Neen and Westfield,
My point is that there are three levels of GT which are not in centers. Relatively speaking, they are cheap.

First, Young Scholars are not in centers, so they merely go to the gifted math teacher when the grade breaks for math. In your descriptions, Neen, you tend to mix this with centers and go the heck in a handbasket route; YS has nothing to do with diluting a center, whatever that means to you. They merely change classes for math or reading and go to something more accelerated which suits their skills. Further, I can't fathom that GT Level IV kids are hand picked for parental involvement with academics; why should YS? They've already proved themselves. You need to realize that. They are serious students, too, regardless of the home and perhaps in spite of the home. There is nothing subversive about this.

Second, contrary to what you misread, I am not complaining about or judging the cost of centers, Westfield, or that centers exist in select schools. (My, how you put words in my mouth and run away with it!) Centers speak for themselves costwise; they're expensive and that was my complete point. Instead, I am justifying inexpensive GT services, for example as there are two other types, for YS kids at the top (for whatever reason) of (gasp!) regular classes who get bored, too. I don't care what race these children are and I do not understand why it is such an issue the people on this board. Besides, if anyone fails in YS, they can relatively seamlessly go back to regular classes for their mere one or two YS subjects. What's the big deal? Nobody built a center for them!

handpicked Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Restonian Wrote:
>
> >
> > McNair is further from South Lakes than the
> areas
> > suggested to move in the current scenario.
> >
> > Moving McNair to South Lakes would have worked
> > against the study criteria.
>
>
> This is so untrue. McNair is just as close. Many
> of the McNair neighborhoods. Many of the
> wealthier McNair neighborhoods. Is it you? or
> Stu? who has access to the exact condo or
> apartment numbers that contained the disadvantaged
> contingent from McNair. Or was it just easier to
> hand-pick some other bulk from an overall "better"
> looking school? You can ramble all day about how
> virtuous this process was and how little the SL
> PTSA had to do with it. But by now it goes on
> deaf ears. The perception that SL and Stu went
> hand and hand to hand-pick the choice
> neighboorhoods will never be corrected outside of
> SL. I am curious what you know about McNair, other
> than the statistics you see that cause you to
> continuously parrot the SL PTSA? What do you
> know about Fox Mill and/or Floris other than the
> good statistics that show up on paper cause your
> mouth to drool?


Do you want to be in the SLHS pyramid (assuming you are in McNair ES boundary)?

Most McNair parents that talked to me said that they didn't want to come to SLHS....were happy with Westfield....Herndon ok, but SLHS has the "bad" element, etc.

Are you perturbed that some (and I mean "some" b/c a good portion of SLHS parents were and would be fine with having McNair kids at SLHS) parents argued for the Floris switch w/McNair? Or is there some other reason that you are agitated by this?

Restonian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis Wrote:
> > Moving Navy to Oakton also works against the
> study
> > criteria.
>
>
> Moving Navy to Oakton was a domino in the current
> scenario.

Being a domino in the scenario does not rationalize working against the study criteria. This logic is failed, and so is that of the School Board. Their criteria are laughable as they cannot even consistently honor them themselves. This lack of consistency leads thousands of us to believe that there are unspoken motives for this redistricting.

> Did you have a scenario that met the criteria
> better and affected fewer students?

The criteria are arbitrary, self-conflicting and excessively limited in scope. But to humour the question, I would have proposed sending West Flint Hill (Madison), Madison Island and the proximate part of Langley to South Lakes.

> The criteria weren't rules,

Then why try to validate the criteria by asking me for a scenario which best suited them?

> and the current
> scenario works to meet them better than any other
> I have seen.

There is even a better scenario: give South Lakes a Humanities Magnet Program.

Well said Oakton Parent. I cannot believe all the chatter about where everyone shops and eats. I assume that many of the people posting here have dined in the District of Columbia, should we assume they would like to have their children attend DC schools on that basis?
Please look to the McKibben study and the Task Force on Enrollment Projections, recommendations to the staff of FCPS, to gain a better understanding of the type of mess this truly is. FCPS has been misprojecting enrollment numbers for years. They spin them to achieve whatever their desired result may be. Need more money, then watch enrollment numbers project to grow, want to redistrict to improve the scores at a struggling school, watch enrollment projections plummet! McKibben advised them to use a better methodology, a citizen task force, appointed by current board members, stated their system was outdated, understaffed, underfunded and in need of an overhaul. Tisdadt's response was 'thanks for the compliment'. He feels it aint broken, so why fix it. Afterall if FCPS based it's enrollment projections on a solid complete methodology, it would increase accountability and nobody wants that. These documents are all found on FCPS.edu School Board page under Enrollment Projection Accuracy reports, right beneath the west county boundary study info.

I'm not trying to throw another community under the bus, I'm just tired of folks trying to say Floris is the closest to move. I agree that a the best choice for SLH would be an IB magnet school, since they are so much in love with SLH, and does not care how much resource the IB program takes away from the general population in SLH.


FedUpWithRD Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Restonian Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Distance Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Restontian,
> > > Do you live in Floris or McNair area? If you
> > check from the
> > > distance from the two elementary schools to
> the
> > > SLH, Floris is further away. If you check
> from
> > the
> > > approximate center of each of the elementary
> > > school district, Floris is further away. To
> be
> > > fair, as the moved area is only the so-called
> > > Floris East, if you use the approximate
> center
> > of
> > > "Floris East" and the center of "McNair
> East",
> > I
> > > still cannot get the conclusion that McNair
> is
> > > further from SLH.
> >
> > The area we are discussing is the area moved in
> > the current scenario -- not the elementary
> schools
> > themselves.
> >
> > You are right, it does look like a few streets
> in
> > the McNair boundary are closer to SL than a few
> > streets in the Floris area moving.
> >
> > As you can guess by my posting name, I don't
> live
> > in Floris or McNair -- but I've lived and
> driven
> > in this area for a long time.
> >
> > I did not see any option that moved McNair that
> > did a better job of meeting the eight criteria,
> > and impacted fewer students than the current
> > scenario. Did you?
> >
> > > As for "not creating new attendance island
> for
> > > Crossfield", is that right to create a new
> > split
> > > feeder? Also, Crossfield is already feeding
> SLH.
> >
> >
> > I'm confused about what you are saying here.
> >
> > Personally, I would have preferred to see the
> > Crossfield split simply widened to send more
> > streets to South Lakes in place of moving
> Floris.
>
>
> Why do you feel that moving Crossfield helps the
> overcrowding situation at Westfield? The Oakton
> pyramid is neither overcrowded or underenrolled.
> Why would you not expect that a school in an
> overcrowded area should not have to move? If one
> pyramid is overcrowded and another is
> underenrolled the solution seems obvious. Stop
> trying to throw other schools under the bus. What
> has happened to Fox Mill is disgusting. If more
> of Crossfield goes to SL where will the backfill
> come from? Should we just disrupt everyone so
> that Floris can be left alone? Furthermore and
> more importantly, why should any of us be moved
> when in the end it will not help the problem of a
> dying community in Reston? Making SL a magnet
> school is what makes sense in the long run, but of
> course if it makes sense, the SB isn't interested.

What an accomplishment.....Made the top ten!



Top Ten Stories of 2007
Fairfax County
Source: Fairfax County Times
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 2007

http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/news/2007/dec/29/top-ten-stories-2007/


Western County Boundary Study causes controversy

Fairfax County Public Schools staff began the west county high school boundary study after the School Board voted for it on July 16.
Three town meetings have come and gone, the last one on Dec. 19, and the process created controversies that persist and will likely imbue the public hearings on Jan. 30 and 31. .......continues.....

No one wants to go to SL. They should just shut it down and open a Magnet school there. Every one will be happy. Exisiting SL students can go to Langley, madison and Oakton - a great deal for them and the others wont be forced to attend SL

peyew Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I wonder where the families who live
> in McNair shop and eat? I hope it is not at the
> Reston Target or the new Harris Teeter. That
> might mean that they are not as disadvantaged as
> some Restonians think.

If you don't regularly shop at the Clock Tower Shoppers Food Warehouse, then you don't really know McNair.

Here's a serious School Board criteria flaw:
Overcrowding at Westfield and Chantilly HS

1. No one should be using the modular units as an argument that these schools are overcrowded. The modulars are good classroom facilities, whose condition are superior to many of the main public high school structures I have visited in Virginia. They are also superior to all of DC's public schools.

2. No one from Westfield and Chantilly with whom I've spoken on the issue of overcrowding has affirmed that there is such a problem. Just the opposite, they have all so far said there is plenty of room, supplies, equipment, activities, participation for all students.

3. If the School Board seriously believed that 2000 students is the ideal population for a high school, then it would not bother to attempt to backfill Oakton HS after moving Fox Mill in Option #5. This is why most of us do not believe the School Board; they don't believe it themselves.

If the school board really felt that 2000 students is the ideal size for a high school, they would not have built Westfield with a capacity of 2500, and then added the addition for 600 more students a couple of years later.I noticed that the School Board adopted this "new ideal size" from a 1984 study,and discovered it again in July of this year, in an attempt to help justify the need for this current boundary study.

There are so many flaws in this boundary study, that someone must try to at least pause it until the SB can look at all of the county schools, and make a broad based decision on what is best for the students, parents and the communities as a whole.

Parents Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Nothing posted here will change my perceptions
> about SL. I live in East Floris and I am for sure
> will not send my kids to SL.
>
> The entire process is so unfair and absurd. No
> matter what the final decision is, SB definitely
> failed it's mission.

If the school board had any sense, and cared at all about public perception of them and their staff, they would know this process has failed. Not only did the process fail, but the outcome will also fail. It's so obvious to everyone that they need to scrap this mess and start over if they have ANY hope of ever filling South Lakes.

