word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> according to my CAPS sources an injunction is
> being field on Monday.

It will be denied on Tuesday.

I'm sorry
I heard the moaning and groaning all the way from Waco Texas.
Where I am currently attending college
Thanks to the great educational institute I call home also known as South lakes high school.

I dunno
Just saying...
You'd think it would be the students who are raising all the fuss.
But hey.
I'm in a different timezone know
so any doomsday message thats been tossed around is beyond me.
I just know my fellow seahawks are gonna be well taken care of.
and I know bruce and the faculty will take good care of all the skeptics too.
...and your kids.

I'm sorry
I heard the moaning and groaning all the way from Waco Texas.
Where I am currently attending college
Thanks to the great educational institute I call home also known as South lakes high school.

I dunno
Just saying...
You'd think it would be the students who are raising all the fuss.
But hey.
I'm in a different timezone know
so any doomsday message thats been tossed around is beyond me.
I just know my fellow seahawks are gonna be well taken care of.
and I know bruce and the faculty will take good care of all the skeptics too.
...and your kids.

I'm sorry
I heard the moaning and groaning all the way from Waco Texas.
Where I am currently attending college
Thanks to the great educational institute I call home also known as South lakes high school.

I dunno
Just saying...
You'd think it would be the students who are raising all the fuss.
But hey.
I'm in a different timezone know
so any doomsday message thats been tossed around is beyond me.
I just know my fellow seahawks are gonna be well taken care of.
and I know bruce and the faculty will take good care of all the skeptics too.
...and your kids.

>>>t is clear the AP will not be at SL any time soon or ever. Call the above what you want, but we are not deceived.<<<<

Yes, that was the message. Forget AP, we've decided that we only need to sell IB better to the masses. They've said that for 8 years and it hasn't worked yet.

South Lakes is SOOOO screwed. Stu made sure that no parent would want to send their child to South Lakes when he insulted all of them. He was terrible to those who opposed this. THEN, this IB amendment tells everyone that they will NOT have AP at South Lakes but will make every effort to sell out of boundary parents on the IB program. I hate to tell Phil but they've done that in every middle school for 7 years and it hasn't worked. That's why IB schools remained under enrolled. Most parents just don't want it for their children. Period. It's not because they are ill informed, or stupid, or just haven't seen the light. Parents in FCPS, including the Asians, really care about education. They go to the meetings where the staff tries to sell IB, they research, they read, and they reject IB. The school board can continue to deny this reality at the their own peril. Parents will vote with their pupil placement forms and private school applications.

This was so mishandled tonight. Had they said something about AP, instead of passing something confirming IB at South Lakes, people might have thought that their views would be considered at South Lakes. Thanks to Stu and Phil, parents now know the truth, their kids are stuck with IB at South Lakes whether they like it or not. The School Board doesn't give a hoot what the parents want.

Why wasn't IB good enough for Phil's kids or Moon's kids?

Congratulations to our school board. They screwed this up from the beginning right through until the end, ensuring that this redistricting will fail. What a shame for everyone.

Deleted duplicate post



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2008 09:06PM by Neen.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Which Map Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Which map on the fcps website will be the new
> > boundary?
> >
> >
> http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/westcoboundary/in
>
> > dex.htm
>
> Staff scenario 1.

Really, this shouldn't be called "Staff scenario 1" but rather "SLPTA Scenario 1" It has been that way from the start.

This message board really demonstrates the power of self-delusion. There's people on the this board that have spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours whipping themselves into a frenzy over very little.

You lost the election in November, you lost the school board vote last night, and will lose any bogus lawsuits. Any possibility that it will ever sink in that you're just plain wrong?

For the sake of the Fairfax community, please go back to the regular OCD behaviors like excessive hand washing, over-cleaning your house, etc.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Liz Bradsher is spouting the usual junk about how
> ALL our schools are good. She's saying that some
> people have an entitlement attitude when they
> don't want to go to South Lakes. She is also
> saying that there is no school choice in FCPS.
> UMMMM.......she's mentioned public forums that
> have criticized her fellow board members. Would
> that be this forum?
>
> Looks like Stu has Liz's support. She's whining
> about her kids and how she went sent her kids to a
> diverse school and they learned alot about
> treating others well. I guess she couldn't teach
> her children that at home.
>
> Liz's speech is awful, really being nasty about
> those who oppose being sent to South Lakes. What
> a nasty crab.

Bottom line on "no entitlement" and "No school choice":
Get the Bradsher/Storck unnecessary middle school off the CIP. FCPS in Jan 2008 changed amendment from 2007 on her Unnecessary middle school

Last year FCPS CANCELLED her base school's boundary process.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!! HA HA

hmmm07 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Which Map Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Which map on the fcps website will be the new
> > > boundary?
> > >
> > >
> >
> http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/westcoboundary/in
>
> >
> > > dex.htm
> >
> > Staff scenario 1.
>
> Really, this shouldn't be called "Staff scenario
> 1" but rather "SLPTA Scenario 1" It has been that
> way from the start.


When Tisdadt started his presentation on staff's recommendation, he made a comment to something like they have never predetermined or preconceived such a scenario and that they worked through public input, etc to come up with this scenario. I don't buy that because through research such as from schoolmatters, there were some quotes from the SL students saying that south Herndon kids would be coming to their school (that was dated two years ago). Seems like the SL PTA knew a while back. Also a "few" community members complained to the SB about the imbalances a few years ago causing Stu to run around like a headless chicken among these communities before deciding on FM/F/MI. This RD is f**ked up big time for everybody affected including those in the SL community who are passionate about the AP program.

Here's the latest on moving students..it mentioned SL will reach capacity of 2050 by 2012. I wonder how the teachers at SL would feel about teaching larger classes?
Attachments:

After 5 months of bull shit from the school board, they just screwed thousands of parents and students who do not what to go to SL. The SB did what they wanted to do from the start and not what the people wanted.

You could roll over and play dead, that's what the SB wants you to do, or you can make this A NIGHT TO REMEMBER and fight the SB over the next three years.

I for one will not give up until the ten who voted for the redistricting are voted off the board.

You need to put together a plan of action and kept the pressure on with phone calls, letters, emails and do what needs to be done in order to win the war.

Recalls, lawsuits, vote down school bonds, pupil place out of SL, become a large watch dog group and hound the SB on every issue, attend SB meeting and get in their face for three minutes.

Make them redistrict all schools that are under capacity, such as;

Falls Church, over 700 empty seats, Mount Vernon, over 800 empty seats, Lake Braddock, over 500 empty seats, Hayfield, over 500 empty seats.

Stop them from building the new middle school for south county, stop them from moving ahead with Gathhouse 2, another administration building that they want, watch every dollar that they want to spend.

Make the next three years hell on wheels for this SB, SO THAT THEY REMEMBER THE NIGHT THAT THEY F---ed the people of Western Fairfax County.

Remember, it is not over until the fat lady sings.

PS S. Gibson is a little man who talks down to everone who does not kiss his butt. He is our biggest problem and he has been one for over 12 years. He needs to go as soon ASAP and lets make sure that this little man who insults everyone is voted out next time.

whats with Stu and Kathy?? They are way too cozy...she made him come back and sit down when he so rudely got up to leave...

Well, they split up my neighborhood. That's just lovely. And apparently I'm on the wrong side of my subdivision to get the school I wanted for my kids. Also lovely.

Any movement to get this overturned, I will be on board with.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> word Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > according to my CAPS sources an injunction is
> > being field on Monday.
>
> It will be denied on Tuesday.


These things take time. Wait and see.

What's the plan to personally sue Elizabeth Vandenberg--and jack up her personal legal bills?

Baffled Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Here's the latest on moving students..it mentioned
> SL will reach capacity of 2050 by 2012. I wonder
> how the teachers at SL would feel about teaching
> larger classes?


especially teaching classes to a bunch of racists!

Would anyone send their children to a garbage dump?
Would anyone send their children to a school with the highest number of gang members?
Would anyone send their children to a school with the highest incidents of fights?
Would anyone send their children to a school that worked like a whore with Gibson through a highly corrupted process?
For those folks who are be RDed into the dump, don't feel bad. At least you are not whores. You are just being screwed by Gibson?

navy area parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well, they split up my neighborhood. That's just
> lovely. And apparently I'm on the wrong side of
> my subdivision to get the school I wanted for my
> kids. Also lovely.
>
> Any movement to get this overturned, I will be on
> board with.


CAPS..

why you couldn't get on board before, who knows

kathy smith despiser Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> She will need lots of therapy to assist her in her
> flagrant absence of a Conscious. She sold out the
> Navy Community under a bus all for what?
>
> NavyDoesNotGet Out Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > NavyGetsOut,
> >
> > Well, what happen? You all forfeiting your
> > agreement to pay for Kathy's post-vote shrink
> > visit?

