And for thpse of you at Crossfield, you probably want to know that rumor has it that Floris is putting together another option, (should we consider this option 6?), that has Crossfield going to South Lakes, and Navy moving to Oakton.

Should be a fun meeting tonight folks.

The South Lakes people are daring to be organized. They aren't supposed to do that!

"On this website is a pdf document just posted this weekend with their talking points for the four options and it is is one of these documents where they are proposing a fifth option:"

Let's see, documents posted on a public webpage - egads, they are trying to subvert us!!

"I wonder how much help they received in preparing this option?"

Yup, those SL parents are too dumb to do any analysis on their own.

" I wonder how much help they received in preparing this option? "

Yes, if we know what they are going to say we can...knock them down? Certainly they are not able to think on their feet. They are from South Lakes, after all.

BirdLover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lee parent,
>
> We are and have been united, with the exception of
> South Lakes. If you attended the last meeting, the
> only parents supporting the school board were from
> South Lakes. The only parents supporting the
> school board on this site are from South Lakes.
>
> They want this.


Lee Parent:

There was a November school board election. Before that election, the redistricting opponents were forecasting the political demise of anyone who supported a boundary study. Their candidates lost.

They are forecasting the political demise of anyone who supports a boundary study.

They don't want this.

I totally empathize with the SL parents and students-they are trying to save their school. They are doing what any one of us would do for our school. My point is-how did it get to this point? What happened to SL that it is PERCEIVED as an undesirable school? It seems as if this decline in enrollment did not happen overnight.

This is why I am critical of the SB and Dale. They engage in a firefighter mentality rather than addressing problems early on.

So, what is this 8 page paper about Gibson from the DOE? Fact or fiction . . anyone?

My proposal:

Fox Mill and part of McNair/Floris to South Lakes (not sure about Crossfield as that really hits Oakton hard, but does make proximity to school sense).
Oak Hill to Westfield
Navy to Oakton
Part of McNair to Herndon (to help Westfield).

I realize this gives 1 1/2 Title I schools to both Herndon and South Lakes. I propose the county give at least twice as much funding to both these schools to offset doing this to them. Leave Madison alone - there aren't enough in (on?) the island to do anything for the greater good.

I thought it might be a good idea to keep this on the front page awhile longer.



Re: high school redistricting
Posted by: info
Date: December 03, 2007 02:09PM


everyone don't forget to bring the 8 page letter from the Virginia Department of Education that is out about Stu Gibson and his disclosure of personal information about a student with learning challenges. We must present this to everyone tonight this is enough to get him OFF the School Board and this will allow for a moritorium on the RD issue.

Everyone remember these four options (FIVE NOW for those of you that have not heard) FCSB just changed the rules again there is another option on the table. No one is safe from this. Wear Black, unite againt the school board the only vote is for NO CHANGE. Do not go against your neighbor go agaist your school board. ALL FOR ONE!! See you tonight in the GYM not split up in the small room everyon go to the gym or the auditorium.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with South Lakes being organized and trying to do what they think is best for their students.

Merely trying to point out that at one point they are stating they will welcome any students from anywhere and have no stake in this fight, according to their PTSA President, yet now they suddenly seem to have a preference, and it's a totally new option.

And the comment about getting help comes from my skepticism that the real option the school board wants is still out there somwhere and it will show up as a new option at one of these meetings. That way the school board can say the community got what they wanted, because the option will come back via one of these meetings. The question is which one of the new options is the winner and where will it come from and who planted it there.

Where can the 8 page letter from the DOE about Gibson be found?

sos Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There's absolutely nothing wrong with South Lakes
> being organized and trying to do what they think
> is best for their students.
>
> Merely trying to point out that at one point they
> are stating they will welcome any students from
> anywhere and have no stake in this fight,
> according to their PTSA President, yet now they
> suddenly seem to have a preference, and it's a
> totally new option.

Perhaps they didn't think the SB would be so audacious as to burden both Herndon and South Lakes with additional Title I kids, particularly when one of their criteria was to even out FRL numbers across the schools in the study.

