"How many kids are in these multivariable and matrix algebra classes that are spoken of on this board?"

Actually, it is likely that a disproportionate number of us have kids in that category, which is one reason we are looking at the issue so closely. My eighth grader is in Geometry, and he'll want to take the most challenging math he can in high school. I know that some SL grads go on to engineering programs, so it's not a total deal breaker, but that along with other things (that vary by family) make some of us prefer the AP math options. The number of kids taking geometry in 8th grade is fairly significant at Carson.

Soccerguy 315, because the number of FCPS students taking Algebra 1 in 7th grade has skyrocketed from about 300/year to over 1000 this year, it doesn't make sense to look at the number of seniors currently taking multivariable calculus and linear algebra, Does anyone know how many Hughes 7th grade students are taking Algebra 1 this year? That's the more relevant number.

Make sure to catch the video link....it eased ALL of my concerns about the redistricting.
Link below should work...

Fight At South Lakes High School
5/2/2007

RESTON, Va. (WUSA) -- Things have been relatively quiet at South Lakes High School in Reston this school year, until Wednesday.

Students say a huge fight broke out in the cafeteria before school involving several students. The school resource officer and some teachers broke up the fight quickly and the students who were fighting were taken away by Fairfax County Police.

Kids at the school believe the fight is gang related. A parent with 2 children at the high school found gang graffiti and racial slurs painted on his shed and at least 5 trees behind their home overnight.

Police don‘t know if the two incidents are related, but some neighbors in Reston are worried gangs are becoming more active again.


Written by Audrey Barnes
9NEWS NOW

http://www.wusa9.com/video/player.aspx?aid=43891&sid=58229&bw=



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/24/2007 08:47PM by VaDriver.

Thanks for the link. That's a cold business.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A64844-2001Aug11?language=printer

"In a scene reminiscent of "Scarface," "New Jack City" and some of the youths' other favorite movies, Barber killed Daniel Robert Petrole Jr. in March at the behest of Wolfe, his Chantilly High School friend and associate in the drug trade, Barber said later in court. Wolfe denies any involvement."

Chantilly had a bad kid, in 2001.

South Lakes has gangs in 2007.

APorIBMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Soccerguy 315, because the number of FCPS students
> taking Algebra 1 in 7th grade has skyrocketed from
> about 300/year to over 1000 this year, it doesn't
> make sense to look at the number of seniors
> currently taking multivariable calculus and linear
> algebra, Does anyone know how many Hughes 7th
> grade students are taking Algebra 1 this year?
> That's the more relevant number.


Right, and also look at the # at Carson and Franklin, which are the main middle schools likely to be affected. Keep in mind that Hughes is a GT center, so not all those kids taking Algebra in 7th/Geometry in 8th will go to South Lakes for high school.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/24/2007 10:31PM by foxmill/carson/oakton parent.

Madison has multivariable calculus and linear algebra. Lots of school have it.

Kids in IB get screwed on math, science, US history, and government, but its ok if you want to major in English or some other language. But you won't get as many college credits.

Pebble beyach,

Your link was so cold, it was warm. Thanks.

See Hawks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> McLean has a Time-Out room.

So does Marshall.

Druzilla Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chantilly had a bad kid, in 2001.
>
> South Lakes has gangs in 2007.

So what is your point?

Westfield produced a two mass murderers in 2006.

Does that make all of the kids bad? BTW, the things said in the news report were not borne out on closer inspection. But you wouldn't want to be bothered with any follow-up details that might be less sensational, now would you?

foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> APorIBMom Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Soccerguy 315, because the number of FCPS
> students
> > taking Algebra 1 in 7th grade has skyrocketed
> from
> > about 300/year to over 1000 this year, it
> doesn't
> > make sense to look at the number of seniors
> > currently taking multivariable calculus and
> linear
> > algebra, Does anyone know how many Hughes 7th
> > grade students are taking Algebra 1 this year?
> > That's the more relevant number.
>
>
> Right, and also look at the # at Carson and
> Franklin, which are the main middle schools likely
> to be affected. Keep in mind that Hughes is a GT
> center, so not all those kids taking Algebra in
> 7th/Geometry in 8th will go to South Lakes for
> high school.

I know that the number of kids taking Geometry in 8th grade at LHMS at least doubled two years ago. Isn't Carson also a GT center, and won't many of those students also go to TJ?

Also, one does not have to be in GT to get into TJ. I've known several mainstream kids accepted to TJ over the last several years. Not all parents opt to place their kids in GT centers and some who never even screened in are actually quite bright.

Muse Wrote:
> So what is your point?
>
> Westfield produced a two mass murderers in 2006.
>
> Does that make all of the kids bad? BTW, the
> things said in the news report were not borne out
> on closer inspection. But you wouldn't want to be
> bothered with any follow-up details that might be
> less sensational, now would you?


I think the point is that having two kids from Westfield go on to commit crimes after they've graduated high school is a little [[read-A LOT]] different than the immediate danger caused by a poorly managed and unruly student body.

The fact that I've heard from so many, including you now, that it was just a normal high school squabble between two average high school kids scares me even more! You think that something like that was normal? Well I certainly don't want to send my kids to a school where that is the case. I can honestly say I never saw anything normal like that break out in my school.

Take heart all of you Oakton fans! At least your children will no longer be distracted by gazing out the window during lecture....

"Another unique characteristic of the school is that over 90 percent of the classrooms have no exterior windows. Although the school was designed by a builder who had previously designed a prison, the school was never meant to be anything but a school."

Surely that's why South Lakes SAT scores are so much better.....Oh, wait.

Oakton's Average SAT scores for 2007:
Critical Reading: 558
Math: 572
Writing: 550

South Lakes' Average SAT scores for 2007:
Critical Reading: 535
Math: 540
Writing: 521

HokieFan,

Great win today!!

"I'll bet my Thanksgiving Turkey that Fox Mill Estates was not originally part of the Oakton High School pyramid. If the school boundary process is not perfect as you mention, it just seems odd Oakton was selected for FME. Herndon HS is even closer. Heck,FME is fortunate not to be bused to Falls Church HS if you want to use that rational."

Hmmm... well I have lived in this area since 1984, and Fox Mill has been a part of the Oakton district for at least 23 years. I actually grew up in Reston. South Lakes is a horrible school. Are there happy kids there? Sure! There are happy kids at every school. I, however, was not one of those kids, and transferred to Oakton. The difference between the two schools is astounding! I bought a home in Fox Mill because it is in the Oakton district, and will do anything that I can to keep this neighborhood in the Oakton district.

