taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > There are many problems with this proposal, but
> > just to point out one big one: you can't break
> up
> > Fox Mill to more than one HS because of the
> > immersion program. That would result in a few
> > Japanese immersion students going to each of
> > several high schools.
>
> When FCPS set up the immersion programs it DID NOT
> intend for them to diffuse to so many middle and
> high schools. That was a political function from
> multiple boundary changes since the inception of
> the programs. Time to clean it up -- it is not a
> mandated program yet has more protection than
> anything else in this county. GT centers move so
> can Immersion.

What I meant was the proposal was to have only SOME of Fox Mill go to SL, or at least that's what I thought the writer meant:
"B. Fox Mill - only the portion of the current attendance area on the Reston side of the FXC Parkway. The school is over capacity."

I know that immersion can be moved, although I will be very sorry if we are moved to Hughes.

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Verity.
>
> "Why has the overall population of SLHS dropped
> off so much? "
>
>
>
>
> NOV 2006 South Lakes PTSA Newsletter
>
> “For years South Lakes High School has been
> perceived negatively by surrounding school
> communities;
>
> however, when the disparaging comments began to be
> expressed by its own families, the school seemed
> to be caught in a self-fulfilling prophesy. Our
> own students and families called it a “ghetto”
> school, reflecting negative feelings about its
> physical layout and diverse population.
>
> Families began seeking pupil placement at other
> FCPS schools or private alternatives.
>
> Pride was spotty and a product of the moment.
>
> New initiatives to change attitude faltered due
> to overwhelming issues of discipline, lack of
> academic rigor, or other day-to-day problems”.



Context is everything, as your uber-spinmeister Carney knows and shows.

That quote is from one of the nomination letters that resulted in Bruce Butler getting First-year Principal of the Year for addressing the problems identified in the small excerpt you provided.

We on the SLHS side have always said the school was adrift under the previous administration -- part of it was because we were weary of fighting some of the most misleading charges while trying to address the legitimate obstacles -- including staff and student morale, internecine bickering, and an aged, poorly-designed building.

For the umpteenth time, those problems are being addressed and what has always been the best part of the school -- the kids -- are in a much better and soon-to-be outstanding place right now.

If you have to build up the negatives to justify your fears, so be it. But you are full of it and you're more than a bit shameless.

Do you all see all those "Charger soccer or Charger Football" stickers all over the area? How about "Cougar This or Cougar That (sports, band, dance)? What about Bulldog Football, Bulldog Basketball, Bulldog Dance?

Where is all the "Seahawk" spirit? Don't give me the crap about the poor kids don't have cars because we only have one car but it has four stickers on it supporting all of the activites the children are in. There is no comparison to the school spirit and pride in the three schools metioned above compared to SLHS. Maybe if the students and PTSA spent more time trying to improve the school you are at and leave the rest of the F(*& alone you may just improve on what you already have.

Merry Christmas!!

FME mom,
I've read your posts and agree with at least some of your views. When we were looking at houses, it was December of 2003. Not a lot of houses on the market, and actually a good time to buy in terms of prices. But there were not a lot of houses on the market. We looked at a couple houses in Oakton, but I really didn't like any of them. I loved this house in Reston. Hunters Woods was supposedly great because of its magnet status, though, as I've said before, this had unanticipated downsides.

Anyway, I knew SL didn't have as good test scores as Oakton, but I didn't consider it anything like an inner city school (unlike many here), and I knew of the "diverse" population. I tend to look at the big picture and consider it still a good school (top 3%). I'm of the philosophy that my kids will do fine in any reasonable school, certainly top 3% is good, probably better than the Philadelphia suburb we were coming from.

What I am trying to say is that many here are "down in the weeds" so to speak, trying to split hairs on test scores, etc. South Lakes is not an inner city school, and will be improved with new population, more class offerings, etc. I know many of you don't want to move, I wouldn't either. I would prefer small school districts like we have in Pa, that don't have redistricting,but we don't. In FFX county, redistricting happens, and they cannot possibly make everyone happy, Your kids, if they go, will not turn to gangs or get knifed. They may even have a better experience than they would at your current school because of the tolerant, no cliques culture. Please get some perspective.

But ultimately, I think the county needs to stop creating problem schools with their affordable housing decisions that have been made. This might eliiminate the need for a lot of expensive GT/magnet programs to gloss over the problems and saving the money for smaller classes,etc. that are the true determiners of whether a school is good or not.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 11:18AM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

SLPP move back to Philly who cares about what you think.

casual observer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
I am intimately aquainted with Casual Observer, and you, my bird, are no casual observer. You are an imposter!

casual observer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do you all see all those "Charger soccer or
> Charger Football" stickers all over the area? How
> about "Cougar This or Cougar That (sports, band,
> dance)? What about Bulldog Football, Bulldog
> Basketball, Bulldog Dance?
>
> Where is all the "Seahawk" spirit? Don't give me
> the crap about the poor kids don't have cars
> because we only have one car but it has four
> stickers on it supporting all of the activites the
> children are in. There is no comparison to the
> school spirit and pride in the three schools
> metioned above compared to SLHS. Maybe if the
> students and PTSA spent more time trying to
> improve the school you are at and leave the rest
> of the F(*& alone you may just improve on what you
> already have.
>
> Merry Christmas!!


Gee. After the two Boundary meetings, we heard a heckuva lot about all those SLHS students with their Seahawks garb on talking about how great their school is, blah, blah. Now we hear that we don't "Say it Loud" enough?

I have three Seahawks/Reston sports booster stuff on each of my (two) cars....you have four....Darn. I'll have to add two. That'll make five..and more than yours. Do I win?

Merry Christmas to you!

Thank you mi Padre for also responding to VaDriver. There is no tonic like the truth.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FME mom,
> I've read your posts and agree with at least some
> of your views. When we were looking at houses, it
> was December of 2003. Not a lot of houses on the
> market, and actually a good time to buy in terms
> of prices. But there were not a lot of houses on
> the market. We looked at a couple houses in
> Oakton, but I really didn't like any of them. I
> loved this house in Reston. Hunters Woods was
> supposedly great because of its magnet status,
> though, as I've said before, this had
> unanticipated downsides.
>
> Anyway, I knew SL didn't have as good test scores
> as Oakton, but I didn't consider it anything like
> an inner city school (unlike many here), and I
> knew of the "diverse" population. I tend to look
> at the big picture and consider it still a good
> school (top 3%). I'm of the philosophy that my
> kids will do fine in any reasonable school,
> certainly top 3% is good, probably better than the
> Philadelphia suburb we were coming from.
>
> What I am trying to say is that many here are
> "down in the weeds" so to speak, trying to split
> hairs on test scores, etc. South Lakes is not an
> inner city school, and will be improved with new
> population, more class offerings, etc. I know
> many of you don't want to move, I wouldn't either.
> I would prefer small school districts like we
> have in Pa, that don't have redistricting,but we
> don't. In FFX county, redistricting happens, and
> they cannot possibly make everyone happy, Your
> kids, if they go, will not turn to gangs or get
> knifed. They may even have a better experience
> than they would at your current school because of
> the tolerant, no cliques culture. Please get some
> perspective.


That sounds reasonable. I'm glad that you understand that many of us just don't want to move, it's not really anything personal. It doesn't mean that we are racist or classist or even afraid. The thing is, even though we may be logical people, at the end of the day we still would prefer to stay with our established schools, and the squeaky wheels get the grease, so I am actually happy to have Dan Carney write guest columns for the paper. As long as we don't get into self-defeating issues like property values, I will be content to let the more outspoken people make a case for stopping this redistricting. I have nothing at all against SL, it's not even my intention to criticize it or the people connected with it, but my 8th grade son wants to go to Oakton, so that's my objective. And the SB is criminal, that I will say.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> One big problem with Option 5 is SL is over
> capacity. The capacity is listed incorrect at 2100
> it is really 2050 after the remodel job.