Under what bus? The Oakton bus? Please, no one is going waste pity on you for being redistricted to a higher-ranked, more prestigious school. The histrionics ought to be reserved for those who have to go to crappy IB SLHS against their will.

noduh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> navy area parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Well, they split up my neighborhood. That's
> just
> > lovely. And apparently I'm on the wrong side
> of
> > my subdivision to get the school I wanted for
> my
> > kids. Also lovely.
> >
> > Any movement to get this overturned, I will be
> on
> > board with.
>
>
> CAPS..
>
> why you couldn't get on board before, who knows


I signed the petitions, joined the groups and e-mailed the board plenty. I have little kids at home and teach classes at night, it's harder for me to get actively involved in terms of attending meetings.

navy area parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> noduh Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > navy area parent Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Well, they split up my neighborhood. That's
> > just
> > > lovely. And apparently I'm on the wrong side
> > of
> > > my subdivision to get the school I wanted for
> > my
> > > kids. Also lovely.
> > >
> > > Any movement to get this overturned, I will
> be
> > on
> > > board with.
> >
> >
> > CAPS..
> >
> > why you couldn't get on board before, who knows
>
>
> I signed the petitions, joined the groups and
> e-mailed the board plenty. I have little kids at
> home and teach classes at night, it's harder for
> me to get actively involved in terms of attending
> meetings.


Well by the time the little kids get into high school, the boundary will change 16 more times, so no worries

Not going Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's the plan to personally sue Elizabeth
> Vandenberg--and jack up her personal legal bills?


Obviously there is plenty to work with. Perhaps some nice litigation can help reduce her children's college fund.

While her children have had to bear the pain of no jewelry classes (SOB) and not enough warm bodies in the Culinary arts program (BIGGER SOB) maybe a nice pow in the personal pocketbook will help her face what she has done to other peoples' children.

noduh Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CAPS..
>
> why you couldn't get on board before, who knows


What is CAPS? Website?

FACTS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> After 5 months of bull shit from the school board,
> they just screwed thousands of parents and
> students who do not what to go to SL. The SB did
> what they wanted to do from the start and not what
> the people wanted.
>
> You could roll over and play dead, that's what the
> SB wants you to do, or you can make this A NIGHT
> TO REMEMBER and fight the SB over the next three
> years.
>
> I for one will not give up until the ten who voted
> for the redistricting are voted off the board.
>
> You need to put together a plan of action and kept
> the pressure on with phone calls, letters, emails
> and do what needs to be done in order to win the
> war.
>
> Recalls, lawsuits, vote down school bonds, pupil
> place out of SL, become a large watch dog group
> and hound the SB on every issue, attend SB meeting
> and get in their face for three minutes.
>
> Make them redistrict all schools that are under
> capacity, such as;
>
> Falls Church, over 700 empty seats, Mount Vernon,
> over 800 empty seats, Lake Braddock, over 500
> empty seats, Hayfield, over 500 empty seats.
>
> Stop them from building the new middle school for
> south county, stop them from moving ahead with
> Gathhouse 2, another administration building that
> they want, watch every dollar that they want to
> spend.
>
> Make the next three years hell on wheels for this
> SB, SO THAT THEY REMEMBER THE NIGHT THAT THEY
> F---ed the people of Western Fairfax County.
>
> Remember, it is not over until the fat lady
> sings.
>
> PS S. Gibson is a little man who talks down to
> everone who does not kiss his butt. He is our
> biggest problem and he has been one for over 12
> years. He needs to go as soon ASAP and lets make
> sure that this little man who insults everyone is
> voted out next time.


That's a real grown up, intelligent solution. Didn't get what you wanted, so now screw everyone else, whether they were in the fight or therr schools had absolutely nothing to do with any of this - screw the whole system, and tie up theri time and resources on OLD news.

Why don't you just use this time, resoureces, money, and energy into doing something positive like figuring out given the situation, how to make things better for EVERYONE and how to move on, and how to help heal the hurt on ALL sides. And no, we on the pro-RD side are not any happier than it has pitted neighbor against neighbor, but sometimes, this just happens.

You complain about Stu and everyone else and how he talks down everyone else, but you appear to be just hateful and self-serving.

You obviously did not go to SL, or else you would know how to interact with and respect others with different values and different view points. Good thing too you did not go there and your kids won't go there, our kids don't need people like you bringing negative energy not only into our school, but into the whole FCPS.

Yes, it is your kids, but it is not your schools and it is not your choice either - it is the COUNTY's. Remember that. You want your choice and your school, that is fine, and you have every right to it, but just don't do it on everyone else's nickel. My taxes pay for one of the top school systems in the US, and I like it that way, not for your private school paid for with public dollars.

Grow up - will you! Enough!

Not going Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What's the plan to personally sue Elizabeth
> Vandenberg--and jack up her personal legal bills?


This too is really mature. Congratulations. and this solves your issue exactly how?

Oh yes, it makes you feel better...and...

SLPTA is icky Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not going Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What's the plan to personally sue Elizabeth
> > Vandenberg--and jack up her personal legal
> bills?
>
>
> Obviously there is plenty to work with. Perhaps
> some nice litigation can help reduce her
> children's college fund.
>
> While her children have had to bear the pain of no
> jewelry classes (SOB) and not enough warm bodies
> in the Culinary arts program (BIGGER SOB) maybe a
> nice pow in the personal pocketbook will help her
> face what she has done to other peoples' children.

Vanderberg used the power of the state to do her personal bidding -
let the power of the purse hit her where it hurts.

To SL Parents:

1. You won. Try being gracious instead of self-righteous. Honey attracts more bees than piss and vinegar.

2. You won in name only. Like usual, you were played for Stu's stooges. You went ahead and decided to trust a guy who let South Lakes and many of its feeder schools wither on the vine for years. Then, you think he's going to be your savior, but he's not. Why? Because

1. He endlessly antagonized everyone who disagreed with him and hurled insults. You thought this helped you but it didn't. SL parents always did make a lot of good points, but you don't need someone as one-sided and obnoxious as he is to take your side when your points stand on their own merits.

2. With IB being in for at least the next 5 years, many people will pupil place out, and given the number of spaces at available AP high schools, you won't be able to do anything about it. And even many SL parents feel betrayed they don't have a say in AP v IB.

3. Whatever PR job FCPS does with IB is useless because this process has shown their data to be worthless and untrustworthy.

4. In the meantime, Stu and FCPS won't improve Hughes or the feeder schools because you are the ones jumping up and down pretending their are no problems whatsoever notwithstanding data showing that there is.

So, SL, continue to gloat and antagonize people. Call them racist. Go on and gloat all you want and make yourselves feel better. But winning isn't about one day, it's about the long term, and bottom line -- you lost and you did it to yourselves. You are not going to get the numbers you think you will out of this, and you'll wake up 5 years from now pretending it's all becasue everyone is a bunch of mean racists without understanding how to extend a fig leaf by offering AP or endless gloating on your moral superiority antagonizes people even more.





Grow up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FACTS Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > After 5 months of bull shit from the school
> board,
> > they just screwed thousands of parents and
> > students who do not what to go to SL. The SB
> did
> > what they wanted to do from the start and not
> what
> > the people wanted.
> >
> > You could roll over and play dead, that's what
> the
> > SB wants you to do, or you can make this A
> NIGHT
> > TO REMEMBER and fight the SB over the next
> three
> > years.
> >
> > I for one will not give up until the ten who
> voted
> > for the redistricting are voted off the board.
> >
> > You need to put together a plan of action and
> kept
> > the pressure on with phone calls, letters,
> emails
> > and do what needs to be done in order to win
> the
> > war.
> >
> > Recalls, lawsuits, vote down school bonds,
> pupil
> > place out of SL, become a large watch dog group
> > and hound the SB on every issue, attend SB
> meeting
> > and get in their face for three minutes.
> >
> > Make them redistrict all schools that are under
> > capacity, such as;
> >
> > Falls Church, over 700 empty seats, Mount
> Vernon,
> > over 800 empty seats, Lake Braddock, over 500
> > empty seats, Hayfield, over 500 empty seats.
> >
> > Stop them from building the new middle school
> for
> > south county, stop them from moving ahead with
> > Gathhouse 2, another administration building
> that
> > they want, watch every dollar that they want to
> > spend.
> >
> > Make the next three years hell on wheels for
> this
> > SB, SO THAT THEY REMEMBER THE NIGHT THAT THEY
> > F---ed the people of Western Fairfax County.
> >
> > Remember, it is not over until the fat lady
> > sings.
> >
> > PS S. Gibson is a little man who talks down to
> > everone who does not kiss his butt. He is our
> > biggest problem and he has been one for over 12
> > years. He needs to go as soon ASAP and lets
> make
> > sure that this little man who insults everyone
> is
> > voted out next time.
>
>
> That's a real grown up, intelligent solution.
> Didn't get what you wanted, so now screw everyone
> else, whether they were in the fight or therr
> schools had absolutely nothing to do with any of
> this - screw the whole system, and tie up theri
> time and resources on OLD news.
>
> Why don't you just use this time, resoureces,
> money, and energy into doing something positive
> like figuring out given the situation, how to make
> things better for EVERYONE and how to move on, and
> how to help heal the hurt on ALL sides. And no,
> we on the pro-RD side are not any happier than it
> has pitted neighbor against neighbor, but
> sometimes, this just happens.
>
> You complain about Stu and everyone else and how
> he talks down everyone else, but you appear to be
> just hateful and self-serving.
>
> You obviously did not go to SL, or else you would
> know how to interact with and respect others with
> different values and different view points. Good
> thing too you did not go there and your kids won't
> go there, our kids don't need people like you
> bringing negative energy not only into our school,
> but into the whole FCPS.
>
> Yes, it is your kids, but it is not your schools
> and it is not your choice either - it is the
> COUNTY's. Remember that. You want your choice
> and your school, that is fine, and you have every
> right to it, but just don't do it on everyone
> else's nickel. My taxes pay for one of the top
> school systems in the US, and I like it that way,
> not for your private school paid for with public
> dollars.
>
> Grow up - will you! Enough!