One of the main reasons people choose to buy a home in a particular neighborhood is due the the school pyramid. Property values will go down, and there will be a surge of homes on the market should this redistricting go into effect. This has been a stable community for as long as I can remember, and I don't want it to change. There has to be a better option.

FME Mom,
I do feel sorry for everyone who will have to move. It will be tough in this market to sell a house, especially one in South Lakes district. I hope that doesn't happen to you. It's a shame they didn't try to make South Lakes a better school instead of just making people go there.

Just say no! At the next meeting, just say NO! Tell them that every one of their little plans stinks! Refuse to throw ANYONE under the bus. They have to make South Lakes better, with a magnet, or something else. It's THEIR problem, do not let them make it YOUR problem, or anyone else's problem.

Wow, I'm glad you neurotic moms weren't around here in the 60's!

Redistricting happened almost annually when I was a kid. I attended THREE high schools and never changed my address...lived in the same house the whole time. (Annandale, Stewart, and pre-tech Jefferson).

NONE of the schools you people are fighting over even EXISTED in 1965, when I was a freshman...well okay, Madison and McLean did, and Oakton High was where Oakton Elementary is now....no Chantilly...no Centreville...no South Lakes, and of course no Westfield. Those kids out there in the boonies went to Fairfax or Herndon...LONG bus rides.

Anyway, I survived....was accepted to Yale and had a very satisfying and successful career in medicine.

Your kids will be okay too...if you don't screw up their minds with your pettiness.

PS: I live in Clifton...Robinson SS territory, so I don't have a dog in this fight.

duh,

Wow, we're really glad that you're too old to have a dog in this race.

So glad you survived the 60's. Your kids come out ok?

Remember the fears that your DNA would be all screwed up?

Muse, most of the 1000 plus seventh graders in FCPS currently taking Algebra 1 will attend their base high schools, whether or not they are in GT Centers. TJ admits about 300 or so FCPS students every year, and a significant minority took Algebra 1 in 8th grade.

Some of these kids who attend their base high schools want to major in math, science or tech. Taking Calculus BC in 11th grade and Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra in 12th often puts them three college semesters ahead of their friends who took IB HL Math. Even taking Calculus BC in 12th grade will often put them 1 semester of their friends in IB HL Math.

FCPS staff assert that many IB kids do well on the AP Calc BC test. I don't believe FCPS staff. Does anyone know IB students at South Lakes or elsewhere who've taken the Calculus BC test? If so, how many scored 4 or 5 on the Calc BC test?

First They Came for the Renovations


First they came for the Money
and I did not speak out
because I was not a school board member.
Then they came for the Westfield Bulldogs
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Bulldog.
Then they came for the Chantilly Chargers
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Charger.
Then they came for the Cougars
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

Adaptation from “First They Came for the Jews”
-Pastor Martin Niemöller

Every voice counts, come to the meeting:
December 3rd, 7:30 at Westfield High School

APorIBMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Muse, most of the 1000 plus seventh graders in
> FCPS currently taking Algebra 1 will attend their
> base high schools, whether or not they are in GT
> Centers. TJ admits about 300 or so FCPS students
> every year, and a significant minority took
> Algebra 1 in 8th grade.
>
> Some of these kids who attend their base high
> schools want to major in math, science or tech.
> Taking Calculus BC in 11th grade and Multivariable
> Calculus and Linear Algebra in 12th often puts
> them three college semesters ahead of their
> friends who took IB HL Math. Even taking Calculus
> BC in 12th grade will often put them 1 semester of
> their friends in IB HL Math.
>
> FCPS staff assert that many IB kids do well on the
> AP Calc BC test. I don't believe FCPS staff.
> Does anyone know IB students at South Lakes or
> elsewhere who've taken the Calculus BC test? If
> so, how many scored 4 or 5 on the Calc BC test?

I don't have stats on test scores nor college credit (but you can go to any University's admission guidelines and check credit for AP/IB exams. But here are links that might prove helpful. They both clearly demonstrate that HL IB math is at least equal to the AP courses you are discussing.

http://www.amersol.edu.pe/hs/math/curriculum/higherlevel.asp (this one just states the standard curriculum for HL IB math).

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10380&page=6 (this one looks at Science and Math curriculum in the states, but this page of it discusses IB math courses).

duh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wow, I'm glad you neurotic moms weren't around
> here in the 60's!
>
> Redistricting happened almost annually when I was
> a kid. I attended THREE high schools and never
> changed my address...lived in the same house the
> whole time. (Annandale, Stewart, and pre-tech
> Jefferson).
> Anyway, I survived....was accepted to Yale and had
> a very satisfying and successful career in
> medicine.
>
> Your kids will be okay too...if you don't screw up
> their minds with your pettiness.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "Gibson" Plan

Duh...some of these..as you characterize them "neurotic moms" are simply getting back to their more instinctual, primitive origins and becoming "Momma Grizzly Bears" protecting their young. And, you don't want to get between momma and her young. They get very,very protective.

And, as to your point...you attended THREE high schools! And, did well in life. Good for you. That is as relevant as me saying I went to one high school, each grade having 1000 students and I'm very successful as well...so what.

Times have changes...illegal aliens are filling our schools. High School kids are having kids. No parents are home ...as they were in the 60's ...to monitor after school. And, then add the absentee father to the mix...
Apples and oranges to compare the generations.

My "dog" in this fight is home equity....business is business. Of course, at the meetings we're "not allowed" to discuss that little tidbit....doesn't count...you know...we are socialist and all.

So, maybe, I'll be buying a spec house up in the South Lakes area to offset the 100,000 loss I'll suffer if the Gibson Plan goes through. Does Gibson own in that area? If so....big conflict of interests.

HokieFAN42:

I am outraged that you would equate your (Oakton's) "windowed" view of the world and a 30 point gap in SAT scores to the horrors of the Holocaust.

That is perhaps the most demagogic piece of self-important idiocy that I have ever read. Are you serious?

Chill VIlma.....Another adaptation.....


First they came for the fourth amendment,
and I did not speak out, because I didn't deal drugs.

They came for the fifth amendment,
and I was silent because I owned no property involved in crimes

They came for the sixth amendment,
and I did not protest because I was innocent.