It was 2150, it will be 2100.

> All other
> schools are way underenrolled. There is no buffer
> for all of the new housing being built in the
> area.

Correct big problem with 150-250 kids coming from high-rise around RTC.

> Everyone needs to make this point to the county on
> the feedback form.

...SL did not benefit at all from
> newer developments in North Reston. I note that
> now Aldrin and Armstrong are under-enrolled
> because the community has aged out. Is that
> because they are in the Henrdon pyramid, or
> because they have just aged?

people whose residences could be at either of the Astronauts are in elementary schools that feed to Langley or South Lakes so nobody gets moved in. The Astronauts might as well be on The Moon.
>
> ... Neighborhoods once
> considered outdated are now being reinvented
> (Vienna Woods)...

as someone called it befoe on this forum "Old coots" will eventually move ...some people prefer location over new and would rather put in new kitchen cupboards in "My Parents House" than buy new in a location further out. Good houses priced right sell in flash in closer to DC nice areas.

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> word Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > One big problem with Option 5 is SL is over
> > capacity. The capacity is listed incorrect at
> 2100
> > it is really 2050 after the remodel job. All
> other
> > schools are way underenrolled. There is no
> buffer
> > for all of the new housing being built in the
> > area.
> >
> > Everyone needs to make this point to the county
> on
> > the feedback form.
>
> What new housing? High end condos for singles and
> empty nesters? How many children will the RTC
> produce? Get your facts straight.

He's right! RTC redevelopment and other projects will generate 150-250 kids according to all reliable demographic projections. His facts are straight.

Verity wrote:

Driver, I know who wrote that piece and I helped edit it. You have taken the comments out of context. It was written to contrast with the change in perception since Bruce Butler took the helm. The item from FCPS that I just posted above addressing factual reasons for declining enrollment I think helps to more accurately reflect the reality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I imagine some concerns have improved in the South lakes Community due to improved leadership.

However, South Lakes/Reston seems to be generally blaming others for its image problem and underenrollment.

The quoted South Lakes PTSA newsletter at least seems to accept some responsibility for SL's PR problem...thats all...

Casual Observer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> casual observer Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> I am intimately aquainted with Casual Observer,
> and you, my bird, are no casual observer. You are
> an imposter!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the real Casual....
As you may recall...I helped you out once with a SL's kid posting....remember?

So, trust me on this one....This is not the Bird...

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLVerity Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > SL district Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I'm a Mom that lives in South Lakes district,
> > and
> > > I wanted to send my kids there, but I just
> > > couldn't do it. I love diversity, but as a
> > bible
> > > reading Christian...
>
> That is another issue which has nothing to do with
> this boundary process. I've heard complaints from
> parents about Thanksgiving , Halloween, Valentines
> Day , the use of the "C" word AKA Christmas--
> Hispanics get Cinquo de mayo parties now in FCPS
> but US schools used to have May Day when I was a
> child--
>
> I like Christmas and FCPS goes overboard to the
> point where traditional Christmas cookies are NOT
> ALLOWED at {WINTER} PARTIES.


Yes, the whole anti-Christmas movement is ridiculous. Perhaps we should all start saying Merry Christm-Eid-Hannu-zaa.

I also read an article in October about a certain area wanting to change Halloween to "Black and Orange" day. Sadly, it was not an article from The Onion.

foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > FME mom,
> > I've read your posts and agree with at least
> some
> > of your views. When we were looking at houses,
> it
> > was December of 2003. Not a lot of houses on
> the
> > market, and actually a good time to buy in
> terms
> > of prices. But there were not a lot of houses
> on
> > the market. We looked at a couple houses in
> > Oakton, but I really didn't like any of them.
> I
> > loved this house in Reston. Hunters Woods was
> > supposedly great because of its magnet status,
> > though, as I've said before, this had
> > unanticipated downsides.
> >
> > Anyway, I knew SL didn't have as good test
> scores
> > as Oakton, but I didn't consider it anything
> like
> > an inner city school (unlike many here), and I
> > knew of the "diverse" population. I tend to
> look
> > at the big picture and consider it still a good
> > school (top 3%). I'm of the philosophy that my
> > kids will do fine in any reasonable school,
> > certainly top 3% is good, probably better than
> the
> > Philadelphia suburb we were coming from.
> >
> > What I am trying to say is that many here are
> > "down in the weeds" so to speak, trying to
> split
> > hairs on test scores, etc. South Lakes is not
> an
> > inner city school, and will be improved with
> new
> > population, more class offerings, etc. I know
> > many of you don't want to move, I wouldn't
> either.
> > I would prefer small school districts like we
> > have in Pa, that don't have redistricting,but
> we
> > don't. In FFX county, redistricting happens,
> and
> > they cannot possibly make everyone happy, Your
> > kids, if they go, will not turn to gangs or get
> > knifed. They may even have a better experience
> > than they would at your current school because
> of
> > the tolerant, no cliques culture. Please get
> some
> > perspective.
>
>
> That sounds reasonable. I'm glad that you
> understand that many of us just don't want to
> move, it's not really anything personal. It
> doesn't mean that we are racist or classist or
> even afraid. The thing is, even though we may be
> logical people, at the end of the day we still
> would prefer to stay with our established schools,
> and the squeaky wheels get the grease, so I am
> actually happy to have Dan Carney write guest
> columns for the paper. As long as we don't get
> into self-defeating issues like property values, I
> will be content to let the more outspoken people
> make a case for stopping this redistricting. I
> have nothing at all against SL, it's not even my
> intention to criticize it or the people connected
> with it, but my 8th grade son wants to go to
> Oakton, so that's my objective. And the SB is
> criminal, that I will say.



I'm assuming your statement about the SB being criminal is about not including Langley?

What if Langley was included, but it turned out after all analysis that Fox Mill would go to SL. Would you accept it then? Or is the SB-criminal thing really just a smoke screen?

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Yes, the whole anti-Christmas movement is
> ridiculous. Perhaps we should all start saying
> Merry Christm-Eid-Hannu-zaa.
>
> I also read an article in October about a certain
> area wanting to change Halloween to "Black and
> Orange" day. Sadly, it was not an article from
> The Onion.

Totally agree on that one. They've taken so much of our culture out of the "Winter" holiday, I don't even know why they bother at all.

One good reason for Catholic school-you get to say "Merry Christmas"

This is too funny. Got this from my brother--this is the result of "diversty" awareness at his place of work. I took out names to protect the guilty.


An example of inanity. From our Staff Question Box. Apparently, even the excision of the word Christmas is not enough for some:


Staff Question Box:
As a diversity liaison, I have been aware of staff members who do not attend the “Holiday Breakfast” due to religious beliefs and practices. Can the title of “Holiday Breakfast” be changed to “Staff Celebration” in order to purposely fulfill XXX’s diversity goal of inclusion.
Thank you for your concern, and understanding.


Response from XXX:
“The word “holiday” was intentionally chosen because in and of itself it is tied to a “respite from work” and not any specific event. “Holiday” is used in conjunction with numerous secular occasions – ranging from Presidents’ Day to the 4th of July.
The purpose of the library’s holiday breakfast is to take time to say “Thank You” to all of the staff and to recognize staff members for years of service and accomplishments.”

The following is the definition for Holiday: A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 12:09PM by South Lakes Pyramid parent.