That's a guess.
>
> And the comment about getting help comes from my
> skepticism that the real option the school board
> wants is still out there somwhere and it will show
> up as a new option at one of these meetings. That
> way the school board can say the community got
> what they wanted, because the option will come
> back via one of these meetings. The question is
> which one of the new options is the winner and
> where will it come from and who planted it there.

Hmm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Where can the 8 page letter from the DOE about
> Gibson be found?


Is the DOE Education or Elections?

My neighbor, an ardent Christine supporter, can't find anything about this.....he smells blood, but is frustrated and beginning to think that it may be a complaint filed, not a determination rendered? Can you help this man?

why is everyone (except Navy) hell bent on "uniting Navy at Oakton". People at SLHS should stop worrying about Navy and leave us alone.

Lee Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I totally empathize with the SL parents and
> students-they are trying to save their school.
> They are doing what any one of us would do for our
> school. My point is-how did it get to this point?
> What happened to SL that it is PERCEIVED as an
> undesirable school? It seems as if this decline in
> enrollment did not happen overnight.
>
> This is why I am critical of the SB and Dale.
> They engage in a firefighter mentality rather than
> addressing problems early on.


Um, the school has been broken since the late 80s... this is nothing new.

Hey, everyone.

Glad to see you're all still posting and such.

I just got back from school, and I wanted to tell you that one of my teachers told me they're basically using the entire first floor for tonight's meeting, which, from my perspective, is a lot more classrooms than they used at the Chantilly meeting. I'd suggest getting there early, so that you can find parking easier. If you can't find parking in Westfield's parking lot, Cub Run is located right next to it, and there's parking there.

If you're planning on uniting with a group, I'd suggest going to a larger classroom, such as the lecture hall. Best of luck trying to get into the gym, though. I suppose I'll wander over there and see what you all have going on.

For those of you looking for me, such as Neen, I'm not the only Westfield HS student attending the meeting tonight. Some of my friends are going, and there are probably other students going too. I know a lot of Chantilly kids are especially interested in this issue, so I'd guess a few of them will be there as well.

What's this about a 5th option, Birdlover?

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Um, the school has been broken since the late
> 80s... this is nothing new.

That's your opinion, and it is ok for you to have it; however, not everyone who attended or attends SL would agree with you.s

navyes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> why is everyone (except Navy) hell bent on
> "uniting Navy at Oakton". People at SLHS should
> stop worrying about Navy and leave us alone.


Agreed! It's ridiculous to move Navy to Oakton when Chantilly is spitting distance from Navy. It's also ridiculous for SL to be so concerned amoun the commute time for Fox Mill students. Do you see any Fox Mill residents complaining about the communte? Nope. That's because Fox Milly has been in the Oakton district for over 20 years, so if the commute was bothersome, residents would have bought in a different area.

Funny how no one wants McNair....

And on their totally new option, they state that there are no disadvantages to their plan to split the Floris community while touting it as an advantage that Navy will be unified. There is no school called East Floris or West Floris. There is this one school called Floris. And apparently everyone wants a piece of it.


SOS's Proxy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> sos Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > There's absolutely nothing wrong with South
> Lakes
> > being organized and trying to do what they
> think
> > is best for their students.
> >
> > Merely trying to point out that at one point
> they
> > are stating they will welcome any students from
> > anywhere and have no stake in this fight,
> > according to their PTSA President, yet now they
> > suddenly seem to have a preference, and it's a
> > totally new option.
>

WestfieldMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And on their totally new option, they state that
> there are no disadvantages to their plan to split
> the Floris community while touting it as an
> advantage that Navy will be unified. There is no
> school called East Floris or West Floris. There
> is this one school called Floris. And apparently
> everyone wants a piece of it.


Haha. I went to Floris. It's sort of a honor that they want us so bad, though. Yet, it is horrifying considering the fact that we got redistricted to Westfield from Oakton 7 or 8 years ago. Why are we the only ones that seem to be getting picked on?

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bird lover,
> You don't think teenagers use the expression
> 'golly wolly'? Really?
>
> Me neither.

