on large lots like her.


Dont' think so--she thought the neighborhoods looked a little low income. I will take a drive over there. But I don't think that will answer the question of whether there is low income housing there.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thomas,
> > What is the deal? I'm just trying to get to
> the
> > bottom of why your experience and the map say
> two
> > different things. That's all. I'm not spreading
> > lies--I'm reporting what the map says. How is
> > that a lie?
>
> When a generalized claim is refuted with specific
> facts, the generalized mischaracterization is no
> longer truth, thus a lie.
>
> > Why do you get so angry and defensive when
> someone
> > questions your opinions?
>
> Because my friends live in that neighborhood.
> It's not opinion. Its an observation that you can
> ground truth. And because we've done this before.
>
>
> > Also, I can't find websites for Jefferson
> Commons
> > and Dulles Center Apartments. Please post the
> > links to the websites you cite.
>
> How do you do that? Didn't we have this exchange
> weeks ago. Go back to those posts.
>
> Please stop using a perjorative term to
> characterize an entire neighborhood you have not
> even visited.
>
> Sort of like what you want people to do about SL.


Do your friends have kids?

Also, you never listed the websites for the apartments.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Dont' think so--she thought the neighborhoods
> looked a little low income. I will take a drive
> over there. But I don't think that will answer the
> question of whether there is low income housing
> there.

Make sure you go into the rental offices. Check out Woodland Park and the townhouses on the southside of Fox Mill. Drive down Sunrise past the new ball field and see the gated community there.

Then please drive down Alabama and the neighborhoods east of Elden and south of Herndon Parkway that are also in McNair.

Those two areas are nothing like the area south of the Toll Road.

I think we had an exchange about the ADU 10% program, that's not going to generate 300 subsidized lunches.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do your friends have kids?

Yes, they go to Westfield and are circulating a petition on their bus asking to go to SL.

> Also, you never listed the websites for the
> apartments.

I asked in the last post "How do you do that". I looked it up that last time we did this weeks ago so its not in my IRL history anymore



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 11:37AM by Thomas More.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Likely Scenario...
>
> The county is adressing two main issues
> overcrowding at Westfield, Chantilly. Open Seats
> at South Lakes.
>
> To reduce Westfield, McNair will be removed. (It
> is the furthest area from Westfield and removing
> Floris would make McNair be a Westfield Island.)
> This is the only area that is experiencing growth
> (eg new elem school) - must be addressed.
> - (1) Herndon (contiguous border) will pick up
> McNair west of Centreville Rd and that will set it
> up to take on the new Coppermine ES opening in two
> years. Herndon enrollment is going down and they
> could probably absorb this overtime.
> - (2) South Lakes will pick up McNair (contiguous
> border) east of Centreville Rd. (approx 200-250)
>
> To reduce Chantilly, Navy (part that goes to
> Chantilly) will be removed.
> - Oakton will pickup all of Navy (contiguous
> border), they only have part of it now. Oakton
> will also have to up give up Fox Mill to make room
> for Navy.
> - South Lakes will pick up Fox Mill (approx
> 400-450). Fox Mill will go to SL rather than
> Crossfield because removing Crossfield would make
> Fox Mill an "Oakton island".
>
> South Lakes will also pick up the Madison Island
> which is negligble.
>
> More scenarios later...

If you look at the demographics for the next few years, Westfield is shrinking, as it Oakton. I think Chantilly is the only one of those three that will even be at or over capacity by 2012. I'm not sure that removing just those kids from Navy will make that big a dent in the Chantilly population as most of Navy already goes to Oakton anyway. Fox Mill and Crossfield together would probably be close to 800 kids for 4 grades and that is too many. Either way, they will be further splitting Rachel Carson by sending kids from there to South Lakes. If they are true to their philosphy that islands are going to be eliminated, then they will take Fox Mill and the island from Madison.

I also wonder how they will consider those who will just not go. There will be an awful lot of people pupil placing or sending their kids to private schools, at least initially. I hope they don't try to make early assumptions there and send more kids than they really have to send to compensate. Personally, I have kids in both Oakton and Crossfield. My kids at Oakton will not move. They just won't. Three schools in three years (Carson, Oakton South Lakes) is not reasonable for any student. However, if they move us to South Lakes, I will have a few years to see if the school makes the adjustment prior to making a decision about whether I will pupil place my younger kids.

I'm very uncomfortable with all the talk of "socio-economic mixing." Makes me feel like someone is going to be looking at my property values and/or tax returns when deciding whether or not my kids will be shifted from one school to another.

hmmm007,
I think the concern is not put too many disadvantaged kids at one school. They probably use free lunch numbers mostly to determine who is disadvantaged.

And I would hope no one who is already in a high school would be moved. I think that will be discussed at the boundary meetings.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 11:41AM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

To quickly add, Westfield has other feeders (besides McNair) that contribute to their socio-economic balance.

Also, there are pockets of affordable housing in the McNair area south of the toll road--amongst the gated townhouse communities. I am sorry that you can't open your eyes to this fact, Mr. More.

However, I, like you, was waiting for Mr. Stu's response before I start rehashing the same insults and denials around on this board.

I, too, have friends that live in McNair and who is to say that I don't live there myself. I am so thrilled, Mr. More, that you really know where I live. Ha-Ha!

