Again, I am asking. Does anyone know if it is true that the SL PTA is making specific recommendations as to which school gets redistricted?

Question Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Can anyone confirm this? Or is it just a rumor?
>
>
> the South Lakes' PTA had a meeting last night to
> discuss a change to Option #3. They want to
> present to the School Board
> that Floris not McNair be redistricted in Option
> #3.
>
> Question

quantum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen - you bring up a good point about why it is
> that certain minority students in Fairfax do
> poorly compared to their peers in Richmond,
> Newport News, etc. And it really is troubling,
> given the the levels of income for the relevant
> students and their families and the general
> resources of Fairfax's schools far exceed those in
> the Commonwealth's other districts.
>
> And while I don't think it appropriate to let Stu
> Gibson, the FCPS system, or anyone off the hook,
> so to speak, for not reaching the standards found
> elsewhere in the Commonwealth, I surmise, as
> suggested by a Washington Post article two years
> ago about this very same subject, that Fairfax is
> in a unique situation - not an excusable one, but
> somewhat unique. The fact of the matter is that
> the vast majority of Fairfax County students, and
> particularly the large "better half" of that
> majority, really can pass the SOL's more or less
> by osmosis, and they receive no benefit
> educationally from being taught "to the test".
> Parents of GT kids or near GT kids will confirm
> this - the SOL's are a nuisance event - whether
> through educational exposure or reading at the
> home, or through some other culturally infused
> means, these kids are going to pass the SOL's with
> very little effort. And because there are so many
> of them, Fairfax more or less caters to their
> demands and needs (which does support the County
> in its quest for recognition and acclaim), which
> leaves a certain minority population which could
> really benefit from repetitive drilling on SOL
> elements wanting - because teaching to the test is
> clearly what the the schools in Richmond and
> Newport News, etc. (they publicly admit it) do.
> And this is where I think ideology comes into
> play. The mostly liberal crowd in that run the
> schools are understandably uncomfortable about
> segregating kids - meaning teaching many in a
> certain minority group (and we are talking only
> about non-learning disabled kids here) differently
> and pulling them aside to do just that. They
> themselves are worried about being the
> stigmatizers, and stigmatizing the kids at issue.
> But I think the ideology hurts these kids, because
> while the schools with some justification claim
> about the lack of creativity in teaching to the
> test, the SOL's require mastery of a certain level
> of retained knowledge that is essential in today's
> economy, no matter how boring it may be to obtain.
> The SOL's, though far from perfect, do measure
> fundamental educational skills, and the more kids
> that pass them, the better off they will be. My
> vote is to do the uncomfortable thing and get the
> kids the repetitively earned skills they need,
> even if it means treating that population
> differently. I see no other choice, and calling
> Gibson, et. al out on the problem - as long as it
> is done in a constructive way - I think
> appropriate. It won't get better by just looking
> at it, and given Fairfax's resources, it is very
> hard to justify.

It's interesting, Quantum, that Neen purports to advocate 'for the children,' yet on this site she has unleashed some pretty reprehensible attacks on the children of the South Lakes community (e.g.,review her initial post to JazzyJeff). If Neen were as concerned about the education of low-income kids as she purports to be, she would not make comments alluding to TJ being diluted by affirmative action, or suggesting that only GT kids are eligible for places at elite universities, or by being somewhat consumed with rankings such as the Jay Mathews challenge index, as she cheers on schools that rank high like Oakton, TJ and Madison (all with a very low FRL population).

If she were sincere in her comments about the 'children,' I might take her seriously; however, she has repeatedly demeaned herself and others on this board, and for what purpose I have not a clue.

quantum Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen - you bring up a good point about why it is
> that certain minority students in Fairfax do
> poorly compared to their peers in Richmond,
> Newport News, etc. And it really is troubling,
> given the the levels of income for the relevant
> students and their families and the general
> resources of Fairfax's schools far exceed those in
> the Commonwealth's other districts.
>
> And while I don't think it appropriate to let Stu
> Gibson, the FCPS system, or anyone off the hook,
> so to speak, for not reaching the standards found
> elsewhere in the Commonwealth, I surmise, as
> suggested by a Washington Post article two years
> ago about this very same subject, that Fairfax is
> in a unique situation - not an excusable one, but
> somewhat unique. The fact of the matter is that
> the vast majority of Fairfax County students, and
> particularly the large "better half" of that
> majority, really can pass the SOL's more or less
> by osmosis, and they receive no benefit
> educationally from being taught "to the test".
> Parents of GT kids or near GT kids will confirm
> this - the SOL's are a nuisance event - whether
> through educational exposure or reading at the
> home, or through some other culturally infused
> means, these kids are going to pass the SOL's with
> very little effort. And because there are so many
> of them, Fairfax more or less caters to their
> demands and needs (which does support the County
> in its quest for recognition and acclaim), which
> leaves a certain minority population which could
> really benefit from repetitive drilling on SOL
> elements wanting - because teaching to the test is
> clearly what the the schools in Richmond and
> Newport News, etc. (they publicly admit it) do.
> And this is where I think ideology comes into
> play. The mostly liberal crowd in that run the
> schools are understandably uncomfortable about
> segregating kids - meaning teaching many in a
> certain minority group (and we are talking only
> about non-learning disabled kids here) differently
> and pulling them aside to do just that. They
> themselves are worried about being the
> stigmatizers, and stigmatizing the kids at issue.
> But I think the ideology hurts these kids, because
> while the schools with some justification claim
> about the lack of creativity in teaching to the
> test, the SOL's require mastery of a certain level
> of retained knowledge that is essential in today's
> economy, no matter how boring it may be to obtain.
> The SOL's, though far from perfect, do measure
> fundamental educational skills, and the more kids
> that pass them, the better off they will be. My
> vote is to do the uncomfortable thing and get the
> kids the repetitively earned skills they need,
> even if it means treating that population
> differently. I see no other choice, and calling
> Gibson, et. al out on the problem - as long as it
> is done in a constructive way - I think
> appropriate. It won't get better by just looking
> at it, and given Fairfax's resources, it is very
> hard to justify.


Some of the elementary schools have SOL academies either before or after school to give extra instruction time to those students identified as being "at risk" with regards to passing the SOLs. Unfortunately, many of the teachers DONATE their time to these academies and there seems to be insufficient resources to provide these in a more organized, county wide, systematic manner. Sometimes grants are available to support instructional time and materials, sometimes not.

These academies work at Forest Edge, our elementary school, but I cannot speak for other schools. Our PTA has supported the purchase of educational materials, etc., but we cannot pay the teachers.

stephanie and jazzyjeff are both students... i have classes with them (trig/math anal, IB bio HL)(weight training)

for those of you are probably concerned about what i am doing online, i'm at home on my SAT study break


it is my belief that the school board really doesn't care about public opinion. they held the meeting at chantilly to appease the angry parents; that is why they pussyfooted around the real issues, especially the questions about langley. in a convorsation i had with... either gibson or butler, he told me that madison island's switch to south lakes is the only one set in stone. they are still evaluating what to do with the rest of the county but pretty have their minds made up about what neighborhoods/who will go to south lakes. the most likely scenario has crossfield and one other neighborhood making the switch. north reston communities will probably stay put because transferring those students to south lakes will ruin herndon's socioeconomic balance.

VADRIVER: it's not about meeting new people. maybe i am too cynical, but people don't interest me. our academic experience would be improved by the additional classes we would be able to take at a bigger school. it was at the redistricting meeting that i learned that larger schools had the ability to offer electives like culinary arts, world religion, piano, criminal justice, and others. world religion? you bet i would take that class. in a heartbeat. i had no idea that schools offered that. some parents would like to pretend that it's a nonissue, but when south lakes is playing schools up to 1,000 students greater (wt woodson), yeah, they will probably lose more games than they win. south lakes is successful in basketball regardless of the number of students because there are only 5 guys on the court at once.

you also took what allen said out of context. she was referring to the parents who were chanting throughout the session in the gym: >>She said those who spoke against the boundary study at the first meeting created distractions, rather than bringing up points of discussion. "They were probably a minority, but they’re the loudest ones," said Allen<<

NEEN: there is truth to what you say. however, one thing i have noticed, is that as a student who has been in GT classes all his life (i attended nysmith k-2 and then was in public GT classes), i have seen myself be surpassed by students who have gone to public schools all their lives, students who haven't even taken GT classes. there are about 4 other kids at south lakes who went to nysmith together and if there's one thing i observe it's that kids who are in the IB diploma program and were in a public, non-GT atmosphere, have surpassed us academically. those who attended private school with me are all smart kids who don't work hard. just an observation.

the difference between SAT scores at south lakes and other schools really doesn't say much about the schools. i'm not going to waste any time researching this, but i looked at the table of schools and their SAT averages and noticed that south lakes' average was 67 points below another schools. this is really only a matter of a few missed questions. having taken 6 practice SATs in preparation for the one i take tomorrow, i know that the difference between my highest score, 2050, and lower ones in the 1900 range is not very great.