Haha, I haven't been on here in several days and I can't believe that my "golly" has created so much commotion for you, Neen. I don't think that any body uses that term anymore... I think it's pretty obvious that I used it sarcastically. Sorry that you can't recognize that.

Neen. Please don't make generalizations such as "no student at South Lakes knows when to use the contraction 'you're' rather than the possessive pronoun, 'your'." Although a few SL students did make that grammatical error, I can assure you that the majority of Seahawks (myself included) know the diffence.

Also, I can't help but point out that several parents who criticize SL student's grammar and spelling, make the mistake of using "its" instead of "it's" and vice versa. Why don't you point out that?

I don't believe that "no one wants McNair", but I do think that people realize the challenges involved in embracing a Title I school. There are only 3 schools in this boundary doing this right now so if you are not from one of the three schools, then you should not be commenting on something you fear and know nothing about.

If Fox Mill and perhaps Crossfield went to South Lakes (the closest to SLHS with the exception of part of McNair), that is why Navy would have to go to Oakton - Oaktons numbers would be too low. I don't believe it is a personal vendetta against Navy (and part of the school already does go to Oakton - not an excuse, just an observation). Oak Hill would be a stretch and they want to "help" Chantilly by taking out some of the students . . . it HAS to be Navy or Oak Hill. . . . Oak Hill to Oakton is REALLY far.

Hmm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> they want to "help"
> Chantilly by taking out some of the students . . .
> it HAS to be Navy or Oak Hill. . . . Oak Hill to
> Oakton is REALLY far.


You're right Oak Hill to Oakton is far, but Oak Hill to Westfield is closer than Navy to Oakton.

navyes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hmm Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > they want to "help"
> > Chantilly by taking out some of the students . .
> .
> > it HAS to be Navy or Oak Hill. . . . Oak Hill
> to
> > Oakton is REALLY far.
>
>
> You're right Oak Hill to Oakton is far, but Oak
> Hill to Westfield is closer than Navy to Oakton.


Why are they moving Oak Hill kids from Chantilly into Westfield in one of the options? Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of reducing overcrowding at Westfield, even though they're moving McNair kids in the same option?

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> navyes Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > why is everyone (except Navy) hell bent on
> > "uniting Navy at Oakton". People at SLHS
> should
> > stop worrying about Navy and leave us alone.
>
>
> Agreed! It's ridiculous to move Navy to Oakton
> when Chantilly is spitting distance from Navy.
> It's also ridiculous for SL to be so concerned
> amoun the commute time for Fox Mill students. Do
> you see any Fox Mill residents complaining about
> the communte? Nope. That's because Fox Milly has
> been in the Oakton district for over 20 years, so
> if the commute was bothersome, residents would
> have bought in a different area.
>
> Funny how no one wants McNair....


Thank you FME!

I will explain this to you all one more time.....Navy does not care if we are reunited to Oakton. Navy's closest border to Chantilly is less than 1/4 mile away. Tiger Woods could hit a golf ball that far!! The rest is just 2 - 3 miles. Most of us have been at Chantilly for over 20 years. FIND YOUR NEW STUDENTS SOMEWHERE ELSE. Split-feeders are really not the issue.

Navy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Split-feeders are really not the issue.

If they don't redistrict the students from Carson and Franklin middleschools, the split feeders at the middleschools would be WORSENED than they are now.

imabulldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >
> Why are they moving Oak Hill kids from Chantilly
> into Westfield in one of the options? Doesn't that
> kind of defeat the purpose of reducing
> overcrowding at Westfield, even though they're
> moving McNair kids in the same option?


It's all about numbers. In Option 1 they are removing McNair and a large portion of Floris. Then there is room to remove the students from Chantilly to Westfield and still be under capacity.

Then they need to study the middle school issues and let's not go there today. All Navy students go to Frankin. My point was at the elementary level.