They came for the second amendment,
and I said nothing because I didn't own a gun.

And then they came for the first amendment,
and I could say nothing at all.

Illinois State University College of Fine Arts

Stop trying to silence everyone.

I am not trying to silence you or anyone. Keep talking but you are not exempt from criticism.

I oppose redistricting, and I have been appalled by the foolish and mean-spirited things people say on this blogs.

Yours was stupidest, I have to say.

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My "dog" in this fight is home equity....business
> is business. Of course, at the meetings we're "not
> allowed" to discuss that little tidbit....doesn't
> count...you know...we are socialist and all.
>
> So, maybe, I'll be buying a spec house up in the
> South Lakes area to offset the 100,000 loss I'll
> suffer if the Gibson Plan goes through. Does
> Gibson own in that area? If so....big conflict of
> interests.

As a parent (and homeowner) in the Robinson pyramid I do not have a personal agenda in this redistricting conversation, but I think that the arguments about home devaluations are a lot of unsubstantiated hyperbole. Assuming that your home is valued at $1M you are claiming that this change will cause an immediate 10% drop in value. I would like to see someone isolate the different cause and effect variables to prove whether or not your hypothesis is correct, but I highly doubt that this is possible.

I am no socialist nor am I a big proponent of social engineering, but appreciate the fact that FCPS attempts to create some level of balance with ESOL and FRL across large geographic areas. If you want exclusive public schools where your kids will be with their own kind, move somewhere like Massachusetts where suburbs like Weston, Wellesley, Dover, Needham and Newton just outside of Boston are enclaves of $1M+ homes on 1+ acre lots and restrictive zoning (with surprisingly high recreational drug use and criminal activity among teens - go figue). Better yet, send your kids to a private school.

I believe that the FCPS model, for better or worse, attempts to create high performing schools across the entire system. While you may have purchased a home in the Langley or Oakton pyramid, you should also have been aware that the SB has in the past and will in the future redistrict neighborhoods to account for population and demographic changes. This is no different than the BoS authorizing a housing development in the large vacant field behind your house and your complaining after the fact even though the zoning was in place for years and the development was on the comprehensive plan.

In a perfect world I would like to see the SB do system-wide redistricting since projected utilization rates at schools like Hayfield and Lake Braddock call out for a review in the middle part of the county, too. I appreciate the emotional attachment children have to their schools, but we are talking about four years people.

Muse Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Taxpayer, there are other students with Vienna
> mailing addresses currently attending SL. Why do
> you single out DDMI for special treatment? Is
> that your address?

No I don't live there. All areas above the toll road with Hunter Mill Rd access are not included in this study. Wolf Trap Island is a large area - should all of it be moved in this study or only the Hunter Mill /Sunset Hills access road neighborhoods? I don't know - look at West Briar Island.

There was no information provided on elementary or middle schools and capacity for regular, special ed, gt centers, Hunters Woods magnet. It seems South Lakes has become detached from Hughes in this process thus far. Should they be treated as a secondary school for boundaries? There are transportation and middle school gt center task forces. I hope results are incorporated into FCPS scenarios for this boundary process.

The MetroWest suburbs of Boston mentioned by VADriver buses socioeconomically disadvantaged innercity specific minority kids through the Metco program. Not poor kids of other ethnicities, just two particular minorities (and really mostly one). This program has been in place since the 1960s. It hasn't hurt the reputation of the school systems but it hasn't necessarily benefited the kids it was supposed to help.

One advantage that the Boston suburbs have in terms of educational funding is that every town has its own government and school system rather than a countywide school system. The wealthy suburbs aren't subsidizing the poorer ones. The few towns that share a high school (Lincoln-Sudbury, Concord-Carlisle, Acton-Boxborough) are demographically very similar by pair. Waltham (north of Newton, west of Wellesley) and Watertown (just to the north of Newton) are also in the MetroWest suburbs but their scores are abysmal. Newton and Wellesley don't pool their resources with Waltham or Watertown Schools and they do not provide services to Waltham or Watertown kids.

The City of Falls Church has its own school system and a fairly large FRL and ESOL population. Despite this, all the schools in this tiny school system are high-performing and George Mason High School is one of the best in the state.

Fellow Bostonian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The MetroWest suburbs of Boston mentioned by
> VADriver buses socioeconomically disadvantaged
> innercity specific minority kids through the Metco
> program. Not poor kids of other ethnicities, just
> two particular minorities (and really mostly one).
> This program has been in place since the 1960s. It
> hasn't hurt the reputation of the school systems
> but it hasn't necessarily benefited the kids it
> was supposed to help.
>
> One advantage that the Boston suburbs have in
> terms of educational funding is that every town
> has its own government and school system rather
> than a countywide school system. The wealthy
> suburbs aren't subsidizing the poorer ones. The
> few towns that share a high school
> (Lincoln-Sudbury, Concord-Carlisle,
> Acton-Boxborough) are demographically very similar
> by pair. Waltham (north of Newton, west of
> Wellesley) and Watertown (just to the north of
> Newton) are also in the MetroWest suburbs but
> their scores are abysmal. Newton and Wellesley
> don't pool their resources with Waltham or
> Watertown Schools and they do not provide services
> to Waltham or Watertown kids.
>
> The City of Falls Church has its own school system
> and a fairly large FRL and ESOL population.
> Despite this, all the schools in this tiny school
> system are high-performing and George Mason High
> School is one of the best in the state.

I agree that George Mason is a great school, but its FRL and ESOL numbers are not relatively large. In 2007 it had 7% FRL kids (fewer than Oakton at 9%)) and a similarly small ESOL population. The school system is predominantly middle to upper class.

Vilna:

Welcome to our little forum. Glad you dropped in. Since you only arrive a few hours ago, you never received one of the generic posts designed exactly for the purpose of ad hominem attacks. (this form is an adaptation of other similar 'talking points' memorandums used by many of our fine liberal politicians)

The generic post is currently being handed out on page 58. Please pick one up.

And be advised of the following change to the original document.

Paragraph 1 original:

I am shocked by the vile things I have read here. I came to help and I have been personally attacked. I don't know how to begin to respond to these hateful remarks. But, I'll try. You are narrow minded horrible bigoted parents, so one can only wonder what your little snotty brats are like. You know what? I don't think we want your kids, anymore.