YOU MUST BE ONE OF THE THREE PEOPLE WHO CLAPPED WHEN GIBSON TALKED.

I BELIEVE THE SCHOOL BOARD NEEDS TO GROW UP AND DO THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE.

Anonymous Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Dang, failed 6 to 6. Another win for Stu. Navy
> > goes to Oakton, fewer seats at Oakton for pupil
> > placement. No wonder Stu has been so happy all
> > night and Kathy Smith is miserable.


I'm not sure I understand why Kathy Smith is so miserable. Didn't she vote with the majority all night? She could have spared Navy - that move makes zero sense. Was this a fake show for her constituents?

I have been very disappointed with the charade that took place yesterday night on the so call vote for this option.

School board members saying that the process has not been perfect but they have to vote on it because they feel like they have to do something just shows how divided the DB members were. Brad Center then saying, please go away now as we have more important things to do just shows how much importance they give to this redistricting. Seemed like Stu dragged them though this and they were glad it was over.

Stu gibson did not win any PR points with his performance either.

They further shut out AP from SL for 5 years.

I think the biggest loser in this whole process is the South Lakes High School itself. I know many people in Reston are nice but through the hand work of a chosen few they have managed to alinieate a lot of us.

It is not just a lot of us who will pupil place out, but many from Reston will also look to pupil place their kids out now.

Grow up - I agree that energies would be better spent in a positive direction. I find that litigation rarely gets the results that are intended, and in any event, I concur with Thomas More's view that an injunction, while making for good press, will be denied here. I just don't see any irrevocable or grievous harm that would obtain with denial, and crucial component to equitable relief. If I were among the affected parents, I would assiduously prepare for pupil placement if I truly believed that the Euro-centric IB program and social scene at SLHS are not the most desirable for my child - and really know the rules backwards and forwards - and also examine private school options. With the demographics being are what they are in the County and the historical aversion of parents to send their kids to schools with a sizable number of lesser or bad students - private schools - to which there are is a shortage - may increasingly become an option.

I disagree with the notion that this is one of the better school systems in America. Fairfax is simply fortunate to have a surplus of high socio-economic type achievers, and I think the school system does very little to earn its exalted status - especially in comparison to the smaller, community oriented school districts to which many of us are familiar in the suburban areas of our larger northern cities. And even TJ - which is so highly acclaimed - and no knock on some of the excellent teachers there - is really mostly just a reflection of what happens when the best and brightest in a wealthy, sophisticated place consolidate in one location. And the reasons for Fairfax's relative mediocrity are no different than what one finds in Montgomery County and other places where the modern educational pedagogy reigns - the people running these large school systems are imbued with ideologies that just don't bring positive results. They are good at spending money and building structures. And the bunch of equivocators that I saw in the SB meeting last night absolutely confirms the point. I heard only manipulative arguments as to how existing resources should be allocated and boundaries should be withdrawn - language reflecting what economists call rent seeking behavior - all the more repugnant when the power of a local government body with a massively inflated opinion of themselves engages in it - and nary a word about commitment to excellence and global competitiveness. My advice to all parents is to find a place that speaks to that - from top to bottom - and there sure wasn't any evidence of that last night.

This was clearly an extremely flawed decision - most of the board said so explicitly - although that didn't stop them voting to tear communities apart.

How could board members split evenly for amendments to remove Navy and Madison North and then vote to pass the motion 10:2?

How could Stu, having admitted that the problem was that no-one wants to go to South Lakes, force through a plan this flawed?

How could Janie, having voted to remove Madison North (although she looked less than happy about it), vote for a motion that included them and then go on to praise South Lakes students above all others?

The board basically said, 'we know this is a mistake, but we're going to do it anyway because those were the rules we set ourselves.'

The board has clearly lost all credibility in the eyes of their constituents and hence all political mandate. They have rights and powers but no mandate. The vast majority of people involved in this process have been outraged - and many not involved now look at situation and say 'if they're prepared to do this, what might they do to my family'

The only way to re-establish that trust is for the board to resign and seek re-election. Most would be re-elected easily, but until then, public trust has been decimated.

That would be the honorable thing to do and the most practical

quantum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Grow up - I agree that energies would be better
> spent in a positive direction. I find that
> litigation rarely gets the results that are
> intended, and in any event, I concur with Thomas
> More's view that an injunction, while making for
> good press, will be denied here. I just don't see
> any irrevocable or grievous harm that would obtain
> with denial, and crucial component to equitable
> relief. If I were among the affected parents, I
> would assiduously prepare for pupil placement if I
> truly believed that the Euro-centric IB program
> and social scene at SLHS are not the most
> desirable for my child - and really know the rules
> backwards and forwards - and also examine private
> school options. With the demographics being are
> what they are in the County and the historical
> aversion of parents to send their kids to schools
> with a sizable number of lesser or bad students -
> private schools - to which there are is a shortage
> - may increasingly become an option.
>
> I disagree with the notion that this is one of the
> better school systems in America. Fairfax is
> simply fortunate to have a surplus of high
> socio-economic type achievers, and I think the
> school system does very little to earn its exalted
> status - especially in comparison to the smaller,
> community oriented school districts to which many
> of us are familiar in the suburban areas of our
> larger northern cities. And even TJ - which is so
> highly acclaimed - and no knock on some of the
> excellent teachers there - is really mostly just a
> reflection of what happens when the best and
> brightest in a wealthy, sophisticated place
> consolidate in one location. And the reasons for
> Fairfax's relative mediocrity are no different
> than what one finds in Montgomery County and other
> places where the modern educational pedagogy
> reigns - the people running these large school
> systems are imbued with ideologies that just don't
> bring positive results. They are good at spending
> money and building structures. And the bunch of
> equivocators that I saw in the SB meeting last
> night absolutely confirms the point. I heard only
> manipulative arguments as to how existing
> resources should be allocated and boundaries
> should be withdrawn - language reflecting what
> economists call rent seeking behavior - all the
> more repugnant when the power of a local
> government body with a massively inflated opinion
> of themselves engages in it - and nary a word
> about commitment to excellence and global
> competitiveness. My advice to all parents is to
> find a place that speaks to that - from top to
> bottom - and there sure wasn't any evidence of
> that last night.


Quantum: I appreciate your thoguhtful response - and the civility.

I am troubled by the commentary that the SL is gloating in this. I for one, do not, and do not belieeve that the others in the SL are either, and in fact with very few exceptions that have been no hateful, gloating, in-your-face posts by the pro-RD crowd on this board since last night. I am saddened that in the end, I believe we lost something in this whole process. The anti-RD lost their choice of schools, and the pro-RD folks lost the sense of civility and community and neighborliness that we all had prior to this debate. So I am not sure about all the rage in Get Real's commentary.

As for where FCPS stands in the grand scheme of things, I suppose we can agree to disagree oin that, it is subjective. I will make one comment though, if you don't believe that FCPS is as good as it is portrayed, then by extension, its individual schools could not be that great either, so then, why all this energy spent on going to the BEST school. I am not trying to be a smart-ass, I am just sincerely trying to reconcile all this effort that is being expended over something that may not be such a big deal.

This is the report card for the not so great Stu Gibson.


Dogwood Elementary

46% of Black and 44% of Latino 3rd graders failed the reading assessments. These numbers are significantly higher than the VA averages.

Twice as many 3rd grade boys fail the math tests than their female counterparts which is inconsistent with Va and division numbers where they typically perform the same. Why are boys at this school failing at such a disproportionate rate?

