Since the school board has destroyed so many lives with the RD, now it is your turn to destroy them in their pocket book.

Go to a private school and do not fill out the 2008 Virginia school census form and vote no on all school bonds.

This is payback time for those 10 ass holes.

See if they need us now?

Not over Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> we have a choice.... private school Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > all those trying to battle RD in court don't
> waste
> > the time or the money. The government has the
> > right to choose what school an what districts
> it
> > wants. Don't feel intitled just because you
> bought
> > a house in a particular neighbor hood. You have
> a
> > choice....... Public or Private. SL students b4
> > this RD didn't have a choice and they got short
> > end of the stick.
>
> I thought everyone is saying how wonderful SL is.
> How can it be so wonderful and at the same time be
> getting the short end of the stick? BTW, by
> financial and staffing measures, SL is getting
> more than most, on a per student basis.

On Thursday night Stu claimed that SL students had been short changed for a long time and did not have equal access that other students have had. I can't help but wonder how that is possible when SL has a much higher staffing ratio than other schools. I also can't help but wonder if Stu's statement is accurate, why didn't he do something to fix the inequality as it was happening?

RD PARENT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Since the school board has destroyed so many lives
> with the RD, now it is your turn to destroy them
> in their pocket book.
>
> Go to a private school and do not fill out the
> 2008 Virginia school census form and vote no on
> all school bonds.
>
> This is payback time for those 10 ass holes.
>
> See if they need us now?

You might also want to speak to the Board of Supervisors who intend to raise your tax rate so that they can fund the school's $2.3 BILLION budget. They won't care about your child going to private school, or the bonds since they ALWAYS pass overwhelmingly, but they will care if their budget is not fully funded so that every single bureaucrat can get a raise.

Every person who is upset needs to sign up to speak at the board of supervisors budget hearings on the school's budget.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speaker_bos.htm

The PTA's will send hundreds of people to testify on behalf of the schools needing more funding. Let your views be known about how they are spending that money.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> Hemenway. Of course they have to justify putting
> their child into South Lakes since nearly all of
> their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy of
> a load.

Neen, will you ever cease to attack those who disagree with you? Would you say that your inability to stop indicates some sort of obsessive anger against anything South Lakes?

"I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her children into South Lakes, as did Caroline Hemenway. Of course they have to justify putting their child into South Lakes since nearly all of their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy of a load."

I'm pretty sure the oldest Castro child is now in 8th grade. She won't have to pupil place. The really interesting thing would be if a judge allows an injunction (or in some way puts the SB vote on hold or invalidates it, I don't know the correct legal terminology). Then will young miss Castro go to SL (w/o all those other awesome FM kids) or go to Oakton after all. I know that CH's daughter is going to SL, that was the plan all along, and with RD she gets to take along some of her Carson friends, awesome!

I wish the best for both young ladies at SL. Some of us just wish their moms had minded their own business. I don't know what CH's neighbors think of her since I don't know her neighbors, but I can tell you that Erika isn't a big hit around here these days. However, I doubt anyone will be blatent about it. Just a little chilly when crossing paths at Giant perhaps.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2008 04:26PM by fm/c/o parent.

Kathy Smith is the most conniving politician around. She really is a piece of work. Her performance the other night was oscar worthy, the tears she shed for Navy! If she, in fact, is planning to run against Ken Cuccinelli for his senate seat, she worked this perfectly since he is NOT the NAVY AREA'S REPRESENTATIVE and they won't have a chance to vote against her. What a bitch!!!

fm/c/o parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> Hemenway. Of course they have to justify putting
> their child into South Lakes since nearly all of
> their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy of
> a load."
>
> I'm pretty sure the oldest Castro child is now in
> 8th grade. She won't have to pupil place. The
> really interesting thing would be if a judge
> allows an injunction (or in some way puts the SB
> vote on hold or invalidates it, I don't know the
> correct legal terminology). Then will young miss
> Castro go to SL (w/o all those other awesome FM
> kids) or go to Oakton after all. I know that CH's
> daughter is going to SL, that was the plan all
> along, and with RD she gets to take along some of
> her Carson friends, awesome!
>
> I wish the best for both young ladies at SL. Some
> of us just wish their moms had minded their own
> business. I don't know what CH's neighbors think
> of her since I don't know her neighbors, but I can
> tell you that Erika isn't a big hit around here
> these days. However, I doubt anyone will be
> blatent about it. Just a little chilly when
> crossing paths at Giant perhaps.

Were you one of the ones who sent the personal nasties to people involved with South Lakes? Sounds like you want to get personal here by naming people as if they were to "blame," so maybe you were. You do know, don't you, that many people know your real name, right? Are you suggesting you might be one of those people in Giant who acts so "neighborly" to your neighbor who is standing up for what she believes in, just like you are?

Be careful about that glass house you live in. You're entering dangerous water that has been avoided for the most part on this blog.

Kathy Smith and Liz Bradsher are MILFs!


(wouldn't kick Kay outta bed either)

Forgive me if I do not shed a tear for Carly Mannava and her family ["Vote on School Zones in Fairfax Pits Neighbor Against Neighbor," front page, Feb. 28].

The dust-up over Fairfax County's school zones is a study in perspective. While I empathize with Ms. Mannava's concerns for her children, her situation is the definition of what my family would call a "fancy problem."

Even if Ms. Mannava "loses," her children will still live in a 6,600-square-foot house and attend a high school that just underwent a $60 million renovation.

Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

KATIE DOOLEY

Washington

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not over Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > we have a choice.... private school Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > all those trying to battle RD in court don't
> > waste
> > > the time or the money. The government has the
> > > right to choose what school an what districts
> > it
> > > wants. Don't feel intitled just because you
> > bought
> > > a house in a particular neighbor hood. You
> have
> > a
> > > choice....... Public or Private. SL students
> b4
> > > this RD didn't have a choice and they got
> short
> > > end of the stick.
> >
> > I thought everyone is saying how wonderful SL
> is.
> > How can it be so wonderful and at the same time
> be
> > getting the short end of the stick? BTW, by
> > financial and staffing measures, SL is getting
> > more than most, on a per student basis.
>
> On Thursday night Stu claimed that SL students had
> been short changed for a long time and did not
> have equal access that other students have had. I
> can't help but wonder how that is possible when SL
> has a much higher staffing ratio than other
> schools. I also can't help but wonder if Stu's
> statement is accurate, why didn't he do something
> to fix the inequality as it was happening?


That was one of the things I have been "banging" my head..exactly what kind of equal access to resources was Stu referring to? Lack of funds, needed more courses or....? Was this related to the higher number of frm students? SL has more funding than most high schools, doesn't it? Also it has (SL) considerable amout of attractive list of courses available. That kind of statement even FCPS has publicly stated has gotten me puzzled ever since I heard about the boundary study being started last summer..what kind of equal access to resources are we talking about here? Stu never really explained the depth of the now infamous statement: "equal access to resources".

During a conversation with Mr. Butler at SL, he stated that the reason why their stats for "incidents" was higher than the other high schools was because they notate everything. no matter how small. The other schools just don't put much in the record.

not giving up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> During a conversation with Mr. Butler at SL, he
> stated that the reason why their stats for
> "incidents" was higher than the other high schools
> was because they notate everything. no matter how
> small. The other schools just don't put much in
> the record.

LOL, I've got a bridge in Arizona for sale too.

Fish or Cut Bait Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> putting
> > their child into South Lakes since nearly all
> of
> > their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy
> of
> > a load.
>
> Neen, will you ever cease to attack those who
> disagree with you? Would you say that your
> inability to stop indicates some sort of obsessive
> anger against anything South Lakes?

Of course not. I'm just passing along what I've heard from the neighbors of the Misses Castro and Hemenway. They aren't the most popular ladies on the block, as I am sure you are aware. You need not agree, as you obviously don't. Shrugs.

not giving up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> During a conversation with Mr. Butler at SL, he
> stated that the reason why their stats for
> "incidents" was higher than the other high schools
> was because they notate everything. no matter how
> small. The other schools just don't put much in
> the record.

Really? Only South Lakes HS is scrupulously honest and all the other schools lie about such incidents? How would Mr. Butler know that? Do his fellow principals know that he is saying this about them? Does Dr. Dale know that such under reporting is happening in all schools, except South Lakes? Mr. Butler really should report those principals, assuming that he knows which ones are doing this. It's not very honest of him to not report them, and they are making his school look bad.

Someone offered a bridge in Arizona. I'll go one better, I've got ocean front property in Indiana. First come, first served! Get in line now.

I've heard from Madison parents that the principal there has not reported many violations by jocks on the football, basketball, and baseball teams, knowing that they would be expelled if reported.

Fish or Cut Bait Wrote:
> I've heard from Madison parents that the principal
> there has not reported many violations by jocks on
> the football, basketball, and baseball teams,
> knowing that they would be expelled if reported.

If you must spread rumors, try to make them believable. I might believe a bit of this about Westfield or Robinson (which is a complement to their athletic prowess, not a dig at their honesty) but when did Madison become big jock school? Do they make a lot of money from huge crowds at their baseball games?

Now that Kathy has screwed Navy - can someone tell me what she gets out of it besides political suicide? Who ever she runs against in her next election, our district or not, don't you think this will follow her? She broke every campaign promise she made. Was she just mad that the rest of the school board did not like her new, last minute option?

kathy smith despiser Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> so, I talked with some frends of mine that live
> off of Bennet. Their bus arrives at 6:10 AM to
> pick up the children to take to Oakton. They
> arrive at Oakton at 7:10.


I don't disagree with your points *at all*, but I seriously doubt the bus arrives at 7:10 -- buses from Franklin Farm leave 6:20-6:30 and arrive 6:50 or so. And the bell rings at 7:20, so a 7:10 arrival would leave the kids dashing through the school to get to class.

I'm only pointing this out so you don't inadvertently give someone an easy excuse to dismiss your argument.

I am very proud to live near the Castros. They are a great family! Erica always stands up for what she believes in. She is a great asset to the fox mill coummunity and a wonderful role model for her children.







Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Fish or Cut Bait Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Neen Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> >



> I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> > putting
> > > their child into South Lakes since nearly all
> > of
> > > their neighbors think they are a few bricks
> shy
> > of
> > > a load.
> >
> > Neen, will you ever cease to attack those who
> > disagree with you? Would you say that your
> > inability to stop indicates some sort of
> obsessive
> > anger against anything South Lakes?
>
> Of course not. I'm just passing along what I've
> heard from the neighbors of the Misses Castro and
> Hemenway. They aren't the most popular ladies on
> the block, as I am sure you are aware. You need
> not agree, as you obviously don't. Shrugs.

FACTS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mr. Regnier
>
> 3/1/08
> I noticed on the news yesterday that the stats on
> fights, weapons etc was posted on the screen, and
> it did not show South Lakes in such a great light,
> as compared to Westfield. I believe that there
> were twice as many serious incidents at South
> Lakes, with there being less that half as many
> kids.
>
> Based on the above statement, I am making the
> following FOIA request;
>
> Please provide me copies of documents that attest
> to serious incidents that took place at South
> Lakes HS for the last three years.
>
> Examples; fights, students having weapons, how
> many times were the FFC policed called to the
> school, students with drugs, gang violence and
> student harassment.
>
> Also, how many students over the last three years
> have been removed from the FCPS system?


Is south lakes not safe for our children?