Paragraph 1 revision:

I am not only shocked by the vile things I have read here, I am outraged. Never, in all my life, have I ever read such demagogic self-important idiocy. I am appalled by the mean-spirited, stupid people here. I came to help and I have been personally attacked. I don't know how to begin to respond to these hateful remarks. But, I'll try. You are narrow minded horrible bigoted parents, so one can only wonder what your little snotty brats are like. You know what? I don't think we want your kids, anymore.

According to the reports regarding the incident of gang violence at South Lakes, this past May 2007, seven students were removed from the school. Does anyone know if they were removed permanently?

I understand that MS-13 is the prominent gang in Reston. Is that correct? Who are they fighting? Another Latino gang?

Where do these gang members live? I'm assuming they live in the government housing projects there in Reston. Is that correct?

Bird,

The major gangs in Reston are the Sharks and the Jets, or is it the Krips and the Bloods? MS-13 is the predominant gang in Northern Virginia, not Reston.

I know that you would like to make hay over the sensational news story regarding a 'gang' fight at South Lakes last year, but a few facts need to be presented. The original news story was sensational in nature and no one in authority was interviewed. The story relied on hearsay from students who were not on hand when the incident occurred. The facts in evidence indicate that there was no relation between the graffiti on a residential shed and the fight that was broken up in a South Lakes Cafeteria the next day. Three boys were involved in a fight that was carried over from a disagreement the night before. The principal broke up the fight before anyone was hurt. No weapons were involved. It was not thought to be gang related. All three boys were arrested. All three were removed permanently from the school for fighting.

A similar incident occurred at Oakton last year and a new student (BTW: formerly of the South Lakes Pyramid) was badly beaten up by several Oakton boys. Are we to assume that they were gang members, or do you think that perhaps they were just thugs deciding to be jerks?

Were the gang youths at Oakton permanently removed, or are they still roaming the halls causing trouble?

You really do your cause a disservice with every post you write. You posts aren't vile, but rather idiotic.

>>>FCPS staff assert that many IB kids do well on the AP Calc BC test<<<

Only if they also take the BC calculus course at another high school.

Keep it coming, Bird.

You are such an imbecile that I am sure your colleagues are wincing with each shovel you dig. What a hoot.

Please continue to shovel. I have no doubt that you find yourself quite entertaining.

So do we.

>>>Does anyone know if they were removed permanently?<<<

No student is ever removed permanently. They get sent to another high school then can apply to come back after a semester. Expelled again they go to another high school, after multiple expulsions they go to Tysons Pimmit. After that they can go to a center where they take online courses or have home schooling, provided by the county.

The Connection Newspapers


Community Confronts Street Gangs
Reston officials say growing gang problem can be solved through law enforcement, education and understanding.
by Brian McNeill
December 22, 2004


Law enforcement agencies estimate there are roughly 400 gangs throughout Northern Virginia, though MS-13 is responsible for more than 95 percent of all gang-related crime, including armed robberies, thefts, car thefts, drug dealing, rapes, shootings and assaults, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report obtained by the Connection.
With an estimated 30 individual cliques and 3,000 members, MS-13 is believed to be the largest gang in Northern Virginia and in Reston specifically. The Los Angeles-based gang is linked to more than half a dozen slayings throughout the region.
In Reston, other gangs are believed to include the South Side Locos, the Asian Gang Disciples, the Black Gang Disciples, 18th Street and the Hill Boys.

>>>I have no doubt that you find yourself quite entertaining.

So do we.<<<

You got that one right, finally! Birdlover is hilarious, and dead on right too.

We love her posts!

SueBonnetSue Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>FCPS staff assert that many IB kids do well on
> the AP Calc BC test<<<
>
> Only if they also take the BC calculus course at
> another high school.

The HL IB math course is roughly equivalent to AP Calc BC and thus the IB students can and do score well on the AP test if they choose to take it. They do have to arrange with a school giving the tests, in order to sit for it, but they don't have to take the AP course itself.

Stuart Gibson lives in Lake Anne district, and he loves his school, South Lakes.

>>>Where do these gang members live? I'm assuming they live in the government housing projects there in Reston<<<

One would have to assume that, since the subsidized housing is only in Reston. The rest of Hunter Mill is thankful for that. Reston is nice to take it all, lowering their own house values in the process. Some people say folks in Reston are just dumb to keep building more and more government housing. I say, maybe they're just nice and don't mind those gangs and illegals.

>>>In Reston, other gangs are believed to include the South Side Locos, the Asian Gang Disciples, the Black Gang Disciples, 18th Street and the Hill Boys.<<<

We don't allow those gangs in Vienna and McLean and Oakton. Sure is nice to have them all stuck out there in Reston and Herndon. Janie Strauss won't allow them in Langley! Go Janie! Keep all that riff raff in South Lakes!

I guess Bird doesn't keep up with current events, but would rather post out-of-date stories to perpetuate her view of the world (Incidentally, gangs aren't isolated to low-income areas. The Northern Virginia Gang Task Force says they cross all socio-economic lines.):

Gang Violence Plummets
- September 24, 2007

The Washington Post reported over the weekend that gang-related crimes in Fairfax County have dropped significantly. Today, at the Board of Supervisors meeting, a report will be presented explaining the statistics in detail.

The report provides evidence, county officials say, that a two-year-old effort to prevent youths from joining gangs is working. It also challenges increasingly vocal concerns about the connection between the region’s illegal immigrants and violent crime, they say.

“It vindicates our approach in Fairfax, which is to focus on results and illegal behavior rather than posturing on federal responsibilities” such as checking immigration status, said Gerald E. Connolly (D), chairman of the county board. “What we’re showing is results.”

According to the report, gang-related crime dropped 32 percent from 2005 to 2006. Incidents dropped in nearly every category, including murder, rape, robbery, abduction, graffiti, theft and drug crimes. The only category in which crime did not drop was burglary, according to the report.

Fighting gangs was part of Gerry’s six-point agenda when he ran for Chairman in 2003. At that time, 5.6% of kids in school reported being involved in a gang. Today, that number has dropped by half.

Four years ago, Gerry recognized that Fairfax was doing a great job on the enforcement side — gang members who committed crimes were being caught and punished. But there was a lot of work to be done on the prevention side. For instance, only 3 of the county’s 26 middle schools had after-school programs. Statistics show that kids are most likely to get in trouble during the hours right after school ends. Today, all 26 middle schools have after-school programs.