Yes, agreed. Absolutely. BUT, the reason for the move of Navy at all is to FILL Oakton, not Westfield. . . .in the scenario I had said before. . . .Navys future will depend totally on what goes on with the rest of the schools in the middle of all of this . . . . if Fox Mill and Crossfield are left alone, so will Navy . . Navy will be moved in to Oakton if any school is moved OUT of Oakton . . . or possibly Oak Hill, but that is a bit over the top.

Woodson is overcrowded and projected to be over crowded by 200 in '08 . . . they live much closer to the actual Oakton building, but since they are not in this boundary study, they are not being considered. . . obvious choice in my opinion, but then again, the under enrolled Centreville would help the over crowded Westfield on the southern side, but they are not in this, either . . . .

anotherobserver Wrote:

> It's all about numbers. In Option 1 they are
> removing McNair and a large portion of Floris.
> Then there is room to remove the students from
> Chantilly to Westfield and still be under
> capacity.


...that's kind of ridiculous. I mean, seriously. Wouldn't that be causing too much disturbance amongst the students in that option?



Oh and, just out of curiosity, how many of you have actually ever been to Westfield?

Hmm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes, agreed. Absolutely. BUT, the reason for
> the move of Navy at all is to FILL Oakton, not
> Westfield. . . .in the scenario I had said before.
> . . .Navys future will depend totally on what goes
> on with the rest of the schools in the middle of
> all of this . . . . if Fox Mill and Crossfield are
> left alone, so will Navy . . Navy will be moved in
> to Oakton if any school is moved OUT of Oakton . .
> . or possibly Oak Hill, but that is a bit over the
> top.
>
> Woodson is overcrowded and projected to be over
> crowded by 200 in '08 . . . they live much closer
> to the actual Oakton building, but since they are
> not in this boundary study, they are not being
> considered. . . obvious choice in my opinion, but
> then again, the under enrolled Centreville would
> help the over crowded Westfield on the southern
> side, but they are not in this, either . . . .

Exactly! Lamp Post Estates is the only neighborhood on the other side of 29 that goes to Westfield - Why wasn't Centreville included?

Submissive;

"Actually, I drive a Yugo, and I'll be serving soy milkshakes, tempeh burgers, and vegan cookies. By the time you hit the meeting, if you even make it inside, you'll be slurring your words and stumbling, while we'll be sharp as tacks!"

__________________

Just as I thought, boring everything.

BTW, neen and I would have to be on Morphine IVs before your sharp tacks could do damage and even then, it would be minimal. Enjoy the milkshakes. Sounds fattening.

info Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
everyone don't forget to bring the 8 page letter
from the Virginia Department of Education that is
out about Stu Gibson and his disclosure of
personal information about a student with learning
challenges. We must present this to everyone
tonight this is enough to get him OFF the School
Board and this will allow for a moritorium on the
RD issue.

Everyone remember these four options (FIVE NOW for
those of you that have not heard) FCSB just
changed the rules again there is another option on
the table. No one is safe from this. Wear Black,
unite againt the school board the only vote is for
NO CHANGE. Do not go against your neighbor go
agaist your school board. ALL FOR ONE!! See you
tonight in the GYM not split up in the small room
everyon go to the gym or the auditorium.

...and by "diffence", I obviously mean "diffeREnce".

Don't kill me.

Navy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Exactly! Lamp Post Estates is the only
> neighborhood on the other side of 29 that goes to
> Westfield - Why wasn't Centreville included?

Probably since the county isn't as worried about Centreville being underpopulated as South Lakes. I don't know about Centreville's test scores or anything, but I haven't heard anything necessarily bad about them... maybe that's why? Also, Centreville is better of demographically and economically than South Lakes, I think? So that's probably why.

It's messed up, anyway. Centreville HS is in Clifton, VA.

>>>So, what is this 8 page paper about Gibson from the DOE? Fact or fiction?<<<

Fact. I saw it. It's making the rounds on email. Stu and the School board lost every one of their little arguments. They were guilty of violating the privacy rights of a handicapped 8 year old little boy. They were found to be guilty of violating a whole bunch of regulations. Yup, for sure, they are all in deep doo doo. It doesn't look good when a school board member uses a handicapped child for his own political gain, just to win a little election to a little job. It doesn't look good when the state DOE tells them they were wrong and should not have done that.