Hi I am a student from LHMS i will be going to SLHS and my older brother is currently a student their so any questions just ask I will tell you the truth from the lies

bring it on cm

Don't be afraid to admit what's really scaring the crap out of all of you - You’re petrified of the black/brown man. It's understandable, with all of the scary rap music, MS13, doo-rags, hair-picks, and burritos. Embrace your inner Lou Dobbs. Shelter your precious progenies from real world. With any luck, they won't be left, somewhere in their 30's, recently fired following a class action lawsuit, having to re-examine their world-view.

ericas neighbor Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am very proud to live near the Castros. They
> are a great family! Erica always stands up for
> what she believes in. She is a great asset to the
> fox mill coummunity and a wonderful role model for
> her children.

Amen to that. Erika and her family are wonderful friends and neighbors. She has fought for what she believed was right without ever engaging in the personal attacks for which many posters to this forum are noted. If everyone in this debate--whether pro or anti-RD--had behaved with the same level of respect and civility that she has, this process would have been a whole lot less painful. Grow up and stop the personal attacks.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Fish or Cut Bait Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Neen Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > >
>
>
>
> > I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > > > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > > > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> > > putting
> > > > their child into South Lakes since nearly
> all
> > > of
> > > > their neighbors think they are a few bricks
> > shy
> > > of
> > > > a load.
> > >
> > > Neen, will you ever cease to attack those who
> > > disagree with you? Would you say that your
> > > inability to stop indicates some sort of
> > obsessive
> > > anger against anything South Lakes?
> >
> > Of course not. I'm just passing along what
> I've
> > heard from the neighbors of the Misses Castro
> and
> > Hemenway. They aren't the most popular ladies
> on
> > the block, as I am sure you are aware. You
> need
> > not agree, as you obviously don't. Shrugs.

PENNY COON for FOX MILL PTA PRESIDENT
BOYCOTT FAMILY FUN NIGHT

So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader already in the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people at church, the dog park, the grocery store, Dinner Zen...who are interested to discuss the RD. MOST have been in favor of it EVEN though their kids would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST have kept silent because they knew that there was so much anger. MOST have said they will go along with whatever the school board decides.

One of the families has a FCPS teacher who was going to pupil place her son into SL in lieu of Oakton. Now she does not have to go through with that.

I can't belive the vitriol that has been spewed on this site. I hope that the parents who are "affected" (and I mean that in the most genuine and honest way possible) give their children a chance to experience the school before you yank them into incredibly expensive private schools. You truly just might, perhaps be pleasantly pleased with the method of teaching IB brings to the learning process.

I, for one, am looking forward to having the Big Happy Family come 2012 graduation from South Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?

Restonrox Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Anyone else out there in my camp?


No

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> not giving up Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > During a conversation with Mr. Butler at SL, he
> > stated that the reason why their stats for
> > "incidents" was higher than the other high
> schools
> > was because they notate everything. no matter
> how
> > small. The other schools just don't put much
> in
> > the record.
>
> Really? Only South Lakes HS is scrupulously
> honest and all the other schools lie about such
> incidents? How would Mr. Butler know that? Do
> his fellow principals know that he is saying this
> about them? Does Dr. Dale know that such under
> reporting is happening in all schools, except
> South Lakes? Mr. Butler really should report
> those principals, assuming that he knows which
> ones are doing this. It's not very honest of him
> to not report them, and they are making his school
> look bad.
>
> Someone offered a bridge in Arizona. I'll go one
> better, I've got ocean front property in Indiana.
> First come, first served! Get in line now.


I can't vouch for SL's reporting, but it is a well known fact that many schools under report. It has to do with a number of things; some as simple as classifying a weapon as a weapon. Is a 3 inch Swiss Army knife accidentally left in a Boy Scout's backpack a weapon? Some schools follow the zero tolerance policy more faithfully than others. Some principals know their community will analyze every reported incident, and thus they might decrease their reports, both serious ones and not so serious ones.

Though reports are required, there is little follow up to ensure reports are made, and if made, whether or not they are accurate.

I do think the schools that report accurately, should report schools that under report. They all know who they are, but the public doesn't, and it isn't fair to the schools that are truthful.

Restonsux Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Restonrox Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> Anyone else out there in my camp?
>
>
> No


My post was actually read by someone! Thanks for letting me know I am not writing into a void!

Your local Pollyanna from South Reston

Restonrox Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Restonsux Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Restonrox Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > Anyone else out there in my camp?
> >
> >
> > No
>
>
> My post was actually read by someone! Thanks for
> letting me know I am not writing into a void!
>
> Your local Pollyanna from South Reston

North and South Reston need Pollyannas for one another. Ever thought of becoming united as one?

I think you will find that there are many people who have been redistricted to SLHS who will do just as you hope - work hard to make it "one big happy family." Don't believe all the garbage spewed by some here. I live in the Fox Mill elementry school district and most of my friends and neighbors are great people with great kids who will be strong supporters of SLHS when their kids get there. Thanks for your optimism and don't let the whiners get you down!

fm/c/o parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> Hemenway. Of course they have to justify putting
> their child into South Lakes since nearly all of
> their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy of
> a load."
>
> I'm pretty sure the oldest Castro child is now in
> 8th grade. She won't have to pupil place. The
> really interesting thing would be if a judge
> allows an injunction (or in some way puts the SB
> vote on hold or invalidates it, I don't know the
> correct legal terminology). Then will young miss
> Castro go to SL (w/o all those other awesome FM
> kids) or go to Oakton after all. I know that CH's
> daughter is going to SL, that was the plan all
> along, and with RD she gets to take along some of
> her Carson friends, awesome!
>
> I wish the best for both young ladies at SL. Some
> of us just wish their moms had minded their own
> business. I don't know what CH's neighbors think
> of her since I don't know her neighbors, but I can
> tell you that Erika isn't a big hit around here
> these days. However, I doubt anyone will be
> blatent about it. Just a little chilly when
> crossing paths at Giant perhaps.

Anyone who resorts to this approach obviously doesn't know either of these parents or their children.

Fox Mill neighbors stick together and don't judge others because they have different personal opinions. Fox Mill parents who differ in opinion about the RD have stated that openly. That's what makes our children and any school they attend so successful. We have lots of passion and compassion. We know we can meet at the bus stop, the Giant, and PTA meetings without a 'chilly' reception. Our kids still play together.

It's my observation that many parents of Fox Mill redistricted children heading to SLHS are now focused on ensuring their child/children will have a positive high school experience, as we should be. Disrespect shown here helps absolutely no one.

There's nothing wrong with differing viewpoints. but experienced debaters know that more is gained if you show respect. You'll have to admit that Ms. Castro has demonstrated respect for others' opinions and has not resorted to any personal attacks. I admire her for that.

Croc Tears Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Now that Kathy has screwed Navy - can someone tell
> me what she gets out of it besides political
> suicide? Who ever she runs against in her next
> election, our district or not, don't you think
> this will follow her? She broke every campaign
> promise she made. Was she just mad that the rest
> of the school board did not like her new, last
> minute option?


Well why did Navy help vote her in?

ericas neighbor Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am very proud to live near the Castros. They
> are a great family! Erica always stands up for
> what she believes in. She is a great asset to the
> fox mill coummunity and a wonderful role model for
> her children.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Fish or Cut Bait Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Neen Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > >
>
>
>
> > I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > > > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > > > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> > > putting
> > > > their child into South Lakes since nearly
> all
> > > of
> > > > their neighbors think they are a few bricks
> > shy
> > > of
> > > > a load.
> > >
> > > Neen, will you ever cease to attack those who
> > > disagree with you? Would you say that your
> > > inability to stop indicates some sort of
> > obsessive
> > > anger against anything South Lakes?
> >
> > Of course not. I'm just passing along what
> I've
> > heard from the neighbors of the Misses Castro
> and
> > Hemenway. They aren't the most popular ladies
> on
> > the block, as I am sure you are aware. You
> need
> > not agree, as you obviously don't. Shrugs.



Thanks, Rona.

Erika and Caroline may never be popular with the busybody moms within FM who gossip w/the busybody moms outside of FM about this whole RD business but I doubt they care to be. Although I've only met them once early in this RD process and don't know them well I seriously doubt they'll have any long term problems with the majority within this community, even those opposed to RD.

FxCAPS on the other hand, took it upon themselves to make our business everybody's business. While I won't personally hold any grudges against individuals, as a whole they have far fewer friends in this community as a result of their activities. If you are a die-hard FxCAPS member, then please do boycott FME's family fun night as it is sure to make it much more enjoyable for everyone that does come.

Somebody said that they suspect most parents were not vocal either way during this process and I believe this is true, I have never signed any petition and I only recognize a few names on the ones I've read. A year or so ago a small group of parents were very vocal in their opposition to having McNair students pupil-place into FME as a result of NCLB sanctions. I expected them to be in the forefront of this anti-RD fight but they were nowhere to be found.

I guess the one good thing that came out of this for me was to focus on the AB/IB issue well before my kids get to HS. If this RD never happened, I'm sure our kids would have just signed up for AP classes at Oakton without a second thought.

NO AND HELL NO.

RD PARENT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> NO AND HELL NO.


Why and Why not? This makes no sense.

Is fairfaxcaps and stoprd alive and running?

Yes FairfaxCAPs is alive and well. StopRD stopped contributing long back, when crossfield did not come in any of the options.


WEB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is fairfaxcaps and stoprd alive and running?

school starts at 7:25. A 7:10 arrival is within a time you can get ot class.

Another Lurker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> kathy smith despiser Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > so, I talked with some frends of mine that live
> > off of Bennet. Their bus arrives at 6:10 AM to
> > pick up the children to take to Oakton. They
> > arrive at Oakton at 7:10.
>
>
> I don't disagree with your points *at all*, but I
> seriously doubt the bus arrives at 7:10 -- buses
> from Franklin Farm leave 6:20-6:30 and arrive 6:50
> or so. And the bell rings at 7:20, so a 7:10
> arrival would leave the kids dashing through the
> school to get to class.
>
> I'm only pointing this out so you don't
> inadvertently give someone an easy excuse to
> dismiss your argument.

Another Lurker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 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...

Answering my own question, http://www.fcps.edu/suptapps/newsreleases/newsrelease.cfm?newsid=791 says in part:
"The boundary changes will not impact students currently enrolled in the affected schools; the changes will become effective in the 2008-09 school year and will be phased in, beginning with freshmen, during the next four school years."

I'll still believe it when the bus pulls away, but at least there's *something* in writing...

correction Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> school starts at 7:25. A 7:10 arrival is within a
> time you can get ot class.

Um, not according to http://www.fcps.edu/OaktonHS/about/schedule/index.html, or my kids... anyway, my point was that an hour bus ride from Bennett is unlikely, and it's bad tactics to include easily attacked factoids in an argument.

Fish or Cut Bait Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've heard from Madison parents that the principal
> there has not reported many violations by jocks on
> the football, basketball, and baseball teams,
> knowing that they would be expelled if reported.

Oh? You heard that, huh? Then it MUST be true!

I learned tonight that I was wrong about Erika and Caroline. Neither of them has a child at South Lakes. Caroline pupil placed her child at Marshall, not South Lakes. She likes the Marshall program better than the South Lakes program. Erika has no children in high school. My apologies for the errors.

I can't begin to explain why they have chosen to speak for the South Lakes community, to the press, since neither has a child at the school.

Fiona Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi I am a student from LHMS i will be going to
> SLHS and my older brother is currently a student
> their so any questions just ask I will tell you
> the truth from the lies

No offense dear, but I doubt that your big brother is aware of everything that happens at South Lakes.