There is strong evidence that a community-based approach to gang prevention — reaching out to the most vulnerable children — is more effective than heavier policing. A report issued in July by the District-based Justice Policy Institute noted that New York has lower gang activity than Los Angeles (520 gang-related crimes two years ago compared with 11,402) because New York emphasizes job training, mentoring and recreational programs over heavier police enforcement.

“We want these kids to understand what services are available to them in the communities,” said Bermingham, who produced the Fairfax report. “If they want to go play basketball at 6 o’clock at night, we are able to tell them where they can go.”

Casual Observers and your pal Exodus,

Can't you two post anything without personally attacking a person? What is wrong with the two of you? Are you both from South Lakes? Haven't you ever learned how to debate an issue? When a subject is being discussed with adults it is immature and shows a lack of sophistication to resort to personal attacks.

If you want to interact in that babyish manner, go chat with teens. Teenagers today are quite vulgar and lack the necessary maturity to refrain from name-calling.

And, are you telling me you are unaware that the gang MS-13 is a gang well entrenched in Reston? I've known that for years. Bird asks about the gangs and you talk about the Jets/Sharks? What kind of crap is that? What is wrong with you two? Why are you two here?

Are you here simply to systematically go after one poster after another. Are you working for the school board? Are you being paid? I think there is something fishy going on.

I go to SL and have never felt unsafe. I’ve never felt a “gang presence” either. Considering the fact that I’ve spent more then 2 years at SL, I think I can offer more information than statistics. If you have any questions about South Lakes please feel free to ask me.

SueBonnetSue Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Stuart Gibson lives in Lake Anne district, and he
> loves his school, South Lakes.
______________________________________________________________________________

If this is a fact....that Stu Gibson owns property (likely his primary residence) in the South Lakes School District and that, as I and many others maintain, property values will drastically be affected by his redistricting agenda....then..

There is an obvious and clear conflict of interest. Does everyone...pro or con redistricting understand the magnitude of this appearance of impropriety??

Of course, as one poster earlier mentioned, proof would be required demonstrating property values are affected by this redistricting process. From my "off the record" discussions with realtors, I don't think that will be a problem.

At this point, Stu Gibson should recuse himself from all proceedings involving redistricting. A moratorium should be immediately imposed.

In the meantime, some type of oversight committee should be appointed to review this entire mess from the beginning.

The oversight committee can begin with the Langley High School 7.1 million addition, for over crowding, which Stu's School Board pushed through using as justification " Adjacent high schools are operating at or above capacity, thus boundary adjustments to relieve this overcrowding are not possible". Why wasn't South Lakes upset? Had a deal been made???? I don't know...just asking questions...something is not right!

I don't know if any laws have been violated but certainly the top guy of the school board stands to gain financially if we, collectively, go along with his redistricting scheme.

Unfortunatly these people don't care about what we say. More people from South Lakes then I can even count have offered to give them information regarding the school and the community and they don't care. Unfortunate? Yes, I believe so. I want the other side to get their reasoning straight though. Is this about kids or house prices. If it was about kids I highly doubt you'd be crushing the ones that attend the other school in quieston. If it was about house prices then you might have already noticed that your house price is going to fall more because of the market then because of the change in school districts. I just don't understand it.
How does a school where the parents are booing students off the stage end up with the good reputation, but the school thats attending the redistricting meetings and fighting for their reputation, and still offering tours to the booing parents end up with the bad one? It doesn't make sense... but then again half the statistics and facts on this site don't either.
I'm not saying anything about the kids either, so don't make it about them. I have friends who go everywhere and because of this I know precisely that the school doesn't make you who you are. By personality or by IQ. So if I can see that, why can't others? You achieve your education at your school based upon the effort and level of work you put into it. If you choose to fail then thats your bussiness. But let it be said that students who want to excel and challenge themselves are definitly given the oppurtunity at South Lakes. I think I'd know. I've spent more time walking through those halls then the parents who supposedly know so much about it.

Thank you,
A South Lakes Student

Thanks, Stephanie, and too sensible and rational for this discussion. Be prepared for the windstorm.

SBCrooks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Casual Observers and your pal Exodus,
>
> Can't you two post anything without personally
> attacking a person?

SBCrooks, I don't attack, but rather post facts that directly refute what Birdlover says. The problem is, my facts don't fit with her world view. or yours, for that matter.

Gangs are not tolerated at South Lakes and if anyone cared to contact the principal and ask, he would tell them that any student even remotely displaying gang affiliation is immediately removed. And yes, I have two children who graduated from South Lakes. Both attend one of the top 23 universities in the Country. Any more questions?

Stephanie, I go to Oakton and someone told me that you were posting these long long long boring posts here. Anyway, I know whats going on in my school and in other schools, too. So do you, I think, unless you're too busy posting these looooong booooooring posts. Do yu just want stupid people to say, wow, Stephanie, what a good post? lol lol

Why do you go on and on about how great your school is? Who cares?
My school is great too, but you don't see me going on and on. Why is that, do you think? Well, let me tell you why. Cause your school sucks.

Good one, Emily. Very high brow. A credit to your institution. Make em proud.

Casual Observer wrote:

"Bird, the major gangs in Reston are the Sharks and the Jets......"

__________________________________________

So, this is a musical you've got going on over there?

Don't you just hate the part when Tony dies?

Emily Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Stephanie, I go to Oakton and someone told me
> that you were posting these long long long boring
> posts here. Anyway, I know whats going on in my
> school and in other schools, too. So do you, I
> think, unless you're too busy posting these
> looooong booooooring posts. Do yu just want stupid
> people to say, wow, Stephanie, what a good post?
> lol lol
>
> Why do you go on and on about how great your
> school is? Who cares?
> My school is great too, but you don't see me going
> on and on. Why is that, do you think? Well, let
> me tell you why. Cause your school sucks.



Hey Emily,
Yeah, um, i go to south lakes, and for the record im gonna go ahead and say wow stephanie, what a great post!! because i really think it was. Personally the reason i think she (steph.) and all these other people are going on about our GREAT school is because we actually care about what people have to say about us. Stephanie writes those, as you put it "loooooong booooring posts" because she has something on her mind that most certianly needs to be heard. Another thing, you ask "Who cares?" after you ask "Why do you go on and on about how great your school is?" but then you tell the world your school is great too, and our school sucks. I think in your own obnoxious way deep down inside you care. If you didn't care you would've never posted anything in the first place

SLHS Padre, as a father you should proabably pick on someone your own age. While it would be appropriate to ask the young Oakton student to step aside from the discussion, it makes me wonder about your maturity level when I see you, a 40-something year old man, slinging sarcastic insults at a 15 or 16 year old child...