63% of Black and 45% of Latino 6th graders fail the math SOLs compared to 17% of Whites. That is quite a large minority achievement gap-I would guess one of the worst in Va.

McNair Elementary

40% of Black and (you better sit down) 76% of Latino 3rd graders fail the reading SOLs. The White students failed at a rate of 21% so the Latino students are failing at a rate of 3.5 times their White counterparts. Again, I would guess one of the largest gaps in Va.

Over 1 in 3 Black and Latino 3rd graders fail the math assessments-double the failure rate of Va school averages.

In 6th grade, 39% of Black students failed the reading tests which nearly double what it was the year before. This school is going in the wrong direction.

35% of 6th grade Latino students failed the reading tests which is three times as many as the year before.

65% of Latinos and 50% of Blacks failed the 6th grade math assessments. Are these kids ready for middle school with this type of educational foundation?

I think not. These schools are a disgrace and for you to continue to pontificate about what a great education these kids are getting is positively criminal.

FIX THESE SCHOOLS NOW. STOP LYING TO FAIRFAX COUNTY RESIDENTS AND PARENTS ABOUT THE GREAT JOB YOU ARE DOING.

Do your job or step aside and let someone else more capable do what is needed.

McNair will be fixed next year by RD floris kids there.

Anyone wants a bet?


FACTS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This is the report card for the not so great Stu
> Gibson.
>
>
> Dogwood Elementary
>
> 46% of Black and 44% of Latino 3rd graders failed
> the reading assessments. These numbers are
> significantly higher than the VA averages.
>
> Twice as many 3rd grade boys fail the math tests
> than their female counterparts which is
> inconsistent with Va and division numbers where
> they typically perform the same. Why are boys at
> this school failing at such a disproportionate
> rate?
>
> 63% of Black and 45% of Latino 6th graders fail
> the math SOLs compared to 17% of Whites. That is
> quite a large minority achievement gap-I would
> guess one of the worst in Va.
>
> McNair Elementary
>
> 40% of Black and (you better sit down) 76% of
> Latino 3rd graders fail the reading SOLs. The
> White students failed at a rate of 21% so the
> Latino students are failing at a rate of 3.5 times
> their White counterparts. Again, I would guess
> one of the largest gaps in Va.
>
> Over 1 in 3 Black and Latino 3rd graders fail the
> math assessments-double the failure rate of Va
> school averages.
>
> In 6th grade, 39% of Black students failed the
> reading tests which nearly double what it was the
> year before. This school is going in the wrong
> direction.
>
> 35% of 6th grade Latino students failed the
> reading tests which is three times as many as the
> year before.
>
> 65% of Latinos and 50% of Blacks failed the 6th
> grade math assessments. Are these kids ready for
> middle school with this type of educational
> foundation?
>
> I think not. These schools are a disgrace and for
> you to continue to pontificate about what a great
> education these kids are getting is positively
> criminal.
>
> FIX THESE SCHOOLS NOW. STOP LYING TO FAIRFAX
> COUNTY RESIDENTS AND PARENTS ABOUT THE GREAT JOB
> YOU ARE DOING.
>
> Do your job or step aside and let someone else
> more capable do what is needed.

"I will make one comment though, if you don't believe that FCPS is as good as it is portrayed, then by extension, its individual schools could not be that great either, so then, why all this energy spent on going to the BEST school. I am not trying to be a smart-ass, I am just sincerely trying to reconcile all this effort that is being expended over something that may not be such a big deal."

Research has shown that even when parents think that schools in general are struggling/floundering/not good, they usually think that their own school is fine. I think it has something to do with cognitive dissonance. If we are good parents, we care about our kids' education. Therefore, we wouldn't send our kids to poor schools. Sure, we may complain about some teachers and some books, but overall we don't think our particular school is bad. That's why I took all the glowing comments from SL parents with a small dose of salt. Of course they think SL is fine. What is the alternative, admitting they send their kids to a sub-par school? I know that some SL parents will respond, "If you don't believe us, what was the point of trying to convince you?" It's not that we totally disbelieved you, but many of us did our own research and simply didn't see a compelling need for FCPS to change these boundaries, and we didn't see how SL would significantly benefit from a few more students, and we sure didn't see how our kids would benefit from being moved.

I don't thing that FCPS is all that great, and I agree that the reason it looks good is because of the people who live in FC. There are a variety of teachers, and hopefully my kids will have more good teachers than bad ones. There are good teachers at SL also I'm sure.

I agree with everyone who says that SL is not the winner here. Your school isn't bad, but I think that many/most FM/Floris/MI parents will try to avoid it for at least a few years. Probably a lot of Reston parents will also take a closer look. although how many will actually pupil place out, who knows. It's a different story when there aren't buses to another high school coming through the neighborhood already.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2008 10:21AM by fm/c/o parent.

Grow up - you can clearly understand why the time and energy is spent on going to the best schools - because in this case, that is not an abstract question. Oakton is one of the best schools in the county, and those that have enjoyed attending there have inculcated a reliance interest, and even, in their minds (falsely so, as it turns out), a proprietary interest in continuing to attend that school. Moreover, I think some do fear SLHS - and while I think those fears are greatly overblown - they are to a degree rational - and the school system by and large did not do a good job of ameliorating those fears - implying or even stating people are racist or are infected with some other "ism" is the worst thing they could have done - as with most all schools - there are negative behaviors at SLHS - and they occur in greater (although not materially greater in my view) proportion at that school than in surrounding schools - open and credible discussion over this as well as a forward thinking approach that would have grabbed this moment as an opportunity to aspire to excellence were the ingredients that were needed for this recipe to work, and again, the collection of rent seekers I saw in operation last night were or are not going to get it done. People talk about healing, and mending the community - no offense - but that is gooey liberal emotionalism. People want a good contract out of their schools - pay high taxes - get a commitment to excellence and absolute candor in return. Talk about how to hew to that standard - and everything else falls by the wayside.

My kids are going to get real chummie with yours HaHA

In response to your comment below -- does this not constitute gloating for you? This was posted earlier today by someone from SL. Evidently, the only people who know how to interact with people from different viewpoints are SL students and parents? Stu refused to meet with people from Fox Mill and Floris and a bunch of other areas on the sole basis that they disagreed with him, and meanwhile, Elizabeth Vandenburg has Stu's cell phone and was able to reach him at any time. Meanwhile, not a peep from anyone in SL that this is blatantly unfair, or any thoughtful consideration that someone who conducts himself this way in fact hurts SL's cause. And evidently, the schools don't belong to the parents because we will be force fed whatever the School Board wants to give us -- Everyday Math, IB etc... Congratulations for playing right into their hands to disenfranchise parents even more than they already are. They are County schools so we'll have to take whatever they give us, right?


You complain about Stu and everyone else and how he talks down everyone else, but you appear to be just hateful and self-serving.

You obviously did not go to SL, or else you would know how to interact with and respect others with different values and different view points. Good thing too you did not go there and your kids won't go there, our kids don't need people like you bringing negative energy not only into our school, but into the whole FCPS.

Yes, it is your kids, but it is not your schools and it is not your choice either - it is the COUNTY's. Remember that. You want your choice and your school, that is fine, and you have every right to it, but just don't do it on everyone else's nickel. My taxes pay for one of the top school systems in the US, and I like it that way, not for your private school paid for with public dollars.

Grow up - will you! Enough!

> I am troubled by the commentary that the SL is
> gloating in this. I for one, do not, and do not
> belieeve that the others in the SL are either, and
> in fact with very few exceptions that have been no
> hateful, gloating, in-your-face posts by the
> pro-RD crowd on this board since last night. I am
> saddened that in the end, I believe we lost
> something in this whole process. The anti-RD lost
> their choice of schools, and the pro-RD folks lost
> the sense of civility and community and
> neighborliness that we all had prior to this
> debate. So I am not sure about all the rage in
> Get Real's commentary.

Pupil Placement

Deadline for HS is April 15

Here is where you go to get more info - www.fcps.edu/ss/student-transfer.

SLPTA got what they wanted: Floris is split. The elementary school children who don't have older siblings in high school wouldn't have much awareness of what high school they would be going to yet. I didn't discuss the decision with my daughter this morning, but I am sure that it will be discussed at school: every kid will know whether they are in the SL or Westfield segment. Or in other words, which children are consumers of education and which ones are resources to help SL PTSA build their "designer" school.

Rachel Carson is now a 3 way feeder plus the GT feeder split.

The school board chairman has told us that we do not own our schools, what was not said was that affluent insider PTSA moms own our children.

What possessed these people to think that it was their entitlement to come and take a bite out of Floris? What possessed the SB to let them?

Are they happy now, these people?

I am not sure that I will ever send any of my money through a PTSA organization again.