Yes, FairfaxCaps is alive and well and continuing to help parents.


http://www.fairfaxcaps.org/html/pupil_placement.html

So does this mean Carson and Franklin will be adding the IB middle years program to their schools as is done at Hughes http://www.fcps.edu/HughesMS/IB%20Message%200607/IB_use_r.pdf

If not then those who didnt go to Hughes but go to South Lales are at a a major disadvantage

The county will not honor the idea about not effecting current students with this RD. They will blame the budget so they cannot double bus and ask for more taxes to increase there budget. The will not honor anything like this because they have no honor. If the the school system is any good it because the county has alot of educated parents.Also every person in the Hunter Mill District should sign the recall of Stu Gibson. The best way to deal with this guy is to take away his so called passion. People need to get involved and not forget what he did

Restonrox Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader already in
> the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people at
> church, the dog park, the grocery store, Dinner
> Zen...who are interested to discuss the RD. MOST
> have been in favor of it EVEN though their kids
> would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST have kept
> silent because they knew that there was so much
> anger. MOST have said they will go along with
> whatever the school board decides.
>
> One of the families has a FCPS teacher who was
> going to pupil place her son into SL in lieu of
> Oakton. Now she does not have to go through with
> that.
>
> I can't belive the vitriol that has been spewed on
> this site. I hope that the parents who are
> "affected" (and I mean that in the most genuine
> and honest way possible) give their children a
> chance to experience the school before you yank
> them into incredibly expensive private schools.
> You truly just might, perhaps be pleasantly
> pleased with the method of teaching IB brings to
> the learning process.
>
> I, for one, am looking forward to having the Big
> Happy Family come 2012 graduation from South
> Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?

It's time to separate the issues, folks. I, too, have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be pupil placing back to Oakton for family reasons -- he has a brother there. However, I wish South Lakes High the best -- I hope it succeeds, improves its reputation and becomes the "gem" that many believe it is.

The school board is another matter. No governmental body should be able to act in the haughty, arrogant manner they have acted. They purposely closed their minds and closed their ears to the community. This process was rightly condemned by all -- even those in Herndon who ended up being not affected and even by many fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got what they want. They must be held accountable.

NO

I think people hate the DEVIOUS ten.

Read what people think of you,

The school board is another matter. No governmental body should be able to act in the haughty, arrogant manner they have acted. They purposely closed their minds and closed their ears to the community. This process was rightly condemned by all -- even those in Herndon who ended up being not affected and even by many fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got what they want. They must be held accountable.

The county will not honor the idea about not effecting current students with this RD. They will blame the budget so they cannot double bus and ask for more taxes to increase there budget. The will not honor anything like this because they have no honor. If the school system is any good it because the county has a lot of educated parents. Also every person in the Hunter Mill District should sign the recall of Stu Gibson. The best way to deal with this guy is to take away his so called passion. People need to get involved and not forget what he did

On Thursday night Stu claimed that SL students had been short changed for a long time and did not have equal access that other students have had. I can't help but wonder how that is possible when SL has a much higher staffing ratio than other schools. I also can't help but wonder if Stu's statement is accurate, why didn't he do something to fix the inequality as it was happening?

BASED UPON WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND WHAT YOU HAVE FAILED TO DO THE CORRUPT, DEVIOUS, UNETHICAL AND INGENUOUS TEN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WHO VOTED FOR REDISTRICTING NEED TO

RESIGN NOW.

not giving up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> NO


NO WAY, NO AND HELL NO.

So now it is clear to more of the community how the FCPS does whatever it wants and probably won't be able to get away with fooling us into thinking we had any say in the matter. (Neen has know this for a long time)

The next thing to wise up about is the yearly budget crisis.

FCPS has tons of waste and extravagant spending that could be cut, but why do that when it is easier to put popular programs at the top of the cut list, confident that active parents will go out and defend them to the SB and County Board?

Fairfax taxpayers are very generous to FCPS with more than 50% of the budget going to the schools. It is time ALL citizens get involved in voting for the SB. Don't say, “Let the parents decide”. We need SB members who will fund education programs that actually educate children and cut the rest.

Remember how many staff members are paid as teachers and less than half of them are in the classroom.

Note how many current SB members are former PTA leadership. The PTA organization is really philosophically aligned (and used to even share office space) with the NEA. Look at the national level goals for these two organizations sometime. They don’t say much about teaching children how to read, write and do math.

It is time the citizens put the interest of the children before the teacher’s union. One Teacher union leader said, “I’ll care about students when they pay union dues”

And I am not referring to our dedicated and very hard working classroom teachers here.

RD PARENT Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Since the school board has destroyed so many lives
> with the RD, now it is your turn to destroy them
> in their pocket book.
>
> Go to a private school and do not fill out the
> 2008 Virginia school census form and vote no on
> all school bonds.
>
> This is payback time for those 10 ass holes.
>
> See if they need us now?

Also, boycott the SOLs at Fox Mill and Floris. The SOLs have no bearing on your kid's future...it only reflects on the school.

What a great way of sending a protest to the FCSB!!

Work Remaining Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> fm/c/o parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > "I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> putting
> > their child into South Lakes since nearly all
> of
> > their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy
> of
> > a load."
> >
> > I'm pretty sure the oldest Castro child is now
> in
> > 8th grade. She won't have to pupil place. The
> > really interesting thing would be if a judge
> > allows an injunction (or in some way puts the
> SB
> > vote on hold or invalidates it, I don't know
> the
> > correct legal terminology). Then will young
> miss
> > Castro go to SL (w/o all those other awesome FM
> > kids) or go to Oakton after all. I know that
> CH's
> > daughter is going to SL, that was the plan all
> > along, and with RD she gets to take along some
> of
> > her Carson friends, awesome!
> >
> > I wish the best for both young ladies at SL.
> Some
> > of us just wish their moms had minded their own
> > business. I don't know what CH's neighbors
> think
> > of her since I don't know her neighbors, but I
> can
> > tell you that Erika isn't a big hit around here
> > these days. However, I doubt anyone will be
> > blatent about it. Just a little chilly when
> > crossing paths at Giant perhaps.
>
> Were you one of the ones who sent the personal
> nasties to people involved with South Lakes?
> Sounds like you want to get personal here by
> naming people as if they were to "blame," so maybe
> you were. You do know, don't you, that many people
> know your real name, right? Are you suggesting
> you might be one of those people in Giant who acts
> so "neighborly" to your neighbor who is standing
> up for what she believes in, just like you are?
>
> Be careful about that glass house you live in.
> You're entering dangerous water that has been
> avoided for the most part on this blog.


Work Remaining, I'm not sure why YOU'RE personally attacking and threatening FM/C/O here. Erika Castro's name has been on this blog for a long time. While I don't think her efforts really made a difference in the final vote, Castro's efforts and deceptions have really hurt the FM community. There are only a few in FM who supported the RD (there were more at the start, but the majority jumped off that ship long ago) but Castro continued to hold up her List of 500 even though 90 percent of the list were those currently at SL. They were not FM. It's the deception part that really angers people. And these are not feelings that will be going away any time soon. She has messed with our children--so why is it surprising and mean-spirited that she will get a cold shoulder at the FM Giant? I'm sure she will survive. But, I do feel bad for her daughter (a nice girl.) I'm sure she wants to go to school with her friends like every other teenage girl, and that won't be happening now. While I am certainly not privvy to the goings on in the Castro house, I do imagine a lot of mother-daughter "conflict" in the future. Most girls just fight with mom about the little things in life. The Castros certainly have a whole lot more to deal with in their home.

Wise Up Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So now it is clear to more of the community how
> the FCPS does whatever it wants and probably won't
> be able to get away with fooling us into thinking
> we had any say in the matter. (Neen has know this
> for a long time)
>
> The next thing to wise up about is the yearly
> budget crisis.
>
> FCPS has tons of waste and extravagant spending
> that could be cut, but why do that when it is
> easier to put popular programs at the top of the
> cut list, confident that active parents will go
> out and defend them to the SB and County Board?
>
> Fairfax taxpayers are very generous to FCPS with
> more than 50% of the budget going to the schools.
> It is time ALL citizens get involved in voting for
> the SB. Don't say, “Let the parents decide”. We
> need SB members who will fund education programs
> that actually educate children and cut the rest.
>
> Remember how many staff members are paid as
> teachers and less than half of them are in the
> classroom.
>
> Note how many current SB members are former PTA
> leadership. The PTA organization is really
> philosophically aligned (and used to even share
> office space) with the NEA. Look at the national
> level goals for these two organizations sometime.
> They don’t say much about teaching children how to
> read, write and do math.
>
> It is time the citizens put the interest of the
> children before the teacher’s union. One Teacher
> union leader said, “I’ll care about students when
> they pay union dues”
>
> And I am not referring to our dedicated and very
> hard working classroom teachers here.



READ BELOW HOW JACK DALE AND THE SCHOOL BOARD SPEND YOUR MONEY AND LIE TO YOU ABOUT COST SAVINGS

1. The "Position Savings" table that you sent includes the elimination of 10 positions for a savings of $516,000, yet the Phase I Cost Saving Report refers to the elimination of 18.5 positions, with a savings of $1,000,000. I would like to see the other 8.5 positions that were eliminated, if in fact they have been eliminated as of today. What was the reason for the delay in eliminating these positions, as promised by 4th Quarter FY 2005?

2. A couple of the positions eliminated were for building supervisor/custodians for the closed facilities (Burkholder, Westmore, etc.). I can accept that as a savings related to the move to Gatehouse I, however, does the superintendent also employ building supervisors/custodians at Gatehouse I? If so, how many? Gatehouse I is a much larger facility than the other properties and I would think that one would need a larger staff to handle the larger space.

3. Please provide a detailed description of what the Property Management Technician position at Gatehouse I is. I see that that position was created with a salary of $69,000.

4. What is School Materials Reserve for a listed savings of $295,374? That does not seem to be a position and I am unsure how that relates to the relocation and the alleged savings?

5. Under the Information Technology section, what is the hourly technical customer products and services section with a cost of $135,897 and how does that savings relate to the relocation to the new building?

6. There were 2.5 positions eliminated in the Superintendent's office including administrative assistants and Executive Staff assistants. How were these position eliminations related to the relocation? Could these layoffs have occurred in the old facilities? I would like to see the reasoning behind this.

7. I had asked for an itemization of the travel costs which are $217,500 annually. One was not provided, because, according to Paul Reigner, there was no change in the figure before and after the relocation. I thought that part of the justification for combing these employees into one building was to reduce the travel time and expense between the buildings. I don't see any savings realized from this consolidation in this travel area and would like to know why. Please itemize these expenses.

8. Who made the projections on the anticipated savings on the telecommunications in the amount of $6.1 million? Did the telecom provider/vendor make those projections? Was this person qualified to make this calculation? Why the huge miscalculation?

9. Given that the planners knew what square footage was available in Gatehouse I, how come fewer employees were consolidated into the building? What is the financial impact on keeping these employees at their old buildings?

10. Please provide a detailed cost savings statement of the energy savings of $5.6 million dollars in Gatehouse? It is listed under the operating costs. Does the operating costs include only energy expenses?

11. Who works out of City Square Phase One?

THE FCPS SYSTEM IS CORRUPT AND THEY ARE MOVING AHEAD WITH GATEHOUSE 2.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> RD PARENT Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Since the school board has destroyed so many
> lives
> > with the RD, now it is your turn to destroy
> them
> > in their pocket book.
> >
> > Go to a private school and do not fill out the
> > 2008 Virginia school census form and vote no on
> > all school bonds.
> >
> > This is payback time for those 10 ass holes.
> >
> > See if they need us now?
>
> You might also want to speak to the Board of
> Supervisors who intend to raise your tax rate so
> that they can fund the school's $2.3 BILLION
> budget. They won't care about your child going to
> private school, or the bonds since they ALWAYS
> pass overwhelmingly, but they will care if their
> budget is not fully funded so that every single
> bureaucrat can get a raise.
>
> Every person who is upset needs to sign up to
> speak at the board of supervisors budget hearings
> on the school's budget.
> https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speaker_bos
> .htm
>
> The PTA's will send hundreds of people to testify
> on behalf of the schools needing more funding.
> Let your views be known about how they are
> spending that money.