Hope you aren't coaching any "mixed" football or football (that's what the spanish call soccer, right?) teams... I'd hate for young Oakton or Westfield kids to receive similiar harsh critiques from you.

SLHS Padre


Hey, POP POP! That wasn't very nice. I'm only 16.

HokieFan42:

If you were so worried earlier about people "trying to silence everyone", why would you suggest that "it would be appropriate to ask the young Oakton student to step aside from the discussion"?

That never crossed my 50 year old mind. What did cross my mind was that young Emily was needlessly caustic and belittling to a peer who was trying to make a positive statement in defense of her school and community. Where I come from, adults have the obligation to address that kind of behavior in our young folk. It builds respect at all levels.

Others already called you on your suggestion that joining my kids at SLHS is akin to passively watching the Nazis seize power. So I won't.

I didn't get the "mixed football,..or what the Spanish call soccer" remark".

JaZZy Jeff:

Keep up those ballet lessons.

VADriver,
Not only does Stu Gibson live in South Lakes district, so does his boss, Jack Dale.

(Yes, I am aware that Dale actually works for Stu, but you'd never know it by watching our school board. They all seem to work for staff, rather than the other way around.)

>>>Don't you just hate the part when Tony dies?<<<

Oh great Bird, just ruin it for everyone!

VADriver,
You said >>>some type of oversight committee should be appointed to review this entire mess from the beginning.<<<

Who would appoint them, the democrats on the school board or the democrats on the board of supervisors who support the democrats on the school board? Any committee would only serve to support whatever the school board has decided to do.

Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principles of popular sovereignty by the people's representatives. The representatives form an independent ruling body (for an election period) charged with the responsibility of acting in the people's interest, but not as their proxy representatives—i.e., not necessarily always according to their wishes, but with enough authority to exercise swift and resolute initiative in the face of changing circumstances

Right. People elected Stu Gibson and Kathy Smith. They can do whatever they want with their schools. But that doesn't mean people have to like it. They won't.

Emily
the name's JAZZY jeff just so thats clear. And yes i do dance, im a part of south lakes award winning varsity HIP-HOP dance team, no one said anything about ballet =D

>>>south lakes award winning varsity HIP-HOP dance team<<<

Your parents must be just proud as punch. It's every mother's dream to have her son on the varsity Hip-Hop dance team! I bet your dad is bursting with pride too, "my son, the Hip-Hop dancer"! Quarterback or running back, might be what he hoped for, or math team, or chess team, but Hip-Hop dance team is great too. AT least it's not ballet.

VADriver,
said >>>some type of oversight committee should be appointed to review this entire mess from the beginning.<<<

Neen said:Not only does Stu Gibson live in South Lakes district, so does his boss, Jack Dale.
(Yes, I am aware that Dale actually works for Stu, but you'd never know it by watching our school board. They all seem to work for staff, rather than the other way around.)
Who would appoint them, the democrats on the school board or the democrats on the board of supervisors who support the democrats on the school board?
_______________________________________________________________________________

Do we have any "checks and balances" regarding the School Board? Or, because ignorant people voted these folks in, are they now able to do whatever they want with our tax dollars?

To summarize.... At least two school board officials, Stu Gibson and Jack Dale live in the South Lakes District. This is a conflict of interests. I contend they will gain financially if "The Gibson Plan" proceeds. Therefore, they have no objectivity and should both recuse themselves.

A moratorium should be imposed.

Are there any other employees of Fairfax County with power and influence involved in the South Lakes school redistricting process who currently reside in that district?

VaDriver Wrote:

>
> To summarize.... At least two school board
> officials, Stu Gibson and Jack Dale live in the
> South Lakes District. This is a conflict of
> interests. I contend they will gain financially if
> "The Gibson Plan" proceeds. Therefore, they have
> no objectivity and should both recuse themselves.
>
>
>

How are they going to gain financially if more students are a part of South Lakes?

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>south lakes award winning varsity HIP-HOP dance
> team<<<
>
> Your parents must be just proud as punch. It's
> every mother's dream to have her son on the
> varsity Hip-Hop dance team! I bet your dad is
> bursting with pride too, "my son, the Hip-Hop
> dancer"! Quarterback or running back, might be
> what he hoped for, or math team, or chess team,
> but Hip-Hop dance team is great too. AT least
> it's not ballet.


WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? What kind of snarky comment is that for a child? What is so bad in your life that you would stoop so low to criticize a child being on a dance team?

Where's HokieFan42 ready to pounce on you? He certainly spoke up when SLHS padre called out sweet little emily when she said SL sucked. But it's ok for someone on "your side" to criticize a child?

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?

You and the other nasty supposed adults on this board make the rest of us sick. Your nastiness will not change the redistricting process, it will just make the rest of us sad that we live amongst such low class, sad sack human beings.

Please, please, please look in the mirror and determine what is so wrong with your life that you feel the need to address people like this.

Maybe take up yoga or church. You need to get some peace in your life.

SOL Scores - End of course - Algebra II (2007) comparison
School	%Passed	%Advanced	%Proficient	%Failed
South Lakes High	83	28	55	17
Madison High	90	26	64	10
Herndon High	93	31	62	7
Oakton High	92	38	54	8
Chantilly High	92	39	53	8
Westfield High	90	28	62	10

Jane Oldham, you've gone too far. It's with concern that I witness your total degeneration right here on this forum.

stat of the day Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SOL Scores - End of course - Algebra II (2007)
> comparison
> School%Passed%Advanced%Proficient%Failed
> South Lakes High83 28 55 17
> Madison High 90 26 64 10
> Herndon High 93 31 62 7
> Oakton High 92 38 54 8
> Chantilly High 92 39 53 8
> Westfield High 90 28 62 10
>

Thats interesting. I see the percent advanced is higher at South Lakes than Madison, and the same as Westfield. Not bad, considering that which school is it that has the most kids on Free and Reduced Lunch? Oh yeah, that would be South Lakes.

HokieFan42, Paging HokieFan42.....

where is your comment scolding the post below?