SPANKY: "So either SL is really elite or its just dogshit like everyone thinks."
dogshit? dogshit? i'm not even going to waste my time on your ignorant ass. you're making a fool of yourself.

CHS Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> All the people I have spoken to that go the
> Chantilly High School from both Navy and Oak Hill
> WANT to stay at Chantilly.




Your random get the FUCK outta here no one cares what you think...UHH DUHH

you parents worrying about the spelling of 'baccalaureate' are being trite.

the SL PTSA has not chosen an official stance about what neighborhoods they want, nor has the taking of an official stance been discussed. don't go accusing of me being a parent, too; i have only attended nearly every meeting thus far, the only student to do so.

brian - you maybe interested to know the options for redistricting were posted on the county web site a few days ago

i would be interested.. do you have a link?

After reading the postings on here the kids are just as spoiled and arrogant as the parents. Both need a kick in the ass.

You are all so scared you may just have to mingle with people, ie blacks or hispanics, who you think are not worthy to be in the same room as you. You are in for a surprise later in life. Your spoiled segregated lifestyle will not serve you well.

brian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> i would be interested.. do you have a link?


Here they are:

http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/westcoboundary/index.htm

spanky Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SL Padre,
> Only you would know the answer to that question -
> or maybe check with Sub. Her/his/its kids went
> there.
>
> b-a-c-c-a-u-l-a-r-e-a-t-e, dumbass.......
> You might want to stop drinking the water out of
> Lake Thoreau. Its making you delusional.


No, it's not.

how embarrassing.

Question Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Again, I am asking. Does anyone know if it is
true that the SL PTA is making specific
recommendations as to which school gets
redistricted?
Can anyone confirm this? Or is it just a rumor?

The South Lakes' PTA had a meeting last night to
discuss a change to Option #3. They want to
present to the School Board that Floris not McNair be redistricted in
Option #3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question,
I thought about calling South Lakes PTSA Vice president, Maria Allen to ask her to confirm or deny....but, I don't think she'd take my call.

Of course, if I pretexted as a reporter for the Connection Newspapers...then..maybe??

We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome, Monday


We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand, Monday


We'll not be afraid
We'll not be afraid
We'll not be afraid, Monday


We'll not stand alone
We'll not stand alone
We'll not stand alone, Monday


We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome, Monday

wilson - thanks for the heads up, we'll look for the large group holding hands

Question Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Again, I am asking. Does anyone know if it is
> true that the SL PTA is making specific
> recommendations as to which school gets
> redistricted?
>
> Question Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Can anyone confirm this? Or is it just a rumor?
>
> >
> >
> > the South Lakes' PTA had a meeting last night to
>
> > discuss a change to Option #3. They want to
> > present to the School Board
> > that Floris not McNair be redistricted in
> Option
> > #3.
> >
> > Question


Doesn't matter it is a stupid idea.

Wilson,

If the holding hands idea doesn't fly, we could always chant.


WHAT A BUNCH OF FAKES

DON'T THROW US IN THE LAKES

WHAT A BUNCH OF FAKES

DON'T THROW US IN THE LAKES


OR

GET RID OF STU

THE OTHER BUMS, TOO

GET RID OF STU

THE OTHER BUMS, TOO


OR, to keep it really simple

JUST SAY NO

WE WON'T GO

JUST SAY NO

WE WON'T GO

OHS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CHS Parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > All the people I have spoken to that go the
> > Chantilly High School from both Navy and Oak
> Hill
> > WANT to stay at Chantilly.
>
>
>
>
> Your random get the FUCK outta here no one cares
> what you think...UHH DUHH


Last I checked the topic of this forum was high school redistricting. No where does it say only oakton or South Lakes could participate. People are making assumptions here that have no basis in reality. Stay on topic.

Outside Observer wrote:


"how embarrassing."
____________________


Stick around, kid, you ain't seen nuttin', yet.

CHS Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
All the people I have spoken to that go the
Chantilly High School from both Navy and Oak Hill
WANT to stay at Chantilly.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Yes, CHS, I imagine so. And, we should all remain united against the County's redistricting/busing plan. Lets not help them choose options.

Suggest ignoring vulgar posters..it is probably just an agitator trying to divide us.

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CHS Parent Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> All the people I have spoken to that go the
> Chantilly High School from both Navy and Oak
> Hill
> WANT to stay at Chantilly.
> __________________________________________________
> _______________________________
>
> Yes, CHS, I imagine so. And, we should all remain
> united against the County's redistricting/busing
> plan. Lets not help them choose options.
>
> Suggest ignoring vulgar posters..it is probably
> just an agitator trying to divide us.

I agree, we should remain united. I don't intend to endorse any of those plans. If Fox Mill ends up at SL, so be it, but I think this whole process is so corrupt I refuse to play along.

I have been out of touch- I actually had to work today!

A couple of comments-

NEEN-

You are right on about the incompetence at FCPS. We have more money than anyone and we still can't figure it out. The minority achievement gaps in our schools are a disgrace. The dropout numbers are a disgrace. The SAT participation rates among minorities are a disgrace. I think Dale has to go-he adds NO VALUE to our school system.

Stu Gibson should be run out of town. With all his NCLB failures in his schools and he spends time getting Madison HS their $800k athletic field-get your priorities straight boy!!

For the posters who continue to be perplexed why SL needs more kids. We just spent $60 million on this school-it is underutilized-the neighboring schools are at capacity-who hard is that to understand??

This is a mirror image of the SOCO problem. The dingbats on The SB screwed up the enrollment projections, didn't have the guts to stand up to the parents, so they stripped Hayfield. The same thing has happened to SL-although more gradual.

Parents, students, we need to take over FCPS. It is being run by a bunch of ninconpoops. Where is The County Council of PTAs? Why are they so passive?

>>>>It seems as if most/many of the people at the first meeting wanted either 1) a moratorium 2) to start the process over, including other schools, or 3) put in a magnet school. How is it that there was a meeting, people came, and then these four options are presented? I hope that people won't stop objecting to the whole approach and get distracted into actually expressing a preference for one of these options.<<<

Dean Tistadt said those things that the community wanted were 'not helpful' and will be ignored. They will not start over, they will not consider a moratorium or a magnet. period. They do not care what the public wants. They're going to do what they've planned to do. The community was supposed to go along with it and staff is rather pissed that they didn't at the first meeting. But, no matter, staff will continue down the pre ordained path.

>>>Where is The County Council of PTAs? Why are they so passive?<<<

They are cut from the same cloth, they support the democrats on the school board AND they support staff, just as the board does. Much of the school board came from the County Council of PTA's, including Stu, Janie, Brad, and Phil. They're all in lock step, always. PTA is really about supporting staff and teachers, not parents and kids.

I think most people don’t realize that the achievement gap is largely a socio linguistic issue. The concern arises mainly from the fact that Standardized Tests are written in Standard English. One of the biggest educational problems in this country is that most people do not natively speak Standard English. South Lakes is distinct in that it contains a high percentage of non Standard English speakers, namely speakers of African American Vernacular and Spanish. Look familiar? Most minorities use nonstandard English forms particularly those in Reston where there are strong Hispanic and African American subcultures. While a Standard English speaker may be able to reason through the English SOL based on an innate sense of what “sounds right” a nonstandard English speaker cannot do this. Furthermore, since the free language movement, grammar is no longer extensively taught to kids so nonstandard speakers don’t really have a way of distinguishing between their linguistic form and Standard English. In the case of African American Vernacular, teachers don’t even acknowledge AAV as distinct rule governed linguistic form, just as slang or bad English so it’s difficult to communicate the need for translation to Standard English in the classroom. In a rather extreme analogy it’s like learning a second language by someone talking to you in that language and admonishing you when you don’t speak it back to them. This does not only extend to the English classes but other subjects as well. The reason why middle class white kids breeze through the SOL is because they are written in their language. Duh.
So the segregation argument is one that seems considerable. I would argue that it is the obligation of our educational system to provide enrichment for these kids (not segregation) because they do not have the same opportunities as their counterparts. The reason African Americans and Hispanics don’t do as well in school as other students is not because, “it’s not part of their culture to work hard to achieve upward mobility”. They are discriminated against in an academic setting as soon as they open their mouth.
And to the “we won’t go” cheerleaders: leave the hand holding to the hippies.