I hope that little boys parents sues the pants off them so they learn they can't do stuff like this. Stu's supposed to be protecting Kids, for pete's sake. He sure didn't care about protecting that little boy.

A fifth option now? When did this happen? I can't keep all this straight. What a mess this all is. There must be a better way.

NBC 4 was all over this, SLHS PTSA was voicing how great the school is and redistricting is great. OAKTON PTSA HERNDON PTSA WESTFIELD PTSA CHS get involved NOW!!!

I have been to Westfield many times, why?

>>>not a determination rendered? Can you help this man?<<<

I don't know how to post it here, but the DOE did rule against Stu and FCPS. It clearly says that they were in violation of a bunch of privacy regulations. They screwed up. All of their arguments were thrown out. These guys are supposed to be protecting our kids, not violating their rights. It's disgusting what he did to that little boy. He just used him.

See everyone tonight. I will be the one dressed in black. HaHaHa

I brought up Centreville because I was told that one of the major reasons for this redistricting was to help Westfield in the overcrowding of their school (I know, and SL, too with low numbers). . .I feel like this could have been done easily by removing some current students in the over enrolled school of Westfield to a current and projected under enrolled school of Centreville so as to not set off all this craziness like what is happening now. . . it would also take care of the Title I school of McNair by leaving it where it is and spreading all 3 Title I schools in this study equally between 3 schools and not 2.

Was I under the wrong impression that one of the goals of this redistricting was supposedly to alleviate overcrowding at Westfield? Do the new unofficial options address this?

For those who are unable to attend tonight's meeting:

I'm heading over to the school. Hopefully, while my gang and I are tailgating, I will be able to post any noteworthy observations.

Hmm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I brought up Centreville because I was told that
> one of the major reasons for this redistricting
> was to help Westfield in the overcrowding of their
> school (I know, and SL, too with low numbers). .
> .I feel like this could have been done easily by
> removing some current students in the over
> enrolled school of Westfield to a current and
> projected under enrolled school of Centreville so
> as to not set off all this craziness like what is
> happening now. . . it would also take care of the
> Title I school of McNair by leaving it where it is
> and spreading all 3 Title I schools in this study
> equally between 3 schools and not 2.


In August, Kathy Smith claimed that Centreville was at/over capacity. So that school could not be considered in the study. Hmmm, go figure!

Moratorium Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> info Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> everyone don't forget to bring the 8 page letter
> from the Virginia Department of Education that
> is
> out about Stu Gibson and his disclosure of
> personal information about a student with
> learning
> challenges. We must present this to everyone
> tonight this is enough to get him OFF the School
> Board and this will allow for a moritorium on
> the
> RD issue.
>
> Everyone remember these four options (FIVE NOW
> for
> those of you that have not heard) FCSB just
> changed the rules again there is another option
> on
> the table. No one is safe from this. Wear
> Black,
> unite againt the school board the only vote is
> for
> NO CHANGE. Do not go against your neighbor go
> agaist your school board. ALL FOR ONE!! See
> you
> tonight in the GYM not split up in the small
> room
> everyon go to the gym or the auditorium.

I am currently standing in front of the school with neen and a few other familiar faces....... VaDriver, FCOP, taxpayer, FME. It's cold and windy, glad I wore my black mink ear muffs. Cars are rolling in from every direction.

I just saw Padre and Submissive. They were eating something that looked like a bran cereal bar. Padre had a pained expression on his face so when Submissive turned to greet Old Timer, I threw him a few crab canapes.

Next update in 5 minutes.

I just cranked up my sound system and Latin music is filling the air. Some SL kids are making their way to our party...

Jazzy is here.. he and I are dancing.....a samba, now, the Tango. Wow, he's great.

Nean says it's time for us to go inside...so, I have to go.

Wait, I can't believe my eyes, Casual Observer has arrived. She's having a little trouble exiting the car. She's a big woman. I think she has spotted Nean, who is walking to the school entrance. Casual is running, trying to catch up with Neen........oh dear, she just fell into a bush.