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>south lakes award winning varsity HIP-HOP dance
> team<<<
>
> Your parents must be just proud as punch. It's
> every mother's dream to have her son on the
> varsity Hip-Hop dance team! I bet your dad is
> bursting with pride too, "my son, the Hip-Hop
> dancer"! Quarterback or running back, might be
> what he hoped for, or math team, or chess team,
> but Hip-Hop dance team is great too. AT least
> it's not ballet.

Neen, Are you for real? Are you a TROLL?

JAZZY Jeff, may your talent take you far. Hip Hop, Step Team, Ballet or Rocket Science.

WestfieldMom






Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>south lakes award winning varsity HIP-HOP dance
> team<<<
>
> Your parents must be just proud as punch. It's
> every mother's dream to have her son on the
> varsity Hip-Hop dance team! I bet your dad is
> bursting with pride too, "my son, the Hip-Hop
> dancer"! Quarterback or running back, might be
> what he hoped for, or math team, or chess team,
> but Hip-Hop dance team is great too. AT least
> it's not ballet.

> VaDriver Wrote:
>
> >
> > To summarize.... At least two school board
> > officials, Stu Gibson and Jack Dale live in the
> > South Lakes District. This is a conflict of
> > interests. I contend they will gain financially
> if
> > "The Gibson Plan" proceeds. Therefore, they
> have
> > no objectivity and should both recuse
> themselves.
> >

So if Jack Dale and Stu Gibson lived in the Oakton District, and were against redistricting, would you say they had a financial motive?

You sure have an overinflated view of the worth of your neighborhood. I'd like to see some stats on comparisons of comparable properties, please. Also, Jack Dale lives in the RTC area, where real estate value is not affected in the least by school rankings, as virtually no one living there has school-aged children.

If you think your property value argument is going to fly, please by all means bring it up at the next public meeting. I think it will sink faster than the Hindenberg.

Old Timer:

Long ago, when people first started referring to Alzheimer's Disease, I thought they were saying Old Timer's disease. Isn't that funny?

But, all kidding aside, one of the symptoms of the illness is something called sun-downing..........which is exactly what you did in your last post.

May I suggest Trazodone?

Neen, Queen of Mean, and Birdlover, together again. Oh well, as they say, birds of a feather....

Jazzy Jeff,

As you can see, we have people who will soon be coming to our wonderful school who are homophobic. They are probably more afraid of homosexuals than they are of the gangs here. But, the fact that you are able to dance openly here without the gangs hurting you is proof that the gangs only hurt each other. The only way a non-gang person would get hurt would be if they got in the way.

We need to speak out at the next meeting. WE DON'T WANT THESE HOMOPHOBIC PEOPLE COMING TO OUR SCHOOL.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Old Timer:
>
> Long ago, when people first started referring to
> Alzheimer's Disease, I thought they were saying
> Old Timer's disease. Isn't that funny?
>
> But, all kidding aside, one of the symptoms of the
> illness is something called
> sun-downing..........which is exactly what you did
> in your last post.
>

May I suggest a clock and a window in your cave - most of us realize that the sun is currently up. Really it sounds like you are referring to Neen who posts deragatory remarks to children in the middle of the night...

Gone Too Far

Was this on a first date?

One of the problems you have over there in South Lakes is a high percentage of kids from single-parent homes. (as in un-wed mothers)

Old Timer:

FYI, sun-downing can occur at any hour..... more commonly seen in the evening.

And, no, I was referring to you. See how that confusion sneaks up on you. Soon you won't be able to find your way out of a room.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gone Too Far
>
> Was this on a first date?
>
> One of the problems you have over there in South
> Lakes is a high percentage of kids from
> single-parent homes. (as in un-wed mothers)



BirdLover:

If we can swing it, would you be available at the 12/3 Redistricting meeting to do a stand-up routine? You can have the Neenster join you, if you would like (we would support it, actually).

You could spend a few minutes regaling the undecided about the perils of redistricting with your unique brand of humor.

Only one caveat: a binding vote occurs right after you leave the stage....ok?

I second that request, Padre. I was thinking that maybe the two of them could roast a panel of South Lakes students and their parents, with HokieFan42 as an alternate.

Then we would have the binding vote.

Casual Observer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I second that request, Padre. I was thinking that
> maybe the two of them could roast a panel of
> South Lakes students and their parents, with
> HokieFan42 as an alternate.
>
> Then we would have the binding vote.


HokieFan42 could provide the historical perspective.

Casual Observer wrote:

"Neen, Queen of Mean, and Birdlover, together again. Oh well, as they say, birds of a feather...."

_______________________________

Casual Observer back after packing up her marbles and making a loud announcement that she was leaving. Reminded me of a five year old running away from home. They always come back.

In this case, we wish you wouldn't.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Old Timer:
>
> FYI, sun-downing can occur at any hour..... more
> commonly seen in the evening.
>
> And, no, I was referring to you. See how that
> confusion sneaks up on you. Soon you won't be able
> to find your way out of a room.



I just want to get it clear, since as you pointed out, I could be heading for senility -

you are cracking on me because I thought it was unconscionable, unscrupulous to criticize a child.

Crack on me all you want - I'll even laugh if it's funny, so far, though, no laughs.


But - leave the children alone.

Hello,

I have a suggestion for you here.

I see that South Lakes has sent in one of its gangs to shut down this forum. A few of them indicated this desire last week, if you will recall.

When they start attacking posters here, I recommend the following. Don't look at them. Don't talk to them. Don't feed them. Just ignore them. They are lucky to be here at all. The goal is to have a more submissive South Lakes gang. Only then, should you acknowledge their presence in the room.

The Dog Whisperer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hello,
>
> I have a suggestion for you here.
>
> I see that South Lakes has sent in one of its
> gangs to shut down this forum. A few of them
> indicated this desire last week, if you will
> recall.
>
> When they start attacking posters here, I
> recommend the following. Don't look at them.
> Don't talk to them. Don't feed them. Just ignore
> them. They are lucky to be here at all. The goal
> is to have a more submissive South Lakes gang.
> Only then, should you acknowledge their presence
> in the room.

So is Westfield Mom, who also found Neen's post repulsive, also a part of the SL Gang?

Can you please tell me how anyone is trying to shut down this forum? Everyone here is entitled to speak their mind, but that does not mean we have to agree. And we are entitled to call out mean, abusive bullies, and incorrect information, when we read it.

Besides, the real trolls here know who they are and are probably not in the least offended or affronted when identified. If they were, they wouldn't keep posting trash.

Dog Whisperer is now staring at a wall, not acknowledging agitator from South Lakes.