We have to get rid of those who give bad name to South Lakes. I'm a senior and I'm sick of those poseurs,fakes,and wannabes rich kids (sadly, black people). They live on food stamps, although there always seems to have enough cash for expensive clothes, shoes, ipod, and cell phones. They don't care about education; Mostly they care about how to look "fresh".
We need some Oakton students so we can improve in many aspects. Did you see the complete list of the 1,300 top U.S. schools for 2007?
That list is bad for us, because we didn't improve,we went from 623 to 859 for god sake!!!!!
check the VA list
http://www.newsweek.com/id/39380/?sort=State&count=1351&Search=&start=1200&limit=100&year=2007&;

I admit, Oalton is better.

that is a ridiculous assertion. There are people like that at oakton too. Theyre just in Abercrombie and Fitch instead of Fubu. Oakton is not "better" because it is culturally different than South Lakes. That is what these babyboomer parents have such a problem understanding.

Just curious wrote:

"You are all so scared you may just have to mingle with people, ie blacks or hispanics, who you think are not worthy to be in the same room as you. You are in for a surprise later in life. Your spoiled segregated lifestyle will not serve you well."

________________________________________


See, I grew up in this little run down trailer, in the mountains of Georgia, almost exactly where that movie, Deliverance, took place. Well, see, I never saw a colored person, I mean, a Negro person, sorry, I meant, a black person, oh dear, excuse me, I mean, an African American.

I only saw white people with missing teeth and this kind of far away expression in their eyes, sort of like they were missing more than just their teeth. You know what I mean, Just Curious.

Now, about these Hispanics. What are Hispanics?

One time this lady from up north came to visit our church. She was a Catholic. I heard about them, with all their rituals and praying to idols and all, but never met one, but she looked normal to me. She talked about Jews she knew in New York City, yep, she was from New York City, wore real fancy clothes and all..... she told us that Jews were normal, too. I don't know about that. She was nice, though.

Anyhoo.... I guess you're right, Curious, I guess we don't know much about people, being as we've been in these mountains for so long, and all.

But, it was sure nice meetin' you. Come back agin, some time. You're real nice people.

get with it, no one wears fubu. i haven't seen anyone wearing fubu since middle school, and those weren't faux-riche then.
faux-riche kids wear hollister and true religions with nike dunks

College Student...

Are you pulling our leg with this Ebonics crap, pardon the expression? Asian heritage students, including kids whose parents speak something else as a first language, score better on standarized tests than do caucasians. There's absolutely zero reason that black or Hispanic students can't learn to use proper English.

Setting the record straight about the US News & World Report school rankings.

1) This is the first time this news magazine has done this, so there are no previous years to compare -- Jay Matthews was attempting to do a better job than Newsweek about rankings.

2) Matthews looked at about 18,000 high schools in the US, leaving out several states that didn't provide enough information.

3) Matthews chose the "top" 1,591 to give medals to. Only 505 earned "gold" or "silver" awards.

4) In his words: "Meanwhile, about 1 in 5 selects students based on academic merit, something that obviously boosts the chances of meeting the criteria" -- That's fully 20% of top schools that were elite! "OBVIOUSLY"?!?

These included Thomas Jefferson HSST (#1, and who would have guessed???). That is an elite, selective school that skims kids off the top of the rest of Fairfax schools. No comparison. That has to raise more questions about the criteria he used.

5) Anyone who uses these numbers to lambaste ANY FCPS school should get a set of perspective spectacles and brick up their glass houses first.

College Student,

Good spoof.

Next time, just break it up into smaller paragraphs.

BYW, I agree about the hand holding. Too dated.

Clarifier - as usual you set nothing straight... there are two lists US News and World Reports, and Newsweek.

SubmissiveWiiRNot writes:

"You are not as well-versed on the facts as you think. The original Reston master plan did not include public housing. The first subsidized housing was brought into Reston as a result of a deal between Fairfax County and the Federal Government. When the USGS was being added to Reston, the deal was that Reston had to take the housing. Reston citizens did not make the deal, developers did. Once the camels nose was in the tent, so to speak, more public housing was added. Since Reston was not a town, citizens had no say in it."

Low income housing has been part of Reston since the beginning. Here are some milestones in the early history of Reston...the first residents arrived in 1964,and the first low income housing predated the USGS by three years:

1970 The 11,500 residents note founding of Reston Interfaith & The Common Ground Foundation, opening of Cedar Ridge, Reston's first low & moderate income housing.

1973 International Center, including Sheraton Inn & Convention Center, dedicated. Some staff arrives in nearly-completed million-square-foot US Geological Survey headquarters. Reston gets first stoplight at Wiehle Ave & North Shore Dr.

birdlover, I bet your husband left you years ago and your kids are ashamed by your online rants. I am sure they count the days until they are 18 and out of your house.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To HatesBirds123:
>
> How could you possible hate birds?
>
> They're so pretty and smart. Most mate for life.
> Their songs are beautiful....and, at times,
> haunting, like the Owl, searching for a mate under
> the autumn moon.
>
> I've raised tiny 2 day old birds to adult-hood.
> It's an experience you wouldn't believe. These
> little birds, which you are feeding every 20
> minutes, eventually start to hop around, following
> you, wherever you go. Then, they start flying ...
> bringing you back little gifts, a tiny pebble,
> etc.
>
> Hey, wait a second, I just got it. You hate me.
> I think I'm relieved.



Oh no! I don't hate anyone- I wasn’t brought up in that way!
Birds are my least favorite type of animal, and if others can make their "user name" something they love, why can't I make it something that I don't like?

I can honestly say that I don’t hate you- though, I am probably the complete opposite of you, and I am sure that we would never be able to get along- seeing as our opinions differ so greatly- but I do not hate people. Only birds.

tanglover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> birdlover, I bet your husband left you years ago
> and your kids are ashamed by your online rants. I
> am sure they count the days until they are 18 and
> out of your house.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep a sense of humor....life is too short.

tanglover,

I remember Tang. The astronauts used to drink that stuff in outer space.

Or, are you a lover of the Tang Dynasty?


RE: my marital status and family life:

This is really hard for me to admit.... I mean, I've never told anyone this before..... but now that you and I are friends, even though, I just met you 10 minutes ago....well, here goes..

I don't have a husband. I'm a lesbian. Do you have a problem with that? Sounds like you might.

actually no I do not have a problem with lesbos, in fact I encourage that lifestyle as long as they are not the rosie odonnel type.

Okay, I would just like to say that I am a current high school student at Westfield High School. Honestly, I have nothing against South Lakes or Herndon, it's just that I would prefer to start and finish my high school career at one high school.

I've been following this issue very closely, and even though what the county has recently proposed says it 'assumes grandfathering of all current students at their high schools', I'm skeptical to that. Honestly, it wouldn't be a quick fix to their problem, then, if they just moved rising freshmen. In the long run, it would better the numbers, but what the county is projecting looks like if you leave the current districts alone they're going to go down within the next couple of years anyway. As for their proposed solutions, the county obviously didn't listen to the majority of the community present at the Chantilly meeting. The proposed solutions do not include Madison or Langley (which, I'm not surprised that they don't, even though they should be in the study), no solution was proposed in which no students get moved, and also the elimination of split feeder schools was not even nearly met [in the proposed solutions, the split feeders schools actually get worse]. All of these, amongst other things, were concerns of the community that I saw in overwhelming numbers at the Chantilly meeting.

Regarding the meeting on Monday, Westfield has canceled last buses and some after school activities in preparation for the meeting. This indicates to me that the meeting will be much larger than that of the one at Chantilly in November, which I attended. Also, if any of you have Facebook accounts, I highly recommend that you scan the student created groups regarding redistricting. There are close to 1000 students in a group that is titled 'Stop Redistricting In Fairfax County Schools', or something like that.