I have an even better idea--or at least another good idea. Boycott the SOLs. Do not give the SB any data to social engineer the schools. Take only the SOLs that impact the student, such as the 5th grade math SOLs. Everything else is only for the schools and their report cards.

cougar Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Restonrox Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader already
> in
> > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people at
> > church, the dog park, the grocery store, Dinner
> > Zen...who are interested to discuss the RD.
> MOST
> > have been in favor of it EVEN though their kids
> > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST have
> kept
> > silent because they knew that there was so much
> > anger. MOST have said they will go along with
> > whatever the school board decides.
> >
> > One of the families has a FCPS teacher who was
> > going to pupil place her son into SL in lieu of
> > Oakton. Now she does not have to go through
> with
> > that.
> >
> > I can't belive the vitriol that has been spewed
> on
> > this site. I hope that the parents who are
> > "affected" (and I mean that in the most genuine
> > and honest way possible) give their children a
> > chance to experience the school before you yank
> > them into incredibly expensive private schools.
> > You truly just might, perhaps be pleasantly
> > pleased with the method of teaching IB brings
> to
> > the learning process.
> >
> > I, for one, am looking forward to having the
> Big
> > Happy Family come 2012 graduation from South
> > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?
>
> It's time to separate the issues, folks. I, too,
> have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be pupil
> placing back to Oakton for family reasons -- he
> has a brother there. However, I wish South Lakes
> High the best -- I hope it succeeds, improves its
> reputation and becomes the "gem" that many believe
> it is.
>
> The school board is another matter. No
> governmental body should be able to act in the
> haughty, arrogant manner they have acted. They
> purposely closed their minds and closed their ears
> to the community. This process was rightly
> condemned by all -- even those in Herndon who
> ended up being not affected and even by many
> fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got what
> they want. They must be held accountable.


With all due respect, while the process may not have been perfect, it was not condemned by all, I am not even sure it was condemned by a majority. I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we can argue about this ad-nausea.

I thibk many were ambivolent, and some did not speak out out of preceived "fear" of retribution by their vocal neighbors.

And as I stated before, while one can potentially argue that some of the school board members had a vested interest in the outcome, it is hard to reconcile that all 10 who have voted this way had an axe to grind against these communities. Even of the at-large members, it was a split vote.

Even the student rep argued in favor of making a decision and not a moratorium.

Sticks & Stones are unnecessary Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> fm/c/o parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > "I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> putting
> > their child into South Lakes since nearly all
> of
> > their neighbors think they are a few bricks shy
> of
> > a load."
> >
> > I'm pretty sure the oldest Castro child is now
> in
> > 8th grade. She won't have to pupil place. The
> > really interesting thing would be if a judge
> > allows an injunction (or in some way puts the
> SB
> > vote on hold or invalidates it, I don't know
> the
> > correct legal terminology). Then will young
> miss
> > Castro go to SL (w/o all those other awesome FM
> > kids) or go to Oakton after all. I know that
> CH's
> > daughter is going to SL, that was the plan all
> > along, and with RD she gets to take along some
> of
> > her Carson friends, awesome!
> >
> > I wish the best for both young ladies at SL.
> Some
> > of us just wish their moms had minded their own
> > business. I don't know what CH's neighbors
> think
> > of her since I don't know her neighbors, but I
> can
> > tell you that Erika isn't a big hit around here
> > these days. However, I doubt anyone will be
> > blatent about it. Just a little chilly when
> > crossing paths at Giant perhaps.
>
> Anyone who resorts to this approach obviously
> doesn't know either of these parents or their
> children.
>
> Fox Mill neighbors stick together and don't judge
> others because they have different personal
> opinions. Fox Mill parents who differ in opinion
> about the RD have stated that openly. That's what
> makes our children and any school they attend so
> successful. We have lots of passion and
> compassion. We know we can meet at the bus stop,
> the Giant, and PTA meetings without a 'chilly'
> reception. Our kids still play together.
>
> It's my observation that many parents of Fox Mill
> redistricted children heading to SLHS are now
> focused on ensuring their child/children will have
> a positive high school experience, as we should
> be. Disrespect shown here helps absolutely no one.
>
>
> There's nothing wrong with differing viewpoints.
> but experienced debaters know that more is gained
> if you show respect. You'll have to admit that
> Ms. Castro has demonstrated respect for others'
> opinions and has not resorted to any personal
> attacks. I admire her for that.


Are you living in a bubble? Do you know how busy Bruce Butler's schedule is next week with all those pupil placement forms? There are about 110 kids in the FM 8th grade class (now at Carson.) Of that number, I know more than 25 who already have submitted pupil placement forms to Mr. Butler and obviously more are coming. I have a rising 9th grader and am so sad about how this RD is already splitting the community. I'm not talking about socializing at Giant or bus stops. I'm saying that my son's class, which should have all been going to HS together, will be torn in numerous pieces. He won't be in classes--or see in the halls at HS--the students he's gone to school with for 9 years. There's something very sad about that. And, our feelings won't be going away anytime soon.

I don't think most anti RD folks objected to the families who supported the RD. They objected to Ms. Castro's tactics. I had a half dozen moms in my house last Thurday night watching Channel 21. Of the six, one has supported the RD. No one made her feel any less welcome. I think we all respect each other's opinions, but when a line is crossed--like in Ms. Catro's case--people have a justifiable reason to be angry and upset.

> With all due respect, while the process may not
> have been perfect, it was not condemned by all, I
> am not even sure it was condemned by a majority.
> I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we can
> argue about this ad-nausea.
>

i believe the correct term is ad nauseum

THE FCPS SYSTEM IS IN A BUDGET CRUNCH, BUT THEY HAVE MONEY TO BUILD ANOTHER administrative building.


Schools To Lobby for 2nd HQ Building
HQ saves money, though not as much as expected.
Julia O'Donoghue
November 20, 2007



Fairfax County Public Schools is moving forward with plans to request funding for a second central administrative building despite predictions of a downturn in county government revenue next year.

The school system moved into its current headquarters, called Gatehouse I, in 2005 and always planned to build "Gatehouse II" on a piece of land next to the original at 8115 Gatehouse Road in Merrifield.

Putting the school system’s central administration in one location would allow staff to work more efficiently and save the county money, compared to being scattered at 17 sites across the county two years ago.

But the Board of Supervisors was skeptical and wanted to see proof of the cost savings from Gatehouse I before moving forward with Gatehouse II in 2004. They signed off on $63 million in bonds to cover the purchase of Gatehouse I and adjacent land on which Gatehouse II could be built, withholding judgment on the additional $60 million required to complete the whole project.

Next month, school officials will present hard evidence of cost savings over the past two years from the first step of its central administration’s consolidation and hopes to convince the supervisors to help construct or purchase Gatehouse II.

"We said this building would pay for itself and it has done that," said Dean Tistadt, the school system’s chief operating officer, at a school board work session Nov. 12.

Now about 650 workers are based in Gatehouse I, which is about 210,000 square feet.

Tistadt initially predicted that the purchase of Gatehouse I would result in $20 million in savings over 33 years. But data from the past two years shows actual savings of about half that, $10.3 million.

"We did self-fund it but there wasn’t as much savings as we had hoped," said Tistadt of the initial purchase.

School officials had anticipated saving about $5.8 million in telecommunications, because fewer administrative buildings would require fewer switchboards. But the consolidation results in the need for larger, more expensive switchboards, which canceled out all cost savings in this area, according to documents provided to the school board.

The original business plan also called for approximately 20 staff positions to be eliminated at the end of 2005 as a result of the consolidation. But the school system waited until 2007 to abolish 18.5 positions, costing the school system an additional $2 million.

Fewer staff members were able to move into Gatehouse I than initially thought, so some of the school system’s larger central administrative buildings had to be kept open and the system had to continue renting space, resulting in $2.8 million in additional costs, according to school board documents.

The $2.8 million could be saved once Gatehouse II is opened and the larger administrative centers can be closed or used for different purposes, said Tistadt.
"I have learned a lot from phase I," he said.

School board members at last week’s work session were supportive of moving forward with the funding request for Gatehouse II, even if the savings were not as great as they had been told two years ago.

"You always overestimate the savings," said school board member Tessie Wilson (Braddock). Other "non-cash benefits" like an increase in efficiency should be factored into the benefits of the consolidation, she said.

Though he supported the project, at least one school board member worried the supervisors and public might not see the benefits of a second administrative building.

"The biggest challenge we have is the credibility gap. What we have done is not as clear cut to the community and Board of Supervisors," said school board president Dan Storck (Mount Vernon).

The school system should present the information so that it is clear that, in addition to saving money, the school system also avoided new costs by purchasing Gatehouse I, said school board member Phil Niedzielski-Eichner (Providence).

Though the county purchased land so a new building could be constructed, the school system is also considering purchasing an existing building next door, said Tistadt.

Recently vacated by the Red Cross, the existing building is larger than originally envisioned for Gatehouse II but Tistadt said the school system has identified more programs it could move into the space to make the purchase cost efficient.

Gatehouse II was originally planned to be 170,000 square feet, to house another 650 staff. The site is approved for another 210,000 square foot building that could house about 750 staff.

The Red Cross building is 270,000 square feet, and could house as many as 800 – 1000 employees.

nauseum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > With all due respect, while the process may not
> > have been perfect, it was not condemned by all,
> I
> > am not even sure it was condemned by a majority.
>
> > I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we
> can
> > argue about this ad-nausea.
> >
>


> i believe the correct term is ad nauseum

"ad nauseum" - I stand corrected. you are right. Thank you.

Just very curious, what are all the employees in Gatehouse I and II doing? What are their daily functions? Can FCPS cut some of these positions instead of cutting programs or transportations?