To SLVerity - See Reston Times arcives - would have been about 3 or 4 years ago.
As for the flyers in the cafeteria on SAT day - I saw them myself taking my kid in for SAT testing needed for TJ applications. Made it past the first cut but not the second. Thats how it goes. So now taking the 97+ grade average elsewhere. In my very large Reston subdivision, the MAJORITY of parents scramble for other options to get their kids out of SL. Not an opinion, this is a fact. We of all people wish it weren't so. I'm hoping they do redistrict, then maybe homes here would be easier to sell and the reputation of our neighborhood will improve.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This is too funny. Got this from my brother--this
> is the result of "diversty" awareness at his place
> of work. I took out names to protect the guilty.
>
>
> Staff Question Box:
> As a diversity liaison, I have been aware of staff
> members who do not attend the “Holiday Breakfast”
> due to religious beliefs and practices. Can the
> title of “Holiday Breakfast” be changed to “Staff
> Celebration” in order to purposely fulfill XXX’s
> diversity goal of inclusion.
> Thank you for your concern, and understanding.
>
>
> Response from XXX:
> “The word “holiday” was intentionally chosen
> because in and of itself it is tied to a “respite
> from work” and not any specific event. “Holiday”
> is used in conjunction with numerous secular
> occasions – ranging from Presidents’ Day to the
> 4th of July.
> The purpose of the library’s holiday breakfast is
> to take time to say “Thank You” to all of the
> staff and to recognize staff members for years of
> service and accomplishments.”
>
> The following is the definition for Holiday: A day
> free from work that one may spend at leisure,
> especially a day on which custom or the law
> dictates a halting of general business activity to
> commemorate or celebrate a particular event.


Hee hee hee... that amuses me. I actually have an employee who won't come to our "Holiday Lunch" because the religion practiced does not celebrate any holiday.

Great! I look forward to eating your shrimp!

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLVerity Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > word Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > One big problem with Option 5 is SL is over
> > > capacity. The capacity is listed incorrect at
> > 2100
> > > it is really 2050 after the remodel job. All
> > other
> > > schools are way underenrolled. There is no
> > buffer
> > > for all of the new housing being built in the
> > > area.
> > >
> > > Everyone needs to make this point to the
> county
> > on
> > > the feedback form.
> >
> > What new housing? High end condos for singles
> and
> > empty nesters? How many children will the RTC
> > produce? Get your facts straight.
>
> He's right! RTC redevelopment and other projects
> will generate 150-250 kids according to all
> reliable demographic projections. His facts are
> straight.


Please tell us actual, not projected, numbers of students that currently exist in the RTC area. Last time I asked Stu Gibson, it was 4 or 5. In an urban area like NYC, I would buy your projections. In an small urban area immediately surrounded by SFH, I don't buy it. You have offered no proof that your numbers will play out.

Yes, TM,
If you are using the projections from the formulas that FFX county uses, you yourself have said they overestimate the actual number of kids.

SL district Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To SLVerity - See Reston Times arcives - would
> have been about 3 or 4 years ago.
> As for the flyers in the cafeteria on SAT day - I
> saw them myself taking my kid in for SAT testing
> needed for TJ applications. Made it past the
> first cut but not the second. Thats how it goes.
> So now taking the 97+ grade average elsewhere. In
> my very large Reston subdivision, the MAJORITY of
> parents scramble for other options to get their
> kids out of SL. Not an opinion, this is a fact.
> We of all people wish it weren't so. I'm hoping
> they do redistrict, then maybe homes here would be
> easier to sell and the reputation of our
> neighborhood will improve.



Would you still scramble after the redistricting?

SL district Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To SLVerity - See Reston Times arcives - would
> have been about 3 or 4 years ago.
> As for the flyers in the cafeteria on SAT day - I
> saw them myself taking my kid in for SAT testing
> needed for TJ applications. Made it past the
> first cut but not the second. Thats how it goes.
> So now taking the 97+ grade average elsewhere. In
> my very large Reston subdivision, the MAJORITY of
> parents scramble for other options to get their
> kids out of SL. Not an opinion, this is a fact.
> We of all people wish it weren't so. I'm hoping
> they do redistrict, then maybe homes here would be
> easier to sell and the reputation of our
> neighborhood will improve.

I know exactly where your neighborhood is and despite what you may think, lots of kids from there do go to SL and a majority of ones currently at SVES, based on my very well-placed sources all plan on doing so. Things have changed much at South Lakes in 3 or 4 years, despite your neighborhood's brief and failed temper tantrum two years ago. Perhaps if your neighborhood had looked at the big picture and not bailed out, you would not be facing the perceived problems with your neighborhood. Newsflash, existing home sales are flat all over.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 12:29PM by SLVerity.

SL District - I am neither religious nor Christian, but respect the desires of those trying to raise a family in ways that empirically have been demonstrated to make sense. So I respect your principles even if they are not my cup of tea.

I also agree with other posters who related that in some sense the gay posters and the like are positive because we historically have treated gay people, and particularly gay young people, poorly, and that isn't right.

But the "right" answer involves the schools simply sticking to their academic mission - and making certain in fulfilling mission that the abiding principle that no one should be bullied or mistreated is a central one. They should merely stick to this principle. This would avoid the "in your face" problem, and would further avoid the perception issues that the school is countenancing hypersexual conduct (that goes for straight people, too, because similar activity takes place with them). There's a common sense line to draw here - and it is disappointing when the schools don't often draw it well in this era of political correctness.

And SL District - it is not only South Lakes that is riven with gay posters - they are plastered at TJ - as well at a bunch of other high schools, too. So I would aver your problem is with the public schools, which to some degree I understand.
SLHS ought to receive criticism where warranted, but if they engage in activity that other schools do, that criticism ought to be appropriately generalized.

Wow, the wind currents are mighty strong, today. Must be a front coming through.

Casual, welcome back, I'm sure if you're 'real' nice, Padre will lend you his magnifying glass and cool hat.

Let's just look at this sentence I supposedly wrote, while dressed in my lovely, albeit, slightly dowdy, causal observer outfit.

"Maybe if the students and PTSA spent more time trying to improve the school you are at and leave the rest of the F(*& alone you may just improve on what you already have"

Although, I completely agree with the sentiment expressed here, this is how I would have written it.

Maybe if the students and PTSA spent more time trying to improve their school instead of wasting time here, blabbering away about racism, the globe and mean birds, South Lakes could become a school of excellence.

Now, see the difference in writing styles? Same thought, just different styles.


BTW, You just missed Clarifier. She left, yet again, in a huff. She drove out of here, like a maniac.... honking and careening out of control. The old lady she almost hit, is recovering from wounds sustained after leaping over her walker.

"I'm assuming your statement about the SB being criminal is about not including Langley?

What if Langley was included, but it turned out after all analysis that Fox Mill would go to SL. Would you accept it then? Or is the SB-criminal thing really just a smoke screen?"

Not including Langley is part of it, but also the way they disregarded the community input from the first meeting, won't consider other options that might attract more students, insist on keeping IB, etc. Anyone looking at a map can see that FME is closer to SL, but as we've discussed here before, the current Oakton boundaries sort of make sense also when looking at a larger view of the county. Reston is a high enough density area that it should be able to fill up SL w/o non-Reston schools. So, I don't think I'd ever totally accept that sending Fox Mill and Floris is the best solution to SL's problems.

FCO parent,
Well, I disagree that they did not accept community input. They do accept input when it is unemotional and based on facts and how that relates to criteria. I really don't see how they could have responded differently at the first meeting, given the hostility with which different views were being presented.

And I know you think a Magnet is a great idea---for another school not your own. They are expensive to implement, and they won't help our base kids. We already have an MMR magnet. Hunters Woods has a Magnet and GT, Hughes has GT, which is a magnet. We have lots of experience with Magnets. It's a bandaid solution that is not widely supported at SL.

The SB is aware of these issues with Magnets and is doing right by SL to not try to put one in. Just because other disagree with this opinion does not make the SB criminal. I once asked how a magnet would help base kids on this board, and no one really had a response. I concluded that it's really just about avoiding SL.

But I do agree about IB. Not that I dislike it, but I think it would be nice to try to give incoming parents something they want.

We would like a united Reston too. But my personal opinion on that is that I don't want to gut Herndon to help us. That wouldn't be right.

There are no perfect solutions, but some are better than others in terms of measurable, objective criteria.