Grow up Wrote:

> I am troubled by the commentary that the SL is
> gloating in this. I for one, do not, and do not
> belieeve that the others in the SL are either, and
> in fact with very few exceptions that have been no
> hateful, gloating, in-your-face posts by the
> pro-RD crowd on this board since last night. I am
> saddened that in the end, I believe we lost
> something in this whole process. The anti-RD lost
> their choice of schools, and the pro-RD folks lost
> the sense of civility and community and
> neighborliness that we all had prior to this
> debate. So I am not sure about all the rage in
> Get Real's commentary.
>

This is what I would like to recommend to the supporters of SL. Let's stay off this site and stop arguing with anti-RD parents.

We know that parents will pupil place because it's their right.
We know everyone is upset.
Let's be supportive.
No more negative posts from SL regardless of what is written here.

I understand many of the anti-RD parents are convinced it's not over and maybe it's not.

To the anti-RD groups - It's not admiting defeat to ask for information. Go visit SL. Attend some sporting events. Meet some parents.

Lots of sore losers in here who couldn't even convince a QUARTER of the board to agree with them. lol. In a few years the racist fears will turn out to be nothing... you people need to accept your free education where it puts you, and put your resources into productive things that are winnable as this isn't. You lost and it is over now and let's move on.

So, for those of us who were off-planet for the meeting: was any commitment made to grandfathering? I know they've said off and on that they would do so, but until it's part of the record, I'll not even start to believe it. And I won't really believe it until I see my kid get on a grandfather bus next year...

For those who are dissatisfied with taxpayer-provided education, buy your own and send them to private school. Not everyone can afford it of course, but schooling is a taxpayer-provided service for those who choose to use it for whatever the reason.

I am sure there are thousands of families all across the country (and possible just in Virginia) that could only hope to be able to afford to live in Fairfax County and have their kids go to any school there. Count your blessings that you don't have to put up with inner-city public schools and such.

My neighborhood will be redistricted to SL. I am not worried. It is in our own best interest to put our energies into making it an even better school. It is already well on the way. I visited and was very impressed. If you have not, please do. You might like what you see. I was also impressed with the intelligence and grace that a majority of SL parents showed at the public hearings. If their children are like them, our children will have many fine peers. The SL students were also very thoughtful in their speeches.

We need to move on and start the healing. Let's give SL a chance.

Funny ass topic.

THIS IS AMERICA.

GET USED TO LIVE WITH OTHER PEOPLE, EVEN THO THEY MIGHT BE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOU.

whiners Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Count your blessings that you don't
> have to put up with inner-city public schools and
> such.


Those would be the ones with performance along the lines of...

Dogwood Elementary

46% of Black and 44% of Latino 3rd graders failed the reading assessments. These numbers are significantly higher than the VA averages.

Twice as many 3rd grade boys fail the math tests than their female counterparts which is inconsistent with Va and division numbers where they typically perform the same. Why are boys at this school failing at such a disproportionate rate?

63% of Black and 45% of Latino 6th graders fail the math SOLs compared to 17% of Whites. That is quite a large minority achievement gap-I would guess one of the worst in Va.

McNair Elementary

40% of Black and (you better sit down) 76% of Latino 3rd graders fail the reading SOLs. The White students failed at a rate of 21% so the Latino students are failing at a rate of 3.5 times their White counterparts. Again, I would guess one of the largest gaps in Va.

Over 1 in 3 Black and Latino 3rd graders fail the math assessments-double the failure rate of Va school averages.

In 6th grade, 39% of Black students failed the reading tests which nearly double what it was the year before. This school is going in the wrong direction.

35% of 6th grade Latino students failed the reading tests which is three times as many as the year before.

65% of Latinos and 50% of Blacks failed the 6th grade math assessments. Are these kids ready for middle school with this type of educational foundation?

Harry Beaver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Funny ass topic.
>
> THIS IS AMERICA.
>
> GET USED TO LIVE WITH OTHER PEOPLE, EVEN THO THEY
> MIGHT BE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOU.

No-one has objected to living with anyone else, less fortunate, more fortunate, brown, green or indigo - that's typical stu/slhs propaganda

They have objected to the performance of the schools that they've been RD'd into by force and the way in which it was done

Why is RD'd kids job to fix failing schools?

Yup, this is america - where tax payers expect decent services, not hide problems, and their representatives to represent them, not ignore them and moralize

The board basically admitted that this solution was deeply flawed

yeah

well get used to it, and move on.

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Liz Bradsher is spouting the usual junk about
> how
> > ALL our schools are good. She's saying that
> some
> > people have an entitlement attitude when they
> > don't want to go to South Lakes. She is also
> > saying that there is no school choice in FCPS.
> > UMMMM.......she's mentioned public forums that
> > have criticized her fellow board members.
> Would
> > that be this forum?
> >
> > Looks like Stu has Liz's support. She's
> whining
> > about her kids and how she went sent her kids to
> a
> > diverse school and they learned alot about
> > treating others well. I guess she couldn't
> teach
> > her children that at home.
> >
> > Liz's speech is awful, really being nasty about
> > those who oppose being sent to South Lakes.
> What
> > a nasty crab.
>
> Bottom line on "no entitlement" and "No school
> choice":
> Get the Bradsher/Storck unnecessary middle school
> off the CIP. FCPS in Jan 2008 changed amendment
> from 2007 on her Unnecessary middle school
>
> Last year FCPS CANCELLED her base school's
> boundary process.


And, I'm kind of confused about her story about her daughter's book about WW2 children and how it brought some clarity to the process for her. While children won't suffer like WW2 if they have to go to SL, the current children of SL won't suffer like WW2 children if they don't have all the jewelry making and culinary arts classes they want...and it wouldd't be torture if German 3/4 students still had to share a class. What a totally idiotic comparison.

Immigrants are taking this area anyways.

So, stop bitching


he he he he he he

Grow up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not going Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What's the plan to personally sue Elizabeth
> > Vandenberg--and jack up her personal legal
> bills?
>
>
> This too is really mature. Congratulations. and
> this solves your issue exactly how?
>
> Oh yes, it makes you feel better...and...


There's guilt there any everybody knows it. We all have to account for our actions and so does she. Let's see what the courts have to say. How fun it will be to subpeona all these "strategist" from the SLPTA.

Although I don't think the option passed by the SB last night specifically states anything using the term "grandfather", the Appendix B that was submitted by staff to describe the details of the option spcifically states that phasing would start with 9th graders in the 2008-2009 year. So that sounds like students already at their current high schools will stay there, as the approved option contains no language about any 10th or 11th graders moving to new schools in the 2008-2009 school year.

Oh Golly NO!... My dreams of the presidency of the National Council of PTA's shattered!

Seriously, though, what on Earth would you sue us for? Your kidding, right?

Maria Allen (posting as a parent who also happens to be VP of the SLHS PTSA)

sos Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Although I don't think the option passed by the SB
> last night specifically states anything using the
> term "grandfather", the Appendix B that was
> submitted by staff to describe the details of the
> option spcifically states that phasing would start
> with 9th graders in the 2008-2009 year. So that
> sounds like students already at their current high
> schools will stay there, as the approved option
> contains no language about any 10th or 11th
> graders moving to new schools in the 2008-2009
> school year.


Would you put anything past the SB at this point?

Maria Allen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh Golly NO!... My dreams of the presidency of the
> National Council of PTA's shattered!
>
> Seriously, though, what on Earth would you sue us
> for? Your kidding, right?
>
> Maria Allen (posting as a parent who also happens
> to be VP of the SLHS PTSA)



Lets just say it is a surprise.

Maria Allen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh Golly NO!... My dreams of the presidency of the
> National Council of PTA's shattered!
>
> Seriously, though, what on Earth would you sue us
> for? Your kidding, right?
>
> Maria Allen (posting as a parent who also happens
> to be VP of the SLHS PTSA)

If you really are MA perhaps do everyone in this county a financial favor and get SL's and STU motivated on a boundary changed to use Lake Braddock instead of decimating the CIP projects/funding and the Operating Budget with the South County situation. Now that a School Board voted to use South Lakes I regard it as a precedent on unused [especially renovated] capacity.