The USGS was in the planning and building stages for several years, which explains the discrepancy in the time line.
Oakton Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SubmissiveWiiRNot writes:
>
> "You are not as well-versed on the facts as you
> think. The original Reston master plan did not
> include public housing. The first subsidized
> housing was brought into Reston as a result of a
> deal between Fairfax County and the Federal
> Government. When the USGS was being added to
> Reston, the deal was that Reston had to take the
> housing. Reston citizens did not make the deal,
> developers did. Once the camels nose was in the
> tent, so to speak, more public housing was added.
> Since Reston was not a town, citizens had no say
> in it."
>
> Low income housing has been part of Reston since
> the beginning. Here are some milestones in the
> early history of Reston...the first residents
> arrived in 1964,and the first low income housing
> predated the USGS by three years:
>
> 1970 The 11,500 residents note founding of Reston
> Interfaith & The Common Ground Foundation, opening
> of Cedar Ridge, Reston's first low & moderate
> income housing.
>
> 1973 International Center, including Sheraton Inn
> & Convention Center, dedicated. Some staff arrives
> in nearly-completed million-square-foot US
> Geological Survey headquarters. Reston gets first
> stoplight at Wiehle Ave & North Shore Dr.

word Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Clarifier - as usual you set nothing straight...
> there are two lists US News and World Reports, and
> Newsweek.

Word, you didn't read far enough back. We are talking about two different reports. This is a brand new report.

Question, looking at the matrix on the new boundary study handout, what do they mean with the criteria titled "capacity buffer" for SLHS???
Does this mean to not approach/exceed the max student capacity or to select the scenario that keeps the enrollment closest to capacity?? Anybody?

PAL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Question, looking at the matrix on the new
> boundary study handout, what do they mean with the
> criteria titled "capacity buffer" for SLHS???
> Does this mean to not approach/exceed the max
> student capacity or to select the scenario that
> keeps the enrollment closest to capacity??
> Anybody?


Because it is estimated that 100-200 HS age kids will come from the high rises to be built around Reston Town Center, the redevelopment of the International Center (Chilis, Popeyes, Wachovia branch), the staff want to avoid filling SL to total capacity with existing FCPS students, thus leaving a "buffer" to absorb the kids from the new high rise buildings.

Hope that clarifies.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/30/2007 08:55PM by Thomas More.

PAL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Question, looking at the matrix on the new
> boundary study handout, what do they mean with the
> criteria titled "capacity buffer" for SLHS???
> Does this mean to not approach/exceed the max
> student capacity or to select the scenario that
> keeps the enrollment closest to capacity??
> Anybody?


I have no idea. Actually, I just went and looked at all of that new criteria and it actually contradicts the proposed boundary scenarios that they posted a few days ago.

Here's the new criteria:

# Balance Enrollments & Capacities
# Improve Balance of Socio-Economic Characteristics
# Contiguous Attendance Areas – Eliminate Attendance Islands
# Equitable Access to Programs & Resources
# Improves Commuting Distance for Impacted Areas
# Eliminates or Reduces Split Feeders
# Provides Adequate Buffer for South Lakes
# Keeps Neighborhoods Together


Okay... well, the "Eliminate Attendance Islands" obviously isn't met in Option #1 since Madison Island isn't getting redistricted in that option. 'Eliminates or Reduces Split Feeders'... actually, all of the scenarios except for Option #3 make the feeder schools worse than they currently are. As for the other things listed on the criteria, I can see the logic behind them, but I can also see oppositions for them.

imabulldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> ... actually,
> all of the scenarios except for Option #3 make the
> feeder schools worse than they currently are. As
> for the other things listed on the criteria, I can
> see the logic behind them, but I can also see
> oppositions for them.

Please know that a new elementary school is being built in the portion of McNair south of the Toll Road and west of Centreville Road which will serve the kids currently going to Floris and McNair.

The splits you see regarding those schools on the options prefigure the boundary process for that new elementary school.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> imabulldog Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > ... actually,
> > all of the scenarios except for Option #3 make
> the
> > feeder schools worse than they currently are.
> As
> > for the other things listed on the criteria, I
> can
> > see the logic behind them, but I can also see
> > oppositions for them.
>
> Please know that a new elementary school is being
> built in the portion of McNair south of the Toll
> Road and west of Centreville Road which will serve
> the kids currently going to Floris and McNair.
>
> The splits you see regarding those schools on the
> options prefigure the boundary process for that
> new elementary school.




Seriously? I went to Floris Elementary, and they split my 3rd grade class in the middle of the year so that they could send half of Floris's students to McNair since it was newly built at that time. It seems sort of confusing that they're building another new elementary school within the span of 10 years.

Which, explain to me all of this about trying to reduce split feeder schools. If the lines are redrawn in, for example, Option 1, Floris elementary would be split into 3 different high schools (Westfield, Herndon, and South Lakes). The McNair students would then be split between Herndon and South Lakes. However, the students that feed into Carson MS from this area would then worsen the split feeder at Carson. Since Carson would then feed to Herndon, Chantilly, Oakton, Westfield, South Lakes, and Thomas Jefferson (for those select students who get in) as opposed to the current situation of Carson MS feeding into CHantilly, Oakton, Westfield, and Thomas Jefferson (for select students).

And Cedar Ridge was created instantaneously?

You tried to make the case that Reston only has low income housing because it was foist on the town by the county over the objections of the residents. There's quite a bit of evidence that low income housing has long been part of Reston, whether or not it was always envisioned as section 8, etc.

I submit that low income housing has been part of Reston since before almost any of the current residents moved to Reston. It certainly predates South Lakes high school. Nobody should be surprised that low income kids go to high school in Reston in greater numbers than at neighboring schools.

tanglover says:

"actually no I do not have a problem with lesbos, in fact I encourage that lifestyle as long as they are not the rosie odonnel type."

_______________________________________________

Glad to know you don't have a problem with.... ummm, lesbos, as long as they're not Rosie O'Donnell types? WHAT?

That's it!

I am Rosie O'Donnell.... So, you don't like fat lesbians with big mouths?

Well, guess what?

I now support the parents who are against this redistricting thing going on down there, whatever that is.

Don't mess with me. Just ask Donald Trump. That hairpiece on top of his stupid head. The only reason he needs it, is because I pulled out all his hair.

I'm reposting this.


imabulldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Okay, I would just like to say that I am a current
> high school student at Westfield High School.
> Honestly, I have nothing against South Lakes or
> Herndon, it's just that I would prefer to start
> and finish my high school career at one high
> school.
>
> I've been following this issue very closely, and
> even though what the county has recently proposed
> says it 'assumes grandfathering of all current
> students at their high schools', I'm skeptical to
> that. Honestly, it wouldn't be a quick fix to
> their problem, then, if they just moved rising
> freshmen. In the long run, it would better the
> numbers, but what the county is projecting looks
> like if you leave the current districts alone
> they're going to go down within the next couple of
> years anyway. As for their proposed solutions, the
> county obviously didn't listen to the majority of
> the community present at the Chantilly meeting.
> The proposed solutions do not include Madison or
> Langley (which, I'm not surprised that they don't,
> even though they should be in the study), no
> solution was proposed in which no students get
> moved, and also the elimination of split feeder
> schools was not even nearly met . All of these,
> amongst other things, were concerns of the
> community that I saw in overwhelming numbers at
> the Chantilly meeting.
>
> Regarding the meeting on Monday, Westfield has
> canceled late buses and some after school
> activities in preparation for the meeting. This
> indicates to me that the meeting will be much
> larger than that of the one at Chantilly in
> November, which I attended. Also, if any of you
> have Facebook accounts, I highly recommend that
> you scan the student created groups regarding
> redistricting. There are close to 1000 students in
> a group that is titled 'Stop Redistricting In
> Fairfax County Schools', or something like that.

you actaully sound like you have a sense of humor which is good, your husband probably is still around but I bet you keep him in line

Your hate for your own school is repulsive. you dont even know what your talking about and your making a generalization about the whole school by only using a small population of our school...

imabulldog wrote:

>Okay, I would just like to say that I am a current high school student at Westfield High School. Honestly, I have nothing against South Lakes or Herndon, it's just that I would prefer to start and finish my high school career at one high school.

That is really a legitimate concern and one that is being taken into account by the SLHS community, and by the board. Except for the "start" part -- rising 9th-graders would be included, which would mean they would attend a new school all four years AND with their elementary school and neighborhood friends.

>I've been following this issue very closely, and even though what the county has recently proposed says it 'assumes grandfathering of all current students at their high schools', I'm skeptical to that.

This is, in fact, going to happen. Everyone who has been in touch with board members know this, and its stated in board documents. Nothing to fear.