FACTS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> THE FCPS SYSTEM IS IN A BUDGET CRUNCH, BUT THEY
> HAVE MONEY TO BUILD ANOTHER administrative
> building.
>
>
> Schools To Lobby for 2nd HQ Building
> HQ saves money, though not as much as expected.
> Julia O'Donoghue
> November 20, 2007
>
>
>
> Fairfax County Public Schools is moving forward
> with plans to request funding for a second central
> administrative building despite predictions of a
> downturn in county government revenue next year.
>
> The school system moved into its current
> headquarters, called Gatehouse I, in 2005 and
> always planned to build "Gatehouse II" on a piece
> of land next to the original at 8115 Gatehouse
> Road in Merrifield.
>
> Putting the school system’s central administration
> in one location would allow staff to work more
> efficiently and save the county money, compared to
> being scattered at 17 sites across the county two
> years ago.
>
> But the Board of Supervisors was skeptical and
> wanted to see proof of the cost savings from
> Gatehouse I before moving forward with Gatehouse
> II in 2004. They signed off on $63 million in
> bonds to cover the purchase of Gatehouse I and
> adjacent land on which Gatehouse II could be
> built, withholding judgment on the additional $60
> million required to complete the whole project.
>
> Next month, school officials will present hard
> evidence of cost savings over the past two years
> from the first step of its central
> administration’s consolidation and hopes to
> convince the supervisors to help construct or
> purchase Gatehouse II.
>
> "We said this building would pay for itself and it
> has done that," said Dean Tistadt, the school
> system’s chief operating officer, at a school
> board work session Nov. 12.
>
> Now about 650 workers are based in Gatehouse I,
> which is about 210,000 square feet.
>
> Tistadt initially predicted that the purchase of
> Gatehouse I would result in $20 million in savings
> over 33 years. But data from the past two years
> shows actual savings of about half that, $10.3
> million.
>
> "We did self-fund it but there wasn’t as much
> savings as we had hoped," said Tistadt of the
> initial purchase.
>
> School officials had anticipated saving about $5.8
> million in telecommunications, because fewer
> administrative buildings would require fewer
> switchboards. But the consolidation results in the
> need for larger, more expensive switchboards,
> which canceled out all cost savings in this area,
> according to documents provided to the school
> board.
>
> The original business plan also called for
> approximately 20 staff positions to be eliminated
> at the end of 2005 as a result of the
> consolidation. But the school system waited until
> 2007 to abolish 18.5 positions, costing the school
> system an additional $2 million.
>
> Fewer staff members were able to move into
> Gatehouse I than initially thought, so some of the
> school system’s larger central administrative
> buildings had to be kept open and the system had
> to continue renting space, resulting in $2.8
> million in additional costs, according to school
> board documents.
>
> The $2.8 million could be saved once Gatehouse II
> is opened and the larger administrative centers
> can be closed or used for different purposes, said
> Tistadt.
> "I have learned a lot from phase I," he said.
>
> School board members at last week’s work session
> were supportive of moving forward with the funding
> request for Gatehouse II, even if the savings were
> not as great as they had been told two years ago.
>
>
> "You always overestimate the savings," said school
> board member Tessie Wilson (Braddock). Other
> "non-cash benefits" like an increase in efficiency
> should be factored into the benefits of the
> consolidation, she said.
>
> Though he supported the project, at least one
> school board member worried the supervisors and
> public might not see the benefits of a second
> administrative building.
>
> "The biggest challenge we have is the credibility
> gap. What we have done is not as clear cut to the
> community and Board of Supervisors," said school
> board president Dan Storck (Mount Vernon).
>
> The school system should present the information
> so that it is clear that, in addition to saving
> money, the school system also avoided new costs by
> purchasing Gatehouse I, said school board member
> Phil Niedzielski-Eichner (Providence).
>
> Though the county purchased land so a new building
> could be constructed, the school system is also
> considering purchasing an existing building next
> door, said Tistadt.
>
> Recently vacated by the Red Cross, the existing
> building is larger than originally envisioned for
> Gatehouse II but Tistadt said the school system
> has identified more programs it could move into
> the space to make the purchase cost efficient.
>
> Gatehouse II was originally planned to be 170,000
> square feet, to house another 650 staff. The site
> is approved for another 210,000 square foot
> building that could house about 750 staff.
>
> The Red Cross building is 270,000 square feet, and
> could house as many as 800 – 1000 employees.

Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> cougar Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Restonrox Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader
> already
> > in
> > > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people at
> > > church, the dog park, the grocery store,
> Dinner
> > > Zen...who are interested to discuss the RD.
> > MOST
> > > have been in favor of it EVEN though their
> kids
> > > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST have
> > kept
> > > silent because they knew that there was so
> much
> > > anger. MOST have said they will go along with
> > > whatever the school board decides.
> > >
> > > One of the families has a FCPS teacher who
> was
> > > going to pupil place her son into SL in lieu
> of
> > > Oakton. Now she does not have to go through
> > with
> > > that.
> > >
> > > I can't belive the vitriol that has been
> spewed
> > on
> > > this site. I hope that the parents who are
> > > "affected" (and I mean that in the most
> genuine
> > > and honest way possible) give their children
> a
> > > chance to experience the school before you
> yank
> > > them into incredibly expensive private
> schools.
> > > You truly just might, perhaps be pleasantly
> > > pleased with the method of teaching IB brings
> > to
> > > the learning process.
> > >
> > > I, for one, am looking forward to having the
> > Big
> > > Happy Family come 2012 graduation from South
> > > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?
> >
> > It's time to separate the issues, folks. I,
> too,
> > have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be pupil
> > placing back to Oakton for family reasons --
> he
> > has a brother there. However, I wish South
> Lakes
> > High the best -- I hope it succeeds, improves
> its
> > reputation and becomes the "gem" that many
> believe
> > it is.
> >
> > The school board is another matter. No
> > governmental body should be able to act in the
> > haughty, arrogant manner they have acted. They
> > purposely closed their minds and closed their
> ears
> > to the community. This process was rightly
> > condemned by all -- even those in Herndon who
> > ended up being not affected and even by many
> > fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got what
> > they want. They must be held accountable.
>
>
> With all due respect, while the process may not
> have been perfect, it was not condemned by all, I
> am not even sure it was condemned by a majority.
> I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we can
> argue about this ad-nausea.
>
> I thibk many were ambivolent, and some did not
> speak out out of preceived "fear" of retribution
> by their vocal neighbors.
>
> And as I stated before, while one can potentially
> argue that some of the school board members had a
> vested interest in the outcome, it is hard to
> reconcile that all 10 who have voted this way had
> an axe to grind against these communities. Even
> of the at-large members, it was a split vote.
>
> Even the student rep argued in favor of making a
> decision and not a moratorium.

The student rep was a moron, every other word was ummm, ummm.
He is just a politically "useful idiot".

WhatAreTheyDoing? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just very curious, what are all the employees in
> Gatehouse I and II doing? What are their daily
> functions? Can FCPS cut some of these positions
> instead of cutting programs or transportations?
>
>
>
> FACTS Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > THE FCPS SYSTEM IS IN A BUDGET CRUNCH, BUT THEY
> > HAVE MONEY TO BUILD ANOTHER administrative
> > building.
> >
> >
> > Schools To Lobby for 2nd HQ Building
> > HQ saves money, though not as much as expected.
> > Julia O'Donoghue
> > November 20, 2007
> >
> >
> >
> > Fairfax County Public Schools is moving forward
> > with plans to request funding for a second
> central
> > administrative building despite predictions of
> a
> > downturn in county government revenue next year...

...move stuff into Westfield as well as make it a seconadry school and point out that Smith's area has inefficient boundaries since it has Greenbrier West Island below her base school Poplar Tree. Westfield could have gotten more of Poplar Tree, Brookfield, and Lees Corner. Check the maps and streets carefully.

Navy? When Westfield opened they wanted it to Oakton. How about all of Waples Mill to Oakton and move others to Fairfax? Speaking of Fairfax where's the IB at that school since Ann Monday is there now?

Smith and her yahoos wanted that addition now let Tisdadt stick something there. What about a big special ed bus depot set-up? The South County "But We Are not Entitled" were complaining about his stuff there.

At a recent meeting Tisdadt said a neighbor of Bradsher's base school complained about a bus parked there overnight in the Silverbrook parking lot. Give her a depot or a nice gas station.

West Springfield has an FCPS gas station and it's a tighter site. Move it to Bradsher's neighborhood.

Storck - boundary changes for Mount Vernon-Whitman and Sandburg-West Potomac.
Kory- what do you plan to put into Glasgow?
Strauss- cat that caught the mouse but now Phil NE is the wolf.

zzzzzzzz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Peace Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > cougar Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Restonrox Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader
> > already
> > > in
> > > > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people at
> > > > church, the dog park, the grocery store,
> > Dinner
> > > > Zen...who are interested to discuss the RD.
> > > MOST
> > > > have been in favor of it EVEN though their
> > kids
> > > > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST
> have
> > > kept
> > > > silent because they knew that there was so
> > much
> > > > anger. MOST have said they will go along
> with
> > > > whatever the school board decides.
> > > >
> > > > One of the families has a FCPS teacher who
> > was
> > > > going to pupil place her son into SL in
> lieu
> > of
> > > > Oakton. Now she does not have to go through
> > > with
> > > > that.
> > > >
> > > > I can't belive the vitriol that has been
> > spewed
> > > on
> > > > this site. I hope that the parents who are
> > > > "affected" (and I mean that in the most
> > genuine
> > > > and honest way possible) give their
> children
> > a
> > > > chance to experience the school before you
> > yank
> > > > them into incredibly expensive private
> > schools.
> > > > You truly just might, perhaps be pleasantly
> > > > pleased with the method of teaching IB
> brings
> > > to
> > > > the learning process.
> > > >
> > > > I, for one, am looking forward to having
> the
> > > Big
> > > > Happy Family come 2012 graduation from
> South
> > > > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?
> > >
> > > It's time to separate the issues, folks. I,
> > too,
> > > have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be pupil
> > > placing back to Oakton for family reasons --
> > he
> > > has a brother there. However, I wish South
> > Lakes
> > > High the best -- I hope it succeeds, improves
> > its
> > > reputation and becomes the "gem" that many
> > believe
> > > it is.
> > >
> > > The school board is another matter. No
> > > governmental body should be able to act in
> the
> > > haughty, arrogant manner they have acted.
> They
> > > purposely closed their minds and closed their
> > ears
> > > to the community. This process was rightly
> > > condemned by all -- even those in Herndon who
> > > ended up being not affected and even by many
> > > fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got
> what
> > > they want. They must be held accountable.
> >
> >
> > With all due respect, while the process may not
> > have been perfect, it was not condemned by all,
> I
> > am not even sure it was condemned by a majority.
>
> > I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we
> can
> > argue about this ad-nausea.
> >
> > I thibk many were ambivolent, and some did not
> > speak out out of preceived "fear" of
> retribution
> > by their vocal neighbors.
> >
> > And as I stated before, while one can
> potentially
> > argue that some of the school board members had
> a
> > vested interest in the outcome, it is hard to
> > reconcile that all 10 who have voted this way
> had
> > an axe to grind against these communities.
> Even
> > of the at-large members, it was a split vote.
> >
> > Even the student rep argued in favor of making
> a
> > decision and not a moratorium.
>
> The student rep was a moron, every other word was
> ummm, ummm.
> He is just a politically "useful idiot".

Isn't he a Langley student?

zzzzzzzz Wrote:

> ...The student rep was a moron, every other word was
> ummm, ummm.
> He is just a politically "useful idiot".

That "rep" is a Herndon area bussed to Langley person. So when he whined about student fee increases who has sympathy?

Would he even get a bus if assigned to Herndon?

zzzzzzzz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Peace Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > cougar Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Restonrox Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader
> > already
> > > in
> > > > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people at
> > > > church, the dog park, the grocery store,
> > Dinner
> > > > Zen...who are interested to discuss the RD.
> > > MOST
> > > > have been in favor of it EVEN though their
> > kids
> > > > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST
> have
> > > kept
> > > > silent because they knew that there was so
> > much
> > > > anger. MOST have said they will go along
> with
> > > > whatever the school board decides.
> > > >
> > > > One of the families has a FCPS teacher who
> > was
> > > > going to pupil place her son into SL in
> lieu
> > of
> > > > Oakton. Now she does not have to go through
> > > with
> > > > that.
> > > >
> > > > I can't belive the vitriol that has been
> > spewed
> > > on
> > > > this site. I hope that the parents who are
> > > > "affected" (and I mean that in the most
> > genuine
> > > > and honest way possible) give their
> children
> > a
> > > > chance to experience the school before you
> > yank
> > > > them into incredibly expensive private
> > schools.
> > > > You truly just might, perhaps be pleasantly
> > > > pleased with the method of teaching IB
> brings
> > > to
> > > > the learning process.
> > > >
> > > > I, for one, am looking forward to having
> the
> > > Big
> > > > Happy Family come 2012 graduation from
> South
> > > > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?
> > >
> > > It's time to separate the issues, folks. I,
> > too,
> > > have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be pupil
> > > placing back to Oakton for family reasons --
> > he
> > > has a brother there. However, I wish South
> > Lakes
> > > High the best -- I hope it succeeds, improves
> > its
> > > reputation and becomes the "gem" that many
> > believe
> > > it is.
> > >
> > > The school board is another matter. No
> > > governmental body should be able to act in
> the
> > > haughty, arrogant manner they have acted.
> They
> > > purposely closed their minds and closed their
> > ears
> > > to the community. This process was rightly
> > > condemned by all -- even those in Herndon who
> > > ended up being not affected and even by many
> > > fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got
> what
> > > they want. They must be held accountable.
> >
> >
> > With all due respect, while the process may not
> > have been perfect, it was not condemned by all,
> I
> > am not even sure it was condemned by a majority.
>
> > I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we
> can
> > argue about this ad-nausea.
> >
> > I thibk many were ambivolent, and some did not
> > speak out out of preceived "fear" of
> retribution
> > by their vocal neighbors.
> >
> > And as I stated before, while one can
> potentially
> > argue that some of the school board members had
> a
> > vested interest in the outcome, it is hard to
> > reconcile that all 10 who have voted this way
> had
> > an axe to grind against these communities.
> Even
> > of the at-large members, it was a split vote.
> >
> > Even the student rep argued in favor of making
> a
> > decision and not a moratorium.
>
> The student rep was a moron, every other word was
> ummm, ummm.
> He is just a politically "useful idiot".