You are the one who wants to be informed, before you find your personal fix for your world. I was originally offering areas for you to check into. You either like or don't like what you see. Personally, I don't care. It really doesn't impact my world. I don't know why you are so passionate about it or why you must sling insults. That does so much for you and what you have to say.

You are unwilling to open your eyes to the fact that there is a mix of housing choices in the McNair area. Ok, fine. This does not make me ignorant or prejudice. As I stated earlier on this board, there are numerous apartments, including affordable housing units, condos and trailer parks that feed into the schools my children attend. I am campaigning for them to continue at this school.

It becomes clear who the ignorant and prejudice person is as you clearly and adamantly argue that you will have no part of the McNair crowd north of the Toll Road around Alabama Ave. In fact, I would be happy to send my kids with the Alabama crowd to HHS, if none other, to avoid the one ranting fool you have become!

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLPP - actually the split feeder problem for
> McNair would go away when Coppermine ES opens. The
> boundary for that is most likely Centreville Rd.
>
> I think what I proposed is most likely because it
> is provides minimal movement of families,
> contiguous borders, solves the attendance and
> growth area problems, and the lion share of what
> South Lakes picks up is a very good Fox Mill ES.
>
> I can't imagine what the Oakton attendance map
> would look like if you remove Crossfield and Fox
> Mill and add McNair. You would have an Island 8
> miles from any other part of the attendance area.
> In my opinion that is highly unlikely.


This could be a likely proposal. However, I don't think the Navy part of Chantilly is large enough to fill a void at Oakton caused by a Fox Mill departure.

Here is info I found at the wesite for The Fields of Herndon.

Application Fee - $35
Security Deposit - $200-$300
Redecoration Fee - Varies
Lease Length - 12 months
Pet Fees

Income Qualification
**Maximum income limits apply to the rental of these apartment homes - see listing below.

Income Qualifications
Number of Persons/Maximum Income at 50%/Maximum Income at 60%

1/$33,100/$39,720
2/$37,800/$45,360
3/$42,550/$51,060
4/$47,250/$56,700
5/$51,050/$61,260
6/ $54,800 $65,760
To qualify, your income must be less than that in the chart. 2007 Published Incomes.

Cricket,
I don't think Mr. Stu is going to produce those numbers before the boundary meeting, if at all. He said the data was not organized that way, which may be true.

And really, not to defend Thomas, but SL people ARE concerned about taking on more Title one kids. We've already got the highest percentage of disadvantaged of the schools in this study.

If you could provide more concrete information on low-income housing, it would be greatly appreciated.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Here is info I found at the wesite for The Fields
> of Herndon.
>
> Application Fee - $35
> Security Deposit - $200-$300
> Redecoration Fee - Varies
> Lease Length - 12 months
> Pet Fees
>
> Income Qualification
> **Maximum income limits apply to the rental of
> these apartment homes - see listing below.
>
> Income Qualifications
> Number of Persons/Maximum Income at 50%/Maximum
> Income at 60%
>
> 1/$33,100/$39,720
> 2/$37,800/$45,360
> 3/$42,550/$51,060
> 4/$47,250/$56,700
> 5/$51,050/$61,260
> 6/ $54,800 $65,760
> To qualify, your income must be less than that in
> the chart. 2007 Published Incomes.



Thanks.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Also, there are pockets of affordable housing in
> the McNair area south of the toll road--amongst
> the gated townhouse communities.

And you've identified none.

> However, I, like you, was waiting for Mr. Stu's
> response before I start rehashing the same insults
> and denials around on this board.
>
> I, too, have friends that live in McNair and who
> is to say that I don't live there myself. I am so
> thrilled, Mr. More, that you really know where I
> live. Ha-Ha!

Well, do you?

> You are the one who wants to be informed, before
> you find your personal fix for your world. I was
> originally offering areas for you to check into.
> You either like or don't like what you see.

I did and posted what I saw. South of the Toll Road is a general characterization clearly as upper middle class. [Btw, I have been recognized by the courts as an expert in this area of human knowledge]

> Personally, I don't care. It really doesn't
> impact my world.

So you don't live in Mcnair.

> I don't know why you are so
> passionate about it

Because my friends don't live in a low-income area. They paid $500,000 for their house off of Fox Mill. It's not a low-income area and is not a source for large numbers of free lunch kids.

> It becomes clear who the ignorant and prejudice
> person is as you clearly and adamantly argue that
> you will have no part of the McNair crowd north of
> the Toll Road around Alabama Ave.

I live in Reston. We have housing alot like that part Herndon in close proximity. So you're wrong again.

The reason for the distinction is that the portion of McNair north of the Toll Road already goes to HHS and continuing that assignment won't change the demo of HHS. Adding the portion of McNair south of the Toll Road would probably raise the demo of HHS.

Awaiting facts from Stu

> In fact, I
> would be happy to send my kids with the Alabama
> crowd to HHS, if none other, to avoid the one
> ranting fool you have become!