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> casual observer Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Do you all see all those "Charger soccer or
> > Charger Football" stickers all over the area?
> How
> > about "Cougar This or Cougar That (sports,
> band,
> > dance)? What about Bulldog Football, Bulldog
> > Basketball, Bulldog Dance?
> >
> > Where is all the "Seahawk" spirit? Don't give
> me
> > the crap about the poor kids don't have cars
> > because we only have one car but it has four
> > stickers on it supporting all of the activites
> the
> > children are in. There is no comparison to the
> > school spirit and pride in the three schools
> > metioned above compared to SLHS. Maybe if the
> > students and PTSA spent more time trying to
> > improve the school you are at and leave the
> rest
> > of the F(*& alone you may just improve on what
> you
> > already have.
> >
> > Merry Christmas!!
>
>
> Gee. After the two Boundary meetings, we heard a
> heckuva lot about all those SLHS students with
> their Seahawks garb on talking about how great
> their school is, blah, blah. Now we hear that we
> don't "Say it Loud" enough?
>
> I have three Seahawks/Reston sports booster stuff
> on each of my (two) cars....you have four....Darn.
> I'll have to add two. That'll make five..and
> more than yours. Do I win?
>
> Merry Christmas to you!

The SL Booster Club just donated $25k for one season to the SL Athletic Program! This is more than was donated during the entire year last year. I see tons of Seahawk decals on cars and the cool new SLHS band magnet. If you attended the Herndon / SL football game you would have seen the largest crowd in the last several years at a SL game. Seahawk spirit is there and growing.

You'll be lucky if you are re-districted and allowed to join the Seahawk Nation. No matter how many negative comments you write the students, parents and teachers will stay strong and proud.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes, TM,
> If you are using the projections from the formulas
> that FFX county uses, you yourself have said they
> overestimate the actual number of kids.

By a couple of hundred kids across the entire County system! The system has 165,000 kids. Being off by a couple of hundred kids is an error factor of less than 1%.

Applying that ratio to the projections of yield at RTC still has 145-245 kids in the SL attendance area of the alternative option. I state it as a range because I don't know how many of those dwelling units will be sfd, sfa, ga or hr.

What is unanswered is why SL has for the last 5 years consistently not realized the yield that would otherwise be expected from from its elementary feeders.

No one has given a verified explanation for this phenomenon. Many have speculated. None have demonstrated the numbers to back their hypothesis.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 01:36PM by Thomas More.

FME MOM

It is nice to see you are starting to understand us better. See, we can all get along if we want to. Come take a tour of our school, you might like what you see. You have an open mind and would probably be comfortable with our strong policy of inclusiveness. :)

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

> We would like a united Reston too. But my
> personal opinion on that is that I don't want to
> gut Herndon to help us. That wouldn't be right.

Option 4 would not have gutted Herndon.

Why are supposed SL supporters so intimidated by HHS. Is the HHS PTA holding a gun to your head?

Loyal Restonians will remember those who made the partition of Reston permanent.

What a legacy for his craveness and his toadies: Railly's 7 year reign of terror, picking on an 8 year old, sanctions for FCPS from the VDOE and USDOE, a curriculum that, based on the IB class size numbers provided by Forum Reader, is having almost an equal impact on limiting class choice for the non-IB HL, college bound student population as SL's small enrollment; and the permenant partition of Reston's kids into two different high schools. That's an epitaph of which to be proud.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 01:47PM by Thomas More.

TM,
I think it's pretty clear how I feel and that is has nothing to do with being "afraid" of Herdon. Boy are you condescending.

SLVerity:
Why McNair have lots of school age children, with mostly "high-end" condo? Well, one difference from RTC is the high school.

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thomas More Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > SLVerity Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > word Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > One big problem with Option 5 is SL is over
> > > > capacity. The capacity is listed incorrect
> at
> > > 2100
> > > > it is really 2050 after the remodel job.
> All
> > > other
> > > > schools are way underenrolled. There is no
> > > buffer
> > > > for all of the new housing being built in
> the
> > > > area.
> > > >
> > > > Everyone needs to make this point to the
> > county
> > > on
> > > > the feedback form.
> > >
> > > What new housing? High end condos for singles
> > and
> > > empty nesters? How many children will the
> RTC
> > > produce? Get your facts straight.
> >
> > He's right! RTC redevelopment and other
> projects
> > will generate 150-250 kids according to all
> > reliable demographic projections. His facts are
> > straight.
>
>
> Please tell us actual, not projected, numbers of
> students that currently exist in the RTC area.
> Last time I asked Stu Gibson, it was 4 or 5. In
> an urban area like NYC, I would buy your
> projections. In an small urban area immediately
> surrounded by SFH, I don't buy it. You have
> offered no proof that your numbers will play out.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 02:16PM by Floris.

According to SB staff, they do not anticipate students being generated from the proposed high density multi-unit housing developments in the RTC area. Condo's starting at 600K for two bedrooms and moving up to 1 million plus are not inhabited by families. Some of the projected development is at least 10 years out and is irrelevant to this boundary study at any rate.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 02:20PM by SLVerity.

My impressions is that there are a lot of rentals in McNair area, which may produce more kids than homeowners.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Yes, TM,
> > If you are using the projections from the
> formulas
> > that FFX county uses, you yourself have said
> they
> > overestimate the actual number of kids.
>
> By a couple of hundred kids across the entire
> County system! The system has 165,000 kids. Being
> off by a couple of hundred kids is an error factor
> of less than 1%.
>
> Applying that ratio to the projections of yield at
> RTC still has 145-245 kids in the SL attendance
> area of the alternative option. I state it as a
> range because I don't know how many of those
> dwelling units will be sfd, sfa, ga or hr.
>
> What is unanswered is why SL has for the last 5
> years consistently not realized the yield that
> would otherwise be expected from from its
> elementary feeders.
>
> No one has given a verified explanation for this
> phenomenon. Many have speculated. None have
> demonstrated the numbers to back their hypothesis.

One reason is the School Board. When some elementary schools sit at or below capacity and Gibson/Strauss won't use them because of high school attendance areas, that sends a message to the public on the adequacy of the high schools.

The message is THEY AS BOARD MEMBERS are better informed than the general public [hear the discipline cases, etc] and DO NOT want to send key constituents to South Lakes directly or by virtue of Herndon being full. Aldrin is near Gibson's base school's building with everyone merrily shopping at North Point and harris teeter and Trader Joe's. They do let Forest Edge families into those stores and the movies at Town Center.

Floris has been through multiple changes and seems to have a fragmented attendance area. Fox Mill is the tail of Oakton. Both are overcrowded and pre NCLB failure some of both could have been at Dogwood. Hunters Woods?

Taxpayer, the SB was too chicken to even try. Now though, the renovation and new leadership at the school and renewed community spirit has given them the courage to tackle this. It is a good use of current resources, no?

seahawk fan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FME MOM
>
> It is nice to see you are starting to understand
> us better. See, we can all get along if we want
> to. Come take a tour of our school, you might like
> what you see. You have an open mind and would
> probably be comfortable with our strong policy of
> inclusiveness. :)


About 5 years ago, there was a story in the Connection about an incident at South Lakes. A girl was continually bullied by three girls, was assaulted, teased, and the faculty did nothing. She started carrying mace to school out of fear of these girls. One day, the three girls cornered her in a stairwell, and she maced them. SHE GOT EXPELLED -- not them.

What does the faculty actually do to stop this kind of behavior? The safety numbers indicate they don't do much, as they didn't do much 5 years ago. I'm also sure that every incident is not reported, and non violent harassement is not reported. As Principal, what does Bruce Butler do to prevent this, and what does he hold his staff accountable for? Why are there only two security personnel in a school where statistically, 21% of the population causes a safety offense?

There are plenty of condos around RTC priced around 300k-350k for two bedrooms. Or shall I ask the question the other way, if SL is Oakton, don't you think the actual number of school age children in RTC will change?