Got to go...

More later.

The meeting was a hoax!! The place was filled with SLHS standins, they must have got credit and no homework to go fill the rooms with SL BS. PTSA from SLHS on NBC 4 news tonight says she wants only " ADVANTAGED KIDS" moving in to SLHS I guess that means they have enough disadvantaged kids there. Hey don't bite my head off she is the one that was on NBC4 news tonight at 535pm and stated it!!!!. I guess my kids can stay put they don't fit the "advantage lable". No car, one cell phone to share, average grades.

Oh yea but they are great kids!!

FCPS thanks for a great meeting tonight!! Oh yea the stuff about STU is true it was going around tonight in black and white copies.

what did school board say about different plans?

For those that want to check out a blurb about the NBC4 piece:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22087737

some excerpts:

The chief operating officer of Fairfax County Schools said Monday's meeting was to gather information only and doubts any of the four options will be the final options.

Parents from Westfield and Oakton High have launched a movement to freeze the redistricting effort altogether, angering South Lakes High School parents who said school leaders need to take a hard stand.

12/3/07 Maria Allen -

"If they don't do the right thing, they will have a resegregated school system. We'll have a school system where advantaged kids are at school on their own and where low-income kids are at school on their own," said Maria Allen of the South Lakes parent teacher student association. "We''ll have schools just for low income kids like South Lakes, and everyone else will be going elsewhere."

9/21/07 Maria Allen -

The South Lakes community would welcome any new students and their families, Allen said. "Where they come from, we don't mind," she said. "It's not our battle to fight

Perhaps Ms. Allen is practicing for her future role as a school board member. She's got the first skill down.

Hi there,
I just happened to click on the NBC website and watched an ealier video about the redistricting...Now I realized that the so called "boundaries" is just a charade cooked by Stu and the SLPTA...shame on them! My mouth dropped when I heard one of the parents talked about a "fifth" version of the maps....they only need "wealthy kids" meaning....they don't want any of the McNair kids....that was shameless! I totally understand their predicament, however, they will not win this war with the agenda they have...I also check their "talking points" and to be quite honest...they should've been a little more discreet in their assessments. Now that they showed their "true" colors, most people will be in an uproar...totally shameless!

Would you please post the document that was circulated at Westfield? I looked everywhere but couldn't find it. Sorry, I was still at work and was not able to make the tonight meeting.

no one from south lakes has received extra credit for doing any of this. i met with mr. butler and two visiting parents today and i have neither asked for nor expected compensation for my efforts. i have been more involved than any other student at sl and it is all from my own initiative.

[As sent from me to that "boundaries@fcps.edu" -- who knows if they will actually read it. i would be interested in hearing your feedback. this works out to be the most equal for the whole county.]


It concerns me that you are not considering a non-moratorium option #5.
It would seem that there is an alternative that would trump your proposed options:

Madison Island to SLHS
East Floris to SLHS
Fox Mill to SLHS
Navy to OHS


It meets the following criteria:
- reduces enrollment at WHS and CHS (1)
- more students at SLHS gives them equal access to resources (2)
- Lowering number of free/reduced lunch students at SLHS (3)
- Eliminates Madison Island (4)

This would also unite Navy to one high school, from minimize commute for East Floris and Fox Mill students

Please, please consider this option.


Sincerely,

brian xxxxxxxxx

brian,
I completely understand what you're saying, and I'm involved in this because of my own initiative as well. So were all the other kids at the meeting today. What room were you in, by the way?

Wow... that was, um, special. Another exercise in futility.

So none of the four scenarios will be the final one presented to the school board for a vote, but a magnet school option will not be considered. Makes no sense. Instead of forcing kids there, they should make it a school people WANT to go to.

Blargh

Brian,
How many kids does this send to South Lakes?

Madison Island to SLHS
East Floris to SLHS
Fox Mill to SLHS
Navy to OHS

How many kids are in east Floris and Fox Mill?

Thank you.