Retro Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen and Westfield,
> My point is that there are three levels of GT
> which are not in centers. Relatively speaking,
> they are cheap.
>
> First, Young Scholars are not in centers, so they
> merely go to the gifted math teacher when the
> grade breaks for math. In your descriptions, Neen,
> you tend to mix this with centers and go the heck
> in a handbasket route; YS has nothing to do with
> diluting a center, whatever that means to you.
> They merely change classes for math or reading and
> go to something more accelerated which suits their
> skills. Further, I can't fathom that GT Level IV
> kids are hand picked for parental involvement with
> academics; why should YS? They've already proved
> themselves. You need to realize that. They are
> serious students, too, regardless of the home and
> perhaps in spite of the home. There is nothing
> subversive about this.
>
> Second, contrary to what you misread, I am not
> complaining about or judging the cost of centers,
> Westfield, or that centers exist in select
> schools. (My, how you put words in my mouth and
> run away with it!) Centers speak for themselves
> costwise; they're expensive and that was my
> complete point. Instead, I am justifying
> inexpensive GT services, for example as there are
> two other types, for YS kids at the top (for
> whatever reason) of (gasp!) regular classes who
> get bored, too. I don't care what race these
> children are and I do not understand why it is
> such an issue the people on this board. Besides,
> if anyone fails in YS, they can relatively
> seamlessly go back to regular classes for their
> mere one or two YS subjects. What's the big deal?
> Nobody built a center for them!

GT Centers are expensive? Will you please show us how?

I've never said any GT programs were expensive because they aren't.

I have no idea why race is so important to FCPS staff, but it is.

LeaveMyKidAlone Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well said Oakton Parent. I cannot believe all the
> chatter about where everyone shops and eats. I
> assume that many of the people posting here have
> dined in the District of Columbia, should we
> assume they would like to have their children
> attend DC schools on that basis?
> Please look to the McKibben study and the Task
> Force on Enrollment Projections, recommendations
> to the staff of FCPS, to gain a better
> understanding of the type of mess this truly is.
> FCPS has been misprojecting enrollment numbers for
> years. They spin them to achieve whatever their
> desired result may be. Need more money, then watch
> enrollment numbers project to grow, want to
> redistrict to improve the scores at a struggling
> school, watch enrollment projections plummet!
> McKibben advised them to use a better methodology,
> a citizen task force, appointed by current board
> members, stated their system was outdated,
> understaffed, underfunded and in need of an
> overhaul. Tisdadt's response was 'thanks for the
> compliment'. He feels it aint broken, so why fix
> it. Afterall if FCPS based it's enrollment
> projections on a solid complete methodology, it
> would increase accountability and nobody wants
> that. These documents are all found on FCPS.edu
> School Board page under Enrollment Projection
> Accuracy reports, right beneath the west county
> boundary study info.

YUP. HUGE problem, the internet. Citizens can find out what is really happening, how faulty the FCPS 'studies' are, how poor their projections are, and how our money is being spent. Since few of FCPS staff and school board have any interest in the internet, they had NO idea what the public could find online. It's been a real shock to them that the truth couldn't continue to be hidden. That has made this boundary change and community meetings different from all previous meetings where it was much easier to deceive the public. It just won't work this time, which leaves the school board and staff scratching their heads.

So much for their new 'transparency' and 'accountability' under their silly Strategic Governance. The Emperors are wearing no clothes, and now everyone has seen how naked they are.

>>>>There is even a better scenario: give South Lakes a Humanities Magnet Program.<<<<

When nearly 3,000 students pay to compete each year to go to TJ, why can't the school board see that your solution would be the best one? Is it just the stubborn ideology of Stu Gibson that prevents the obvious answer?

Floris Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If the school board really felt that 2000 students
> is the ideal size for a high school, they would
> not have built Westfield with a capacity of 2500,
> and then added the addition for 600 more students
> a couple of years later.I noticed that the School
> Board adopted this "new ideal size" from a 1984
> study,and discovered it again in July of this
> year, in an attempt to help justify the need for
> this current boundary study.
>
> There are so many flaws in this boundary study,
> that someone must try to at least pause it until
> the SB can look at all of the county schools, and
> make a broad based decision on what is best for
> the students, parents and the communities as a
> whole.

Remember when this began and they told us that the community would drive the outcome? What a joke that was! It's amazing that they thought they could pull that off, convincing the public to go along with their pre determined outcome. Just how stupid did they think the people were?

The school board will not agree to do pause this unless Stu Gibson agrees to do that. These are his schools, only he an agree to stop and begin again. Obviously he will not agree. Perhaps he will be recalled, as is looking more and more likely. In the meantime, perhaps the board of supervisors will agree that this insanity must stop. There is simply too much public opposition to this flawed mess for it ever to ever be beneficial for South Lakes, or anyone else. If the board of supervisors believes that their tax increases are at risk, they will put pressure on the school board to stop this insanity. If the schools think they won't get their money from the board of supervisors, they will stop it, even without Stu's approval. Only pressure from the board of supervisors will halt the insanity.

Happy New Year.

The Padre and I just returned from a dinner party hosted by Berhuiis. Padre loved it. I was bored to death. Dick Clark's 'post stroke' comments from Times Square were more exciting.

Padre is currently wearing my dress and dancing around in a stupor, yelling, "Neen, don't hurt me. Stay away. I need my Mommy."

Padre has been subdued and is now in bed....still wearing a dress.

'Night, Padre.

I'm tired of Floris claiming they are under the gun here. I'm tired of Fox Mill and Floris thinking they are better than McNair. Give it a rest. Our elementary, middle and high school has changed since I have lived here...please explain all your changes. We get another one in 2009. We get it...you don't want to move with us. Evidently, we've already filled your schools to capacity, because they are no longer a transfer option. We are already there. The way people here talk about children...let me say it again...children...is horrible. Granted some of you have children at one school...and don't want two kids in two schools...I'm there with you...I understand that, but the things I've heard and seen...really make me think twice...my children are far better where they are, because they don't see colors. We are all different shades of brown....even us white people....:) I know your academic superior isn't that great...I've seen some of it...

Sorry Neen, Stu Gibson is not the do all end all of this. Yes he has a vote, but this spans very wide...look at the South County....think about it.


Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Floris Parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > If the school board really felt that 2000
> students
> > is the ideal size for a high school, they would
> > not have built Westfield with a capacity of
> 2500,
> > and then added the addition for 600 more
> students
> > a couple of years later.I noticed that the
> School
> > Board adopted this "new ideal size" from a 1984
> > study,and discovered it again in July of this
> > year, in an attempt to help justify the need
> for
> > this current boundary study.
> >
> > There are so many flaws in this boundary study,
> > that someone must try to at least pause it
> until
> > the SB can look at all of the county schools,
> and
> > make a broad based decision on what is best for
> > the students, parents and the communities as a
> > whole.
>
> Remember when this began and they told us that the
> community would drive the outcome? What a joke
> that was! It's amazing that they thought they
> could pull that off, convincing the public to go
> along with their pre determined outcome. Just how
> stupid did they think the people were?
>
> The school board will not agree to do pause this
> unless Stu Gibson agrees to do that. These are his
> schools, only he an agree to stop and begin again.
> Obviously he will not agree. Perhaps he will be
> recalled, as is looking more and more likely. In
> the meantime, perhaps the board of supervisors
> will agree that this insanity must stop. There is
> simply too much public opposition to this flawed
> mess for it ever to ever be beneficial for South
> Lakes, or anyone else. If the board of
> supervisors believes that their tax increases are
> at risk, they will put pressure on the school
> board to stop this insanity. If the schools think
> they won't get their money from the board of
> supervisors, they will stop it, even without Stu's
> approval. Only pressure from the board of
> supervisors will halt the insanity.

> If the school board had any sense, and cared at
> all about public perception of them and their
> staff, they would know this process has failed.
> Not only did the process fail, but the outcome
> will also fail. It's so obvious to everyone that
> they need to scrap this mess and start over if
> they have ANY hope of ever filling South Lakes.

In project management, the last measure that is used to correct a serious problem in the project is scope modification. In summary, this is the most displeasing to management because it exposes poor planning and insists that project planning be reinitiated - a labor intensive activity. Yes, there would be extra cost in replanning the mission, but it would generate a much greater savings in the future by executing a project that obviated the need for much modification in the future.

Although the School Board may decide to continue with their plan under the given, inconsistently followed criteria, I hope instead that it would reconsider its stance on scope. This would allow for a more beneficial solution to all parties involved. There really is a way to pay Paul without robbing Peter.

You know, it is South Lakes that doesn't want McNair.


VoiceOfReason Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm tired of Floris claiming they are under the
> gun here. I'm tired of Fox Mill and Floris
> thinking they are better than McNair. Give it a
> rest. Our elementary, middle and high school has
> changed since I have lived here...please explain
> all your changes. We get another one in 2009. We
> get it...you don't want to move with us.
> Evidently, we've already filled your schools to
> capacity, because they are no longer a transfer
> option. We are already there. The way people here
> talk about children...let me say it
> again...children...is horrible. Granted some of
> you have children at one school...and don't want
> two kids in two schools...I'm there with you...I
> understand that, but the things I've heard and
> seen...really make me think twice...my children
> are far better where they are, because they don't
> see colors. We are all different shades of
> brown....even us white people....:) I know your
> academic superior isn't that great...I've seen
> some of it...

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

>
> Although the School Board may decide to continue
> with their plan under the given, inconsistently
> followed criteria, I hope instead that it would
> reconsider its stance on scope. This would allow
> for a more beneficial solution to all parties
> involved. There really is a way to pay Paul
> without robbing Peter.

At this point, the impression people get is that SB is will not listen to people's voice. SB members' main focus is their political gains.

One way to fight this is law suit. One group of Floris parents have consulted two lawyers and established a fund. A letter will be sent to the SB next week asking really tough questions. If SB can not provide all necessary documents supporting the redistrict process, they are breaking law.