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> According to SB staff, they do not anticipate
> students being generated from the proposed high
> density multi-unit housing developments in the RTC
> area. Condo's starting at 600K for two bedrooms
> and moving up to 1 million plus are not inhabited
> by families. Some of the projected development is
> at least 10 years out and is irrelevant to this
> boundary study at any rate.

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> seahawk fan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > FME MOM
> >
> > It is nice to see you are starting to
> understand
> > us better. See, we can all get along if we
> want
> > to. Come take a tour of our school, you might
> like
> > what you see. You have an open mind and would
> > probably be comfortable with our strong policy
> of
> > inclusiveness. :)
>
>
> About 5 years ago, there was a story in the
> Connection about an incident at South Lakes. A
> girl was continually bullied by three girls, was
> assaulted, teased, and the faculty did nothing.
> She started carrying mace to school out of fear of
> these girls. One day, the three girls cornered
> her in a stairwell, and she maced them. SHE GOT
> EXPELLED -- not them.
>
> What does the faculty actually do to stop this
> kind of behavior? The safety numbers indicate
> they don't do much, as they didn't do much 5 years
> ago. I'm also sure that every incident is not
> reported, and non violent harassement is not
> reported. As Principal, what does Bruce Butler do
> to prevent this, and what does he hold his staff
> accountable for? Why are there only two security
> personnel in a school where statistically, 21% of
> the population causes a safety offense?


You'll have to explain that 21% statistic. Sounds dangerous and false.

During the 100 pages of this discussion, your question about what is being done now has been asked and answered several times,,,,,and in more detail than "we over-report". We have also seen the Ch. 9 "gang" fight story every 20 pages and the Hughes "pimp" story on the same rotation. So check the archives.

My cousins went in the 70s and early 80s to Herndon and Oakton. I used to visit them from the Heartland, and I learned on those visits that Chicago and the North Shore was far from the cutting edge for partying, casual sex, one-eyed express driving (DWI), fighting while inebriated, and drugs.

That meant it was pretty major league. Their kids had similar experiences at the same schools All are doing very well in professions, school, etc., and they really like where they went to school. But if I stereotyped their experiences the way so many people stereotype SLHS, it would be......unfair. So, I won't.

If we are going to make generalizations about schools should we not be concerned that Westfield has produced two mass murderers?

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> About 5 years ago, there was a story in the
> Connection about an incident at South Lakes. A
> girl was continually bullied by three girls, was
> assaulted, teased, and the faculty did nothing.
> She started carrying mace to school out of fear of
> these girls. One day, the three girls cornered
> her in a stairwell, and she maced them. SHE GOT
> EXPELLED -- not them.
>
> What does the faculty actually do to stop this
> kind of behavior? The safety numbers indicate
> they don't do much, as they didn't do much 5 years
> ago. I'm also sure that every incident is not
> reported, and non violent harassement is not
> reported. As Principal, what does Bruce Butler do
> to prevent this, and what does he hold his staff
> accountable for? Why are there only two security
> personnel in a school where statistically, 21% of
> the population causes a safety offense?

I have lived here for 24 years and my child was in SL then, and I don't recall the incident or the article in the paper. However, that was several years ago, if you are correct and we are in the present. Many here have discussed how subjective the reporting procedures are for school incident reports. Bruce Butler is a stickler for reporting every incident - we are under such a magnifying glass that it would not be in his best interest not to be.

I highly recommend that you ask him for a private tour. He will answer any questions that you might have. We have spoken many times on this thread about the strict disciplinary policies that he has put in place (Thomas More thinks he's too strict). The policies have had very positive impact at the school. Attendance, one of the areas addressed, is dramatically improved. Discipline is much improved - students exhibiting violent behavior are immediately removed from the school and are recommended for expulsion.

The ironic part is that When we have discussed positive behavior programs on this forum we have been derided and made fun of by those in your camp.

I am surprised that your impressions from 10 or so years ago are so set in your mind that you can't find any wiggle room to consider that perhaps things have changed from your apparently bad impression while you were there. Honestly, if you won't even attempt to determine the reality before having the knee-jerk reaction of sending your children to Westfield, then there is really no need to have further discourse with you.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TM,
> I think it's pretty clear how I feel and that is
> has nothing to do with being "afraid" of Herdon.

Then why are you and so many other SL supporters so deferential to the preferences of HHS PTA?

Floris Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There are plenty of condos around RTC priced
> around 300k-350k for two bedrooms. Or shall I ask
> the question the other way, if SL is Oakton, don't
> you think the actual number of school age children
> in RTC will change?
>
> SLVerity Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > According to SB staff, they do not anticipate
> > students being generated from the proposed high
> > density multi-unit housing developments in the
> RTC
> > area. Condo's starting at 600K for two
> bedrooms
> > and moving up to 1 million plus are not
> inhabited
> > by families. Some of the projected development
> is
> > at least 10 years out and is irrelevant to this
> > boundary study at any rate.

I doubt it. Most families don't want to raise their families in an urban center and as their families grow they need to move up to larger spaces. One of the reasons that McNair has a transient population is because people move up, thus out.

SL Verity-

Could you define "violent behavior" for me?

Do you know how many recommendations for expulsion the SL principal has made in the last school year?

Just for your information, there were over 1000 recommendations for expulsion from FCPS principals last year, yet only about 250 were upheld by The SB. It is an arbitrary and capricious act varying greatly among and between schools that results in, often heavy handed punishment.

The whole disciplinary process is extremely flawed so I would caution you in your praise of your "tough" principal.

>>>>Neighborhoods once
> considered outdated are now being reinvented
> (Vienna Woods)...<<<<

Unfortunately, that can't happen in Reston. No tear downs are permitted. Houses have to age in place. It's also one of the reasons new families don't want to move into the houses.

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> seahawk fan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> ... As Principal, what does Bruce Butler do
> to prevent this, and what does he hold his staff
> accountable for? Why are there only two security
> personnel in a school where statistically, 21% of
> the population causes a safety offense?

Your child's actual safety depends on WHO is running the school. Butler seems honorable- who knows how Stu et al will treat him long term if he's not a toady. People in the SL pyramid are sick of the FCPS management junk. They had Rodriguez , got mad, and aren't going to take it any more. Rather than put up with more junk got rid of a known incompetent at Lake Anne. Seems to me South Lakes is now one of the few FCPS schools where people will scream and be heard...



Article on Westfield band director - weird but no one in FCPS is ever responsible for anything like the dirt at Langley:

Cars moved by Westfield musicians
By: Layla Wilder
10/26/2006
Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendly
Christine Henry, a senior at Westfield High School, walked out of the school building to her car on Oct. 19 only to find it suspended in mid-air, according to her father, Peter Henry.


His daughter's red 2003 Honda Civic was being moved and lifted out of the way by the school's band, under the direction of Stephen Panoff, because it was parked in an area designated for the band's practice that day, Henry said.

Advertisement


"The band master barked at my daughter over a loud speaker, 'Is that your car? Get it out of here,'" Henry said.

The band also poured spit on the door handles of his daughter's car, according to Henry, and moved another student's car from the area, causing hundreds of dollars in damage.

The point of the car post is that if a school can't manage the band and band dircetor then how the heck will it do with more complex situations? There are some people who are born to lead and then there are large public school system lifers [employer of last resort]. I suspect there are other reasons FCPS wants Westfield down to a smaller size.

>>>When you bought your house, were you excited about the big socioeconomical melting pot known as Reston? Did you thoroughly investigate the Rreston school system, and inform yourself about South Lakes and their long standing history as an underachieving and violent school, or did you buy your expensive house and have an "Oh Shit!" moment when your child reached school age?<<<

That's the moment when so many Reston families moved down the road to buy in Oak Hill and Chantilly so that their children could go to Chantilly or Oakton High schools.