My group wanted the same things as last time, or Option 3. choice of 3 was overwhelming. I think that will be it, unless this option 5 works out.

What happened to Crossfield?

brian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >
>
> It concerns me that you are not considering a
> non-moratorium option #5.
> It would seem that there is an alternative that
> would trump your proposed options:
>
> Madison Island to SLHS
> East Floris to SLHS
> Fox Mill to SLHS
> Navy to OHS
>
>
> It meets the following criteria:
> - reduces enrollment at WHS and CHS (1)
> - more students at SLHS gives them equal access to
> resources (2)
> - Lowering number of free/reduced lunch students
> at SLHS (3)
> - Eliminates Madison Island (4)
>
> This would also unite Navy to one high school,
> from minimize commute for East Floris and Fox Mill
> students
>
> Please, please consider this option.
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> brian xxxxxxxxx


Moving Navy to Oakton is absurd. Kids from the Navy district can WALK to Chantilly. Why bus them to Oakton? Same with Oak Hill -- moving them to Oakton is farther away than Fox Mill, and they have never been a part of the Oakton district.

Brian -

It's commendable that you have spent so much of your free time devoted to something you believe in. You have done an excellent job supporting the new option 5 from the South Lakes PTSA Talking Points document.

To everyone else -

Obviously everyone now needs to make sure their own current or prospective high school student also sends their wishes to the boundary study email so that every child gets to have their opinion heard.

Option 5 = Greedy South Lakes MF

We had 4 SLHS students in my group but they didn't really advocate for South Lakes. They didn't really say anything about South Lakes. Two of them wanted a magnet and all four said Langley should be in the study. No one mentioned an option 5. I didn't hear about that at all tonight until I read the comments on the wall.

I thought SL didn't care who went to their school because they love diversity and scores don't matter. So what's wrong with McNair going to SL?

Will they get this option 5? People in my little group were very opposed to sending Floris. They've already been moved a bunch of times. It doesn't seem fair to make them move again.

Looking at all the comments, most all groups wanted option #3.

Hey, lets all play. My turn.

Floris to SL
Crossfield to SL
Poplar Tree to Westfield
Oak Hill to Herndon
Armstrong and Aldrin Langley
Lees Corner to Oakton
Navy to Westfield
McNair to Chantilly
Madison Island to Woodson
Lake Anne to Herndon

Druzilla Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We had 4 SLHS students in my group but they didn't
> really advocate for South Lakes. They didn't
> really say anything about South Lakes. Two of
> them wanted a magnet and all four said Langley
> should be in the study. No one mentioned an
> option 5. I didn't hear about that at all tonight
> until I read the comments on the wall.
>
> I thought SL didn't care who went to their school
> because they love diversity and scores don't
> matter. So what's wrong with McNair going to SL?
>
>
> Will they get this option 5? People in my little
> group were very opposed to sending Floris.
> They've already been moved a bunch of times. It
> doesn't seem fair to make them move again.
>
> Looking at all the comments, most all groups
> wanted option #3.


Exactly.

The whole Floris district is going to be offset, anyway, once Coppermine is built. Also, on the maps, the Floris boundary to the west is inaccurate - that would be the airport. Floris district was redistricted from Oakton to Westfield 7 years ago. Out of all of the schools involved in the study, I believe it has had the most recent change? Also, Westfield was built orginally to take pressure off of Chantilly and Oakton, so in the options where Westfield would be 500 - 700 kids under capacity doesn't seem logical. Langely definitely should be involved in this study, but that won't happen. It's weird in the sense that Langley isn't, though. It shares borders with South Lakes and Herndon, I believe, and is not over populated, correct? Well, the whole reason why Oakton is in this study is because it shares borders with Westfield and Chantilly, yet it's not necessarily overenrolled.

i was somewhere in B.. 104 maybe

i was informed today that that is the official stance of the sl ptsa. it wasnt my idea to lump navy together with the other neighborhood going to oakton coming from two elementaries (sunrise valley and hunters woods) in which the 6th grade class was split up, it was never a big deal to me that you should go to high school with kids from elementary school. since eliminating split feeders is a top priority over location for the school board, i mentioned in my email that navy should all go to oakton because i thought that that is what would work. it would also not make sense to divert from the path of the sl ptsa, which, it seems, has an increasing amount of influence. my idea (didnt know until today that sl ptsa had a choice 5) was to send oak hill to westfield and east mcnair to herndon.