Move to Herndon, there are plenty of nice houses and neighborhoods there.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Cricket Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Here is info I found at the wesite for The
> Fields
> > of Herndon.
> >
> > Application Fee - $35
> > Security Deposit - $200-$300
> > Redecoration Fee - Varies
> > Lease Length - 12 months
> > Pet Fees
> >
> > Income Qualification
> > **Maximum income limits apply to the rental of
> > these apartment homes - see listing below.
> >
> > Income Qualifications
> > Number of Persons/Maximum Income at 50%/Maximum
> > Income at 60%
> >
> > 1/$33,100/$39,720
> > 2/$37,800/$45,360
> > 3/$42,550/$51,060
> > 4/$47,250/$56,700
> > 5/$51,050/$61,260
> > 6/ $54,800 $65,760
> > To qualify, your income must be less than that
> in
> > the chart. 2007 Published Incomes.

Do you characterize this as low-income because it isn't. It's considered moderate income. For comparison look up the starting salary of a teacher, police office or firefighter in FFX?

This is the KSI job immediately around the school.

I certainly hope you're not asserting that this one project accurately characterizes the entire area of McNair south of the Toll Road.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 12:22PM by Thomas More.

I don't know what transpires at the boundary meetings. How can anyone sit down and be unbiased about who goes and who doesn't. I want the plan where my kids stay where they are, I admit I can't overcome this. Does majority win regardless of reasonableness?
What are fair solutions? Should all high schools participate in giving up kids to S.L? DO we all agree that elementary schools stay together as this best defines (community) as Kathy Smith stated was important to leave intact?
Is it in the citizens hands to fulfill the socioeconomic goals in these meetings? WHat to do???
I suggest Aldrin, Fox Mill, Floris to S.L, all contingent to boundary and all high schools give something up.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Cricket,
> I don't think Mr. Stu is going to produce those
> numbers before the boundary meeting, if at all.
> He said the data was not organized that way, which
> may be true.

Only if they are intentionally withholding that information. The parents turn in hard copy applications into McNair, Even if there were 500 such kids, dividing between north and south of the Toll Road would take less than half a day of staff time.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 12:18PM by Thomas More.

The first meeting is like a shrink session, what factors should we consider, what are the rankings of these factors? At meeting 2 they'll drop the bomb... scenarios. At that point they will ask for feedback on them.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLPP - actually the split feeder problem for
> McNair would go away when Coppermine ES opens. The
> boundary for that is most likely Centreville Rd.
>
> I think what I proposed is most likely because it
> is provides minimal movement of families,
> contiguous borders, solves the attendance and
> growth area problems, and the lion share of what
> South Lakes picks up is a very good Fox Mill ES.
>
> I can't imagine what the Oakton attendance map
> would look like if you remove Crossfield and Fox
> Mill and add McNair. You would have an Island 8
> miles from any other part of the attendance area.
> In my opinion that is highly unlikely.


First of all, thank you for calling Fox Mill ES good.
Compliments aside, most Fox Mill families would rather stay with Oakton, no news there I'm sure. Yes, SL is closer, and there is gallows humor about our kids having a better class rank there. I'll repeat myself: whatever non-free lunch/good test taking kids are sent to SL need to get something out of this. SL gets an infusion of PTA type families--what will the new families get? Do I hear high level math clases? What else do you think is reasonable? I'm interested in the ideas of those who might be moved and those who have been at SL.

Thomas More Wrote:
>
> And you've identified none.

I have.


> Because my friends don't live in a low-income
> area. They paid $500,000 for their house off of
> Fox Mill. It's not a low-income area and is not a
> source for large numbers of free lunch kids.


I sort of wonder how close you are to these friends when back on October 22, 2007 you said this of McNair...

"McNair is the elementary school furthest from Westfield, thus the one most likely to be shifted to either Herndon or SL. Sending it to either makes the socio-economic balance at either worse.

Fun. fun, fun."

And on, October 23, 2007, you said this...

"McNair parents won't be heavily involved thi sprocess. Their PTA is moribund. Look at their web site. So shoving McNair to SL is the course of least resistance."

And on, October 28, 2007 you said...

"Exactly. The Herndon PTA has been agressive, inducing Gibson to promise no redistricting in 2003, while the SL PTA has trusted Gibson, who is about to throw SL under the bus and give it McNair.

More Later"


You can only hope your friends aren't reading this!

And then on October 29, 2007, you responded to Neen, indicating that you had no clue as to who even went to McNair

"Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Doesn't McNair also butt up against South Lakes
> district?

No.

Fox Mill lies between SL and McNair

More Later"

Continuing....
>
> I live in Reston. We have housing alot like that
> part Herndon in close proximity. So you're wrong
> again.

I am not wrong about the conclusions people will make after reading your digressions on Alabama Ave. The point is we all have these neighborhoods as part of our school communities.

And I don't understand why on one-hand you are proud of this. Yet you get so angry when it is suggested that this type of housing is also in the area near your friends????????????

>
> Awaiting facts from Stu.

Then why don't you wait, instead of dragging this through pages of hot-headed accusations, again?
>
>
> Move to Herndon, there are plenty of nice houses
> and neighborhoods there.

Don't need too.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 01:06PM by Cricket.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:

>
> And really, not to defend Thomas, but SL people
> ARE concerned about taking on more Title one kids.
> We've already got the highest percentage of
> disadvantaged of the schools in this study.
>
I know this has to be hard for you, defending Thomas, especially since you spend around 50%+ of your posts refutting what he says.