Since we had small children when we last moved, we simply got all the stats from FCPS and knew that we would not look at a house in South Lakes District. It didn't take much effort and it wasn't difficult.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>When you bought your house, were you excited
> about the big socioeconomical melting pot known as
> Reston? Did you thoroughly investigate the Rreston
> school system, and inform yourself about South
> Lakes and their long standing history as an
> underachieving and violent school, or did you buy
> your expensive house and have an "Oh Shit!" moment
> when your child reached school age?<<<
>
> That's the moment when so many Reston families
> moved down the road to buy in Oak Hill and
> Chantilly so that their children could go to
> Chantilly or Oakton High schools.
>
> Since we had small children when we last moved, we
> simply got all the stats from FCPS and knew that
> we would not look at a house in South Lakes
> District. It didn't take much effort and it
> wasn't difficult.



I love this country.

Padre, aren't you glad SOME people have such discerning taste?

BTW, have you noticed all of the tear-downs and rebuilds and additions in the Hunters Woods, Sunrise Valley, Forest Edge, Lake Anne, and Terraset single-family neighborhoods? Someone in my neighborhood just added a great two-story addition with a new study and master bedroom. I think it's wonderful that folks can reinvent their homes to change with the times.

You are right, this is a great country.

I told myself I wouldn't write on this wall again, becuase the comment I made last night said it all for me, but I am completely shocked, and offended by the way you so called "adults" are acting.

You fight over the internet like a bunch of mean girls would. You don't have real facts, and you judge before you REALLY know anything, and you are hiding the REAL reason you don't want to come to South Lakes. I am an african-american student, and I know that you're afraid of diversity. Its apparent that that is the reason. You feel as though some hispanic gangbangers are going to hurt your precious child, when that's not even the case. You're afraid that the black kids who need affordable housing are gonna beat your kids up, when that's not the case. You can cover up your racism with test scores, and not wanting to lose the value of your home....but we all know.

And the whole anonymous posting thing?
You're a grown adult, stop coming at this like a scared child.

So there IS some hope for those young families that WANT to move to Reston after all? Just what I'd want - a 70's mod house with a new two-story addition. Sounds sweeeet!

Better check those buffer numbers again.

Exotic Flinch Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> my beautiful berdhuises.
> lure me out there.

Sure, no problem. You want your feathers plucked quickly, or oh so slowwwly?

You see Taylor, you are why we don't believe the numerous statements that SL welcomes diversity. (Well, they welcome the rich kind of diversity) Why did you think it was important to use the term hispanic gangbangers, and state that you are an african-american student? Is it really only the black kids that need affordable housing? What does it matter? You don't see anyone else here saying their children are asian-american, european-american, irish-american, etc.

You are one of THEM. And, we don't trust you.

brosb4hos Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So there IS some hope for those young families
> that WANT to move to Reston after all? Just what
> I'd want - a 70's mod house with a new two-story
> addition. Sounds sweeeet!
>
> Better check those buffer numbers again.

Hey brosb4hos:

Can you help a brother out? This isn't a 70's, but maybe it would fit your big head? Sweeet! Come on over.

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> brosb4hos Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > So there IS some hope for those young families
> > that WANT to move to Reston after all? Just
> what
> > I'd want - a 70's mod house with a new
> two-story
> > addition. Sounds sweeeet!
> >
> > Better check those buffer numbers again.
>
> Hey brosb4hos:
>
> Can you help a brother out? This isn't a 70's,
> but maybe it would fit your big head? Sweeet!
> Come on over.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Or this one might be good! I understand a newly redistricted IB teacher has her eye on it so check it out before its sold!!
Attachments:

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I once asked how a
> magnet would help base kids on this board, and no
> one really had a response.

SLPp,
Would an extensive and organized mentoring and tutoring program that was conducted as part of CAS hours be productive? Would that action make the base children feel included? Would that action help them academically?

I think it might.

South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My impressions is that there are a lot of rentals
> in McNair area, which may produce more kids than
> homeowners.

SLPp,
I observe that there are a lot of rentals in McNair, and are inhabited by many children - especially in the low-income apartment units adjacent to the elementary school. These are mostly immigrant families from all over the world - South Asia, East Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Some are transient, but many remain in the neighborhood as the cost of ownership is now unrealistic for many of us. Our wages tend to be low, as Dulles airport is the largest employer for us.

But there is a significantly large, well-paid immigrant community from South Asia that is producing more and more school age children. I saw this as I was registering my child for kindergarten at McNair. If the SB decides to include McNair in SL territory on their final decision, then SL can expect a LARGE increase of immigrants in its school population (many of them not poor, though).

Padre:

Unless you have something in Early Floral, I'm not moving.
Attachments:

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > Can you help a brother out? This isn't a 70's,
> > but maybe it would fit your big head? Sweeet!
> > Come on over.
> --------------------------------------------------
> ------------------------
>
> Or this one might be good! I understand a newly
> redistricted IB teacher has her eye on it so check
> it out before its sold!!



C'mon, VaDriver:

That's home to one of the many Restonians who work in the "intelligence" community......one could get hurt in sharing this top-secret info about that house in.....er.....Langley.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Padre:
>
> Unless you have something in Early Floral, I'm not
> moving.


Where's the garage?

Birdie, this one's on the market in Reston. It even has a birdhouse.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 06:36PM by SLVerity.
Attachments:

SLHS Padre Wrote:
>
> You'll have to explain that 21% statistic. Sounds
> dangerous and false.

Go back a few pages where I listed the safety statistics as stated on the FCPS web site. I do realize that 21% of the children are not violent, but the number of incidents compared to the number of students comes out to 21%. Dangerous? Yes, but not false.

> During the 100 pages of this discussion, your
> question about what is being done now has been
> asked and answered several times,,,,,and in more
> detail than "we over-report". We have also seen
> the Ch. 9 "gang" fight story every 20 pages and
> the Hughes "pimp" story on the same rotation. So
> check the archives.

Yes, I remember the Hughes prostitution ring... I have lived in this area since 1984.

> My cousins went in the 70s and early 80s to
> Herndon and Oakton. I used to visit them from the
> Heartland, and I learned on those visits that
> Chicago and the North Shore was far from the
> cutting edge for partying, casual sex, one-eyed
> express driving (DWI), fighting while inebriated,
> and drugs.
>
> That meant it was pretty major league. Their kids
> had similar experiences at the same schools All
> are doing very well in professions, school, etc.,
> and they really like where they went to school.
> But if I stereotyped their experiences the way so
> many people stereotype SLHS, it would
> be......unfair. So, I won't.

I never said kids didn't party and act reckless everywhere -- they certainly do, and I definitely have my share of war stories. I am sure every poster on this board does, too. I have not blasted South Lakes for being a party school, or for having kids there that smoke pot. That is everywhere. I am concerned about violence and bullying.

I think if statistics change, there is ZERO tolerance for violence and threatening behavior (which too many kids get away with), and AP is brought back to South Lakes, people would be a little more willing to be open minded, HOWEVER, the record is not good at this moment in time, and no one wants their children to have to forge ahead and pave the way for other kids.

FME, you wouldn't be a forger because things are really going well there. I feel like I and Padre and some other Old Timers posting here were the forgers. I still wish you would consider calling Bruce for a tour.

>>>Seems to me South Lakes is now one of the few FCPS schools where people will scream and be heard...<<<>

When Madison got a bad principal, through affirmative action, it took THREE years to get rid of her. When South Lakes got the same kind of principal, it took NINE looooong years to get rid of her. I wouldn't call that listening to the community.

They both should have gone after one year, two at the most. Complaints began at Madison within the first few months when parents resented her new rules imposed on their band, the firing of a favorite teacher and forensic coach, and her bad grammar at back-to-school night. Even the most liberal of parents wanted her GONE and complained constantly to Stu. When they replaced her they were much more careful to involve the community and hire someone who was very acceptable to the parents, someone who had gone to Madison and taught at Madison. He understood the needs and wants of the community, although he does go along with the dopey stuff FCPS imposes, like Professional Learning Communities, a total waste of time even though teachers think it's fun. It gives them time to "cooperate and collaborate", two things they seem to enjoy, but doesn't seem to do anything for students.