Grow up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FACTS Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > After 5 months of bull shit from the school
> board,
> > they just screwed thousands of parents and
> > students who do not what to go to SL. The SB
> did
> > what they wanted to do from the start and not
> what
> > the people wanted.
> >
> > You could roll over and play dead, that's what
> the
> > SB wants you to do, or you can make this A
> NIGHT
> > TO REMEMBER and fight the SB over the next
> three
> > years.
> >
> > I for one will not give up until the ten who
> voted
> > for the redistricting are voted off the board.
> >
> > You need to put together a plan of action and
> kept
> > the pressure on with phone calls, letters,
> emails
> > and do what needs to be done in order to win
> the
> > war.
> >
> > Recalls, lawsuits, vote down school bonds,
> pupil
> > place out of SL, become a large watch dog group
> > and hound the SB on every issue, attend SB
> meeting
> > and get in their face for three minutes.
> >
> > Make them redistrict all schools that are under
> > capacity, such as;
> >
> > Falls Church, over 700 empty seats, Mount
> Vernon,
> > over 800 empty seats, Lake Braddock, over 500
> > empty seats, Hayfield, over 500 empty seats.
> >
> > Stop them from building the new middle school
> for
> > south county, stop them from moving ahead with
> > Gathhouse 2, another administration building
> that
> > they want, watch every dollar that they want to
> > spend.
> >
> > Make the next three years hell on wheels for
> this
> > SB, SO THAT THEY REMEMBER THE NIGHT THAT THEY
> > F---ed the people of Western Fairfax County.
> >
> > Remember, it is not over until the fat lady
> > sings.
> >
> > PS S. Gibson is a little man who talks down to
> > everone who does not kiss his butt. He is our
> > biggest problem and he has been one for over 12
> > years. He needs to go as soon ASAP and lets
> make
> > sure that this little man who insults everyone
> is
> > voted out next time.
>
>
> That's a real grown up, intelligent solution.
> Didn't get what you wanted, so now screw everyone
> else, whether they were in the fight or therr
> schools had absolutely nothing to do with any of
> this - screw the whole system, and tie up theri
> time and resources on OLD news.
>
> Why don't you just use this time, resoureces,
> money, and energy into doing something positive
> like figuring out given the situation, how to make
> things better for EVERYONE and how to move on, and
> how to help heal the hurt on ALL sides. And no,
> we on the pro-RD side are not any happier than it
> has pitted neighbor against neighbor, but
> sometimes, this just happens.
>
> You complain about Stu and everyone else and how
> he talks down everyone else, but you appear to be
> just hateful and self-serving.
>
> You obviously did not go to SL, or else you would
> know how to interact with and respect others with
> different values and different view points. Good
> thing too you did not go there and your kids won't
> go there, our kids don't need people like you
> bringing negative energy not only into our school,
> but into the whole FCPS.
>
> Yes, it is your kids, but it is not your schools
> and it is not your choice either - it is the
> COUNTY's. Remember that. You want your choice
> and your school, that is fine, and you have every
> right to it, but just don't do it on everyone
> else's nickel. My taxes pay for one of the top
> school systems in the US, and I like it that way,
> not for your private school paid for with public
> dollars.
>
> Grow up - will you! Enough!


It's only Enough because you got your way. How nice for you. But thankfully in America we can all get our right to our day in court. But, you're lucky. We'll have to pay for our day in court. Taxpayers in this county will pay for yours.

And, I haven't seen evidence that SL students (or their parents)--current or past--have the market on respecful manners. It's certainly not obvious on this Forum.

Maria Allen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations on your big win last night.

Hope its everything you wanted and more.

What's your take on Phil's motion regarding AP/IB?

America Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Grow up Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > FACTS Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > After 5 months of bull shit from the school
> > board,
> > > they just screwed thousands of parents and
> > > students who do not what to go to SL. The SB
> > did
> > > what they wanted to do from the start and not
> > what
> > > the people wanted.
> > >
> > > You could roll over and play dead, that's
> what
> > the
> > > SB wants you to do, or you can make this A
> > NIGHT
> > > TO REMEMBER and fight the SB over the next
> > three
> > > years.
> > >
> > > I for one will not give up until the ten who
> > voted
> > > for the redistricting are voted off the
> board.
> > >
> > > You need to put together a plan of action and
> > kept
> > > the pressure on with phone calls, letters,
> > emails
> > > and do what needs to be done in order to win
> > the
> > > war.
> > >
> > > Recalls, lawsuits, vote down school bonds,
> > pupil
> > > place out of SL, become a large watch dog
> group
> > > and hound the SB on every issue, attend SB
> > meeting
> > > and get in their face for three minutes.
> > >
> > > Make them redistrict all schools that are
> under
> > > capacity, such as;
> > >
> > > Falls Church, over 700 empty seats, Mount
> > Vernon,
> > > over 800 empty seats, Lake Braddock, over 500
> > > empty seats, Hayfield, over 500 empty seats.
> > >
> > > Stop them from building the new middle school
> > for
> > > south county, stop them from moving ahead
> with
> > > Gathhouse 2, another administration building
> > that
> > > they want, watch every dollar that they want
> to
> > > spend.
> > >
> > > Make the next three years hell on wheels for
> > this
> > > SB, SO THAT THEY REMEMBER THE NIGHT THAT THEY
> > > F---ed the people of Western Fairfax County.
> > >
> > > Remember, it is not over until the fat lady
> > > sings.
> > >
> > > PS S. Gibson is a little man who talks down
> to
> > > everone who does not kiss his butt. He is our
> > > biggest problem and he has been one for over
> 12
> > > years. He needs to go as soon ASAP and lets
> > make
> > > sure that this little man who insults
> everyone
> > is
> > > voted out next time.
> >
> >
> > That's a real grown up, intelligent solution.
> > Didn't get what you wanted, so now screw
> everyone
> > else, whether they were in the fight or therr
> > schools had absolutely nothing to do with any
> of
> > this - screw the whole system, and tie up theri
> > time and resources on OLD news.
> >
> > Why don't you just use this time, resoureces,
> > money, and energy into doing something positive
> > like figuring out given the situation, how to
> make
> > things better for EVERYONE and how to move on,
> and
> > how to help heal the hurt on ALL sides. And
> no,
> > we on the pro-RD side are not any happier than
> it
> > has pitted neighbor against neighbor, but
> > sometimes, this just happens.
> >
> > You complain about Stu and everyone else and
> how
> > he talks down everyone else, but you appear to
> be
> > just hateful and self-serving.
> >
> > You obviously did not go to SL, or else you
> would
> > know how to interact with and respect others
> with
> > different values and different view points.
> Good
> > thing too you did not go there and your kids
> won't
> > go there, our kids don't need people like you
> > bringing negative energy not only into our
> school,
> > but into the whole FCPS.
> >
> > Yes, it is your kids, but it is not your
> schools
> > and it is not your choice either - it is the
> > COUNTY's. Remember that. You want your choice
> > and your school, that is fine, and you have
> every
> > right to it, but just don't do it on everyone
> > else's nickel. My taxes pay for one of the top
> > school systems in the US, and I like it that
> way,
> > not for your private school paid for with
> public
> > dollars.
> >
> > Grow up - will you! Enough!
>
>
> It's only Enough because you got your way. How
> nice for you. But thankfully in America we can
> all get our right to our day in court. But,
> you're lucky. We'll have to pay for our day in
> court. Taxpayers in this county will pay for
> yours.
>
> And, I haven't seen evidence that SL students (or
> their parents)--current or past--have the market
> on respecful manners. It's certainly not obvious
> on this Forum.



"Respectful" manners, with a "t", you dumb bunny.

Learn to spell before you file a waste-of-time,waste-of-money narcissistic lawsuit.

South Lakes it is time to step up and be the bigger people. You won. I for one will be sending my son next year due to the RD.

I would like to feel comfortable with this. It is not our choice but we would like to make the best of it. For many of us curricular transfers are not an option.

So please do what you have promised in your presentations before the board and the public and make us feel welcomed. I honestly find you all more than a little scary. I am worried about what my child will face after reading this blog.

It is time start mending this divide. Given your positions as the winners please be good sports and help this along.

I live seven miles from Westfield, seven miles from South Lakes, but now our neighborhood goes to South Lakes. I still can't understand why Lanley students, with great demographics and scores, living much closer to South Lakes weren't hauled into the study. This was not a countywide study or county wide action. It was a plan that, once again, jerked around Floris and Fox Mill. Our area needs to be free of the Stu Gibson tyranny and get true representation on the school board.

Mid Way - I think you should think about pupil placing your child. Why not try? Just like the SB telling you that you should just suck it up and deal. You can deal with the transportation issues regarding pupil placement.

I think that Butler has to sign the form (given the request for AP) and it's up to Westfield's principal to approve it. It just might happen if you give it a try.

Maria Allen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh Golly NO!... My dreams of the presidency of the
> National Council of PTA's shattered!
>
> Seriously, though, what on Earth would you sue us
> for? Your kidding, right?
>
> Maria Allen (posting as a parent who also happens
> to be VP of the SLHS PTSA)

Have you seen that Coke ad where two guys are talking to a lawyer about suing their own company for "taste infringement". The lawyer asks them how they see the end game develping and they say something like, "to see those guys in the corner curled up in the fetal position and CRYING!"

I think that's something along the lines of what these folks have in mind.

My best friend lives in the Langley district and the reason they probably didn't pull them in is that they would NEVER, EVER actually show up at SLHS. It would just be a big waste of time. Those people have the means to move or take care of whatever business they need to to stay at Langley. And they have that kind of attitude that no one tells them what to do. They just make it work for themselves.