Chantilly Wrote:


>> -------------
>
> Sweetie in northern VA
> I don't know which PLANET you come from.....my
> kids also go to CHANTILLY...and we don't live in
> UTOPIA....just because your kids are not involved
> and don't want to be involved (good for
> you!)...doesn't mean gang activity doesn't
> exist...
> Again, talk to your kids....I DO talk to mine.



your children have told you that there are gangs in chantilly high school?


are they gangs or is it just a group of black and hispanic kids who hang around together...?

maybe your children need to check their racist attitudes along withy YOU checking yours.

I would be curious to know what gang acticity these "gangs" have been involved in and if YOU or your kids reported it to the principal.

I live in reality, not some racist third dimension....

I have never, in the 5 years I've been involved in chantilly high school, have heard of any gang violence or gang activity


and since you haven't backed up your claim with any facts, other than you "talk " to your kids, ( which you seem to think you're the only parent who does) I'm inclined to believe your kids don't know the difference between a gang and a group of ethnic kids who hang out together.

have a nice day, dearie.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Cricket Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Here is info I found at the wesite for The
> > Fields
> > > of Herndon.
> > >
> > > Application Fee - $35
> > > Security Deposit - $200-$300
> > > Redecoration Fee - Varies
> > > Lease Length - 12 months
> > > Pet Fees
> > >
> > > Income Qualification
> > > **Maximum income limits apply to the rental
> of
> > > these apartment homes - see listing below.
> > >
> > > Income Qualifications
> > > Number of Persons/Maximum Income at
> 50%/Maximum
> > > Income at 60%
> > >
> > > 1/$33,100/$39,720
> > > 2/$37,800/$45,360
> > > 3/$42,550/$51,060
> > > 4/$47,250/$56,700
> > > 5/$51,050/$61,260
> > > 6/ $54,800 $65,760
> > > To qualify, your income must be less than
> that
> > in
> > > the chart. 2007 Published Incomes.
>
> Do you characterize this as low-income because it
> isn't. It's considered moderate income. For
> comparison look up the starting salary of a
> teacher, police office or firefighter in FFX?
>
> This is the KSI job immediately around the
> school.
>
> I certainly hope you're not asserting that this
> one project accurately characterizes the entire
> area of McNair south of the Toll Road.


I have said there are pockets and these do contribute to the area. Never suggested that it characterized the whole area.

What is identified at the Ffx. Gov RHA site

Let me be clear that I am not saying anything good or bad about these communities. Not saying there are any more or less than what is in Reston or anywhere else.

Scattered units of Public Housing:
Coppermill

Privately owned ADU rentals at:

Archstone at Woodland Park
Avalon Fox Mill
Dulles Center Apts.
Oakwood Dulles
Trevor's Run
Woodland Park Apts.

Privately owned low-income housing tax credit properties:
Dulles Center Apts.
The Fields of Herndon (former Stratford Crossing)

enough of the McNair stuff for now

I am going to sit back and watch the Chantilly sweeties and dearies have their fun!

They just may try to overcompensate the number of kids to SLHS to make up for all those they will lose to pupil placing and private schools. I have spoken to so many neighbors who plan to form carpools to take kids to other schools that have AP if we are placed at South Lakes.

Looking at this thread, the chances of getting AP in place before the kids come in fall of 08 is nil. Also, if they only get a few AP classes that don't overlap IB, that won't cut it for parents either.

Can't imagine all those "good test-takers" are going to be much help to SL when they're taking tests at other schools.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas More Wrote:
> >
> > And you've identified none.
>
> I have.

Which one would that be. The Fields of Herndon is NOT one.

>
> > Because my friends don't live in a low-income
> > area. They paid $500,000 for their house off
> of
> > Fox Mill. It's not a low-income area and is not
> a
> > source for large numbers of free lunch kids.
>
> I sort of wonder how close you are to these
> friends when back on October 22, 2007 you said
> this of McNair...
>
> "McNair is the elementary school furthest from
> Westfield, thus the one most likely to be shifted
> to either Herndon or SL. Sending it to either
> makes the socio-economic balance at either worse.

Since then, Word posted the map of McNair attendance area. I better understood what part of McNair went to Westfield and which part stays at Herndon. Facts informed my opinion. A novel concept for you, I understand.

> And on, October 23, 2007, you said this...
>
> "McNair parents won't be heavily involved thi
> sprocess. Their PTA is moribund. Look at their web
> site. So shoving McNair to SL is the course of
> least resistance."

Only 14% of McNair precinct voted Tuesday. Fox Mill turned out 41%. Hunter Mill Magisterial averaged 33% McNair isn't politically active. Frying Pan also was below average. It remains the course of least resistance.

> And on, October 28, 2007 you said...
>
> "Exactly. The Herndon PTA has been agressive,
> inducing Gibson to promise no redistricting in
> 2003, while the SL PTA has trusted Gibson, who is
> about to throw SL under the bus and give it
> McNair.

Posted prior to seeing map and understanding the split feed from McNair.

> You can only hope your friends aren't reading
> this!