>>>>I think if statistics change, there is ZERO tolerance for violence and threatening behavior (which too many kids get away with), and AP is brought back to South Lakes, people would be a little more willing to be open minded,<<<

I agree. It seems like so little to ask for. Boot the kids who aren't there to learn, regardless of race or socioeconomics, and return to AP. That would give parent the message that things really will change at South Lakes.

As long as the South Lakes PTA parents dig in their heals, and refuse to compromise, and refuse to let the parents decide between AP and IB, then they can't expect anyone to want to send their children to South Lakes. With their PTA leaders being so nasty here, they can't expect that to win over anyone. It certainly doesn't give parents warm and fuzzy feelings about South Lakes when they've made it clear that people will be FORCED to go to their school (other than McNair, who they do NOT want). They will make NO compromises on IB vs AP, even if the majority of South Lakes parents would prefer AP. They've been quite clear here that South Lakes will NOT be a democracy. They will NOT permit anyone to voice an opinion that might differ from their's. It's their way or the highway. They will "out" anyone, even a fellow South Lakes parent, who dares to disagree with them. They will threaten that person, even threaten his job, for simply disagreeing with the South Lakes PTA goons' position on anything. Who wants to send their child to a school with parents like that? I taught my children to avoid bullies and to support the First Amendment. The students at South Lakes may be perfectly nice, but their parents are anything but.

>>>>I still wish you would consider calling Bruce for a tour.<<<<

Why? I have no doubt that Mr. Butler gives a nice tour and does an excellent selling job for South Lakes. It won't change stats or the IB program. No one cares about the building, even though it now has doors inside and some windows. There has to be something more for parents to be excited about.

>>>Just what I'd want - a 70's mod house with a new two-story addition. Sounds sweeeet!<<<

Nope. You can do additions in Reston either. You can't tear down an old house and you cannot put on an addition. The Reston association will not allow either.

Try Oak Hill, Oakton, or Vienna, you can build whatever you want.

>>>>I love this country.<<<

Me Too! I love it that we're free and we have choice in everything.

Except schools.

Comment removed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2008 03:45PM by Margie.

Some people really love one-sided conversations.

Neen Wrote:
------------------------------------------------------
>
> Nope. You can do additions in Reston either. You
> can't tear down an old house and you cannot put on
> an addition. The Reston association will not
> allow either.
>
You're right Neen, you sure CAN do additions and tear-downs in Reston. It's happening all around me.

Its a public school. Get over it. They cant make everyone happy. You are afforded the opportunity to have your kids get an education, stop demanding who gets to go to your school! Its not your school its Fairfax Countys unless you want to run it. STFU

Taylor,
Dear, we DO know the facts. That's what being discussed here.

No one cares what color you are. No one is afraid of Black students, or any other color students.

I hope you had a great day and are out doing something fun tonight.

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes Pyramid parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Sharon,
> > Really, get over yourself. Many of us live in
> > expensive homes.
> >
> > Come on, real reasons. My point is that I bet
> you
> > all can't come up with any. You don't want to
> > follow reason or logic. You just don't wanna
> go.
> >
> > And I'm sorry, but FCPS doesn't take that too
> > seriously. They can't, and do their jobs
> > effectively.
>
>
> When you bought your house, were you excited about
> the big socioeconomical melting pot known as
> Reston? Did you thoroughly investigate the
> Rreston school system, and inform yourself about
> South Lakes and their long standing history as an
> underachieving and violent school, or did you buy
> your expensive house and have an "Oh Shit!" moment
> when your child reached school age?
>
> Many people in Fox Mill did the research. You
> chose to live in Reston, many of us chose to buy
> in Fox Mill for Oakton, and to avoid Reston's
> schools.


When you did your research did you realized that Fox Mill ES was nearly 3 times closer to South Lakes (3 miles) than it is to Oakton (8.6 miles)? Did you thus conclude that there was a real possibility that Fox Mill might be redistricted to South Lakes as a result?

I wonder if FME mom knows that in 1984 Fox Mill Estates was redistricted from Herdon to Oakton in a big boundary shift, to backfill the aging neighborhoods around Oakton. At the time, the FME parents didn't want to move from Herndon to Oakton, but they were moved anyway and they adjusted.

Flurries,

You people are too much!. I’m a Crossfield mom and I would no sooner throw our Fox Mill family under the bus as I would the Floris community. Isn’t that What the Germans did to their Jews? This whole process is cowardly and arbitrary. If you SL people spent as much time addressing the real issues confronting your students as you do disregarding and refuting any and all chronic conditions facing your community you may not be in this desperate situation you find yourselves in today. If you think you can continue to ignore your problems by adding more students you are only fooling yourselves. Your best scenario is you possibly buy a little time. But alas, you will find yourself in the same dirty suit not too soon in the future.

To the bright bulb who discerns that Fox Mill and Crossfield should go to SL’s and also believes it’s ridiculous for Navy to move to Oakton: Should we just close Oakton? Or just skim 900 off the top?

If you were truly looking for wealthy kids you would show some balls and go after Langley, Madison or the affluent Reston/Herndon schools. Fox Mill is not an affluent community. It is a hardworking community that makes a lot of sacrifices for its children. These parents made choices. They chose their children’s interests over a bigger or newer house. They chose modest homes in a modest neighborhood that fed to the best stinking high school they could get their kids into. This is not a cheap sacrifice. It is personal. Maybe SL kids would be better off if their parents emulated Fox Mill parents.

. SACRIFICE

SLVerity Wrote:
>
> I have maintained all along that if Floris had
> been added to SL pyramid before the County planned
> Westfield, they would not have made Westfield so
> big. That is not our problem now. Our problem is
> underenrollment.
>
>
And straight from the FC School Board minutes of March 9, 2000...

"Comments continued as follows: that this had been a long and arduous task, but the west County high school now had boundaries and the people of Chantilly, Centreville, Floris, and Hutchison had their new high school; that he knew there were some people in the Floris and Hutchison communities who had wished to maintain their ties to Oakton High School, but that the future of these communities was in the west; that these communities shared homes, hopes, and challenges as well as the traffic challenges of the Route 28 corridor, the need for rail, and a continuing concern over tremendous, unremitting growth and overwhelmed public facilities; that these communities would also share the tremendous opportunities provided by a Smithsonian Annex, “Silicon
Valley East”, Dulles International Airport, a world-class recreational facility, and the newest and most technologically advanced high school; that there would be problems of communication, but everyone was in this together;..."

You see, the vision for Floris, according to the school board is in the WEST and Floris is all in this together.

tictedoff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Flurries,
>

>>You people are too much!. I’m a Crossfield mom and I would no sooner throw our Fox Mill family under the bus as I would the Floris community. Isn’t that What the Germans did to their Jews? This whole process is cowardly and arbitrary. If you SL people spent as much time addressing the real issues confronting your students as you do disregarding and refuting any and all chronic conditions facing your community you may not be in this desperate situation you find yourselves in today. If you think you can continue to ignore your problems by adding more students you are only fooling yourselves. Your best scenario is you possibly buy a little time. But alas, you will find yourself in the same dirty suit not too soon in the future.

To the bright bulb who discerns that Fox Mill and Crossfield should go to SL’s and also believes it’s ridiculous for Navy to move to Oakton: Should we just close Oakton? Or just skim 900 off the top?

If you were truly looking for wealthy kids you would show some balls and go after Langley, Madison or the affluent Reston/Herndon schools. Fox Mill is not an affluent community. It is a hardworking community that makes a lot of sacrifices for its children. These parents made choices. They chose their children’s interests over a bigger or newer house. They chose modest homes in a modest neighborhood that fed to the best stinking high school they could get their kids into. This is not a cheap sacrifice. It is personal. Maybe SL kids would be better off if their parents emulated Fox Mill parents.