Yep, that's exactly what the Madding crowd wants, submissive SL parents who won't challenge their warped world views and will allow those who need to put others down to feel good about themselves free reign.

But, fortunately, that won't happen, as we are united. Power to the People!!!

"Yep, that's exactly what the Madding crowd wants, submissive SL parents who won't challenge their warped world views and will allow those who need to put
others down to feel good about themselves free reign."


_________________________________________

What?

I am The Dog Whisperer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Dog Whisperer is now staring at a wall, not
> acknowledging agitator from South Lakes.



Now, that, BirdLover, is funny, and a symptom of some kind.

For the unliterary birds in the crowd...

...."Far from the Madding Crowd offers in ample measure the details of English rural life that Hardy so relished.[2] Hardy took the title from Thomas Gray's poem Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard (1751):

Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife
Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray;
Along the cool sequester'd vale of life
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.

"Madding" means "frenzied" here.

financial gain Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
VaDriver Wrote:

To summarize.... At least two school board
officials, Stu Gibson and Jack Dale live in the
South Lakes District. This is a conflict of
interests. I contend they will gain financially
if "The Gibson Plan" proceeds. Therefore, they
have no objectivity and should both recuse
themselves.
________________________________________________________________
Financial Gain asks: How are they going to gain financially if more
students are a part of South Lakes?
___________________________________________________________________

If you have a realtor friend....please,ask the question. So far, the answers I've received.. include the following:

Should our neighborhood be redistricted to the South Lakes Pyramid, our home values will suffer ...anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000...reasons are obvious.

Should South Lakes receive our children due to redistricting, its image will improve dramatically. And an added bonus,not yet discussed....SL's will also benefit from our incredible parent volunteer force who will arrive like an army and begin repairing the South Lakes image.

So......back to your question.

"How are they,(now known as Stu Gibson Jack Dale) going to gain financially if more students are a part of South Lakes."

These are not just any students.....these are students with a proven track record....they have a high value. Lets all be honest...this is about a social engineering experiment....also known as busing.

An existing South Lakes home owner will gain immediately in their home equity with the very high probability of improvement of the schools image.

Win/win for South Lakes...lose/lose for the rest of us.

But, not with out a legal fight. Too much money is involved.

VaDriver,

Your logic is circular. If indeed our property values are to go up, which is very much in question, (aside: hearsay comments don't count as data and you haven't proven that our values are lower than yours for comparable housing) why does it stand that you will lose if we gain? This is not a zero sum game.

Since you have so much faith in your ability to repair the image of South Lakes, why do you have any reason to despair?

So your students with their proven track record are high-value? And our students are what? What makes you think comparable (socio-economically) students in our district are any different from yours, or that their volunteer parents are any different from you?

Not only do you have an over-inflated view of your property values, but also of your own self-worth and that of your children.

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> financial gain Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> VaDriver Wrote:
>
> To summarize.... At least two school board
> officials, Stu Gibson and Jack Dale live in the
> South Lakes District. This is a conflict of
> interests. I contend they will gain financially
> if "The Gibson Plan" proceeds. Therefore, they
> have no objectivity and should both recuse
> themselves.
> _________________________________________________
> _______________
> Financial Gain asks: How are they going to gain
> financially if more
> students are a part of South Lakes?
> __________________________________________________
> _________________
>
> If you have a realtor friend....please,ask the
> question. So far, the answers I've received..
> include the following:
>
> Should our neighborhood be redistricted to the
> South Lakes Pyramid, our home values will suffer
> ...anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000...reasons are
> obvious.
>
> Should South Lakes receive our children due to
> redistricting, its image will improve
> dramatically. And an added bonus,not yet
> discussed....SL's will also benefit from our
> incredible parent volunteer force who will arrive
> like an army and begin repairing the South Lakes
> image.
>
> So......back to your question.
>
> "How are they,(now known as Stu Gibson Jack Dale)
> going to gain financially if more students are a
> part of South Lakes."
>
> These are not just any students.....these are
> students with a proven track record....they have a
> high value. Lets all be honest...this is about a
> social engineering experiment....also known as
> busing.
>
> An existing South Lakes home owner will gain
> immediately in their home equity with the very
> high probability of improvement of the schools
> image.
>
> Win/win for South Lakes...lose/lose for the rest
> of us.
>
> But, not with out a legal fight. Too much money is
> involved.

"Yep, that's exactly what the Madding crowd wants, submissive SL parents who won't challenge their warped world views and will allow those who need to put
others down to feel good about themselves free reign."

_____________________________

For such a literary guy, you need a class in Eng. Composition.

Just re-write the freakin' sentence..... that's all.

Baloney. Market forces are clearly affected/shaped by supply and demand. So perceptions -- and the demand shaped by those perceptions - are impacted by potential buyers' reactions to the "facts" about a market and neighborhood.

Unfortunately, your distorted "facts" about what Reston is and what SLHS is could be self-fulfilling, if woefully misguided and incorrect. Try a little reality check, and you might not shoot yourself and your sacrosanct property values in the proverbial foot.

What might happen is that, as a result of redistricting,

(a) SL will benefit by new kids and parents who will arrive and -- Eureka -- learn that SLHS and Reston are not the hellhole that they were told (and believed); and

(b) SLHS "will also benefit from [y]our incredible parent volunteer force who will arrive like an army and..." join the other incredible parent volunteers, teachers and administrators who already have have made SLHS an excellent school, notwithstanding all the bullshit that people who have never been there or visited say about it.

Sentence stands as written.

Thanks, Padre.

Hey, everybody, look over here. Padre and I are getting along.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks, Padre.
>
> Hey, everybody, look over here. Padre and I are
> getting along.

Maybe there's hope for you yet, Bird.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks, Padre.
>
> Hey, everybody, look over here. Padre and I are
> getting along.


Excuse me, ma'am, but I came to this fiesta with SubmissiveWiiRNot

"Sentence stands as written."

______________________________

Then I'll have to give you an F on this paper. Please take this home and get it signed.

I didn't write the previous post.... although I do wish JAZZY Jeff the best in life. I think South Lakes posters are playing some games.

As a Westfield Mom, I would welcome Jazzy Jeff to possibly entertain all of us prior to the beginning of the Dec 3rd County Meeting at Westfield...after all, I have an "in". It might help lighten things up a bit! He could go on right after birdlover.

Let me know if you're interested...I could run it by Principal Thomas.