Actually they were the one's who reminded me that they lived in McNair and that it wasn't a low income area, contrary to you prior postings. This occurred just about the time Word posted the map
>
> And then on October 29, 2007, you responded to
> Neen, indicating that you had no clue as to who
> even went to McNair
>
> "Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Doesn't McNair also butt up against South Lakes
>
> > district?
>
> No.
>
> Fox Mill lies between SL and McNair
>
> More Later"
>
> Continuing....
> >
> > I live in Reston. We have housing alot like
> that
> > part Herndon in close proximity. So you're
> wrong
> > again.
>
> I am not wrong about the conclusions people will
> make after reading your digressions on Alabama
> Ave. The point is we all have these neighborhoods
> as part of our school communities.
>
> And I don't understand why on one-hand you are
> proud of this. Yet you get so angry when it is
> suggested that this type of housing is also in the
> area near your friends????????????

As I have posted since seeing the map, visiting the area, the rental offices and the local merchants, adding the portion of McNair south of the Toll Road to either SL or Herndon would probably raise the demo of either school. But you'd have to read the postings to know that.

> > Awaiting facts from Stu.
>
> Then why don't you wait, instead of dragging this
> through pages of hot-headed accusations, again?

If you were reading the thread you would see that I was responding to SLPP's post this morning referencing that fool map of affordable housing AGAIN.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas More Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Cricket Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > Here is info I found at the wesite for The
> > > Fields
> > > > of Herndon.
> > > >
> > > > Application Fee - $35
> > > > Security Deposit - $200-$300
> > > > Redecoration Fee - Varies
> > > > Lease Length - 12 months
> > > > Pet Fees
> > > >
> > > > Income Qualification
> > > > **Maximum income limits apply to the rental
> > of
> > > > these apartment homes - see listing below.
> > > >
> > > > Income Qualifications
> > > > Number of Persons/Maximum Income at
> > 50%/Maximum
> > > > Income at 60%
> > > >
> > > > 1/$33,100/$39,720
> > > > 2/$37,800/$45,360
> > > > 3/$42,550/$51,060
> > > > 4/$47,250/$56,700
> > > > 5/$51,050/$61,260
> > > > 6/ $54,800 $65,760
> > > > To qualify, your income must be less than
> > that
> > > in
> > > > the chart. 2007 Published Incomes.
> >
> > Do you characterize this as low-income because
> it
> > isn't. It's considered moderate income. For
> > comparison look up the starting salary of a
> > teacher, police office or firefighter in FFX?
> >
> > This is the KSI job immediately around the
> > school.
> >
> > I certainly hope you're not asserting that this
> > one project accurately characterizes the entire
> > area of McNair south of the Toll Road.
>
>
> I have said there are pockets and these do
> contribute to the area. Never suggested that it
> characterized the whole area.

Reread your own posts

foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> word Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > SLPP - actually the split feeder problem for
> > McNair would go away when Coppermine ES opens.
> The
> > boundary for that is most likely Centreville
> Rd.
> >
> > I think what I proposed is most likely because
> it
> > is provides minimal movement of families,
> > contiguous borders, solves the attendance and
> > growth area problems, and the lion share of
> what
> > South Lakes picks up is a very good Fox Mill
> ES.
> >
> > I can't imagine what the Oakton attendance map
> > would look like if you remove Crossfield and
> Fox
> > Mill and add McNair. You would have an Island 8
> > miles from any other part of the attendance
> area.
> > In my opinion that is highly unlikely.
>
>
> First of all, thank you for calling Fox Mill ES
> good.
> Compliments aside, most Fox Mill families would
> rather stay with Oakton, no news there I'm sure.
> Yes, SL is closer, and there is gallows humor
> about our kids having a better class rank there.
> I'll repeat myself: whatever non-free lunch/good
> test taking kids are sent to SL need to get
> something out of this. SL gets an infusion of PTA
> type families--what will the new families get? Do
> I hear high level math clases? What else do you
> think is reasonable? I'm interested in the ideas
> of those who might be moved and those who have
> been at SL.


I and I hope other SL parents would be very interested to explore expanding the AP curriculum and having both IB and AP at South Lakes. Many other high schools in Va do this and not just the big ones like Robinson.l

foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >
>
> First of all, thank you for calling Fox Mill ES
> good.
> Compliments aside, most Fox Mill families would
> rather stay with Oakton, no news there I'm sure.
> Yes, SL is closer, and there is gallows humor
> about our kids having a better class rank there.
> I'll repeat myself: whatever non-free lunch/good
> test taking kids are sent to SL need to get
> something out of this. SL gets an infusion of PTA
> type families--what will the new families get? Do
> I hear high level math clases? What else do you
> think is reasonable? I'm interested in the ideas
> of those who might be moved and those who have
> been at SL.

First of all, I am a future SL parent. Here is a quick list:

- The optimal combination of IB (writing) and AP (math) classes
- An increased number of progams (to even the playing field) and a better than average ratio of teachers/students
- Clarification of any security issues (real vs. perceived)
- Assurances that past mistakes will not be repeated. For example, parental involvement in admin hiring decisions.

What do you think? Sorry, but I hope Fox Mill is added to SL. I don't want to sound like the kid in the candy store, but I would also take some combination (within the numbers) of Adrin, Armstrong, Madison island,or Crossfield. My two cents is that SL will become a strong school as a result of this change.