STOP Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>Given your
> positions as the winners please be good sports and
> help this along.


its like asking a mugger to give you directions towards the bus stop and maybe use some of your own change

Viking - BINGO!!! Absolutely correct. Power and money. Money and power. Has a nice ring to it - especially for all of those egalitarians (ahem) on the SB.

Yep, I am enthralled to be sending my daughter to a school with little to no social morals, a bigger sense of entitlement that is larger than Langley's and the icing on top of the cake is that Oakton is is rampant in student drug and alcohol use. So, yes, I will continue my histrionics because we are more than pleased with Chantilly, our short commute and a great community.


Oh please Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> kathy smith despiser Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > She will need lots of therapy to assist her in
> her
> > flagrant absence of a Conscious. She sold out
> the
> > Navy Community under a bus all for what?
> >
> > NavyDoesNotGet Out Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > NavyGetsOut,
> > >
> > > Well, what happen? You all forfeiting your
> > > agreement to pay for Kathy's post-vote shrink
> > > visit?
>
> Under what bus? The Oakton bus? Please, no one
> is going waste pity on you for being redistricted
> to a higher-ranked, more prestigious school. The
> histrionics ought to be reserved for those who
> have to go to crappy IB SLHS against their will.

I just had a long conversation with my teenage daughter about complaining about unfair treatment -- concerning a non-RD situation. She wants to throw up her hands and just put up with it. I've never had that attitude. I just put my head down and work and keep quiet and get whatever I think is best. I won't settle for a second best situation.

I don't have money and power, but I'm very resourceful. And I have never expected anyone to hand me anything.

Kathy is a coward! She insulted the navy community when she did her pathetic justification of why she just couldn't vote to keep Navy at Chantilly. Overcrowding my ass. Her own child, that attends Chantilly right now, probably did not make some team or club. I personally will make it my mission to see that she NEVER holds another office. I will venhememntly campaign for anyone else who runs against her. I am not alone in that feeling nor will the Naavy community forget her despicable behavior.


>
>
> I'm not sure I understand why Kathy Smith is so
> miserable. Didn't she vote with the majority all
> night? She could have spared Navy - that move
> makes zero sense. Was this a fake show for her
> constituents?

Thanks Viking, but interestingly enough, I'm not personally affected. Daughter is grandfathered at Westfield and son graduated from high school. Still, I'm sick of our Floris area being redlined for redistricting anytime Stew gets an inspiration. By my count, 5th time in 10 years. Others say more, but that's what I come up with. While we've made our contribution and accomodated past redistricting, I don't think any of the SB members have...I know kathy Smith and Stew haven't. It's a do as we say, not as we do deal.

STOP Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> South Lakes it is time to step up and be the
> bigger people. You won. I for one will be
> sending my son next year due to the RD.
>
> I would like to feel comfortable with this. It is
> not our choice but we would like to make the best
> of it. For many of us curricular transfers are
> not an option.
>
> So please do what you have promised in your
> presentations before the board and the public and
> make us feel welcomed. I honestly find you all
> more than a little scary. I am worried about what
> my child will face after reading this blog.
>
> It is time start mending this divide. Given your
> positions as the winners please be good sports and
> help this along.



You are very welcome and you -- and most certainly your children -- will fit right in.

This blog is a scary place. South Lakes is not. Butler has welcomed parents and kids to visit. You should too.

And you can make up your own mind. The divide is not that wide.

This played out as expected, ending with a good charade on the part of the board about how much they cared and listened. They don't get the fact that they will be judged by their actions more than their words.

There were a lot of learnings in this process, both good and bad. We found that we have some incredibly smart, organized, and passionate neighbors whom I feel much closer to after this experience. But we also learned that we all must keep an eagle eye on the local politicians, because we failed as a community to create sufficient awareness of the issues far enough in advance of the election.

While the issues behind this RD were abstract, the impacts are personal. It is cruel when, for want of a few photography and culinary arts classes, another community tells a child that he must part ways with his best friends since grade 1. My kids will be fine when all is said and done -- they are strong, smart and proud. My family survived and thrived despite pogroms in Europe and relocations to Manzanar, so this too will pass, but will not be forgotten.

While I have many friends in Reston, this has left a bad taste about that community which will not be forgotten. I seriously doubt that the Reston community will forget the bad feelings either. Many of my neighbors met with Mr. Butler and came away impressed, but in the end the arrogance and manipulation of the system by the SB, combined with the intolerance of the SL community as evidenced by many posters on this board leave us with discomfort and distrust.

So we will add to the pile of PP applications. And never again will we passively let our local politicians make changes unchallenged. While we are not wealthy, we will add our voices, energies and $$ to unseating this arrogant lot and keeping our elected officials accountable.

Pyhrric - I am certain you already agree, but let's face it - supporters of the redistricting did not do this for photography and kitchen classes, they did it because they: i) wanted a significant slug of better students so that people will (hopefully) say better things about the school and enhances its reputation; and ii) keep the school from sliding into a demographic abyss from which it is perceived there is little return. And I don't think these are at all negative reasons - they are good reasons - people act out of their self-interest - wish there was more candor about the same.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Pupil Placement
>
> Deadline for HS is April 15
>
> Here is where you go to get more info -
> www.fcps.edu/ss/student-transfer.


DO IT NOW

quantum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Pyhrric - I am certain you already agree, but
> let's face it - supporters of the redistricting
> did not do this for photography and kitchen
> classes, they did it because they: i) wanted a
> significant slug of better students so that people
> will (hopefully) say better things about the
> school and enhances its reputation; and ii) keep
> the school from sliding into a demographic abyss
> from which it is perceived there is little return.
> And I don't think these are at all negative
> reasons - they are good reasons - people act out
> of their self-interest - wish there was more
> candor about the same.

Which in this case with last night's showing, the sb knew there was intense conflict and in the end admitted the process was flawed and showed indifference by saying let's do it.

Apparently they forgot to use the concept of compromise when dealing with a huge conflict. What was the compromise in this mess? Anyone? What did that leave for the redistricted families? SL got what they wanted. Easy for those not affected by the RD and say oh get over it! It is not that easy to get over it quickly.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Maria Allen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> Congratulations on your big win last night.
>
> Hope its everything you wanted and more.
>
> What's your take on Phil's motion regarding AP/IB?

South Lakes high school parents did not celebrate last night. The process has been painful and we are glad it’s over.

Personally, I was very disappointed about the Navy vote. If those of us on the SLHS PTSA board had the clout that some of you believe, I would have tried to persuade Stu Gibson to vote for the amendment to keep the Navy folks at Chantilly and with his vote, it would have passed. Proximity should be the central boundary consideration.

I don’t agree with your interpretation of Phil’s motion on IB-AP. It does not reflect an increased commitment to the IB program. They were committed to the program before and will be until they decide not to be. SLHS is and will be an IB school until the school board decides otherwise. It could decide otherwise next week (but it won’t ) or never. Most SB members believe IB is a better program that is simply misunderstood; this resolution reflects that thinking.
IB is a very complex – perhaps unnecessarily so. I know many parents who love the program but only a few, aside from the program administrators, who claim to fully understand it. The IB website offers more propaganda than information. If the staff wishes to sell the program, they should first create and make available a lengthy manual that first explains it fully. Most school board members know relatively little about the details of the program, yet based mostly on staff recommendation , they decide who gets AP and who gets IB.

Unfortunately, what has been lacking all along is an intelligent and serious public discussion about the merits and value of each program. Such a discussion should have been encouraged before the IB program was introduced in several high schools, but it was discouraged and did not take place. I do not expect that such a discussion will be encouraged now, but I believe it needs to happen now. The million-dollar question is how.

Perhaps some of you have some thoughts on this.

Maria Allen

Ms. Allen...That's a good one. "We didn't celebrate last night. The process is painful and we're glad its over." Very funny. Frankly, you don't know what redistricting pain is. Try living in the Floris area, subjected to four redistrictings over past ten years, and now drawn-and-quartered again. You and your SL buds can now go about biz as normal while my area has to make adjustments, give the kids the bad news and endures another move we didn't want, one that will further divide the neighborhoods. I'm finding it difficult to well up any sympathy for you.

Ms. Allen:

Your message rings hollow. I come away from this experience having heard this message from SLPTSA: We want more students. We'll take anybody . . . except McNair because they're too much like our current students. Anybody who objects is a self-righteous, selfish bigot . . . except us for not wanting McNair.

Last fall I would have seriously considered sending my son to SL. As with any option, it has positives and negatives. This process, and the attitude I have heard from SL teachers and PTSA alike, has hardened my resolve to keep my son away.

The time for serious discuss of the merits of IB and AP was before you kidnapped our neighborhood.