Ironically, the communities being picked are not powerful enough but are rich enough to afford lawyers.

You can argue and argue but SL will have the last laugh. Stu lives in reston, has had his children go to SL, and will stand by SL. Like it or not he has the power and you guys don't. So join the SL group in defending SL instead of posting arguments against it. See you soon in SL.

Retro,

The only real cost for the traditional GT Center program was out-of-boundary buses. GTC teachers teach large classes, and don't get instructional aides or relief through pull-out programs with the GT resource teachers.

Young Scholars is not as cheap as the FCPS budget would indicate, because all the time spent by GT central headquarters and GT resource teachers on Young Scholars is not allocated to Young Scholars. Presumably the free summer and other programs are included in the FCPS budget for Young Scholars. Young Scholars also have a full-time regular classroom teacher (which is all the GTC kids get).

Retro Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen and Westfield,
>
My point is that there are three levels of GT
> which are not in centers. Relatively speaking,
> they are cheap.
>
Centers speak for themselves
> costwise; they're expensive and that was my
> complete point. Instead, I am justifying
> inexpensive GT services, for example as there are
> two other types, for YS kids at the top (for
> whatever reason) of (gasp!) regular classes who
> get bored, too.

Living Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Berdhuis Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > Although the School Board may decide to
> continue
> > with their plan under the given, inconsistently
> > followed criteria, I hope instead that it would
> > reconsider its stance on scope. This would
> allow
> > for a more beneficial solution to all parties
> > involved. There really is a way to pay Paul
> > without robbing Peter.
>
> At this point, the impression people get is that
> SB is will not listen to people's voice. SB
> members' main focus is their political gains.
>
> One way to fight this is law suit. One group of
> Floris parents have consulted two lawyers and
> established a fund. A letter will be sent to the
> SB next week asking really tough questions. If SB
> can not provide all necessary documents supporting
> the redistrict process, they are breaking law.
>
> Ironically, the communities being picked are not
> powerful enough but are rich enough to afford
> lawyers.


I would be very interested in taking on your case, as it has little prospect of success but would make me very famous and very rich. I am in favor of this form of wealth redistribution (in my direction). I am at your service.

Please contact me at Dewey, Cheatem and Howe.com

Perry Mason Wrote:

>
> I would be very interested in taking on your case,
> as it has little prospect of success but would
> make me very famous and very rich. I am in favor
> of this form of wealth redistribution (in my
> direction). I am at your service.
>
> Please contact me at Dewey, Cheatem and Howe.com

Yes SB can redistrict deemed necessary. Yes unfairness is not crime. But there ARE laws and procedures that need to be followed in a redistrict process. Let the law suit decide if SB followed them properly.

The only people that South Lakes will see from Floris/Fox Mill, are those that are not financially able to seek other schooling options, and or those that are unable to be pupil placed into other schools due to lack of grades for AP classes, transportation etc. I am quite confident that most of the parents in the targeted communities with bright children will do what ever it takes to keep their children out of South Lakes. The fact that the SB is forcing this on us with no real concern for our opinions will only make us more intent on circumventing this boundary change.

I guess that South Lakes will pick up some kids to fill up class room spaces, but it will not be the "advantaged children" that South Lakes PTSA wants.

last_laugh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You can argue and argue but SL will have the last
> laugh. Stu lives in reston, has had his children
> go to SL, and will stand by SL. Like it or not he
> has the power and you guys don't. So join the SL
> group in defending SL instead of posting arguments
> against it. See you soon in SL.


Sorry, we can't join you. Stu can rob our house value but he will not have our kids. After this whole nonsense process, even SLH is the number one school in the whole world, we will never send our kids there, period!

VoiceOfReason Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm tired of Floris claiming they are under the
> gun here. I'm tired of Fox Mill and Floris
> thinking they are better than McNair. Give it a
> rest. Our elementary, middle and high school has
> changed since I have lived here...please explain
> all your changes. We get another one in 2009. We
> get it...you don't want to move with us.
> Evidently, we've already filled your schools to
> capacity, because they are no longer a transfer
> option. We are already there. The way people here
> talk about children...let me say it
> again...children...is horrible. Granted some of
> you have children at one school...and don't want
> two kids in two schools...I'm there with you...I
> understand that, but the things I've heard and
> seen...really make me think twice...my children
> are far better where they are, because they don't
> see colors. We are all different shades of
> brown....even us white people....:) I know your
> academic superior isn't that great...I've seen
> some of it...

Hi Voice of reason, I can't follow what you are saying. I don't think that parents in Fox Mill or Floris have ever said that they were better than McNair. I am quite sure that Floris parents would love to stay with McNair in Westfield High. I belive that it was several members of the South Lakes PTSA that referred to not wanting McNair in their school, because they "already have enough low income and disadvantaged kids".

I too would be insulted if another PTSA referred to my children or my school in this manner.

As far as changes that have occured in the Floris Community, we have also changed high schools, middle schools, and will surely be impacted with the opening of Coppermine elem. We feel your pain, and I believe that the Floris parents are united in the effort to put a halt to this current bounday study, and leave us at Westfield. I cannot speak for Fox Mill, as I don't live there, but I suspect that they feel the same way.

We hope that all of the families who are happy with their current school membership will continue to push for a stop to this current study.

This is so true.

Floris Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The only people that South Lakes will see from
> Floris/Fox Mill, are those that are not
> financially able to seek other schooling options,
> and or those that are unable to be pupil placed
> into other schools due to lack of grades for AP
> classes, transportation etc. I am quite confident
> that most of the parents in the targeted
> communities with bright children will do what ever
> it takes to keep their children out of South
> Lakes. The fact that the SB is forcing this on us
> with no real concern for our opinions will only
> make us more intent on circumventing this boundary
> change.
>
> I guess that South Lakes will pick up some kids to
> fill up class room spaces, but it will not be the
> "advantaged children" that South Lakes PTSA wants.

I have been reading many posts and information about the high school redistricting, from reading the meeting notes posted by FCPS.edu, the newspaper and this site. As a parent of a rising 9th grader affected by the potential redistricting, I do not support the redistricting for a number of reasons,not because one high school is better than another or particular issues at a particular high school, etc, but HOW the boundary study was carried out. It is completely flawed. It all started with selected high schools from the west county and excluding a couple high schools such as Langley to address overcrowing and underenrollment issues..seems to me now the BIG issue is SLHS's underenrollment. Everybody is talking about SLHS! Is it all about SLHS all along? I have nothing against SLHS, but like I said, the study was carried out all wrong with inconsistencies and having some communities "handpicked". What kind of right is that to "dictate" oh that community should go to that high school, etc. Leave redistricting at its rest or a string of law suits will follow. I am already sensing law suits will be formed. I think the fairest way is to overhaul this study and do a COUNTY-wide study of every single high school and its communities. Look at TJ HS! They have expressed interest that because of their overcapacity issues, that adding another magnet HS from the west county would be very helpful to TJ's overcapacity. Again, leave the redistricting at its rest. All I hope is that communities work together to look at the ROOT of the problem not just handpick students to go to a HS as a band aid solution to inflate a HS enrollment. It does not work that way. Any comments? Thanks.

Virginia Code grants SB power to conduct boundary changes under 22.1-79, paragraph 4, which states that the SB may "Provide for the consolidation of schools or redistricting of school boundaries or adopt pupil assignment plans whenever such procedure will contribute to the efficiency of the school division."

My question is that what study SB has done to prove that this redistricting is more efficiency than no redisctrcting? I have been following this redistricting since begining, never in one place found any refernece on this study.

If there is no study to support this redistricting, is this process still legal?

I am sure that most of you have read this article, but I personally resent the SL's aprent and PTSA VP (Maria Allen) for stating “That’s kind of typical for this sort of situation,” said Maria Allen, vice president of the South Lakes High School Parent Teacher Student Association. “The truth of the matter is that a lot of affluent people don’t want to send their kids to schools that have a large low-income population.”

How can she have the nerve and authority to speak for the sentiments of other parents who are a part of the South Lakes pyramid? It is very apparent that she and many of the South Lakes parents and students love their chosen school. I applaud this attitude.

The question is, why, when other parents and students of different schools express the same love and support for their chosen school, do we suddendly become labeled as racist or be seen as not respecting South lakes students and staff.

Sorry, I forgot to attach the article

http://www.examiner.com/a-1117687~Parents_pressure_school_board_to_rethink_boundary_change.html

VoiceOfReason Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sorry Neen, Stu Gibson is not the do all end all
> of this. Yes he has a vote, but this spans very
> wide...look at the South County....think about
> it.
>
>
> dont forget that Kathy Smith is just as unreasonable. Maybe it is because her own child does not have to switch from Chantilly. It seems easy for her to suggest to us Navy parents that we should have to sacrifice our kids. I wonder what her stance would be if her own family would have to wake up 30 minutes earlier, be on a school bus for 45 minutes extra and have her daughter travel 66 during rush hour on a daily basis? I think she would be more of a voice a reason and not so stupid and conniving.

Floris Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am sure that most of you have read this article,
> but I personally resent the SL's parent and PTSA
> VP (Maria Allen)


Right, she also said (paraphrasing) that if people were so concerned, they should have gotten involved earlier. Never mind that this has been rumored for several years, and that queries to FCPS resulted in responses saying "Nothing has been decided yet, wait until the boundary study happens".

She should have been smart enough to keep her mouth shut; as it is, she just fanned the flames.

Here is a link to StopRd.org. There are some interesting quotes and other information pertaining to this bounday study.

http://stoprd.org/doublespeakvsreality.html

It appears that Stu knows something that Kathy Smith does not, if you compare the 2 quotes below.