>As for their proposed solutions, the county obviously didn't listen to the majority of the community present at the Chantilly meeting. The proposed solutions do not include Madison or Langley (which, I'm not surprised that they don't, even though they should be in the study), no solution was proposed in which no students get moved, and also the elimination of split feeder schools was not even nearly met [in the proposed solutions, the split feeders schools actually get worse]. All of these, amongst other things, were concerns of the community that I saw in overwhelming numbers at the Chantilly meeting.

FCPS clearly and frequently reminded everyone that Langley and Madison (not the island) were completely "off the table" for consideration, period. They might be concerns, but like magnet programs and property values and race and "status quo," they were simply not acceptable criteria and everyone knew it. To affect these criteria, people would have needed to be involved with their school system long before, and most only become so when something iminently affects them personally,

>Regarding the meeting on Monday, Westfield has canceled last buses and some after school activities in preparation for the meeting. This indicates to me that the meeting will be much larger than that of the one at Chantilly in November, which I attended. Also, if any of you have Facebook accounts, I highly recommend that you scan the student created groups regarding redistricting. There are close to 1000 students in a group that is titled 'Stop Redistricting In Fairfax County Schools', or something like that.

I have to be a bit snippy here. All those 1,000 kids -- did they all wait until they got home and did their homework before posting? No parents or teachers alerted them to the issues and situation and (ahem) maybe coached them on their positions? I only bring this up because these are the raving accusations made about South Lakes kids posting. So with this knowledge of the 1K, maybe West/Chant/Oak and other parents will back off and take a gander at what their own progeny are up to in the wee or school hours?

Just another reason to build a few bricks around those glass houses.

"I have to be a bit snippy here. All those 1,000 kids -- did they all wait until they got home and did their homework before posting? No parents or teachers alerted them to the issues and situation and (ahem) maybe coached them on their positions? I only bring this up because these are the raving accusations made about South Lakes kids posting. So with this knowledge of the 1K, maybe West/Chant/Oak and other parents will back off and take a gander at what their own progeny are up to in the wee or school hours?"

It's not just kids who are part of the Facebook groups. Also, do you really think that parents need to coach the kids on their positions? My kids, including the one in elementary school, are VERY aware of this issue. Yes, I discuss it with them, but they also talk to friends at school. Actually, I am trying to be even-handed when I discuss SL because if they go there I don't want them to go with a bad attitude. However, none of my kids wants to go there. Sorry, they just don't.

foxmill/carson/oakton parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "I have to be a bit snippy here. All those 1,000
> kids -- did they all wait until they got home and
> did their homework before posting? No parents or
> teachers alerted them to the issues and situation
> and (ahem) maybe coached them on their positions?
> I only bring this up because these are the raving
> accusations made about South Lakes kids posting.
> So with this knowledge of the 1K, maybe
> West/Chant/Oak and other parents will back off and
> take a gander at what their own progeny are up to
> in the wee or school hours?"
>
> It's not just kids who are part of the Facebook
> groups. Also, do you really think that parents
> need to coach the kids on their positions? My
> kids, including the one in elementary school, are
> VERY aware of this issue. Yes, I discuss it with
> them, but they also talk to friends at school.
> Actually, I am trying to be even-handed when I
> discuss SL because if they go there I don't want
> them to go with a bad attitude. However, none of
> my kids wants to go there. Sorry, they just don't.



Anyone can have a Facebook. Granted, I have not taken the time to scroll through and note the individual networks of each person in that group, however, I have only seen one group on Facebook that was created by South Lake students. That group is titled "For Those Who Hate South Lakes, We Don't Want You At Our School Anyway." (which is clearly an opinionated title), whereas other students from Chantilly and Herndon have created groups on Facebook that oppose the redistricting. Clearly, since those groups are student made, the students had to have knowledge of the issue. Honestly, I can not speak for every individual student who posted something on those groups, but coached or not, the students are the ones making statements from what I've seen. What I haven't seen is the county actually talk to the students that the redistricting concerns. Even though the communities within the school boundaries will be altered, the ones who will be immediately affected by the redistricting will be the students, and through various things, such as Facebook, these students are attempting for their opinions to be heard.

FCOP wrote: "It's not just kids who are part of the Facebook groups. Also, do you really think that parents need to coach the kids on their positions? My kids, including the one in elementary school, are VERY aware of this issue. Yes, I discuss it with them, but they also talk to friends at school. Actually, I am trying to be even-handed when I discuss SL because if they go there I don't want them to go with a bad attitude. However, none of my kids wants to go there. Sorry, they just don't."

1) I was not implying that the kids didn't have their own positions and were aware of the issue, or that they were posting at times they shouldn't be. I was telling SL opponents accusing SL kids of that to Back Off. If you look at my previous posts (hardly anyone responds b/c I think they are too legit), you'd know that I fully support ALL kids getting involved with this because it's excellent civic-mindedness.

2) Your kids don't want to go? But they are little kids. What do they really know about high school?? As a parent you very well know that most kids don't have much real knowledge about institutions and even sports or extracurricular activities until they've tried them. Do you tell your kids to go ahead and stay home, say, if they don't WANT to go to church, or to grandma's, or to the store with you? Most kids -- and grownups -- really don't WANT change of any kind. I have no doubt they sense your doubts, too. So of course they probably don't WANT to go. While their legitimate views might be heard, it isn't a decision for them to make, in my view. I do applaud that you are trying to keep them away from this so they WILL like it when they DO go. ;-)

3) My kid DOES want to go, and so do a couple dozen of her friends -- who really WANT to be redistricted. (She has bunches of friedns there now.) She gets her info from me and her brother. But I know she would be as happy at Oakton (our base school, with yet more friends) as at South Lakes -- and as well-educated at both. I prefer IB for a myriad reasons (having had kids do and succeed at both).

But I am not in this for only her. I'm in it for South Lakes and its student population -- I'm in it because I want to make sure they get parity and opportunity, same as all the other schools. And frankly, I'm in it because I have seen such horrible racism and prejudice pop up (not only here, but in the community) that I cannot stand by and let it slide.

Tang,

You're right.

Do you think he wants his hair....what little there is left of it...pulled out?

He behaves.

Clarifier Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FCOP wrote: "It's not just kids who are part of
> the Facebook groups. Also, do you really think
> that parents need to coach the kids on their
> positions? My kids, including the one in
> elementary school, are VERY aware of this issue.
> Yes, I discuss it with them, but they also talk to
> friends at school. Actually, I am trying to be
> even-handed when I discuss SL because if they go
> there I don't want them to go with a bad attitude.
> However, none of my kids wants to go there. Sorry,
> they just don't."
>
> 1) I was not implying that the kids didn't have
> their own positions and were aware of the issue,
> or that they were posting at times they shouldn't
> be. I was telling SL opponents accusing SL kids of
> that to Back Off. If you look at my previous posts
> (hardly anyone responds b/c I think they are too
> legit), you'd know that I fully support ALL kids
> getting involved with this because it's excellent
> civic-mindedness.
>
> 2) Your kids don't want to go? But they are little
> kids. What do they really know about high school??
> As a parent you very well know that most kids
> don't have much real knowledge about institutions
> and even sports or extracurricular activities
> until they've tried them. Do you tell your kids to
> go ahead and stay home, say, if they don't WANT to
> go to church, or to grandma's, or to the store
> with you? Most kids -- and grownups -- really
> don't WANT change of any kind. I have no doubt
> they sense your doubts, too. So of course they
> probably don't WANT to go. While their legitimate
> views might be heard, it isn't a decision for them
> to make, in my view. I do applaud that you are
> trying to keep them away from this so they WILL
> like it when they DO go. ;-)
>
> 3) My kid DOES want to go, and so do a couple
> dozen of her friends -- who really WANT to be
> redistricted. (She has bunches of friedns there
> now.) She gets her info from me and her brother.
> But I know she would be as happy at Oakton (our
> base school, with yet more friends) as at South
> Lakes -- and as well-educated at both. I prefer IB
> for a myriad reasons (having had kids do and
> succeed at both).
>
> But I am not in this for only her. I'm in it for
> South Lakes and its student population -- I'm in
> it because I want to make sure they get parity and
> opportunity, same as all the other schools. And
> frankly, I'm in it because I have seen such
> horrible racism and prejudice pop up (not only
> here, but in the community) that I cannot stand by
> and let it slide.


That's great. A restorative.