Cougarmom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They just may try to overcompensate the number of
> kids to SLHS to make up for all those they will
> lose to pupil placing and private schools. I have
> spoken to so many neighbors who plan to form
> carpools to take kids to other schools that have
> AP if we are placed at South Lakes.
>
> Looking at this thread, the chances of getting AP
> in place before the kids come in fall of 08 is
> nil. Also, if they only get a few AP classes that
> don't overlap IB, that won't cut it for parents
> either.
>
> Can't imagine all those "good test-takers" are
> going to be much help to SL when they're taking
> tests at other schools.


Sounds like the American Sign Language and German 4,5 and AP classes at Oakton are going to fill up quickly the next couple of years! South Lakes wants more students so it can offer more classes like these, but it will not happen overnight and as long as they don't have those classes, people will be able to place out of there, keeping the enrollment lower than hoped. Vicious circle.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What is identified at the Ffx. Gov RHA site
>
> Let me be clear that I am not saying anything good
> or bad about these communities.

You've been making disparging comments about the McNair area throughout your posts. Reread your own posts.

> Not saying there
> are any more or less than what is in Reston or
> anywhere else.
>
> Scattered units of Public Housing:
> Coppermill
>
> Privately owned ADU rentals at:
>
> Archstone at Woodland Park
> Avalon Fox Mill
> Dulles Center Apts.
> Oakwood Dulles
> Trevor's Run
> Woodland Park Apts.

ADU were discussed in the prior posts. They have to have an income that is a fairly high percentage of mean income in the County which is extraordinarily high to begin with. ADU are no more than 10% of these projects. Together they won't total 300 free lunches

> Privately owned low-income housing tax credit
> properties:
> Dulles Center Apts.
> The Fields of Herndon (former Stratford Crossing)

These are moderate income projects. Teachers, firefighters and police officers would qualify for these apartments



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 02:09PM by Thomas More.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What is identified at the Ffx. Gov RHA site
>
> Let me be clear that I am not saying anything good
> or bad about these communities. Not saying there
> are any more or less than what is in Reston or
> anywhere else.
>
> Scattered units of Public Housing:
> Coppermill
>
> Privately owned ADU rentals at:
>
> Archstone at Woodland Park
> Avalon Fox Mill
> Dulles Center Apts.
> Oakwood Dulles
> Trevor's Run
> Woodland Park Apts.
>
> Privately owned low-income housing tax credit
> properties:
> Dulles Center Apts.
> The Fields of Herndon (former Stratford Crossing)


Thanks for the info. Cricket, Can you post the link?

HooTribe wrote:


What do you think? Sorry, but I hope Fox Mill is added to SL. I don't want to sound like the kid in the candy store, but I would also take some combination (within the numbers) of Adrin, Armstrong, Madison island,or Crossfield. My two cents is that SL will become a strong school as a result of this change.


That's really nice for you, that SL will become a strong school as a result of this change. What you are conveniently forgetting is that this result comes at someone else's expense. I moved where I moved so my kids would go to Oakton. Period, end, done. Now Stu and Kathy say that's not up to me? Really? Because don't you move into a "school district"? That's what I did. And now it's no longer my choice? If I had wanted my kids to go to SL, I would have moved to the part of Reston that goes there. It's as simple as that.

And to think that this is about politics (Langley and Madison being left out) and socioeconomics (all this McNair discussion).

Hey, no problem, as long as you get your nice strong school, cause we're only here to make you happy.

Cougarmom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> HooTribe wrote:
>
>
> What do you think? Sorry, but I hope Fox Mill is
> added to SL. I don't want to sound like the kid in
> the candy store, but I would also take some
> combination (within the numbers) of Adrin,
> Armstrong, Madison island,or Crossfield. My two
> cents is that SL will become a strong school as a
> result of this change.
>
>
> That's really nice for you, that SL will become a
> strong school as a result of this change. What
> you are conveniently forgetting is that this
> result comes at someone else's expense. I moved
> where I moved so my kids would go to Oakton.
> Period, end, done. Now Stu and Kathy say that's
> not up to me? Really? Because don't you move
> into a "school district"? That's what I did. And
> now it's no longer my choice? If I had wanted my
> kids to go to SL, I would have moved to the part
> of Reston that goes there. It's as simple as
> that.
>
> And to think that this is about politics (Langley
> and Madison being left out) and socioeconomics
> (all this McNair discussion).
>
> Hey, no problem, as long as you get your nice
> strong school, cause we're only here to make you
> happy.

OK, so your concern is that you will have a strong school that is closer to your home?

For those students who are already at Oakton, I would support them continuing there. But for someone who is currently in the 4th - 6th grades, if they will go to a solid school, isn't that a good thing? My point was to address the concerns people might have about the quality of education. I can't address your cougar affinity.

Cougarmom,
I don't think we would be having this discussion if SL was not underenrolled. That's what this is about.

Also, I moved here from Pa and there are school districts there--I never heard of redistricting schools before. I wish it was that way here too. I think FCPS is too large and beaurocratic and treats us all like moveable pawns.

SL has suffered from past redistrictings and surrounding areas were strengthened at our expense. Don't make this about us "taking" something from other schools without any historical context of what has come before.

I'm not sure that it would take as long as some think to add AP units.