When I read the quote from Stu Gibson to the SL's PTSA, it sounds like the decision to redistrict and the targeted schools was already made, even though I have been told by FCPS Staff memebers that nothing is set in stone, and that the Boundary Change may or may not happen.:

"Nothing Has Been Decided"

FCPS Statement


“…Community input is vital. I understand the angst, but we need to have the discussion. However, we haven’t made any decisions.” ---- FCPS school board member Kathy Smith as reported in the Connection Newspapers, October 11, 2007


The Reality
"The new boundaries will be drawn to relieve overcrowding at Westfield HS and Chantilly HS, and therefore new students will likely come (to South Lakes HS) from the west (in the possible direction of Fox Mill, Crossfield, Floris, or McNair elementary schools) rather than North Reston. The only middle and elementary school boundaries that could be affected are those around "Madison island," an area of Reston that is part of the Madison HS attendance area." --- Oct 17 statement made to the South Lakes HS PTSA by school board member Stu Gibson -- as reported in the South Lakes HS PTSA Nov. 2007 newsletter.


Editor's Note: While FCPS continues to refer to the "Madison Island" area as being in Reston, it is geographically located in Vienna.

I have heard a number of times from FCPS Staff members that the current alternate plan #5 that was discussed on December 19th at Oakton, was not in anyway based on the Option # 5 that the South Lakes PTSA had posted on their web site. In fact, when I was speaking with Dean Tisdadt in the hallway after the Oakton meeting, I asked him why we were making comments on the South Lakes Option #5. He replied that this lastest scenario was not the South Lakes PTSA option, and that he had never even seen the South Lakes Option #5 proposal.

This is a direct lie, because at the December 3rd meeting at Westfield, I was in the hall speaking with Dean when a couple of South Lakes PTSA members approached Dean with a couple of mothers from Fox Mill Elementary. They were very excited as that were telling Dean how happy Fox Mill would be to come to South Lakes "if" Floris was included. After they left, I asked Dean what they were talking about, as what they were speaking of did not correlate with any of the 4 scenario's that we were discussing that night. He said that he did not think that any of the 1st 4 scenario's were going to be the end scenario. As I think back, this was his way of stating that he already knew what option was going to be presented to the SB.

Observer on line article.

http://www.observernews.com/stories/current/news/120707/redistricting.shtml

Floris Parent,

alot of your stuff is old news on this board.

You are wasting your time and money pursuing legal actions against the SB. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out it is inefficient to have one high school have only 1400 students while the other is over 3000 and all others all close to 2000. It is obvious that one high school shoulder 33% disadvantaged students while others having much less is inefficient. We don't need to waste tax payer's money to conduct study on whether to proceed redistricting.

No change is really not an option. We just had an election. Stu Gibson won convincingly against the no-change candidate.

After reading posts here I am of the mind that the best option is that of converting South Lakes to a "TJ West" and "redistricting" the South Lakes District to feed into neighboring high schools.

1. Fairfax County's population is growing and more space for gifted and talented children will be needed. South Lakes has just been upgraded.

2. Less advantaged children in Reston can attend high schools that outperform, in the main, almost all American public high schools. These children are surrounded by excellent high schools that can help --equally.

3. Converting South Lakes into a "TJHS" West can only improve real estate values in Reston. A feather in the cap for Restonians and "increased" tax revenues for Fairfax County.

4. Properties slated to feed an underperforming high school will retain their value. Homeowners will be greatly relieved and their children will still get the great eduation that parents bargained for. Meanwhile, Fairfax County can "maintain" tax revenues from those homes instead of marking those home values down.

Let the existing student population of Western Fairfax feed the New "South Lakes Gifted and Talented" and open up ALL the excellent Western Fairfax high schools to the Reston children.

Everyone Wins. Lets do it.

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You are wasting your time and money pursuing legal
> actions against the SB. It doesn't take a rocket
> scientist to figure out it is inefficient to have
> one high school have only 1400 students while the
> other is over 3000 and all others all close to
> 2000. It is obvious that one high school shoulder
> 33% disadvantaged students while others having
> much less is inefficient. We don't need to waste
> tax payer's money to conduct study on whether to
> proceed redistricting.
>
> No change is really not an option. We just had an
> election. Stu Gibson won convincingly against the
> no-change candidate.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that some SB members put their political interests above peoples'. It also doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that SB does not listen to people's voice. Law suit is the only way to get their attention.

Speaking about tax payers' money. It's almost laughable how much has been wasted by SB. It has been discussed to death on this discussion board. In fact, one of the real political purposes of this redistrict process is to cover up the mistakes made by the SB of misspending tax payers' money.

Inefficient study is a necessary step to support the redistrict process. Let the court decide whether lack of it is legal or not.

Changes based on political reasons are worse than no changes.

I don't quite get what political interests you are referring to that the SB has. Stu Gibson won an election easily against an opponent whose only platform was against redistricting. It is clear that the majority of people either support the redistricting or they don't really care.

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't quite get what political interests you are
> referring to that the SB has. Stu Gibson won an
> election easily against an opponent whose only
> platform was against redistricting. It is clear
> that the majority of people either support the
> redistricting or they don't really care.

Was redistricting the only issue in the Hunter Mill School Board District election? If not, then it is only valid to say that Stu Gibson was reelected by the majority of people who voted in the Hunter Mill School Board District.

Furthermore, it was pointed out many pages ago that roughly two-thirds of voters in the Fox Mill precinct voted against Stu Gibson. They cared, and obviously they did not support redistricting.

Out of curiosity, Which precincts in Hunter Mill preferred Mr. Gibson?

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't quite get what political interests you are
> referring to that the SB has. Stu Gibson won an
> election easily against an opponent whose only
> platform was against redistricting. It is clear
> that the majority of people either support the
> redistricting or they don't really care.


You should ask SB whether excluding Langley and Madison is a result of political interests?

The majority of the people support a FAIR redistrict process. Not the one here. Had the process been open and fair, people that are affected would not have been this outraged.

Fox Mill Estates Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> 3. Converting South Lakes into a "TJHS" West can
> only improve real estate values in Reston.

Just how does a TJ West magnet that only serves the top 5% of student population increase real-estate values in Reston? A stronger base school will be much better for the community. Also, folks here seem to think that real-estate values in Reston are supressed, and that could not be further from the truth.

I just read on the Washington Post Style section Out and In list that AP Calculus is out and Latin class is in.

Stu Gibson's opponent's main platform was against redistricting. She had the backing of a political group against boundary change. She lost! It is reasonable to conclude that people who voted for Gibson support boundary change as this is a deciding issue of the SB election.

2/3 of fox mill may have voted against Gibson but they are the minority of Hunter Mill district.

Living Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Reston Parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I don't quite get what political interests you
> are
> > referring to that the SB has. Stu Gibson won
> an
> > election easily against an opponent whose only
> > platform was against redistricting. It is clear
> > that the majority of people either support the
> > redistricting or they don't really care.
>
>
> You should ask SB whether excluding Langley and
> Madison is a result of political interests?
>
> The majority of the people support a FAIR
> redistrict process. Not the one here. Had the
> process been open and fair, people that are
> affected would not have been this outraged.


I agree that it is very difficult to come up with a proposal that is workable and fair to everyone. I think Langley and Madison should be included. However no change is not an option. Boundary change needs to go forward in 2008.

Typing slowly for Reston Parent...

Why would people in the South Lakes part of Hunter Mill district vote agaist Stu or redistricting? That's not what people are concerned about. The concern is the redistricting process was rigged from the outset to only affect schools in Kathy Smith's district, but not so many that it would tank her reelection chances...Madison, partly in Hunter Mill, was excluded, to help protect Stu's chances. All of Langley was excluded, for no apparent reason. Even prior to the election, Stu was telling people in North Reston that they wouldn't be affected. Still think the fix wasn't in? While this may fly in Hunter Mill district, its a bad way to run an airline, or school system.

You may also want to get your facts straight on school size. Westfield is large, but was recently expanded to hold that many. A number of other schools are also over 2500, and a several other schools are under 1500. Size doesn't matter all that much in terms of school quality across the county.

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I agree that it is very difficult to come up with
> a proposal that is workable and fair to everyone.
> I think Langley and Madison should be included.
> However no change is not an option. Boundary
> change needs to go forward in 2008.

I don't get it that "no change is not an option". If the change is started on unfair ground, it is worse than no change.

Reston Parent Wrote:

> However no change is not an option. Boundary
> change needs to go forward in 2008.


Do something!! Anything!!! Even if it's wrong!!!

SL Verity thank you for your reply. I will try to my best to offer a reasonable response.

"Just how does a TJ West magnet that only serves the top 5% of student population increase real-estate values in Reston?"

If I were a home owner in Reston and lived next to "South Lakes Gifted and Talented" I could use that fact as a marketing opertunity for my property. I would have a school full of gifted and talented children near to me. As a home owner I would prefer this. Moreover, my children, or the children of a would-be buyer of my home, would attend some of the very best public schools in Fairfax County. An added bonus. An added value. More equity for the home owner and more assessed value for the county.


"A stronger base school will be much better for the community."

Unfortunatly, South Lakes will not be a "stronger base school" if children are forced to attend. Infact, some posters here have alluded to what "may" happen to South Lakes if children are forced to go there. I think some of these poster's insights have merit.

"Also, folks here seem to think that real-estate values in Reston are supressed, and that could not be further from the truth."

Sadly, real estate values, in general, have become such a concern that even the Secretary of the Department of Treasury has announced steps to mitigate some of the impending defualts on mortgages. We need to insulate home values to protect the economy.

Anyway I hope this helps.