Clarifier Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FCOP wrote: "It's not just kids who are part of
> the Facebook groups. Also, do you really think
> that parents need to coach the kids on their
> positions? My kids, including the one in
> elementary school, are VERY aware of this issue.
> Yes, I discuss it with them, but they also talk to
> friends at school. Actually, I am trying to be
> even-handed when I discuss SL because if they go
> there I don't want them to go with a bad attitude.
> However, none of my kids wants to go there. Sorry,
> they just don't."
>
> 1) I was not implying that the kids didn't have
> their own positions and were aware of the issue,
> or that they were posting at times they shouldn't
> be. I was telling SL opponents accusing SL kids of
> that to Back Off. If you look at my previous posts
> (hardly anyone responds b/c I think they are too
> legit), you'd know that I fully support ALL kids
> getting involved with this because it's excellent
> civic-mindedness.
>
> 2) Your kids don't want to go? But they are little
> kids. What do they really know about high school??
> As a parent you very well know that most kids
> don't have much real knowledge about institutions
> and even sports or extracurricular activities
> until they've tried them. Do you tell your kids to
> go ahead and stay home, say, if they don't WANT to
> go to church, or to grandma's, or to the store
> with you? Most kids -- and grownups -- really
> don't WANT change of any kind. I have no doubt
> they sense your doubts, too. So of course they
> probably don't WANT to go. While their legitimate
> views might be heard, it isn't a decision for them
> to make, in my view. I do applaud that you are
> trying to keep them away from this so they WILL
> like it when they DO go. ;-)
>
> 3) My kid DOES want to go, and so do a couple
> dozen of her friends -- who really WANT to be
> redistricted. (She has bunches of friedns there
> now.) She gets her info from me and her brother.
> But I know she would be as happy at Oakton (our
> base school, with yet more friends) as at South
> Lakes -- and as well-educated at both. I prefer IB
> for a myriad reasons (having had kids do and
> succeed at both).
>
> But I am not in this for only her. I'm in it for
> South Lakes and its student population -- I'm in
> it because I want to make sure they get parity and
> opportunity, same as all the other schools. And
> frankly, I'm in it because I have seen such
> horrible racism and prejudice pop up (not only
> here, but in the community) that I cannot stand by
> and let it slide.


1. You're right. Kids should be involved in this issue. Why do you think I'm here? Why do you think all of those students on the Facebook groups are joining and posting? It's not just Westfield, Chantilly, and Oakton kids voicing their opinions though, so are South Lakes and Herndon students.

2. I see both FCOP's and Clarifier's points as equal. Honestly, when I was in elementary school (Floris), they redistricted part of my school during the middle of the school year - I lost some of my best friends due to that. With that being said, elementary age students are not wanting to be redistricted because of the current friends they're making and relationships they're establishing within the community, they're not necessarily thinking about what they want to do with the rest of their lives at this point and time since those young kids have no idea what they WANT to do with their lives. Which is also why they shouldn't WANT to go to a specific high school just yet. If they're in middle school, though, it's a different matter.

Also, the racism and stereotypes that have emerged because of redistricting are completely ridiculous. The most common thing I've heard is that 'South Lakes is "ghetto"', or 'South Lakes has a lot of gangs, violence, etc.'. South Lakes is not "ghetto" - no FCPS school is. As for gangs, violence, drugs, etc., it's going to be present at any FCPS high school, there's no way to escape it.

Quantum,
Thanks for your thoughtful post om why FCPS doesn't do as well with poor minorities as poorer areas in the state, like Richmond and Newport News. I would tend to agree with you, except for the disparity within Fairfax county. Why do so many of our high poverty schools do better than high poverty schools in Reston, schools that are not as high in poverty/minority rates? Why can a school in Annanndale with 75% poverty do better than Dogwood with 60% poverty and better than Lake Anne with 33% and McNair with 41%? Why does Annanndale Terrace make AYP when none of the Reston schools are making it?

>>>didn't have the guts to stand up to the parents, so they stripped Hayfield. The same thing has happened to SL-although more gradual.<<<

Anyone know why Hayfield's school board rep, Brad Center, let this happen to them? Hayfield went from 2,000+ students to 1,270. Why did he let so many leave Hayfield for South County, only to have South County so over crowded?

>>>There's absolutely zero reason that black or Hispanic students can't learn to use proper English.<<<

Of course! Black students are born in the US to American families! They already speak English. There is no reason our schools can't educate them, regardless of their income levels.

What's the plan for Monday?

Wear Black.

Just say no to all scenarios? Because they ignored what the people said they wanted in the first meeting, a moratorium, a magnet, Langley included.

Demand that Stu resign because he is forcing this unnecessary redistricting and has violated the rights of a handicapped child and he's supposed to protect kids?

Should we ask why they are bothering, since they ignore the public anyway?

Birdlover said
>>>Fed Up is currently throwing up.<<<<

I bet he is! You know who he is, right? Poor baby. Things are just going from bad to worse for the poor boy.

Come on everyone.
Can't we all just get along?

Harmony,

We do.

Is it true that Stu Gibson is in big trouble for talking about a handicapped child to the press? Someone said he could be disbarred, or whatever it is because what he did was against the law and he kept doing it. What's the schools going to do about it?

Here's the new criteria:

# Balance Enrollments & Capacities
# Improve Balance of Socio-Economic Characteristics
# Contiguous Attendance Areas – Eliminate Attendance Islands
# Equitable Access to Programs & Resources
# Improves Commuting Distance for Impacted Areas
# Eliminates or Reduces Split Feeders
# Provides Adequate Buffer for South Lakes
# Keeps Neighborhoods Together

Equitable Access to Programs & Resources -- Does this mean that they will get rid of the IB Program so all schools can have equitable access to AP classes? Or is it only about football teams and cheerleaders?

birdlover,
I will let you get back to your quest, good luck

"2) Your kids don't want to go? But they are little kids. What do they really know about high school?? "

I have one kid in high school and my middle child is in 8th grade. I know that you prefer SL over Oakton, and that's fine. You prefer IB. I like some aspects of IB, but not all.

WestfieldMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Here's the new criteria:
>
> Neighborhoods Together
>
> Equitable Access to Programs & Resources -- Does
> this mean that they will get rid of the IB Program
> so all schools can have equitable access to AP
> classes? Or is it only about football teams and
> cheerleaders?


Equitable Access to Programs and Resources is many faceted. One, it means that higher academic students should have options AT ALL schools to electives and advanced classes in math and others.

It means that ESOL students and those who may need additional teacher or school resources such as library time, after school homework help, etc. will have access to those school resources.

While many people LOVE IB, there are others who are do understand the rigors of IB but want the addition of AP classes. Most people, especially at South Lakes, would love for the county to add AP classes at SL to supplement the IB program.

There is no need get rid of the IB Program altogether.

Oakton Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And Cedar Ridge was created instantaneously?
>
> You tried to make the case that Reston only has
> low income housing because it was foist on the
> town by the county over the objections of the
> residents. There's quite a bit of evidence that
> low income housing has long been part of Reston,
> whether or not it was always envisioned as section
> 8, etc.
>
> I submit that low income housing has been part of
> Reston since before almost any of the current
> residents moved to Reston. It certainly predates
> South Lakes high school. Nobody should be
> surprised that low income kids go to high school
> in Reston in greater numbers than at neighboring
> schools.

You've made my point for me. We did not envision the plethora of public housing that we now have. The plan called for some assisted housing, but not to the extent that we ended up with. Stonegate (public housing was foisted on us as a result of the USGS). If the Master Plan had been followed as written, we would not have had an overabundance of public housing. We and Herndon did not forsee becoming the repository for low-income housing in this part of the county.

Incidentally, if the North Point neighborhoods had not been redistricted to HHS, the Reston Master Plan would have afforded us a near-perfect mix of income levels at SLHS. Note that in every one of our conversations, we are not advocating for getting rid of any of our low-income students. We just don't think we should have to educate more low-income students from other vicinities. We think it is fairer to them to have them placed at other schools where they won't have to share resources that they need to succeed with so many other similar students.

Birdlover,
nah man. Everyone here is so caught up with superficial things.
I don't see color.
I don't care about income levels.
Dude, I don't even mind change. I just roll with it.

Instead of redistricting the schools, we should just make one big school. Man that would be nice. Everyone would learn to accept their differnces and get along.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Quantum,
> Thanks for your thoughtful post om why FCPS
> doesn't do as well with poor minorities as poorer
> areas in the state, like Richmond and Newport
> News. I would tend to agree with you, except for
> the disparity within Fairfax county. Why do so
> many of our high poverty schools do better than
> high poverty schools in Reston, schools that are
> not as high in poverty/minority rates? Why can a
> school in Annanndale with 75% poverty do better
> than Dogwood with 60% poverty and better than Lake
> Anne with 33% and McNair with 41%? Why does
> Annanndale Terrace make AYP when none of the
> Reston schools are making it?