-South Lakes was an AP school until 2001 or 2002.
-Many teachers are still there who taught AP prior to teaching IB.
-The principal was at an AP school for years prior to coming to South Lakes, and thus has a solid understanding of the program.
-With increased enrollment numbers new teachers will be hired. Perhaps some will even be AP transfers from other schools. We are talking about shifting populations. Some teachers will be dropped from one school and picked up by another. For example, a Westfield AP teacher could end up at SL.

Don't fool yourselves that everyone will carpool their children. I have heard these threats before yet they never pan out. They are akin to Alec Baldwin saying he would move to Europe if Bush was elected - he's still here. It will not happen because some will decide that the alternatives will be fine once the dust settles, there may not be room at the desired schools once enrollment numbers are set, and carpooling is inconvenient for many families.

Since redistricting is going to happen, perhaps energy should be focused on making the best of the anticipated situations and improving all of the schools involved, including South Lakes. Those who are open to moving will probably have more leverage in negotiations than those who resist.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 02:34PM by SLVerity.

HooTribe Wrote:
>
> OK, so your concern is that you will have a strong
> school that is closer to your home?
>
> For those students who are already at Oakton, I
> would support them continuing there. But for
> someone who is currently in the 4th - 6th grades,
> if they will go to a solid school, isn't that a
> good thing? My point was to address the concerns
> people might have about the quality of education.
> I can't address your cougar affinity.

Go Hoo!

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm not sure that it would take as long as some
> think to add AP units.
>
> -South Lakes was an AP school until 2001 or 2002.
>
> -Many teachers are still there who taught AP prior
> to teaching IB.
> -The principal was at an AP school for years prior
> to coming to South Lakes, and thus has a solid
> understanding of the program.
> -With increased enrollment numbers new teachers
> will be hired. Perhaps some will even be AP
> transfers from other schools. We are talking
> about shifting populations. Some teachers will be
> dropped from one school and picked up by another.
> For example, a Westfield AP teacher could end up
> at SL.
>
> Don't fool yourselves that everyone will carpool
> their children. I have heard these threats before
> yet they never pan out. They are akin to Alec
> Baldwin saying he would move to Europe if Bush was
> elected - he's still here. It will not happen
> because some will decide that the alternatives
> will be fine once the dust settles, there may not
> be room at the desired schools once enrollment
> numbers are set, and carpooling is inconvenient
> for many families.
>
> Since redistricting is going to happen, perhaps
> energy should be focused on making the best of the
> anticipated situations and improving all of the
> schools involved, including South Lakes. Those
> who are open to moving will probably have more
> leverage in negotiations than those who resist.


The assertion that carpooling is a "threat" is ridiculous. Carpooling is simply a means to get a group of people from one place to another. And if you think it's not going to happen, then let's take HooTribe's theory that it's okay for kids in grades 4-6 to end up at a school that may have improved in it's offerings in the next 3-5 years. Well, what about the current 8th graders that are in no man's land right now? What are they walking into? Not SL! They will be in cars on the way to another school. They will be "carpooling".

What you are saying is simply, "Just lie down there and take it - we need your neighborhood for our school and you all just play nice while we take it from you."

I student taught at South Lakes. I am not someone who has never "walked the halls" or "spoke to staff". I did those things and have opted for another school. Why are you so bent out of shape because someone chose something different from you?

Cougar, I truly am not bent out of shape. I am simply stating that not everyone will carpool and that there may not be room in the schools to which one may want to carpool. I agree that current 8th graders are in no man's land and empathize with you completely on that front. I think you should bring that up at the meetings.

All I am asking is that you consider that maybe things will work out in the end. As I and many others have stated before, we sat and watched as decisions were made that hurt SL and helped surrounding schools, so please allow us to hope for some positive action coming our way now. We care about our community, just like you.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/08/2007 03:02PM by SLVerity.

I am curious as to all of the past decisions that hurt SL...

My understanding is when new homes were built in North Reston the were sent off to Herndon and Langley as opposed to SL. I am not aware of existing neighborhoods that were removed from SL. I could be wrong and if I am, I'm sure you'll let me know.

CougarMom,
My daughter is in 8th grade and going to SL next year. I never thought she was going to "No Man's Land"--not sure why you would say that. We are very much looking forward to her going to South Lakes, given all the good things we hear from older kids and neighbors.

I'm sure you can find a way to keep your kids from going to South Lakes, but I think if you would give the idea a chance and communicate that to your kids, you might be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. If you turn your kids against SL and they end up going there, that won't be good for them or anyone else.

and now it's gone

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Cougar, I truly am not bent out of shape. I am
> simply stating that not everyone will carpool and
> that there may not be room in the schools to which
> one may want to carpool. I agree that current 8th
> graders are in no man's land and empathize with
> you completely on that front. I think you should
> bring that up at the meetings.
>
> All I am asking is that you consider that maybe
> things will work out in the end. As I and many
> others have stated before, we sat and watched as
> decisions were made that hurt SL and helped
> surrounding schools, so please allow us to hope
> for some positive action coming our way now. We
> care about our community, just like you.

I think there definitely will be room in the other schools, as the recent demographics have shown every one of the schools involved trending downwards. You take kids out of those schools to put into South Lakes and there is an empty seat for every kid that left. If kids are not pupil placed, it won't be because there are no seats, but will be because the county decides to suddenly get tough with the issue to keep people at South Lakes.