Oakton Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Typing slowly for Reston Parent...
>
> Why would people in the South Lakes part of Hunter
> Mill district vote agaist Stu or redistricting?
> That's not what people are concerned about. The
> concern is the redistricting process was rigged
> from the outset to only affect schools in Kathy
> Smith's district, but not so many that it would
> tank her reelection chances...Madison, partly in
> Hunter Mill, was excluded, to help protect Stu's
> chances. All of Langley was excluded, for no
> apparent reason. Even prior to the election, Stu
> was telling people in North Reston that they
> wouldn't be affected. Still think the fix wasn't
> in? While this may fly in Hunter Mill district,
> its a bad way to run an airline, or school
> system.
>
> You may also want to get your facts straight on
> school size. Westfield is large, but was recently
> expanded to hold that many. A number of other
> schools are also over 2500, and a several other
> schools are under 1500. Size doesn't matter all
> that much in terms of school quality across the
> county.


I don't remember Stu Gibson was running on a platform of the specifics you were talking about. The ballot was not printed with five scenarios for voters to choose. I don't believe the SB was that far ahead already come up with these 5 scenarios before the election. Stu recognized the need to change and was fairly open to the process before the election. I do know that his opponent ran on a platform of no boundary change and lost. The reelection of Stu Gibson says loud and clear that the majority of Hunter Mill citizens support the boundary change.


As to how and what to do with the redistricting, it is a complicated difficult and challenging issue. There might be compromise made between SB members. I don't know that and I don't think you know that either. After all the SB is democratic elected body that has the authority to make this change.

Change is the only option.

We all know the inefficiency of having a high school with a much smaller population and significantly higher concentration of disadvantaged students than its peers. Yes we must do something. Delaying it means hundreds of students would lose opportunities of having a better education. If not now then when?? It is difficult and may not appease everybody but we have to do it. In the end the best possible solution will be found.

Reston Parent Wrote:
After all the SB is democratic
> elected body that has the authority to make this
> change.


Having authority and doing the wrong thing == power abuse

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Change is the only option.
>
> We all know the inefficiency of having a high
> school with a much smaller population and
> significantly higher concentration of
> disadvantaged students than its peers. Yes we must
> do something. Delaying it means hundreds of
> students would lose opportunities of having a
> better education. If not now then when?? It is
> difficult and may not appease everybody but we
> have to do it. In the end the best possible
> solution will be found.

You are absolutely right. That is why the students who live in
North Reston and attend Langley should be redistricted to South Lakes - the sooner the better(this week if possible). This is the best possible solution.

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Change is the only option.
>
> We all know the inefficiency of having a high
> school with a much smaller population and
> significantly higher concentration of
> disadvantaged students than its peers. Yes we must
> do something. Delaying it means hundreds of
> students would lose opportunities of having a
> better education. If not now then when?? It is
> difficult and may not appease everybody but we
> have to do it. In the end the best possible
> solution will be found.

It looks SB is working towards the worst solution steadily:

1) It will break up communities. Robbing people's valuables.
2) It will also victimize SL area due to the backlash compared to a fairer plan.
3) The SB will lose credibility to the majority of the people for a very long time.

All these for what? A few people's political gains. I am not sure if this is what you mean the best possible solution for these few people.

get rid of kathy smith too Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> VoiceOfReason Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Sorry Neen, Stu Gibson is not the do all end
> all
> > of this. Yes he has a vote, but this spans very
> > wide...look at the South County....think about
> > it.
> >
> >
> > dont forget that Kathy Smith is just as
> unreasonable. Maybe it is because her own child
> does not have to switch from Chantilly. It seems
> easy for her to suggest to us Navy parents that we
> should have to sacrifice our kids. I wonder what
> her stance would be if her own family would have
> to wake up 30 minutes earlier, be on a school bus
> for 45 minutes extra and have her daughter travel
> 66 during rush hour on a daily basis? I think she
> would be more of a voice a reason and not so
> stupid and conniving.

Nope. Sorry. Doesn't work that way. Only Stu decides what happens in his schools. Other school board members don't mess in decisions that are not in their district. Why would they?

No doubt Kathy will say something about her Navy constituents, a nod to their concerns. She could even vote against the proposal IF, IF, Stu had the necessary 7 votes to pass it. They do make deals that will help them with their voters, as long as the votes are there to pass it.

Yes, they made deals over South County, and it spanned more than one member's district. Was that your point? Or something else? Hayfield would never have been decimated as it was without the consent of Brad Center. Sorry if I have missed your point on South County. I readily admit that I didn't follow that change closely.

Living said:
>>>It looks SB is working towards the worst solution steadily:

1) It will break up communities. Robbing people's valuables.
2) It will also victimize SL area due to the backlash compared to a fairer plan.
3) The SB will lose credibility to the majority of the people for a very long time.

All these for what? A few people's political gains. I am not sure if this is what you mean the best possible solution for these few people.<<<

I would be interested in knowing who will gain politically. And how they will gain.

Thanks.

last_laugh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You can argue and argue but SL will have the last
> laugh. Stu lives in reston, has had his children
> go to SL, and will stand by SL. Like it or not he
> has the power and you guys don't. So join the SL
> group in defending SL instead of posting arguments
> against it. See you soon in SL.

How is that helpful? What does it accomplish, other than sending people rushing off to grab more applications for private schools?

If you really think you will have the last laugh, why are you so nasty about it?

Yes, Stu will stand by his ideology, whether it helps educate anyone or not. Nothing is more important to him that liberal ideology. That's why he cares more about opposition to NCLB than actually educating any child.

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

>
> I would be interested in knowing who will gain
> politically. And how they will gain.
>
> Thanks.


1) A fairer plan would have included Langley and Madison. Imagine what would than mean to members from those district. They will lose politically in their districts. Excluding Langley and Madison means they don't have to, thus they gained.

2) Current plan avoided clashes among members of the school boards. These members gained.

3) Current plan would windows dressing SL's problem. Everyone gains.

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I do know that his opponent ran on a
> platform of no boundary change and lost. The
> reelection of Stu Gibson says loud and clear that
> the majority of Hunter Mill citizens support the
> boundary change.

Actually Ms. Arakelian's campaign was more focused on improving the failing record of educational achievement at Forest Edge, Terraset and Dogwood as compared to similar schools elsewhere in the County and less on the redistricting. She did agree that South Lakes needed to be redistricted but that this current process was fatally flawed because it did not include Langley and should be restarted to include Langley. Thus, her endorsement by StopRD.

Gibson's re-election had everything to do with his endorsement by the Democratic Party in the most Democratic magisterial district in the County and very little to do with the redistricting. His margin of victory in 2007 was the lowest of his 4 elections.

Fox Mill, FLoris and Frying Pan Park precincts all voted against Gibson. Interesting that those are the precincts that are being redistricted into SL. Just the most obvious form of political retribution.

It's also not accurate to say Gibson was open to the process since he'd made his deal with Straus to keep Langley out of the process and had promised Aldrin and Armstrong that they wouldn't be relocated into SL as reported in the January 2003 Connection.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/01/2008 11:24PM by Thomas More.

Reston Parent,

Why is this such a big issue now? SL's has been in the same situation for several years. Why are you insisting that change must happen now?

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oakton Parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Typing slowly for Reston Parent...
> >
> > Why would people in the South Lakes part of
> Hunter
> > Mill district vote agaist Stu or redistricting?
>
> > That's not what people are concerned about.
> The
> > concern is the redistricting process was rigged
> > from the outset to only affect schools in Kathy
> > Smith's district, but not so many that it would
> > tank her reelection chances...Madison, partly
> in
> > Hunter Mill, was excluded, to help protect
> Stu's
> > chances. All of Langley was excluded, for no
> > apparent reason. Even prior to the election,
> Stu
> > was telling people in North Reston that they
> > wouldn't be affected. Still think the fix
> wasn't
> > in? While this may fly in Hunter Mill
> district,
> > its a bad way to run an airline, or school
> > system.
> >
> > You may also want to get your facts straight on
> > school size. Westfield is large, but was
> recently
> > expanded to hold that many. A number of other
> > schools are also over 2500, and a several other
> > schools are under 1500. Size doesn't matter
> all
> > that much in terms of school quality across the
> > county.
>
>
> I don't remember Stu Gibson was running on a
> platform of the specifics you were talking about.
> The ballot was not printed with five scenarios for
> voters to choose. I don't believe the SB was that
> far ahead already come up with these 5 scenarios
> before the election. Stu recognized the need to
> change and was fairly open to the process before
> the election. I do know that his opponent ran on a
> platform of no boundary change and lost. The
> reelection of Stu Gibson says loud and clear that
> the majority of Hunter Mill citizens support the
> boundary change.
>
>
> As to how and what to do with the redistricting,
> it is a complicated difficult and challenging
> issue. There might be compromise made between SB
> members. I don't know that and I don't think you
> know that either. After all the SB is democratic
> elected body that has the authority to make this
> change.

Hello all, haven't written here in a while.

Just wanted to point out the Facebook group that students have set up against redistricting.

http://hs.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5021915771

that's the link. If you don't have a Facebook, there are 1,215 members.


Also, here's the link to the petition against redistricting:
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?stopRD

there are currently 2507 signatures.


Lastly, here's the link to the petition for redistricting:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/WeSupportRedistricting/signatures.html

there are currently 552 signatures.


I thought some of you would be aware of those, but I thought I'd post them for those of you who aren't.
Anyway, goodnight.

Berdhuis Wrote:
> In project management, the last measure that is
> used to correct a serious problem in the project
> is scope modification. In summary, this is the
> most displeasing to management because it exposes
> poor planning and insists that project planning be
> reinitiated - a labor intensive activity. Yes,
> there would be extra cost in replanning the
> mission, but it would generate a much greater
> savings in the future by executing a project that
> obviated the need for much modification in the
> future.
>
> Although the School Board may decide to continue
> with their plan under the given, inconsistently
> followed criteria, I hope instead that it would
> reconsider its stance on scope. This would allow
> for a more beneficial solution to all parties
> involved. There really is a way to pay Paul
> without robbing Peter.

Yeh, what he said. :)

Reston Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't quite get what political interests you are
> referring to that the SB has. Stu Gibson won an
> election easily against an opponent whose only
> platform was against redistricting. It is clear
> that the majority of people either support the
> redistricting or they don't really care.