Here we go again. Trying to be civil and "kaboom" - one back between the eyes.

To be absoultely useful, Tina's every other word was "umm" as well.

And yes, here is someone else that got up inthe morning out to "screw you".

What is it? Everone who disagrees with you is an idiot, mornon, and so on.

Why can't we agree to disagree?

Baffled Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> zzzzzzzz Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Peace Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > cougar Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > Restonrox Wrote:
> > > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > >
> > > > -----
> > > > > So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader
> > > already
> > > > in
> > > > > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many people
> at
> > > > > church, the dog park, the grocery store,
> > > Dinner
> > > > > Zen...who are interested to discuss the
> RD.
> > > > MOST
> > > > > have been in favor of it EVEN though
> their
> > > kids
> > > > > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST
> > have
> > > > kept
> > > > > silent because they knew that there was
> so
> > > much
> > > > > anger. MOST have said they will go along
> > with
> > > > > whatever the school board decides.
> > > > >
> > > > > One of the families has a FCPS teacher
> who
> > > was
> > > > > going to pupil place her son into SL in
> > lieu
> > > of
> > > > > Oakton. Now she does not have to go
> through
> > > > with
> > > > > that.
> > > > >
> > > > > I can't belive the vitriol that has been
> > > spewed
> > > > on
> > > > > this site. I hope that the parents who
> are
> > > > > "affected" (and I mean that in the most
> > > genuine
> > > > > and honest way possible) give their
> > children
> > > a
> > > > > chance to experience the school before
> you
> > > yank
> > > > > them into incredibly expensive private
> > > schools.
> > > > > You truly just might, perhaps be
> pleasantly
> > > > > pleased with the method of teaching IB
> > brings
> > > > to
> > > > > the learning process.
> > > > >
> > > > > I, for one, am looking forward to having
> > the
> > > > Big
> > > > > Happy Family come 2012 graduation from
> > South
> > > > > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my camp?
> > > >
> > > > It's time to separate the issues, folks.
> I,
> > > too,
> > > > have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be pupil
> > > > placing back to Oakton for family reasons
> --
> > > he
> > > > has a brother there. However, I wish South
> > > Lakes
> > > > High the best -- I hope it succeeds,
> improves
> > > its
> > > > reputation and becomes the "gem" that many
> > > believe
> > > > it is.
> > > >
> > > > The school board is another matter. No
> > > > governmental body should be able to act in
> > the
> > > > haughty, arrogant manner they have acted.
> > They
> > > > purposely closed their minds and closed
> their
> > > ears
> > > > to the community. This process was rightly
> > > > condemned by all -- even those in Herndon
> who
> > > > ended up being not affected and even by
> many
> > > > fair-minded South Lakes supporters who got
> > what
> > > > they want. They must be held accountable.
> > >
> > >
> > > With all due respect, while the process may
> not
> > > have been perfect, it was not condemned by
> all,
> > I
> > > am not even sure it was condemned by a
> majority.
> >
> > > I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and we
> > can
> > > argue about this ad-nausea.
> > >
> > > I thibk many were ambivolent, and some did
> not
> > > speak out out of preceived "fear" of
> > retribution
> > > by their vocal neighbors.
> > >
> > > And as I stated before, while one can
> > potentially
> > > argue that some of the school board members
> had
> > a
> > > vested interest in the outcome, it is hard to
> > > reconcile that all 10 who have voted this way
> > had
> > > an axe to grind against these communities.
> > Even
> > > of the at-large members, it was a split vote.
> > >
> > > Even the student rep argued in favor of
> making
> > a
> > > decision and not a moratorium.
> >
> > The student rep was a moron, every other word
> was
> > ummm, ummm.
> > He is just a politically "useful idiot".
>
> Isn't he a Langley student?


TJ, I think.

Just an FYI---

My child back from UVA and I were having a discussion about out redistricting into an IB program. He was able to obtain 32 credits from AP while a UVA friend from Robinson with the exact same classes in the IB program only received 9. My child has a choices--graduate early to go to grad school or double major. Can't do that with just 9 credits.

Neen Wrote:
> Yes, FairfaxCaps is alive and well and continuing
> to help parents.
>
> http://www.fairfaxcaps.org/html/pupil_placement.ht
> ml

-----------
Thank you, Neen. [And thank you for admitting the rare time you make an error. Amazing how few are able to do so.] According to the site,

"Do students have to participate in an interview process before transferring? This was the response offered by Ellie Barnes, Director, Office of Student Services at FCPS:

'...We encourage parents and students to make an appointment with coordinators or principals so that they understand the program and its expectations. This occurs primarily for students entering an IB school. Interviews are not required, however for either IB or AP programs.

Some schools suggest that students maintain a 3.0 GPA (for example, Robinson) which is used to help monitor a student’s progress. As for any transfer, the student must maintain appropriate behavior, attend school regularly, and demonstrate academic progress. Failure to do so could result in a revocation of the transfer.'"

Interesting. This higher-up states you might need an interview to ENTER the IB Programme but not to LEAVE it. There is NOTHING about a minimum GPA to transfer in. She also says children who misbehave can be sent back to their base schools. Thus South Lakes cannot keep the "good" kids from leaving but disciplinary problems would end up back at South Lakes.

Interesting? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Work Remaining Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > fm/c/o parent Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > "I believe that Ms.Castro did pupil place her
> > > children into South Lakes, as did Caroline
> > > Hemenway. Of course they have to justify
> > putting
> > > their child into South Lakes since nearly all
> > of
> > > their neighbors think they are a few bricks
> shy
> > of
> > > a load."
> > >
> > > I'm pretty sure the oldest Castro child is
> now
> > in
> > > 8th grade. She won't have to pupil place. The
> > > really interesting thing would be if a judge
> > > allows an injunction (or in some way puts the
> > SB
> > > vote on hold or invalidates it, I don't know
> > the
> > > correct legal terminology). Then will young
> > miss
> > > Castro go to SL (w/o all those other awesome
> FM
> > > kids) or go to Oakton after all. I know that
> > CH's
> > > daughter is going to SL, that was the plan
> all
> > > along, and with RD she gets to take along
> some
> > of
> > > her Carson friends, awesome!
> > >
> > > I wish the best for both young ladies at SL.
> > Some
> > > of us just wish their moms had minded their
> own
> > > business. I don't know what CH's neighbors
> > think
> > > of her since I don't know her neighbors, but
> I
> > can
> > > tell you that Erika isn't a big hit around
> here
> > > these days. However, I doubt anyone will be
> > > blatent about it. Just a little chilly when
> > > crossing paths at Giant perhaps.
> >
> > Were you one of the ones who sent the personal
> > nasties to people involved with South Lakes?
> > Sounds like you want to get personal here by
> > naming people as if they were to "blame," so
> maybe
> > you were. You do know, don't you, that many
> people
> > know your real name, right? Are you suggesting
> > you might be one of those people in Giant who
> acts
> > so "neighborly" to your neighbor who is
> standing
> > up for what she believes in, just like you are?
>
> >
> > Be careful about that glass house you live in.
> > You're entering dangerous water that has been
> > avoided for the most part on this blog.
>
>
> Work Remaining, I'm not sure why YOU'RE personally
> attacking and threatening FM/C/O here. Erika
> Castro's name has been on this blog for a long
> time. While I don't think her efforts really made
> a difference in the final vote, Castro's efforts
> and deceptions have really hurt the FM community.
> There are only a few in FM who supported the RD
> (there were more at the start, but the majority
> jumped off that ship long ago) but Castro
> continued to hold up her List of 500 even though
> 90 percent of the list were those currently at
> SL. They were not FM. It's the deception part
> that really angers people. And these are not
> feelings that will be going away any time soon.
> She has messed with our children--so why is it
> surprising and mean-spirited that she will get a
> cold shoulder at the FM Giant? I'm sure she will
> survive. But, I do feel bad for her daughter (a
> nice girl.) I'm sure she wants to go to school
> with her friends like every other teenage girl,
> and that won't be happening now. While I am
> certainly not privvy to the goings on in the
> Castro house, I do imagine a lot of
> mother-daughter "conflict" in the future. Most
> girls just fight with mom about the little things
> in life. The Castros certainly have a whole lot
> more to deal with in their home.

Thanks for the support, Interesting. I wasn't going to comment on the personal attack on me, but I will take a quick opportunity to say that 1) I was trying to correct the assumption that a Castro child had been pupil placed to SL, which wasn't the case as far as I knew, and 2) to give my opinion of what the neighbors think, since the question came up. Somehow my message, that a lot of people are upset but won't be blatent about it, got misinterpreted. If a chilly reception at Giant is the worst that happens after being the most public FM supporter of the RD, with name in the papers many times and the already-discredited petition, then that's not so bad.

Now,as far as this comment, "You do know, don't you, that many
> people
> > know your real name, right?", I have no way of accurately answering that. Maybe you do, maybe you don't, how should I know.

Finally, this comment, "> > Be careful about that glass house you live in.
> > You're entering dangerous water that has been
> > avoided for the most part on this blog." I am entering dangerous water? Is that some kind of threat? Seriously, stay away from my house. Not amused.

Does anyone here know or is intestested in finding out how to get a question on the next ballot for putting a 2 term limit on SB members and restoring the oversight of the board of supervisors on the SB.

My sixth-grader stayed up to watch the final vote and when she heard the Student Rep say his "get a lemon - make lemonade" comment she yelled at the TV, "Mom, he just said this RD is a lemon..South Lakes is a big fat lemon". She is twelve.

Thank you FCPS SB for enlightening my kid.

Baffled Wrote:
> Isn't he a Langley student?


yes, he is a Langley student and he told us at the meeting that he travels 35 miles to school each way. Wonder where he lives?? Reston?

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/printarticle.asp?article=75474&archive=true

That student lives IN HERNDON , goes to Langley, and wanted practical solutions. Practical? Familiar with impacts of boundary changes?

My thoughts? For this school year FCPS could not have a better example of a student rep that would NOT ask key questions or offer verbal insight. Only "better" would have been a neighbor of Bradsher for that CIP vote. That horrible figurehead of principal TJ had was there when students had a real rep- Matt Wansley.

Ian Hurdle was OK but I think the school board took measures to squash the student voice.

taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/printarticle.a
> sp?article=75474&archive=true
>
> That student lives IN HERNDON , goes to Langley,
> and wanted practical solutions. Practical?
> Familiar with impacts of boundary changes?
>
> My thoughts? For this school year FCPS could not
> have a better example of a student rep that would
> NOT ask key questions or offer verbal insight.
> Only "better" would have been a neighbor of
> Bradsher for that CIP vote. That horrible
> figurehead of principal TJ had was there when
> students had a real rep- Matt Wansley.
>
> Ian Hurdle was OK but I think the school board
> took measures to squash the student voice.