I do want a positive outcome for you too SLVerity. It's so frustrating to have decisions made for you that you may have not agreed with - at least we will have a voice at the meetings and I wish you had had the same chance.

The school board just doesn't have a good track record. They've really messed things up with past redistrictings and I just don't trust them. I hope everyone ends up satisfied, but don't think that will be the case. Even school staff doesn't think so - this is from the latest Fairfax Times (regarding the upcoming Chantilly meeting), sorry I don't have the link:

Staff expect audiences in the hundreds, most of them concerned or even outraged at the idea of redistricting.
“I fully expect almost every single person that will be moved will be unhappy about it,” Tistadt said.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CougarMom,
> My daughter is in 8th grade and going to SL next
> year. I never thought she was going to "No Man's
> Land"--not sure why you would say that. We are
> very much looking forward to her going to South
> Lakes, given all the good things we hear from
> older kids and neighbors.
>
> I'm sure you can find a way to keep your kids from
> going to South Lakes, but I think if you would
> give the idea a chance and communicate that to
> your kids, you might be pleasantly surprised at
> the outcome. If you turn your kids against SL and
> they end up going there, that won't be good for
> them or anyone else.

What I read "no man's land" to mean in Cougar Mom's post was that the kids in 7th, and especially 8th,grades right now have no clue what is going to happen to them. I didn't read it as referring to South Lakes as "no man's land." The uneasiness that our kids, who will potentially be affected, feel is great. I keep reading posts about how wonderful this will all be for the kids at South Lakes, but those from South Lakes can't seem to wrap their minds around the fact that there are kids who have deep roots in their own schools...or schools that are not their own yet, but have been their family community for many years. And I am not turning my kids against South Lakes...they just don't want to go there because they have a deep seated interest and commitment to Oakton, which has been their family/community for years.

To South Lakes Pyramid Parent, what I meant about "No Man's Land" is that at this time we do not know if or to what school our 8th-grader will be redistricted. You are lucky that you know what school your child is slated to attend. We do not have that same luxury.

My 8th grader wears a cougars sweatshirt to school every morning. So, should he wake up one day and put on a seahawks one? What to do, what to do....

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am curious as to all of the past decisions that
> hurt SL...
>
> My understanding is when new homes were built in
> North Reston the were sent off to Herndon and
> Langley as opposed to SL. I am not aware of
> existing neighborhoods that were removed from SL.
> I could be wrong and if I am, I'm sure you'll let
> me know.

The property that now comprises Aldrin was in the South Lakes district, and several neighborhoods, including Longwood Grove, were already attending Lake Anne, Hughes, and SL. Equestrian Park, which is relatively small but within the Reston Master Plan, was districted to Madison. A group of homes on Artic Fox (Fox Mill Road) that were built on land once in our pyramid, were disricted to Oakton. I believe that the land on the south side of Rt. 7 that now goes to Langley was also at one point in our boundary (Bishopgate, e.g.) but that was before I was involved and I am not sure of the circumstances. These are examples that I am aware of, and I am sure there are others.

Even though in some cases we didn't lose existing students, the impact of the loss of future students was felt in our attendance numbers, and our boundary was being whittled away. While other school districts were benefitting from the infusion of new batches of students every time a new development was built, we were losing the few remaining undeveloped areas and thus potential new students in our district to other schools. For an aging community it was a very big deal.

We have also had expend a lot of energy waging fights to keep additional neighborhoods from being districted out. For example, two years ago several neighborhoods on the border with Madison fought and lost an attempt to be moved to Madison. We had similar border fights with Crossfield prior to Hunters Woods becoming a magnet.

Thanks for your confidence in my ability to set the record straight;)

hmmm07 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLVerity Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Cougar, I truly am not bent out of shape. I am
> > simply stating that not everyone will carpool
> and
> > that there may not be room in the schools to
> which
> > one may want to carpool. I agree that current
> 8th
> > graders are in no man's land and empathize with
> > you completely on that front. I think you
> should
> > bring that up at the meetings.
> >
> > All I am asking is that you consider that maybe
> > things will work out in the end. As I and many
> > others have stated before, we sat and watched
> as
> > decisions were made that hurt SL and helped
> > surrounding schools, so please allow us to hope
> > for some positive action coming our way now.
> We
> > care about our community, just like you.
>
> I think there definitely will be room in the other
> schools, as the recent demographics have shown
> every one of the schools involved trending
> downwards. You take kids out of those schools to
> put into South Lakes and there is an empty seat
> for every kid that left. If kids are not pupil
> placed, it won't be because there are no seats,
> but will be because the county decides to suddenly
> get tough with the issue to keep people at South
> Lakes.

I believe that there has been talk of lowering the cap at Westfield, to keep it from being too big and that will have an impact. I could be wrong, but that is what I have heard.

hmmmm07 and CougarMom,

OK, forgive me for being defensive, but this board tends to do that to SL people.

Anyway, I do understand your position and am sorry for your kids. I am relatively new to the area so don't feel that deeply rooted. Hope it works out for you and your kids.

SLVerity and hmmmm07,
I don't think it would make sense to be moving kids from Westfield because of overcrowding, then allow them to be pupil placed back to Westfield because there are now empty seats. They must be thinking about lowering the capacity numbers at Westfield.