Huh? First, she was not against redistricting, but was open to involving the public in the decisions that are made about their schools, including the possibility of a magnet program.

The people in Vienna who supported her didn't know anything about redistricting, nor did they care. We supported her because she wanted a better education for ALL kids, including children with special needs,but most importantly those poor kids in Reston who have been failed by the current administration FOREVER. I continue to be shocked that people in Reston don't care that their schools are failing their most vulnerable students.

We also supported her because she believes in REAL math, not fuzzy math, teaching children to read and write, not that silly 'whole language'. Unlike Stu, she wants to do what works to educate children, rather than ranting about his silly ideology that has yet to help a educate a single child in Reston, or Vienna.

Living Wrote:

> At this point, the impression people get is that
> SB is will not listen to people's voice. SB
> members' main focus is their political gains.
>
> One way to fight this is law suit. One group of
> Floris parents have consulted two lawyers and
> established a fund. A letter will be sent to the
> SB next week asking really tough questions. If SB
> can not provide all necessary documents supporting
> the redistrict process, they are breaking law.
>
> Ironically, the communities being picked are not
> powerful enough but are rich enough to afford
> lawyers.

Are your lawyers filling an FOIA request? I don't think you will be satisfied with their answers. There will be no record of the deals that were made to leave Madison and Langley out of the study. Nor will there be any reason why they won't consider a magnet, other than democrats don't like them.

I am glad to hear that you are standing up for your rights and trying to force some transparency from our schools that we all pay for.

Floris Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The only people that South Lakes will see from
> Floris/Fox Mill, are those that are not
> financially able to seek other schooling options,
> and or those that are unable to be pupil placed
> into other schools due to lack of grades for AP
> classes, transportation etc. I am quite confident
> that most of the parents in the targeted
> communities with bright children will do what ever
> it takes to keep their children out of South
> Lakes. The fact that the SB is forcing this on us
> with no real concern for our opinions will only
> make us more intent on circumventing this boundary
> change.
>
> I guess that South Lakes will pick up some kids to
> fill up class room spaces, but it will not be the
> "advantaged children" that South Lakes PTSA wants.

That's exactly what we're hearing from everyone in the effected areas. They won't send their children to South Lakes. The attitudes of the SL PTSA have helped to reinforce those their resolves.

BTW, there are no grade requirements for enrolling in AP classes. Children now in 8th grade can apply to pupil place in the fall for an AP program, even though they won't take AP classes for another year or more. They need only to say that they desire an AP program, rather than IB program. Or the other way around if they want to transfer into an IB program.

Floris Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The only people that South Lakes will see from
> Floris/Fox Mill, are those that are not
> financially able to seek other schooling options,
> and or those that are unable to be pupil placed
> into other schools due to lack of grades for AP
> classes, transportation etc. I am quite confident
> that most of the parents in the targeted
> communities with bright children will do what ever
> it takes to keep their children out of South
> Lakes. The fact that the SB is forcing this on us
> with no real concern for our opinions will only
> make us more intent on circumventing this boundary
> change.
>
> I guess that South Lakes will pick up some kids to
> fill up class room spaces, but it will not be the
> "advantaged children" that South Lakes PTSA wants.

That's exactly what we're hearing from everyone in the effected areas. They won't send their children to South Lakes. The attitudes of the SL PTSA have helped to reinforce their resolve.

BTW, there are no grade requirements for enrolling in AP classes. Children now in 8th grade can apply to pupil place in the fall for an AP program, even though they won't take AP classes for another year or more. They need only to say that they desire an AP program, rather than IB program. Or the other way around if they want to transfer into an IB program.

Fox Mill Estates Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> After reading posts here I am of the mind that the
> best option is that of converting South Lakes to a
> "TJ West" and "redistricting" the South Lakes
> District to feed into neighboring high schools.
>
> 1. Fairfax County's population is growing and more
> space for gifted and talented children will be
> needed. South Lakes has just been upgraded.
>
> 2. Less advantaged children in Reston can attend
> high schools that outperform, in the main, almost
> all American public high schools. These children
> are surrounded by excellent high schools that can
> help --equally.
>
> 3. Converting South Lakes into a "TJHS" West can
> only improve real estate values in Reston. A
> feather in the cap for Restonians and "increased"
> tax revenues for Fairfax County.
>
> 4. Properties slated to feed an underperforming
> high school will retain their value. Homeowners
> will be greatly relieved and their children will
> still get the great eduation that parents
> bargained for. Meanwhile, Fairfax County can
> "maintain" tax revenues from those homes instead
> of marking those home values down.
>
> Let the existing student population of Western
> Fairfax feed the New "South Lakes Gifted and
> Talented" and open up ALL the excellent Western
> Fairfax high schools to the Reston children.
>
> Everyone Wins. Lets do it.

The public would support that, but our liberals on the school board hate magnets like TJ, particularly Stu Gibson. He cares more about 'schools' than meeting the needs of any individual students, especially GT kids. He simply won't allow anything but a boundary change for is favorite IB school.

Berdhuis Wrote:

> Was redistricting the only issue in the Hunter
> Mill School Board District election? If not, then
> it is only valid to say that Stu Gibson was
> reelected by the majority of people who voted in
> the Hunter Mill School Board District.
>
> Furthermore, it was pointed out many pages ago
> that roughly two-thirds of voters in the Fox Mill
> precinct voted against Stu Gibson. They cared, and
> obviously they did not support redistricting.
>
> Out of curiosity, Which precincts in Hunter Mill
> preferred Mr. Gibson?

I don't know all the districts that voted against Gibson, but I do know that Fox Mill and Floris were among them.

Just a coincidence, I'm sure.

Living Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out
> that some SB members put their political interests
> above peoples'. It also doesn't take a rocket
> scientist to figure out that SB does not listen to
> people's voice. Law suit is the only way to get
> their attention.
>
> Speaking about tax payers' money. It's almost
> laughable how much has been wasted by SB. It has
> been discussed to death on this discussion board.
> In fact, one of the real political purposes of
> this redistrict process is to cover up the
> mistakes made by the SB of misspending tax payers'
> money.
>
> Inefficient study is a necessary step to support
> the redistrict process. Let the court decide
> whether lack of it is legal or not.
>
> Changes based on political reasons are worse than
> no changes.

Yes. Exactly.

>>>>I think Langley and Madison should be included. However no change is not an option. Boundary change needs to go forward in 2008.<<<

Why? What's the difference if they wait one more year and do it right? Do it in a way that community feels good about it, feels that they didn't waste their time going to meetings, that they were really heard. It's very clear now that the scope should have been expanded. There is just too much ill will about this process for the results to be successful. They MUST start over if there is any hope that South Lakes will gain at least a couple of hundred students.

Living Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > I would be interested in knowing who will gain
> > politically. And how they will gain.
> >
> > Thanks.
>
>
> 1) A fairer plan would have included Langley and
> Madison. Imagine what would than mean to members
> from those district. They will lose politically in
> their districts. Excluding Langley and Madison
> means they don't have to, thus they gained.
>
> 2) Current plan avoided clashes among members of
> the school boards. These members gained.
>
> 3) Current plan would windows dressing SL's
> problem. Everyone gains.

That makes sense except that Madison is in Stu's district but the Madison Island is in Janie's district. Obviously she allowed the island to be transferred to South Lakes. The part of Madison that is closest to South Lakes is in Kathy Smith's district. The area is small, but wealthy. Rumors a year ago said that they were in play but then they were excluded from the final study. I don't know why other than they circulated a petition asking to be excluded from the study.

Yes, the fewer board members whose areas are effected, the better, for them. This current scenario involves only schools in Stu's district, with the exception of the part of Navy that will be moved to Oakton. That's in Kathy's district. That makes it rather easy for Stu to accomplish what he wants.

>>>Also, here's the link to the petition against redistricting:
[www.petitiononline.com]

there are currently 2507 signatures.


Lastly, here's the link to the petition for redistricting:
[www.ipetitions.com]

there are currently 552 signatures.<<<

It appears that the community is 5 to 1 against redistricting. Not that anyone on our school board would care. :(

In the past, when boundary changes were on the agenda, the SB met with communites as they did this time. However, the biggest difference this time and why this whole situation stinks, is that up until now, the SB met BEFORE the elections. I wonder if we would all be in this situation if our first meeting was done before the slimy SB met then instead of waiting for elections? I bet not. For sure Stu would be gone and Kathy has enraged enough that she too would be gone. Earlier in this link, it was asked if the SB followed correct procedure to change boundaries. Does anyone know if they are held to a time frame of when it is suppose to happen?

statistically Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> In the past, when boundary changes were on the
> agenda, the SB met with communites as they did
> this time. However, the biggest difference this
> time and why this whole situation stinks, is that
> up until now, the SB met BEFORE the elections. I
> wonder if we would all be in this situation if our
> first meeting was done before the slimy SB met
> then instead of waiting for elections? I bet not.
> For sure Stu would be gone and Kathy has enraged
> enough that she too would be gone. Earlier in this
> link, it was asked if the SB followed correct
> procedure to change boundaries. Does anyone know
> if they are held to a time frame of when it is
> suppose to happen?



Heck no, this is all management by willy-nilly. if there is a time frame the willy-nilliers on the SB would make a new rule to fix it so it doesn't matter. we might as well hand the SB tasks over to a bunch of Chihuahuas.

Along the line of the timing of this boundary change study, I find obvious problems:

1. Just looking at Floris and McNair, it would make sense to consider them for redistricting ONLY after the elementary school redistricting occurs when Coppermine ES is built in 2009, as both Floris and McNair will be radically different and consequently not aligned at all with the current high school redistricting plan.