Neen, are you sure that NONE of Reston's elementary schools are making AYP? County AYP reports state that for the year 2006-2007, Dogwood is the only Title I school in Reston. For the record, McNair is not in Reston, so please stop characterizing it as one of Reston's schools.

Speaking of McNair, though, what do you think about the County School Board trying to add McNair, a Title I school, to South Lakes Pyramid in 3 of the 4 scenarios presented? Do you think that is fair?

While I'm not in general convinced that any redistricting is necessary...or certainly I am not convinced that THIS redistricing approach makes any sense at all...I think its a wonderful idea to keep communities together, so if South Lakes needs more students, then North Reston would be a good place to find them. Not sure if that's everybody in Armstrong / Aldrin...are they all Reston residents? Some are very close to Herndon high.

If we are then going to redistrct just to satisfy capacity, demographc and distance criteria, then backfill herndon with 200 kids from the western edge of Langley...some of whom likve one mile from Herndon High and are bused ten miles to Langley.

Oakton Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> While I'm not in general convinced that any
> redistricting is necessary...or certainly I am not
> convinced that THIS redistricing approach makes
> any sense at all...I think its a wonderful idea to
> keep communities together, so if South Lakes needs
> more students, then North Reston would be a good
> place to find them. Not sure if that's everybody
> in Armstrong / Aldrin...are they all Reston
> residents? Some are very close to Herndon high.
>
> If we are then going to redistrct just to satisfy
> capacity, demographc and distance criteria, then
> backfill herndon with 200 kids from the western
> edge of Langley...some of whom likve one mile from
> Herndon High and are bused ten miles to Langley.


Also, why wasn't Fairfax High included in the study as Waples Mill is a split feeder to Oakton and Fairfax? The students north of I-66 could be going to Oakton as it is much closer and they would not have to cross I-66. They are not a part of Fairfax City. Does anyone know?

VaDriver Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> newsweekreader Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Neen Wrote:
>
> Only TJ, Oakton, and Langley are ranked in the
> top 100 schools:
> No wonder Oakton parents don't want to leave!
> __________________________________________________
> _______________________
> > Actually all the schools in the study made the
> > newsweek list -- totalling 1351 schools
> > nationwide. Oakton ranked 103, Chantilly 133,
> > Herndon 161, Westfield 179 and South Lakes
> 859.newsweekreader Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> _-------------------------------------------------
> ----------------------
> Actually, Neens right, once again. But, when the
> full list is published, maybe SL will be on it ,
> who knows??
>

Yes, the stats Neen refers to are the US News & World Report rankings (their FIRST TIME ever). I am referring to the NEWSWEEK High School rankings which they have done for many years.

Oakton Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> While I'm not in general convinced that any
> redistricting is necessary...or certainly I am not
> convinced that THIS redistricing approach makes
> any sense at all...I think its a wonderful idea to
> keep communities together, so if South Lakes needs
> more students, then North Reston would be a good
> place to find them. Not sure if that's everybody
> in Armstrong / Aldrin...are they all Reston
> residents? Some are very close to Herndon high.
>
> If we are then going to redistrct just to satisfy
> capacity, demographc and distance criteria, then
> backfill herndon with 200 kids from the western
> edge of Langley...some of whom likve one mile from
> Herndon High and are bused ten miles to Langley.

It may be a wonderful idea, but not may not work for the reasons you state. Armstrong and parts of Aldrin are very close to Herndon. We can't just look at this from a community standpoint, as much as that would be ideal. We are all simply a bunch of zip codes strung together and our zips are already intertwined. And we are all part of a large school system.

I think that the County is going to be looking at Madison and Fairfax when they deal with enrollment and curriculum discrepancies in the Central part of the County. In all four scenarios given in the current study, Madison will be overcrowded. Perhaps those students will in future be reallocated to schools such as Marshall, which are under-enrolled. Madison shares borders with schools to the east as well.

Bird Lover,
You are TOOOOO funny!!!

On Monday, I vote for wearing Black, linking arms and shouting as we move through the halls:

Hell No, we won't Go,
Hell No, we won't Go,
Hell No, we won't Go.

The aging hippies and boomers will love it. They can relive their youth.

Long hair and bell bottoms are optional, but a daisy in our hair would be a nice touch.

Madison won't be redistricted because it's not over crowded and because it's a town high school. Town government won't let town students be removed from Madison.

The school system needs to close Marshall and sell that valuable piece of property. Falls Church, Fairfax, McLean, and Madison high schools could easily absorb Marshall's 1,200+ students.

I wouldn't be surprised if this school board tries to redistrict every school in the county, except for South County, of course. This board can't wait to do their little social engineering projects, with full support of the board of Supervisors, of course.

Oakton Parent,
Langley high school can never be considered for redistricting OUT of Langley. It's a crab trap school, students can be placed INTO Langley, but never OUT of Langley. It's an unwritten rule, but always enforced.

Fairfax was not a part of this study because its already under enrolled, plus the city of Fairfax would fuss about removing any of their students. Not worth it to Stu and Kathy.

>>>Neen, are you sure that NONE of Reston's elementary schools are making AYP? County AYP reports state that for the year 2006-2007, Dogwood is the only Title I school in Reston. For the record, McNair is not in Reston, so please stop characterizing it as one of Reston's schools.<<<

McNair is not in Reston, but it is in Stu's district. So my point is still pertinent. It's Stu's schools that are failing. The facts are:

The South Lakes Pyramid had the highest percentage of Elementary Schools in the County not making AYP.
o South Lakes: 4 out of 6 Elementary Schools didn’t make AYP
o Centerville Pyramid: 2 out of 5 Elementary Schools didn’t make AYP
o Herndon Pyramid: 2 out of 6
o Mount Vernon: 3 out of 6
o Lake Braddock: 1 out of 5
o West Potomac: 1 out of 8
o Westfield: 1 out of 6

Dogwood and McNair haven't made AYP in last 3 years.
Lake Anne hasn't made it for 2 years.
Hunters Woods didn't make it last year. It's headed down with the others.

It's terrible that Stu has let so many schools in his district go down the tubes and only one is a title 1 school! That's just sad.

>>>Speaking of McNair, though, what do you think about the County School Board trying to add McNair, a Title I school, to South Lakes Pyramid in 3 of the 4 scenarios presented? Do you think that is fair?<<<

Fair? Not if the goal is to improve South Lakes and get more AP classes, higher end math and science. Under all the scenarios, that won't happen because there won't be enough high performing students in South Lakes.

Did I think McNair would go to South Lakes? Yes, absolutely. Check back through my posts, I've always known that Stu would send McNair to South Lakes. It's easy for him to do, the McNair parents will complain the least. Sending Hunter Mill students to South Lakes upsets the fewest parents in other districts, makes Stu's pals on the school board happy. Isn't it more important to keep fellow politicians happy? So it would appear.

If Stu had cared enough about his schools over the last 12 years, we wouldn't be having this problem today. Students at South Lakes would be educated at their elementary schools and able to compete when they get to South Lakes.

>>>We did not envision the plethora of public housing that we now have.<<<

Then why do you keep electing people who put it there?

>>>it means that higher academic students should have options AT ALL schools to electives and advanced classes in math and others.<<<

With McNair students being placed into South Lakes, not much of that will happen. None of the scenarios send enough high performimng students for there to be many AP classes added. South Lakes is getting screwed on this deal. But that's good for some of the other schools, like Crossfield and Navy. At least they don't have to go. I guess that comes under the heading, 'every cloud has a silver lining'.

>>>Provides Adequate Buffer for South Lakes<<<

Can someone tell me what that means?

Thanks.

Moving McNair is inevitable if you're trying to reduce population at Westfield in the context of this redistricting exercise. The west side of Westfield is Loudon, the south side is Centreville and so out of bounds, the east side is Chantilly for the most part and not something they want to move students to. That leaves Floris and McNair...and if you move Floris, it creates an island at McNair, which they don't want to do. Thus...you have to move McNair someplace. Your choices are South Lakes or Herndon.

Before the election, I called Kathy Smith and talked to her about the redistricting. She was all "nothing has been decided". I walked through the above analysis and tried to get her to admit that McNair would be moved. She claimed not to even know that McNair fed into Westfield. I was not impressed.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>Provides Adequate Buffer for South Lakes<<<
>
> Can someone tell me what that means?
>
> Thanks.