This is so ironic because Langley SHOULD have been included in the boundary study. And having a student rep who says he drives 35 minutes from his Herndon home to school when everybody supporting the RD including the SB was talking about how promixity should be considered first, blah blah blah.

Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Baffled Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > zzzzzzzz Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Peace Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > cougar Wrote:
> > > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > >
> > > > -----
> > > > > Restonrox Wrote:
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > > -----
> > > > > > So, as a parent of a rising 9th grader
> > > > already
> > > > > in
> > > > > > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many
> people
> > at
> > > > > > church, the dog park, the grocery
> store,
> > > > Dinner
> > > > > > Zen...who are interested to discuss the
> > RD.
> > > > > MOST
> > > > > > have been in favor of it EVEN though
> > their
> > > > kids
> > > > > > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS. MOST
> > > have
> > > > > kept
> > > > > > silent because they knew that there was
> > so
> > > > much
> > > > > > anger. MOST have said they will go
> along
> > > with
> > > > > > whatever the school board decides.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > One of the families has a FCPS teacher
> > who
> > > > was
> > > > > > going to pupil place her son into SL in
> > > lieu
> > > > of
> > > > > > Oakton. Now she does not have to go
> > through
> > > > > with
> > > > > > that.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I can't belive the vitriol that has
> been
> > > > spewed
> > > > > on
> > > > > > this site. I hope that the parents who
> > are
> > > > > > "affected" (and I mean that in the most
> > > > genuine
> > > > > > and honest way possible) give their
> > > children
> > > > a
> > > > > > chance to experience the school before
> > you
> > > > yank
> > > > > > them into incredibly expensive private
> > > > schools.
> > > > > > You truly just might, perhaps be
> > pleasantly
> > > > > > pleased with the method of teaching IB
> > > brings
> > > > > to
> > > > > > the learning process.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I, for one, am looking forward to
> having
> > > the
> > > > > Big
> > > > > > Happy Family come 2012 graduation from
> > > South
> > > > > > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my
> camp?
> > > > >
> > > > > It's time to separate the issues, folks.
> > I,
> > > > too,
> > > > > have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be
> pupil
> > > > > placing back to Oakton for family reasons
>
> > --
> > > > he
> > > > > has a brother there. However, I wish
> South
> > > > Lakes
> > > > > High the best -- I hope it succeeds,
> > improves
> > > > its
> > > > > reputation and becomes the "gem" that
> many
> > > > believe
> > > > > it is.
> > > > >
> > > > > The school board is another matter. No
> > > > > governmental body should be able to act
> in
> > > the
> > > > > haughty, arrogant manner they have acted.
>
> > > They
> > > > > purposely closed their minds and closed
> > their
> > > > ears
> > > > > to the community. This process was
> rightly
> > > > > condemned by all -- even those in Herndon
> > who
> > > > > ended up being not affected and even by
> > many
> > > > > fair-minded South Lakes supporters who
> got
> > > what
> > > > > they want. They must be held
> accountable.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > With all due respect, while the process may
> > not
> > > > have been perfect, it was not condemned by
> > all,
> > > I
> > > > am not even sure it was condemned by a
> > majority.
> > >
> > > > I suppose this is a matter of opinion, and
> we
> > > can
> > > > argue about this ad-nausea.
> > > >
> > > > I thibk many were ambivolent, and some did
> > not
> > > > speak out out of preceived "fear" of
> > > retribution
> > > > by their vocal neighbors.
> > > >
> > > > And as I stated before, while one can
> > > potentially
> > > > argue that some of the school board members
> > had
> > > a
> > > > vested interest in the outcome, it is hard
> to
> > > > reconcile that all 10 who have voted this
> way
> > > had
> > > > an axe to grind against these communities.
> > > Even
> > > > of the at-large members, it was a split
> vote.
> > > >
> > > > Even the student rep argued in favor of
> > making
> > > a
> > > > decision and not a moratorium.
> > >
> > > The student rep was a moron, every other word
> > was
> > > ummm, ummm.
> > > He is just a politically "useful idiot".
> >
> > Isn't he a Langley student?
>
>
> TJ, I think.


No, he goes to Langley. He's supposed to go to Herndon, but his parents sent him to Langley.

Say, perhaps I have missed something in my online readings these last few months, and perhaps y'all can help me understand. Even though the vote is over, so many folks have their hackles up about AP vs IB, as we all know.

My question (and it is not intended to be sarcastic at all): do ALL kids at Oakton, Madison, Chantilly and Westfields go into the AP program at their schools?
If not, did the parents of the general ed kids get a chance to speak up or do they not care?

The reason for my asking is that is seems that is the ONLY issue that came through for the entire boundary process. So, it seems to me that every kid gets an AP education at all of these schools and I just don't think that is possible.

A little help? Thanks.

Interesting? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Peace Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Baffled Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > zzzzzzzz Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > Peace Wrote:
> > > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > >
> > > > -----
> > > > > cougar Wrote:
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > > -----
> > > > > > Restonrox Wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > -----
> > > > > > > So, as a parent of a rising 9th
> grader
> > > > > already
> > > > > > in
> > > > > > > the SLHS pyramid, I have met many
> > people
> > > at
> > > > > > > church, the dog park, the grocery
> > store,
> > > > > Dinner
> > > > > > > Zen...who are interested to discuss
> the
> > > RD.
> > > > > > MOST
> > > > > > > have been in favor of it EVEN though
> > > their
> > > > > kids
> > > > > > > would be sent to the dreaded SLHS.
> MOST
> > > > have
> > > > > > kept
> > > > > > > silent because they knew that there
> was
> > > so
> > > > > much
> > > > > > > anger. MOST have said they will go
> > along
> > > > with
> > > > > > > whatever the school board decides.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > One of the families has a FCPS
> teacher
> > > who
> > > > > was
> > > > > > > going to pupil place her son into SL
> in
> > > > lieu
> > > > > of
> > > > > > > Oakton. Now she does not have to go
> > > through
> > > > > > with
> > > > > > > that.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I can't belive the vitriol that has
> > been
> > > > > spewed
> > > > > > on
> > > > > > > this site. I hope that the parents
> who
> > > are
> > > > > > > "affected" (and I mean that in the
> most
> > > > > genuine
> > > > > > > and honest way possible) give their
> > > > children
> > > > > a
> > > > > > > chance to experience the school
> before
> > > you
> > > > > yank
> > > > > > > them into incredibly expensive
> private
> > > > > schools.
> > > > > > > You truly just might, perhaps be
> > > pleasantly
> > > > > > > pleased with the method of teaching
> IB
> > > > brings
> > > > > > to
> > > > > > > the learning process.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I, for one, am looking forward to
> > having
> > > > the
> > > > > > Big
> > > > > > > Happy Family come 2012 graduation
> from
> > > > South
> > > > > > > Lakes. Anyone else out there in my
> > camp?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > It's time to separate the issues, folks.
>
> > > I,
> > > > > too,
> > > > > > have a rising 9th grader, who I'll be
> > pupil
> > > > > > placing back to Oakton for family
> reasons
> >
> > > --
> > > > > he
> > > > > > has a brother there. However, I wish
> > South
> > > > > Lakes
> > > > > > High the best -- I hope it succeeds,
> > > improves
> > > > > its
> > > > > > reputation and becomes the "gem" that
> > many
> > > > > believe
> > > > > > it is.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The school board is another matter. No
> > > > > > governmental body should be able to act
> > in
> > > > the
> > > > > > haughty, arrogant manner they have
> acted.
> >
> > > > They
> > > > > > purposely closed their minds and closed
> > > their
> > > > > ears
> > > > > > to the community. This process was
> > rightly
> > > > > > condemned by all -- even those in
> Herndon
> > > who
> > > > > > ended up being not affected and even by
> > > many
> > > > > > fair-minded South Lakes supporters who
> > got
> > > > what
> > > > > > they want. They must be held
> > accountable.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > With all due respect, while the process
> may
> > > not
> > > > > have been perfect, it was not condemned
> by
> > > all,
> > > > I
> > > > > am not even sure it was condemned by a
> > > majority.
> > > >
> > > > > I suppose this is a matter of opinion,
> and
> > we
> > > > can
> > > > > argue about this ad-nausea.
> > > > >
> > > > > I thibk many were ambivolent, and some
> did
> > > not
> > > > > speak out out of preceived "fear" of
> > > > retribution
> > > > > by their vocal neighbors.
> > > > >
> > > > > And as I stated before, while one can
> > > > potentially
> > > > > argue that some of the school board
> members
> > > had
> > > > a
> > > > > vested interest in the outcome, it is
> hard
> > to
> > > > > reconcile that all 10 who have voted this
> > way
> > > > had
> > > > > an axe to grind against these communities.
>
> > > > Even
> > > > > of the at-large members, it was a split
> > vote.
> > > > >
> > > > > Even the student rep argued in favor of
> > > making
> > > > a
> > > > > decision and not a moratorium.
> > > >
> > > > The student rep was a moron, every other
> word
> > > was
> > > > ummm, ummm.
> > > > He is just a politically "useful idiot".
> > >
> > > Isn't he a Langley student?
> >
> >
> > TJ, I think.
>
>
> No, he goes to Langley. He's supposed to go to
> Herndon, but his parents sent him to Langley.


Wonder why his parents sent him to Langley? Or doesn't he live in the western portion of Herndon in the Langley district? Both Herndon and Langley have AP programs and comparable curriculums.

Peace Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> With all due respect,

This posting is throughly lacking in respect. Not very peaceful.

> while the process may not have been perfect, it was not condemned by all,

Who expressed the idea that the process was acceptable except Stu and Janie who gamed the the process for more than 4 years to achieve the end result.

> I am not even sure it was condemned by a majority.

Majority of whom? The majority of school board certainly did.

> And as I stated before, while one can potentially argue that some of the school > board members had a vested interest in the outcome, it is hard to reconcile that > all 10 who have voted this way had an axe to grind against these communities.

The accepted modus operandi on this Board, as on the Supervisors, is for the district reps. to defer to one another if their constituents are not directly impacted.

That's why Bradsher's motion was a surprise because it was so exceptional.

But this is "bandwagoning" and "blaming a higher power" again and doesn't promote peace.

> Even of the at-large members, it was a split vote.

2-1 is a majority against the outcome you favored.

Thomas, with all of your raging and red-faced sputtering, you are the last person to talk about 'peace.'

Peacnik

> Thomas, with all of your raging and red-faced sputtering, you are the last person > to talk about 'peace.'

Rage is the most appropriate reaction to injustice and the violations of the rule of law.

How else should one respond? Acquiescence? Passivity?

Even if someone's face were red, is it peaceful to attempt denigrate their message because of the color of their face. (Pun intended)

I knew peaceniks. Peaceniks were and are friends of mine and you are no peacenik.

what happened with the basketball team?
The basketball team sucks right now, but it has potential and young talent.maybe next year!

Questioner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> My question (and it is not intended to be
> sarcastic at all): do ALL kids at Oakton, Madison,
> Chantilly and Westfields go into the AP program at
> their schools?

I would say that just about all of the students at those schools planning to go to a 4 year college take AP courses. Since most kids going to college will want at least 1 AP course on their transcript. The beauty of the AP program is that your child can take as many or as few AP classes as they can handle and still get college credit if the AP exam score is high enough. So there are some students who take 1 or 2 AP classes and some take 4 or 6 or 9. It doesn't matter.

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

>
> It really is sad for South Lakes kids as they will
> pay the ultimate price of the mistakes made by the
> so called adults on the school board and in their
> neighborhood.