2. Given the future population growth in Oak Hill, Floris and particularly McNair (according to some projections of 4000+ new units), we can expect another high school in the Rachel Carson area that would involve moving Floris in the near future. It really is cruel to torture the poor folks of Floris (who have suffered way too much redistricting due to poor planning in recent years) with another inadequately planned change in 2008, and then again for the new high school a few years later.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/02/2008 09:15AM by Berdhuis.

You are wrong dear....parents that will do whatever it takes to send their children either to private schools and/or pupil place. At the end, the "advantage" kids won't come...but you will have the ones that cannot afford to do either. As for us, we won't be coming either...good for us, you don't want us anyway....now, who REALLY has the last laugh?

last_laugh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You can argue and argue but SL will have the last
> laugh. Stu lives in reston, has had his children
> go to SL, and will stand by SL. Like it or not he
> has the power and you guys don't. So join the SL
> group in defending SL instead of posting arguments
> against it. See you soon in SL.

The redistricting topic came up for discussion during a recent neighborhood gathering. All 20 in attendance voiced EXTREME displeasure over the entire process. The attendees are residents of the Oakton Pyramid, all of whom have seemingly escaped, this time, the clutches of the school board.Yes, Stu Gibson is being viewed as a self serving vulture. A description…just for informational purposes….of these attendees…college educated, some with Doctorates, some retired, mostly empty nesters, some strong Democrats, some strong Republicans…..

Based on my impressions ….. all believe the process is, and has been, extremely flawed. Two couples in attendance, known fondly as quite liberal….strongly promoted the idea of closing South Lakes High School entirely…... “it’s a failed experiment and throwing more children into the school will do nothing to help the disadvantaged children currently at South Lakes”. I reminded them, the School Board and BOS just used 55 million taxpayers dollars to renovate the school. They continued… saying “cut our losses… don’t throw good money after bad….. and close the school”.! Wow.

Others gave an interesting historical account….saying years ago, the Reston Board ?? refused to allow the newly developing Fox Mill and Franklin Farm communities to use their coveted “Reston” name and Zip Code. The new communities were told they were NOT part of Reston!!! By extension…the South Lakes Community….. and thus, each community defaulted to Herndon with 20171. Reston wanted to be self contained and exclusive to its own residents. hmmmmm

All of us support our closest neighbors, Fox Mill and Fox Mill Estates as well as all other possible victims of redistricting. We, in the Oakton High School community, do not want to lose part of our community which has helped make Oakton a top High School in the US.

We understand, the arbitrary and capricious nature of this redistricting process could quite easily have included us….and still may.

What horse-poop. Was kool-aid served?

TheMcNairyoudon'twant Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You are wrong dear....parents that will do
> whatever it takes to send their children either to
> private schools and/or pupil place. At the end,
> the "advantage" kids won't come...but you will
> have the ones that cannot afford to do either. As
> for us, we won't be coming either...good for us,
> you don't want us anyway....now, who REALLY has
> the last laugh?
>
> last_laugh Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > You can argue and argue but SL will have the
> last
> > laugh. Stu lives in reston, has had his
> children
> > go to SL, and will stand by SL. Like it or not
> he
> > has the power and you guys don't. So join the
> SL
> > group in defending SL instead of posting
> arguments
> > against it. See you soon in SL.

Some of the supporters from SL area still do not get the notion that they are the victims.

Let's assume that certain members of the board gave up their political interest and included Langley and Madison in the study in the first place. Most people will think the study is a fair one. If the final result is part of Madison, part of Langley, Foxmill, Floris, or McNair go to Madison. People will accept the outcome. The kids from all these areas will attend SL. I for one is willing to send my kids to SL had the process been fair. Many of SL's issues will be resolved, SL will be on track to be one of the best school in the county if not the whole country.

Now let's look at the reality. These members hold on to their political interest. Langley and Madison are excluded. SL will not get any advantaged students from Langley and Madison. The unfair process caused backlash against SL from the affected communities. SL is linked to the SB. People's resentment to the SB spreads to the SL school (Of course SL PTS is not helping things either). People are determined to find any means to avoid SL not because of the school, but the unfairness of the process. SL may get some of the students, but at what cost? It will take a very long times for SL to recover from this fiasco. I feel sorry for the students and parents of SL for the negativities they have to suffer.

If you don't think SL is a victim, think again. For the people who are victimized by the SB and still thankful, good for you, enjoy what SB offers.

(LivingW = Living@Work)

Bless your heart, LivingW, for thinking that people would come if only the process weren't flawed. Many people made up their minds long before the process even started. If I'm not mistaken, and forgive me if I'm wrong, but weren't you writing just this week about how 'unsafe' South Lakes is compared to other schools?

It's the nature of this forum that many comments here are based on ignorance, and not real experience. Those of us with real experience at South Lakes are often discounted, ignored, or told that we are negligent or have 'sacrificed' our children because we chose to send them to a 'failed social experiment.' Needless to say, those types of comments are not much appreciated by those of us in the South Lakes community who care deeply about our children's education.

What we do welcome, are open minds. If one visits the school with an open mind, and leaves with a mindset against sending their child there, for valid reasons, we have no problem with that. It's those who refuse to even consider the possibility that bother us.

LivingW Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TheMcNairyoudon'twant Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > You are wrong dear....parents that will do
> > whatever it takes to send their children either
> to
> > private schools and/or pupil place. At the
> end,
> > the "advantage" kids won't come...but you will
> > have the ones that cannot afford to do either.
> As
> > for us, we won't be coming either...good for
> us,
> > you don't want us anyway....now, who REALLY has
> > the last laugh?
> >
> > last_laugh Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > You can argue and argue but SL will have the
> > last
> > > laugh. Stu lives in reston, has had his
> > children
> > > go to SL, and will stand by SL. Like it or
> not
> > he
> > > has the power and you guys don't. So join the
> > SL
> > > group in defending SL instead of posting
> > arguments
> > > against it. See you soon in SL.
>
> Some of the supporters from SL area still do not
> get the notion that they are the victims.
>
> Let's assume that certain members of the board
> gave up their political interest and included
> Langley and Madison in the study in the first
> place. Most people will think the study is a fair
> one. If the final result is part of Madison, part
> of Langley, Foxmill, Floris, or McNair go to
> Madison. People will accept the outcome. The kids
> from all these areas will attend SL. I for one is
> willing to send my kids to SL had the process been
> fair. Many of SL's issues will be resolved, SL
> will be on track to be one of the best school in
> the county if not the whole country.
>
> Now let's look at the reality. These members hold
> on to their political interest. Langley and
> Madison are excluded. SL will not get any
> advantaged students from Langley and Madison. The
> unfair process caused backlash against SL from the
> affected communities. SL is linked to the SB.
> People's resentment to the SB spreads to the SL
> school (Of course SL PTS is not helping things
> either). People are determined to find any means
> to avoid SL not because of the school, but the
> unfairness of the process. SL may get some of the
> students, but at what cost? It will take a very
> long times for SL to recover from this fiasco. I
> feel sorry for the students and parents of SL for
> the negativities they have to suffer.
>
> If you don't think SL is a victim, think again.
> For the people who are victimized by the SB and
> still thankful, good for you, enjoy what SB
> offers.
>
> (LivingW = Living@Work)



Sorry, Living@Work, but I just don't buy the premise, and I'll also note that SLHS already was targeted -- unfairly -- with false and misleading claims about the school. People who didn't like or wouldn't consider the school would have hated it, even if Langley and Madison were included. And the fact is the numbers of the "haters' is pretty small in the big picture. They just make an extremely loud noise.

I agree that a more comprehensive study should have included those schools, but I think Madison will be part of future boundary studies vis Marshall, for example. Marshall is now an excellent school, but watch what happens when that can is opened. Langley is Langley....I don't like its immunity, but I don't accept that all the people whining about Langley give a shit about Langley; they want to derail the process now underway and near completion.

And the process is a fair one that has been undertaken by the elected school board and professional staff to adapt to the changing contours of the FCPS system in a rapidly changing county.

SLHS is a very good school in a top-flight public school district, but it has been short-changed for years by redistricting issues -- this has been discussed numerous times in this thread -- so it is time to readjust the boundaries to move on.

All the folks who claim newly found vitriol (as contrasted to their previous love and affection?....puhleeze) toward SLHS b/c of the SB, are just blowing smoke.

You can spin all you want but the fact the matter is Stu Gibson's opponent lost by a wide margin. You have your shot to put a stop on the redistricting process but you lost. The online petition doesn't mean anything when we just had a democratic election on an issue that was well publicized and the citizens spoke loud and clear that they supported Stu Gibson. Again in my opinion the vote was about whether to go forward with redistricting or not. It was not about which neighborhood goes. You can still shape the scenarios by communicating to the SB. But the no change option has been defeated and we must go forward.


A quick google yielded this -
Fairfax citizens Blog 12/4/07 - "Arakelian did best in precincts that felt they would be negatively affected by school redistricting that would redirect their children to South Lakes."

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What horse-poop. Was kool-aid served?

Yes Padre, I think the Driver is giving us a 'bum steer.'

What I don't understand is that there are TWO magnet elementary schools in Fairfax county, why not add another magnet HS or better yet convert SL to a magnet HS? I am sure the TJ community will be pleased there would be another "TJ" for the west county to help alleviate their overcrowding. I don't understand why the SB fell on deaf ears on this one. $55million tax dollars were poured out to renovate SLHS..that money could have very well be spent for better purposes--improving SLHS's curriculum and possibly coverting it to a magnet HS!! It is such a shame how Gibson doesn't care about these things. Now I am sensing all along the real issue is SLHS's underenrollment and how Gibson and his supporters want to add more students to SLHS without even considering making the SL programs more attractive. Also, scenario 5 indicated that there would be overcapacity with Chantilly, if I am reading this scenario correctly after the potential redistricting is done. Redistricting does not work effectively especially when there is political motivation behind the process! I wish something could be done to bring this grossly flawed process to a halt.

SLgirl917, if you are reading now, you've got mail.