Asked and answered. See my post from yesterday, God! ;-)

Oakton Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> While I'm not in general convinced that any
> redistricting is necessary...or certainly I am not
> convinced that THIS redistricing approach makes
> any sense at all...I think its a wonderful idea to
> keep communities together, so if South Lakes needs
> more students, then North Reston would be a good
> place to find them. Not sure if that's everybody
> in Armstrong / Aldrin...are they all Reston
> residents? Some are very close to Herndon high.
>
> If we are then going to redistrct just to satisfy
> capacity, demographc and distance criteria, then
> backfill herndon with 200 kids from the western
> edge of Langley...some of whom likve one mile from
> Herndon High and are bused ten miles to Langley.

Do you have an 'in' with the school board? As a SL parent, I like your idea.

YOU! Parents against SlHS are only going against our ethnicity and other personal things INSTEAD of test scores because you are surely aware of our test scores being higher than most of the other school in this district. That is NO reason to bring up other excuses to not send your kids to our WONDERFUL school.
I currently attend SLHS with a 4.0 GPA in all IB classes and what is being said about my school is incorrect. I happen to go there everyday and I do not observe any fights or dangerous things that you construct because you guys have never been there or spent a whole day in order to start making up false information just to keep your students in the school they currently attend. What do you acquire out of putting us down? Just because we have students that are low- income bringing wonderful grades that does not give you a reason to bring others down. For your information we have one of the unsurpassed principal, magnificent staff, and administrators. We are a loving “Seahawk Nation” and if your kids are going to come with such negativity we would rather them stay and leave our WONDERFUL school alone!!!

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>Neen, are you sure that NONE of Reston's
> elementary schools are making AYP? County AYP
> reports state that for the year 2006-2007, Dogwood
> is the only Title I school in Reston. For the
> record, McNair is not in Reston, so please stop
> characterizing it as one of Reston's schools.<<<
>
> McNair is not in Reston, but it is in Stu's
> district. So my point is still pertinent. It's
> Stu's schools that are failing. The facts are:
>
> The South Lakes Pyramid had the highest percentage
> of Elementary Schools in the County not making
> AYP.
> o South Lakes: 4 out of 6 Elementary Schools
> didn’t make AYP
> o Centerville Pyramid: 2 out of 5 Elementary
> Schools didn’t make AYP
> o Herndon Pyramid: 2 out of 6
> o Mount Vernon: 3 out of 6
> o Lake Braddock: 1 out of 5
> o West Potomac: 1 out of 8
> o Westfield: 1 out of 6
>
> Dogwood and McNair haven't made AYP in last 3
> years.
> Lake Anne hasn't made it for 2 years.
> Hunters Woods didn't make it last year. It's
> headed down with the others.
>
> It's terrible that Stu has let so many schools in
> his district go down the tubes and only one is a
> title 1 school! That's just sad.

Neen, I just went to the Virginia Department of Education Site:

https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/ayp_report.do?link=2&year=2007

The only Reston Elementary school that did not make AYP for the 2006-2007 school year was Lake Anne, and they were just coming off of a vote of no confidence for a horrible principal. Dogwood did make AYP, as did Hunters Woods, Terraset, Forest Edge, and Sunrise Valley. South Lakes has made AYP for the past three years.

So really, 1 out of 6 Reston Elementary Schools did make AYP for the 2006-2007 School year. Four out of 6 did not fail, as you said.

neen wrote:

"On Monday, I vote for wearing Black, linking arms and shouting as we move through the halls:

Hell No, we won't Go,
Hell No, we won't Go,
Hell No, we won't Go.

The aging hippies and boomers will love it. They can relive their youth.

Long hair and bell bottoms are optional, but a daisy in our hair would be a nice touch."

_____________________________________________

While Casual was distracted... sticking pins in a toy bird, I grabbed her tie-dyed shirt. (the one she wore to Woodstock. I'm selling it on EBay, Tuesday AM)

Mi amigo, Padre, gave me this ratty old poncho.

I'm good to go.

vdmg wrote:


"YOU! Parents against SlHS are only going against our ethnicity....."

______________________________________________________________

Just for the record, the last time 'ethnicity' came up for a vote, I was for it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/01/2007 07:48PM by BirdLover.

A shot of neen and the bird, ready for the protest.... Monday. (bird, on right)
Attachments:

>>>Asked and answered. See my post from yesterday<<<

Can't you just tell me, without making me wade through all the posts?

Does a buffer for South Lakes mean extra students, assuming that many students won't go to South Lakes? Or something else?

Thanks Tom.

Bird,
How did you know that I'm blond?! Sorta. Once upon a time.

I found my fringed shawl and my Sonny and Cher tapes! They're so groovy.

All we are saying is give magnets a chance.......

Hell no, we won't go,

Hell yeh, Stu must go.

Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

SubmissiveWiiRNot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Neen Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Quantum,
> > Thanks for your thoughtful post om why FCPS
> > doesn't do as well with poor minorities as
> poorer
> > areas in the state, like Richmond and Newport
> > News. I would tend to agree with you, except
> for
> > the disparity within Fairfax county. Why do so
> > many of our high poverty schools do better than
> > high poverty schools in Reston, schools that
> are
> > not as high in poverty/minority rates? Why can
> a
> > school in Annanndale with 75% poverty do better
> > than Dogwood with 60% poverty and better than
> Lake
> > Anne with 33% and McNair with 41%? Why does
> > Annanndale Terrace make AYP when none of the
> > Reston schools are making it?
>
> Neen, are you sure that NONE of Reston's
> elementary schools are making AYP? County AYP
> reports state that for the year 2006-2007, Dogwood
> is the only Title I school in Reston. For the
> record, McNair is not in Reston, so please stop
> characterizing it as one of Reston's schools.
>
> Speaking of McNair, though, what do you think
> about the County School Board trying to add
> McNair, a Title I school, to South Lakes Pyramid
> in 3 of the 4 scenarios presented? Do you think
> that is fair?



Is it fair that SL gets to hand-pick what schools go to their school? No. Have yet to see that as criteria. So, quit your belly-aching about McNair.

SubmissiveWiiRNot said
>>>So really, 1 out of 6 Reston Elementary Schools did make AYP for the 2006-2007 School year. Four out of 6 did not fail, as you said.<<<

Oops, you only looked at only Title one schools. Not ALL the Reston schools.

If you go here, http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/src/ayp.shtml, you can find all the schools that failed to make AYP. You only need to download the 2007/2008 page to get the last three years.

Hughes middle school failed to make AYP in 2005, 2006, and 2007

Dogwood passed in 2005, failed in 2006, failed in 2007

Hunters Woods passed in 2005, failed in 2006, failed in 2007

Lake Anne failed in 2005, failed in 2006, failed in 2007

McNair failed in 2005, failed in 2006, failed in 2007

Terraset passed in 2005, failed in 2006, passed in 2007

Sunrise Valley passed 2005, 2006, and 2007.

In the last year, four out of six elementary schools in Reston failed AYP. No other high school had that many failing elementary schools.

Please, check it for yourself. You need only download the 2007/2008 page for all the information for the last three years, for ALL the schools in the county:

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/src/ayp.shtml

It's really very interesting.

vdmg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> YOU! Parents against SlHS are only going against
> our ethnicity and other personal things INSTEAD of
> test scores because you are surely aware of our
> test scores being higher than most of the other
> school in this district. That is NO reason to
> bring up other excuses to not send your kids to
> our WONDERFUL school.
> I currently attend SLHS with a 4.0 GPA in all IB
> classes and what is being said about my school is
> incorrect. I happen to go there everyday and I do
> not observe any fights or dangerous things that
> you construct because you guys have never been
> there or spent a whole day in order to start
> making up false information just to keep your
> students in the school they currently attend. What
> do you acquire out of putting us down? Just
> because we have students that are low- income
> bringing wonderful grades that does not give you a
> reason to bring others down. For your information
> we have one of the unsurpassed principal,
> magnificent staff, and administrators. We are a
> loving “Seahawk Nation” and if your kids are going
> to come with such negativity we would rather them
> stay and leave our WONDERFUL school alone!!!

Kids in AP (back in the day) and IB are kind of like prisoners on the Paris Hilton wing of a jail while the rest of the kids are in gen pop in Oz.

Those who make it into advanced placement/IB classes are in a buffer. They are going to spend most of their time with peers on their level. Those who don't make AP/IB, are the ones who will be the most negatively impacted.