Don't pretend that you care about the kids at South Lakes.

Just a few reasons not to take the word of others if you were unable to see the SB meeting yourself. First of all, their impressions were not necessarily the impressions of others. And some people were so busy "reporting" to others that they were too distracted to hear what was actually being said. For example:

"Only Stu seems to be happy tonight, everyone else looks pretty miserable. Now he's talking about redistricting elementary schools in Reston in coming years if Sunrise is over crowded. They could send those kids to Terraset and send others to Dogwood."
... Stu said that SVES is the NCLB transfer school for Dogwood... and if crowding became an issue, they could easily change the Dogwood transfers to Terraset, which is well underenrolled.

Also, Stu did not start his speech out by supporting the Sputh Lakes PTSA president... he very clearly said FOX MILL PTSA president.

I understand that it is hard to see or hear correctly when you are upset, but hopefully other people reading this blog realize that as well. I am concerned about the amount of antagonism I see on here. Please stop. It only succeedds in spreading fear and hate.

for our kids Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I understand that it is hard to see or hear

Since you mention it, what is up with the sound from the SB meetings?

In order to make out what is being said I have to crank the volume up to the top of the range and even then there is frequently a buzz or hum in the background.

I'm not referring to Strock cutting off the mike at the hearings.

I guess this is the thread you were talking about? On one of the many other boards about Fairfax County schools?

http://www.city-data.com/forum/northern-virginia/185362-gang-issues-discussion-2.html

ibcredit? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just an FYI---
>
> My child back from UVA and I were having a
> discussion about out redistricting into an IB
> program. He was able to obtain 32 credits from AP
> while a UVA friend from Robinson with the exact
> same classes in the IB program only received 9.
> My child has a choices--graduate early to go to
> grad school or double major. Can't do that with
> just 9 credits.


My kid took 24 AP credits with him to UVA from Westfield. Now the SL Mafia and their Don, Stewie, have kidnapped a part of the Floris student population, puting them in IB land, when parents want AP. I know folks whose kids have thrived in California, Europe and Asia IB programs, but it sure doesn't seem to be a VA thing as evidenced by the response of state's colleges and universities. A friend once told me the definition of stupid is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. This appears to be what I believe the SB is doing.

Lopter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess this is the thread you were talking about?
> On one of the many other boards about Fairfax
> County schools?
>
> http://www.city-data.com/forum/northern-virginia/1
> 85362-gang-issues-discussion-2.html


Not sure how that is related to TM's post. He was talking about the school board members and how it can be difficult to hear what they are discussing during their meetings. Speaking of sound, at the last meeting, I thought Stu was at the top of his lungs when he made his 3+ minutes speech and Storck never bothered to cut him off.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Peace Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > With all due respect,
>
> This posting is throughly lacking in respect. Not
> very peaceful.
>
> > while the process may not have been perfect, it
> was not condemned by all,
>
> Who expressed the idea that the process was
> acceptable except Stu and Janie who gamed the the
> process for more than 4 years to achieve the end
> result.
>
> > I am not even sure it was condemned by a
> majority.
>
> Majority of whom? The majority of school board
> certainly did.
>
> > And as I stated before, while one can
> potentially argue that some of the school > board
> members had a vested interest in the outcome, it
> is hard to reconcile that > all 10 who have voted
> this way had an axe to grind against these
> communities.
>
> The accepted modus operandi on this Board, as on
> the Supervisors, is for the district reps. to
> defer to one another if their constituents are not
> directly impacted.
>
> That's why Bradsher's motion was a surprise
> because it was so exceptional.
>
> But this is "bandwagoning" and "blaming a higher
> power" again and doesn't promote peace.
>
> > Even of the at-large members, it was a split
> vote.
>
> 2-1 is a majority against the outcome you favored.


Ok, you win. I acknowledge you are right, and I and most of the rest of the world is wrong. I beg for your personal forgiveness.

What can I offer up as recompense - then I guess we can achieve your peace.

Questioner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Say, perhaps I have missed something in my online
> readings these last few months, and perhaps y'all
> can help me understand. Even though the vote is
> over, so many folks have their hackles up about AP
> vs IB, as we all know.
>
> My question (and it is not intended to be
> sarcastic at all): do ALL kids at Oakton, Madison,
> Chantilly and Westfields go into the AP program at
> their schools?
> If not, did the parents of the general ed kids get
> a chance to speak up or do they not care?
>
> The reason for my asking is that is seems that is
> the ONLY issue that came through for the entire
> boundary process. So, it seems to me that every
> kid gets an AP education at all of these schools
> and I just don't think that is possible.
>
> A little help? Thanks.


While AP vs. IB was a hot little item, for many of us in the Floris area, the "jerk around" factor was also big. This redistricting is our fifth in 10 years. Stewie Gibson has been our school board rep for 12 and has used Floris families as his personal whipping school, moving us around when he needed to do a political deal with his fellow board gumbas. I look out my door every day and can "feel" the presence of the invisible school boundary that rides atop the backyard fence of my two next door neighbors, splitting our neighborhood between Floris and Fox Mill. That boundary edict happened 8 years ago. And I'm reminded daily of how some ham-handed hack supported by Stewie and his peers set a boundary through the neighborhood with so little care. I'd hoped Floris area would have been spared this round because we've been jerked around so many times, but Stewie proved once again that Floris parents and students have no board representation. We're his chattel. So I get a little raw when the SL crowd suggests that we're against social equity (to put it politely). My BP also goes up when I think that other school board members have protected and represented their boundaries and families -- such as that of Langley -- from Gibsononmics and moves like this. I'm personally glad that investments have been made in SL. I believe that diversity is good and pleased that there is an SL neighborhood effort to improve the school. These are all great. But, the Floris area has never had any connection to South Lakes and are too far away to get a visit from the South Lakes Welcome Wagon. Unfortunately, we got stuck with Stewie, and his total lack of interest in Floris area students. That's my beef.

The fact is that the devious, dubious 10 politicians won. All the citizens they threw under the bus will be scattered and will forget all of this by 2011 when the next elections come and they will screw the public again. There was a reason why they choose to do their nefarious activities just after the elections were over. Unless we can throw these bums out now ( which we cant ) they appear to have got away clean with the crime

This is how things work with the IB program also, or at least I am told this by parents who have kids at SL. One mom said her daughter is taking only 2 IB classes while another said her son is doing the diploma program and taking 7 classes. Mainly because they have different strengths.

The one taking 2 can take tests to get credit in college just as well as anyone taking an AP class. They just have to get a good score on the IB Exam just like the AP kids. I assume that is why you will find a much larger percentage of kids who take "1 or more" IB class rather than the seemingly smaller percentage who are going through the entire IB Diploma.

my .02.

It does matter to everyone. Till now we had a choice and freedom to choose higher level AP classes even 1 if the child was up to it. Now that choice is gone. As a analogy how many people in united states travel abroad every year? a small percent of population probably. So how would the country feel if the government took away the freedom of free travel, and put conditions such this SB put on pupil placement - eg you can only travel abroad if you visit 5 countries in your trip and at least visit all museums when visiting a country!! Or if you travel you need to get cleared by your local and federal governments.

The issue is freedom of choice. This SB is out of control. They have subverted the democratic process by backroom deals that they will unconditionally support other members if other members support them. In fact they have become dictators and they have to be thrown out. If you sit and take this lightly they will get even more bolder and will harm our children even more.

> Questioner Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Say, perhaps I have missed something in my
> online
> > readings these last few months, and perhaps
> y'all
> > can help me understand. Even though the vote is
> > over, so many folks have their hackles up about
> AP
> > vs IB, as we all know.
> >
> > My question (and it is not intended to be
> > sarcastic at all): do ALL kids at Oakton,
> Madison,
> > Chantilly and Westfields go into the AP program
> at
> > their schools?
> > If not, did the parents of the general ed kids
> get
> > a chance to speak up or do they not care?
> >
> > The reason for my asking is that is seems that
> is
> > the ONLY issue that came through for the entire
> > boundary process. So, it seems to me that every
> > kid gets an AP education at all of these
> schools
> > and I just don't think that is possible.
> >
> > A little help? Thanks.
>

It is not the same as AP. The differnce is that just taking a few IB classes has no benefit for the student. You have to take the entire diploma, which is good. But taking one or 2 IB classes actually hurts you in the college application process as they think the student did not challenge himself to take the full diploma.
For AP even taking 1 or 2 classes you get extra credit in college.

Questioner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This is how things work with the IB program also,
> or at least I am told this by parents who have
> kids at SL. One mom said her daughter is taking
> only 2 IB classes while another said her son is
> doing the diploma program and taking 7 classes.
> Mainly because they have different strengths.
>
> The one taking 2 can take tests to get credit in
> college just as well as anyone taking an AP class.
> They just have to get a good score on the IB Exam
> just like the AP kids. I assume that is why you
> will find a much larger percentage of kids who
> take "1 or more" IB class rather than the
> seemingly smaller percentage who are going through
> the entire IB Diploma.
>
> my .02.

If SL parents think redistricting was such a great idea, then why are the elementary school boundaries in South Reston so socioeconomically skewed? Why haven't they spoken out about this?

Take a look at Hunters Woods.

Low-income neighborhoods that are 2 blocks away from Hunters Woods are sent to Terraset. A higher income neighborhood that went to Terasset petitioned to become part of Hunters Woods boundaries, and this occurred.

Let's take a look at Sunrise Valley. Does anyone seriously think this elementary school is integrated? It pulls from higher income neighborhoods in Reston when these kids could easily be sent to Terraset.

The reality is that FRL students in South Reston are sent to Dogwood and Terraset. While Dogwood naturally has a border at Reston Parkway that creates the school boundary, you could easily argue that the boundaries of Terraset, Hunters Woods and Sunrise Valley should be rejiggered for greater socioeconomic diversity at the elementary school level, but I have yet to see a single person in Reston advocate for this.

In fact, to carry the argument even further, perhaps it is this lack of socioeconomic diversity that has allowed Terraset and Dogwood to remain so far behind other schools and thereby create inequalities at Hughes.

I have no issue with people advocating for RD, but I do at least think they should be ideologically consistent. While Stu is a skank, at least he suggested sending Sunrise Valley kids to Terraset, which is consistent. Meanwhile, Reston parents I know bite their nails at the prospect and say to themselves, over my dead body will my kid be a Terraset.

Hypocrisy regretfully manifested itself on all sides of the debate (pro or anti RD), but at least own up to it.





c'mon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > It really is sad for South Lakes kids as they
> will
> > pay the ultimate price of the mistakes made by
> the
> > so called adults on the school board and in
> their
> > neighborhood.
>
>
> Don't pretend that you care about the kids at
> South Lakes.

Peace Wrote:
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> Ok, you win. I acknowledge you are right, and I and most of the rest of the world > is wrong.

If only you really meant to acknowledge the grievances of those who lost in this process, but the smugness of the winner of a game that was rigged from the beginning and in which too many on the prevailing side cheated is what I detect.

As to the rest of the world, in the words of one wag, there are at least 1 billion chinese who don't give a damn.

> I beg for your personal forgiveness.

It's not my forgiveness to give.

It is the forgiveness of the parents of Floris, Fox Mill and Madison Island who don't want to come to SL; the forgiveness of the parents of Alrdin and Armstrong who did; the forgiveness of Restonians who didn't want the partition of their city perpetuated; the forgiveness of the majority of SL families who get little or nothing from the IB program but would get much more from AP; and it is the forgiveness of the Fairfax County taxpayers whose money is being squandered by this exercise that you need to seek.

> What can I offer up as recompense - then I guess we can achieve your peace.

It should be obvious. Something that helps make these people whole.

Peace does not belong to me. It is a shared experience.