A Concerned Citizen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What I don't understand is that there are TWO
> magnet elementary schools in Fairfax county, why
> not add another magnet HS or better yet convert SL
> to a magnet HS? I am sure the TJ community will
> be pleased there would be another "TJ" for the
> west county to help alleviate their overcrowding.
> I don't understand why the SB fell on deaf ears on
> this one. $55million tax dollars were poured out
> to renovate SLHS..that money could have very well
> be spent for better purposes--improving SLHS's
> curriculum and possibly coverting it to a magnet
> HS!! It is such a shame how Gibson doesn't care
> about these things. Now I am sensing all along
> the real issue is SLHS's underenrollment and how
> Gibson and his supporters want to add more
> students to SLHS without even considering making
> the SL programs more attractive. Also, scenario 5
> indicated that there would be overcapacity with
> Chantilly, if I am reading this scenario correctly
> after the potential redistricting is done.
> Redistricting does not work effectively especially
> when there is political motivation behind the
> process! I wish something could be done to bring
> this grossly flawed process to a halt.

The renovation is part of the cycle of renovations for all school facilities, and has been in the works for years, long before redistricting was even discussed. Because all renovations bring older facilities up to the latest standards in educational technology, it has the added benefit of actually making SL programs more attractive. For example, the school now has a state of the art computer graphics lab, which facilitates instruction in that subject area. You should check it out.

A TJ style magnet would not help the base school students because it would serve only top students. The effect would be to create an elite school within a school.

Padre wrote: Was kool-aid served?


That was an attempt at humor...you’re making progress. For the record...full disclosure...Clos du bois and Moet & Chandon.


I guess, if there is a lesson to be learned here, it might be, the South Lakes/Reston group better hope the empty nesters don’t wake up and become active in this process. They have some very strong opinions...much invested in their community plus and probably most importantly, they have money and they have time.

For the record, I personally think it would be wasteful to close South Lakes High School so I'm not advocating that position.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>Also, here's the link to the petition against
> redistricting:
>
>
> there are currently 2507 signatures.
>
>
> Lastly, here's the link to the petition for
> redistricting:
>
>
> there are currently 552 signatures.<<<
>
> It appears that the community is 5 to 1 against
> redistricting. Not that anyone on our school
> board would care. :(

Really? Do you know the size of the overall sample frame? Have you verified the veracity of every one of the 2507 signatures? Sure, there are 5x more signatures on the StopRD petition, but how much of that is simply due to better PR? Hardly a scientific measure in my book.

Also, I get a chuckle reading how displeased affluent parents are going to immediately place their children in private schools if they are forced to attend SL. Do you think that Congressional, Flint Hill, Bishop Ireton, Paul VI, Madeira, Potomac and Episcopal have dozens of empty seats and are simply waiting for you to open your checkbook? Unlikely, and if that doesn't work, do you seriously think that pupil placement is going to work for more than a handful? That door shut pretty tightly several years ago and it generally only works to keep a student in full IB or if you are the child of an FCPS teacher.

Private school is not for everyone and many strong A/B students from FCPS struggle when they switch to a private school. Do you think that your chances of getting into the Ivy League are better having a 3.8 at South Lakes or a 2.8 from Flint Hill?

SLVerity Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bless your heart, LivingW, for thinking that
> people would come if only the process weren't
> flawed. Many people made up their minds long
> before the process even started. If I'm not
> mistaken, and forgive me if I'm wrong, but weren't
> you writing just this week about how 'unsafe'
> South Lakes is compared to other schools?
>
> It's the nature of this forum that many comments
> here are based on ignorance, and not real
> experience. Those of us with real experience at
> South Lakes are often discounted, ignored, or told
> that we are negligent or have 'sacrificed' our
> children because we chose to send them to a
> 'failed social experiment.' Needless to say,
> those types of comments are not much appreciated
> by those of us in the South Lakes community who
> care deeply about our children's education.
>
> What we do welcome, are open minds. If one visits
> the school with an open mind, and leaves with a
> mindset against sending their child there, for
> valid reasons, we have no problem with that. It's
> those who refuse to even consider the possibility
> that bother us.


I am stating what I think. Small groups' political interest also victimized SL. If you don't agree with me and think I am narrow minded. That's fine, we all have different opinions.

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Sorry, Living@Work, but I just don't buy the
> premise, and I'll also note that SLHS already was
> targeted -- unfairly -- with false and misleading
> claims about the school. People who didn't like
> or wouldn't consider the school would have hated
> it, even if Langley and Madison were included.
> And the fact is the numbers of the "haters' is
> pretty small in the big picture. They just make an
> extremely loud noise.
>
> I agree that a more comprehensive study should
> have included those schools, but I think Madison
> will be part of future boundary studies vis
> Marshall, for example. Marshall is now an
> excellent school, but watch what happens when that
> can is opened. Langley is Langley....I don't like
> its immunity, but I don't accept that all the
> people whining about Langley give a shit about
> Langley; they want to derail the process now
> underway and near completion.
>
> And the process is a fair one that has been
> undertaken by the elected school board and
> professional staff to adapt to the changing
> contours of the FCPS system in a rapidly changing
> county.
>
> SLHS is a very good school in a top-flight public
> school district, but it has been short-changed for
> years by redistricting issues -- this has been
> discussed numerous times in this thread -- so it
> is time to readjust the boundaries to move on.
>
> All the folks who claim newly found vitriol (as
> contrasted to their previous love and
> affection?....puhleeze) toward SLHS b/c of the SB,
> are just blowing smoke.

If you think the current process is best for SL, then embrace it whole heartedly.

AlwaysAnEagle Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Really? Do you know the size of the overall
> sample frame? Have you verified the veracity of
> every one of the 2507 signatures? Sure, there are
> 5x more signatures on the StopRD petition, but how
> much of that is simply due to better PR? Hardly a
> scientific measure in my book.
>

Yes, note that Hillary Clinton has 'signed' the StopRD petition. LOL.

There are five schools plus Madison/Madison Island involved in the Boundary Study (Herndon, South Lakes, Oakton, Westfield, Chantilly). Herndon, Chantilly, Westfield, and Oakton represent approximately 10,000 students (in the High Schools alone). South Lakes represents approximately 1,400 students (in the HS alone). The StopRD petition comprises 25% of 10,000. The petition in support of redistricting represents 39% of 1400. Neither are statistically valid, but I would say just looking at the numbers that redistricting is supported by a larger percentage of South Lakes families than StopRD is supported by families in the school populations with the potential to be moved. Hmmmm....

SLHS Padre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What horse-poop. Was kool-aid served?


Do you mean that it is horse-poop for people to think this process has been seriously flawed? Is it horse-poop to prefer our current schools? It's getting old to keep hearing from SL folks that we who have concerns are stupid, misguided, racist, close-minded, etc. It looks like only SL folks think this is going well, at least so long as they get what they want.

I would warn anyone against denigrating South Lakes as a school. I personally am friends with a couple of middle-class families whose children attend SL, and I can vouch that they are receiving an excellent and fulfilling education. Past graduates of theirs wound up in highly competitive universities. Also, they are very involved in extra-curricular activities and sports, and none to my observation conduct or dress themselves as members of any 'gangsta' or otherwise sub, criminal or irreverent culture.

There is nothing to be feared.

imabulldog sent a link to a Facebook anti-redistricting website, but y'all should know that many of the kids posting there are reasonable and not opposed to redistricting. They are acting more like adults than adults. Many of the kids posting there are concerned that they will be moved from their current school, and what we all should be advocating is to make darn sure kids currently in high school are grandfathered -- South Lakes supporters totally support that idea and I think we can all agree on it.

As for a "TJ magnet" -- We've written a hundred times here why it isn't feasible or desirable. First of all, anyone advocating this should get educated about what a Governor's school is -- it is created by an act of the General Assembly and is funded by the state and administered by the county where it resides. It takes a huge amount of effort, if another one is built you can be sure it won't be near where one already exists when southwest VA has wanted one for a long time, and it is not necessarily a good idea anyway. TJ itself skims off the top of not only Fairfax, but surrounding counties. It is not the be-all and end-all -- any my son went there, so I have some perspective.

As for any kind of magnet or academy, they create a "school-within-a-school" and can create "tracks" that further divide kids and communities. They are simply not a very good way to provide solid community-based education for a range of students, especially kids from all kinds of diverse backgrounds. Then you get into the "what-kind-of-magnet" fights. A magnet/academy is neither necessary nor desirable for South Lakes at least until it gets the parity in programming that it deserves by getting the students it needs to provide it.

South Lakes is asking simply to have equivalence with other neighboring schools, per the moral and financial obligations required of this school system. IB is equivalent to AP, period, but it suffers because of the lack of course availability (both in terms of actual courses provided and in terms of numbers of classes of courses provided to those who need/want to take them).

Also, everyone should understand that South Lakes supporters DO support adding AP courses to augment the IB curriculum, especially where there is no equivalent IB course. This is possible and is supported by school administrators. However, those wanting to do away with IB will get nowhere because that isn't going to happen. I'm sure they would object if "outsiders" marched into their school and demanded that it simply get rid of courses they felt were "inferior," without any support for that contention, as a condition of sending their kid there.

I strongly urge the posters on this group at least to work with the school board to make sure current high school kids are grandfathered. If we don't unite behind that, the board may conclude that it isn't important to everyone and might go ahead and make, say, current 9th-graders switch, on the basis of saving money with busing.

I like how SL Verity thinks that because Reston parents voted overwhelmingly for Stu and South Lakes Parents overwhelmingly support redistricting, that it somehow means that it should happen. Of course you want it, it's designed to bail out your underperforming school -- at the expense of everyone else! Parents outside of Hunter Mill and Reston (who didn't have the opportunity to vote against Stu, but would have if they could have) obviously do not want this ... why are their opinions less valuable?