. SACRIFICE<<<<<<


Dear Ticked Off,

Do you really want to equate redistricting to the Holocaust? (Edited because I don't want to say something my mother wouldn't approve of)

I just have to add, who are you to judge the parents of Reston? You think we don't care about our children? You shouldn't presume. In addition, I think your comments about FME are insulting. I have lots of friends who live there too and I don't think they would like your characterization. Not everyone aspires to live in a McMansion. Some people don't need the validation of a big home to tell them who they are. That does not mean that they are not affluent.

Furthermore, Reston did not ask for this redistricting and we certainly never asked for wealthy students. That is not our way. I dare you to show up at the public meeting and present your argument. I think you will find it not well-received.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 12/14/2007 11:11PM by SLVerity.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLVerity Wrote:
> >
> > I have maintained all along that if Floris had
> > been added to SL pyramid before the County
> planned
> > Westfield, they would not have made Westfield
> so
> > big. That is not our problem now. Our problem
> is
> > underenrollment.
> >
> >
> And straight from the FC School Board minutes of
> March 9, 2000...
>
> "Comments continued as follows: that this had been
> a long and arduous task, but the west County high
> school now had boundaries and the people of
> Chantilly, Centreville, Floris, and Hutchison had
> their new high school; that he knew there were
> some people in the Floris and Hutchison
> communities who had wished to maintain their ties
> to Oakton High School, but that the future of
> these communities was in the west; that these
> communities shared homes, hopes, and challenges as
> well as the traffic challenges of the Route 28
> corridor, the need for rail, and a continuing
> concern over tremendous, unremitting growth and
> overwhelmed public facilities; that these
> communities would also share the tremendous
> opportunities provided by a Smithsonian Annex,
> “Silicon
> Valley East”, Dulles International Airport, a
> world-class recreational facility, and the newest
> and most technologically advanced high school;
> that there would be problems of communication, but
> everyone was in this together;..."
>
> You see, the vision for Floris, according to the
> school board is in the WEST and Floris is all in
> this together.


Visions change. I once thought that I lived in a larger community of genuinely nice people, but that was then and I was young and naive. (see the statement of Ticked Off, above).

SLVerity, just remember that in 3 or so years when the school board changes South Lakes' vision.


I sort of wonder why Falls Church High School isn't getting the same opportunity that South Lakes is being offered? They are in a similar boat, same size, similar demographics, short athletic and activity rosters. Why isn't anybody clamoring to boost their academic offerings and round out their sports teams?

"When you did your research did you realized that Fox Mill ES was nearly 3 times closer to South Lakes (3 miles) than it is to Oakton (8.6 miles)? Did you thus conclude that there was a real possibility that Fox Mill might be redistricted to South Lakes as a result?"

Excellent Post...

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > Visions change. I once thought that I lived in a
> larger community of genuinely nice people, but
> that was then and I was young and naive. (see the
> statement of Ticked Off, above).

ok, yes, that was kinda strange.

Comment removed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2008 03:46PM by Margie.

Well Cricket, you and I go way back, to around page 25 I think, and I genuinely hope that everything works out for you and your family. I just want people here to know that South Lakes is not the bad place that they some have made it out to be. I am not saying it's perfect either, it's just not bad. I totally understand that you don't want to move and if you have any children already in high school I am sure that they will stay there. But SL is a nice place and the kids are genuinely great. I hope that if you are moved you will give it a try. I encourage you to show your children the Class Speech for 2006. It's on the SLPTSA website. It will give you and them a great idea about the school.

Cricket Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLVerity Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > > Visions change. I once thought that I lived in
> a
> > larger community of genuinely nice people, but
> > that was then and I was young and naive. (see
> the
> > statement of Ticked Off, above).
>
> ok, yes, that was kinda strange.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>Seems to me South Lakes is now one of the few
> FCPS schools where people will scream and be
> heard...<<<>
>
> When Madison got a bad principal, through
> affirmative action, it took THREE years to get rid
> of her. When South Lakes got the same kind of
> principal, it took NINE looooong years to get rid
> of her. I wouldn't call that listening to the
> community.
>
> They both should have gone after one year, two at
> the most. Complaints began at Madison within the
> first few months when parents resented her new
> rules imposed on their band, the firing of a
> favorite teacher and forensic coach, and her bad
> grammar at back-to-school night. Even the most
> liberal of parents wanted her GONE and complained
> constantly to Stu. When they replaced her they
> were much more careful to involve the community
> and hire someone who was very acceptable to the
> parents, someone who had gone to Madison and
> taught at Madison. He understood the needs and
> wants of the community, although he does go along
> with the dopey stuff FCPS imposes, like
> Professional Learning Communities, a total waste
> of time even though teachers think it's fun. It
> gives them time to "cooperate and collaborate",
> two things they seem to enjoy, but doesn't seem to
> do anything for students.


Madison STILL HAS a bad Principal, although I will grant you that it may be the one that they want. If you are a football or baseball player, it is close to Nirvana. Any peccadillos that you commit will be swept quickly under the rug by Mr. Merrill. That rug is starting to get a lot of lumps in it, maybe it will need to be replaced soon.

Dear War-Hock, do you mean that Mr. Merrill might not report every little thing on the school incident report?

krugerhill Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "When you did your research did you realized that
> Fox Mill ES was nearly 3 times closer to South
> Lakes (3 miles) than it is to Oakton (8.6 miles)?
> Did you thus conclude that there was a real
> possibility that Fox Mill might be redistricted to
> South Lakes as a result?"
>
> Excellent Post...

As I said about 40 pages ago, if you did your homework moving into Fairfax County, or moving around in Fairfax County, if there was a particular HS that you wanted your children to attend, you would have bought a house as close as possible to the school. Fairfax County Schools evolve constantly, and those that live near the edges of a school's boundary lines are always at risk of having the line redrawn, with the effect of putting those homes in a different HS boundary area.

Comment removed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2008 03:47PM by Margie.

> Furthermore, Reston did not ask for this redistricting and we certainly never asked for wealthy students. That is not our way.

Really, OK let's just end it here. No redistricting.

Margie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok...GREAT JOB!!! you're moving right along...
> SLVerity and War-hock have made thier closing
> statements, so let's keep this moving ....YOUR
> ALMOST AT THE END!!!


Margie, deal with it, some kids have been suspended/expelled, others appear to have been protected. I don't know how the official reporting works.

This is quite tangential to the redistricting discussion, but I could not let pass the comment that Madison had a bad principal, and now has a good one. I don't know anything about the old one, but I could not disagree more with the sentiment that they now have a good one.

Comment removed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2008 03:48PM by Margie.

Dear Margie, Good night and Merry Christmas! I won't say I'm leaving this forum for good, but let's just say that the spririt of the season is upon me and this board can be a drag, though admittedly sometimes fun! Plus, I have to save my energy for the meeting next week;)

Ciao!

A Christmas present for SLV...

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=91801&paper=62&cat=110

Comment removed



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/12/2008 03:48PM by Margie.

lol Margie

>>>I wonder if FME mom knows that in 1984 Fox Mill Estates was redistricted from Herdon to Oakton in a big boundary shift, to backfill the aging neighborhoods around Oakton. At the time, the FME parents didn't want to move from Herndon to Oakton, but they were moved anyway and they adjusted.<<<

Not quite. It was a domino, much like today. Part of Madison was sent to Marshall because Marshall was so under enrolled. The part of Oakton that was in the town of Madison was sent to Madison to make up for those lost to Marshall. Areas to the west of Oakton were brought into Oakton to fill in for the Vienna kids sent to Madison. The underlying reason was under enrollment at Marshall. All that redistricting was for nothing. Marshall has never been close to full enrollment. It still isn't.

South Lakes, meet Marshall. This is your future. Perpetually 500+ under enrolled.

>>>A Christmas present for SLV...<<<

How nice. Hasn't this same person, Erika, written several letters to the editor praising South Lakes? Can't they find anyone else?