My guess is that Maria Allen is lnot ooking for any sympathy and should be acknowledged for her candor. If any parents deign to harbor beliefs that the school will eventually look to an AP program of any vitality, she is informing everyone to disabuse themselves of that notion - an honest piece of opinion, I would think. I would keep it in mind if pupil placing is an option those are considering.

And in this vein, one would think that she would affirm that her position on this matter was largely one of self-interest - hardly an unusual thing in a democracy.

If SL and the SB think that they won last night, they are mistaken.

I will never send my child to SL because the SB is corrupt with power and the RD process was flawed at every step of the way.

our options

I will pupil place him,he will go to a private school, he will be home schooled or we will move.

I will never ACQUIESE to this SB.

>South Lakes high school parents did not celebrate last night. The process has >been painful and we are glad it’s over.

What to celebrate? Big win for the battle or successfully destroy other communities? If you didn't start this whole mess, nobody will suffer this much long. You have no idea how painful it is and for some of us the real pain just started.

May be Maria Allen is trying to suck up to us because


SHE WANTS TO KNOW WHATS IN THE LAW SUIT.

OK Maria,
Since you folks couldn't figure out how to fix the problems at SL yourselves, just step aside. We'll show you how its done, and done right. You might as well start handing out the scholarships to UVA to the Floris/FM students now.

Maria Allen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> South Lakes high school parents did not celebrate
> last night. The process has been painful and we
> are glad it’s over.
>

Maria - I'm a bit confused as to why the PTSA either colluded with or did not act to correct such a hugely flawed and divisive process

I don't understand why the PTSA did not act to recommend programmatic solutions e.g. creating an IB magnet which would have drawn families in rather than co-opting them against their will into a program very different from the one in their home schools.

After the first public meeting it was clear that the vast majority of communities in scope were entirely happy at their home schools and anti-RD, and by the third meeting it was clear that communities now out-of-scope turned about-face to turn out in force in order to advocate that other neighborhoods be RD'd against their will - Herndon being a case in point.

The sight of SLHS parents and teachers accusing neighboring communities of racism and bias at the public hearings was stunning (nearly as much so as Stu's outburst last night), as was the sight of students attending the town-hall meetings chock full of slogans but clearly never having read the FCPS performance figures.

If any group could have acted to deflect this train wreck, it was the SL PTSA. You did not have the deciding vote - but you could have said "this is tearing the community apart - there is a better way", and you would have carried weight

However, you chose not to and here we are

Mid Way Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ms. Allen...That's a good one. "We didn't
> celebrate last night. The process is painful and
> we're glad its over." Very funny. Frankly, you
> don't know what redistricting pain is. Try living
> in the Floris area, subjected to four
> redistrictings over past ten years, and now
> drawn-and-quartered again. You and your SL buds
> can now go about biz as normal while my area has
> to make adjustments, give the kids the bad news
> and endures another move we didn't want, one that
> will further divide the neighborhoods. I'm
> finding it difficult to well up any sympathy for
> you.

Ladies and gentlemen on both of sides of the fence, can we try to extend an olive branch and make a little peace?

BOYCOTT RESTON!!

Mid Way Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I live seven miles from Westfield, seven miles
> from South Lakes, but now our neighborhood goes to
> South Lakes. I still can't understand why Lanley
> students, with great demographics and scores,
> living much closer to South Lakes weren't hauled
> into the study. This was not a countywide study
> or county wide action. It was a plan that, once
> again, jerked around Floris and Fox Mill. Our
> area needs to be free of the Stu Gibson tyranny
> and get true representation on the school board.


Simple answer in regard to Langley -$$$$$$$$$!!!
That buys alot of campaign donations.
Just like old time Soviet misinformation, Fox Mill
has been characterized as affluent, when the truly affluent
get a free pass and protected status.

i will never send my child to south lakes....all the ugliness has turned me sour

sl argument...crying what is the school board doing for me? Well they got their answer last night.

my question?....now i ask the same, what is the school board doing for me?

Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mid Way Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Ms. Allen...That's a good one. "We didn't
> > celebrate last night. The process is painful
> and
> > we're glad its over." Very funny. Frankly,
> you
> > don't know what redistricting pain is. Try
> living
> > in the Floris area, subjected to four
> > redistrictings over past ten years, and now
> > drawn-and-quartered again. You and your SL
> buds
> > can now go about biz as normal while my area
> has
> > to make adjustments, give the kids the bad news
> > and endures another move we didn't want, one
> that
> > will further divide the neighborhoods. I'm
> > finding it difficult to well up any sympathy
> for
> > you.
>
> Ladies and gentlemen on both of sides of the
> fence, can we try to extend an olive branch and
> make a little peace?


Olive Branch??

You know it would have been nice yesterday at the meeting for the board to offer an olive branch to redistricted communities. How about,

a liberal pupil placement policy like the one they offered in South county. But nooooooooooo they can'd do that because then no one will go to South Lakes. It was always about how to get the warm bodies in South Lakes.

Which RESTON?

North or South? North doesn't want anything to do with SL. How nice!



BOYCOTT RESTON Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BOYCOTT RESTON!!

Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mid Way Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Ms. Allen...That's a good one. "We didn't
> > celebrate last night. The process is painful
> and
> > we're glad its over." Very funny. Frankly,
> you
> > don't know what redistricting pain is. Try
> living
> > in the Floris area, subjected to four
> > redistrictings over past ten years, and now
> > drawn-and-quartered again. You and your SL
> buds
> > can now go about biz as normal while my area
> has
> > to make adjustments, give the kids the bad news
> > and endures another move we didn't want, one
> that
> > will further divide the neighborhoods. I'm
> > finding it difficult to well up any sympathy
> for
> > you.
>
> Ladies and gentlemen on both of sides of the
> fence, can we try to extend an olive branch and
> make a little peace?

OK, it's Rodney King! Olive branches and peace come after negotiations. So what do Floris families get? After four, and now, five redistrictings in ten years, and the mud slung at us, how about voting Stu Gibson out of office next time the vote comes around. That would help.

You have nothing to be scared of. Unfortunately, there is a lot of propaganda still going around about SL. The school is NOTHING like what is being publicized. Contrary to what everyone believes - there are no metal detectors or gangs. Had anyone bothered to visit the school, instead of sit on their computers, they would know that.

Your kids will be welcomed with arms WIDE open, absolutely! Welcoming groups are being formed, extra orientations, and the Taking Flight peer-to-peer mentoring program (which I will be part of next year) are making plans to welcome all the new Seahawks. I was thrilled about the mentoring program before RD, and even am more proud and excited now.

Please spread the truth to your friends and our future Seahawks that there is nothing to be afraid of. Feel free to come and visit us whenever and see for yourself.

Maria Allen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Perhaps some of you have some thoughts on this.
>
> Maria Allen

How about the SL PTSA, or South Lakes Boundary Study Group, sponsor a presentation at each elementary school and at Hughes next fall of the strengths and weaknesses of IB and AP by adherents of each and have straw polls taken at the end of each presentation and present the results to Phil and the Board in time for their work session next fall.

As I have written too many times if the results of that straw poll demonstrates a preference for IB, I will drop it.

What was surprising about Phil's motion was that so many had been led to believe by RD adherents and others, that if they just kept their powder dry on IB/AP that the issue would be honestly reviewed after the RD vote.

Phil's motion makes it clear there won't be any change at SL for at least 5 years, if then.

Yet another breach of faith and loss of credibility.

Do any of our school board members, other than Stu, have children at an IB school?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/29/2008 05:02PM by Thomas More.

> Do any of our school board members, other than
> Stu, have children at an IB school?


i believe tessie...

seahawk'10 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You have nothing to be scared of. Unfortunately,
> there is a lot of propaganda still going around
> about SL. The school is NOTHING like what is
> being publicized. Contrary to what everyone
> believes - there are no metal detectors or gangs.
> Had anyone bothered to visit the school, instead
> of sit on their computers, they would know that.
>
> Your kids will be welcomed with arms WIDE open,
> absolutely! Welcoming groups are being formed,
> extra orientations, and the Taking Flight
> peer-to-peer mentoring program (which I will be
> part of next year) are making plans to welcome all
> the new Seahawks. I was thrilled about the
> mentoring program before RD, and even am more
> proud and excited now.
>
> Please spread the truth to your friends and our
> future Seahawks that there is nothing to be afraid
> of. Feel free to come and visit us whenever and
> see for yourself.


This misses the point entirely and frankly sounds like hippy jive, Esalan-speak,..."follow the force, Luke." I'm sure South Lakes is a great place for those who have attended or are there. I'm glad for that and I'm pleased that the county put some serious cash into its upgrade. Long overdue. BUT, the school has been jammed down our throats and our Floris neighborhoods are being redistricted once again. This isn't about fear, nice people with a warm heart. While you're spreading the truth about the mellow mood at SL, also spread the truth that a part of the FM/Floris community is being displaced against its will.