i completely understand that it wouldnt make sense sending kids elsewhere when they can walk, but there is no way to make every one happy, or even a way to mak 100% sense. lets face it, all their propositions were crap -- depending, that is, on your itinerary. i do my best to view this process from a county-wide perspective, rather than what i know is best for just my school.

it is unfortunate to say that some sl kids went to the meetings just to show support for the school without having to contribute

left early Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The meeting was a hoax!! The place was filled
> with SLHS standins, they must have got credit and
> no homework to go fill the rooms with SL BS.
> PTSA from SLHS on NBC 4 news tonight says she
> wants only " ADVANTAGED KIDS" moving in to SLHS I
> guess that means they have enough disadvantaged
> kids there. Hey don't bite my head off she is the
> one that was on NBC4 news tonight at 535pm and
> stated it!!!!.


Clearly you didn't watch the clip well. Two parents who are potentially being redistricted (ie Fox Mill parents), said that the majority of the redistricted students should be "advantaged." Those were Fox Mill parents not SLHS parents.

Sorry to burst your bubble :(

Watch it again and listen...

http://video.nbc4.com/player/?id=191492

imabulldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well, the whole reason
> why Oakton is in this study is because it shares
> borders with Westfield and Chantilly, yet it's not
> necessarily overenrolled.

Oakton shares a border with SLHS. Some of Crossfield already goes to SLHS. SLHS is a couple miles away while Oakton is far far away down Fox Mill across 123.

I think Brian is right. It was nice that the South Lakes kids came but they didn't know what they were supposed to say. One of them seemed like a Madison student because she always supported the island people. All of the South Lakes kids in my group were just trying to figure it all out and voting for the options that made the most sense, even if it didn't help their school. Seemed like they were just trying to be logical, but none of them knew what they were supposed to say. They were cute kids, and very polite. It probably would have been better for them if someone had explained to them why they were at the meeting, what their goals were, stuff like that. They didn't have any idea how to help their school. But I have to give them credit for trying.

Get it right Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oakton shares a border with SLHS. Some of
> Crossfield already goes to SLHS. SLHS is a couple
> miles away while Oakton is far far away down Fox
> Mill across 123.

Sorry, forgot to note that. Yet Madison and Langley both do, as well, but aren't in the study.

Get it right Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> left early Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The meeting was a hoax!! The place was filled
> > with SLHS standins, they must have got credit
> and
> > no homework to go fill the rooms with SL BS.
> > PTSA from SLHS on NBC 4 news tonight says she
> > wants only " ADVANTAGED KIDS" moving in to SLHS
> I
> > guess that means they have enough disadvantaged
> > kids there. Hey don't bite my head off she is
> the
> > one that was on NBC4 news tonight at 535pm and
> > stated it!!!!.
>
>
> Clearly you didn't watch the clip well. Two
> parents who are potentially being redistricted (ie
> Fox Mill parents), said that the majority of the
> redistricted students should be "advantaged."
> Those were Fox Mill parents not SLHS parents.
>
> Sorry to burst your bubble :(
>
> Watch it again and listen...
>
> http://video.nbc4.com/player/?id=191492


Um, hate to burst YOUR bubble, but it did not say those were Fox Mill parents. It just siad their children faced redistricting and were probably McNair. The argument is to keep McNair where it is due to their Title 1 status. By stating only "advantaged students" should move keeps the McNair district at Westfields.

Know what would solve the problem? Change the socioeconomic balance of Reston and bulldoze some of the projects. Reston doesn't need the tax break now that it has so many corporations locating their headquarters there. That would help the ESOL and F&R Lunch demographics.

Part of Madison is VERY close to South Lakes, much closer than it is to Madison. I wonder why they weren't part of the study?

I agree that none of these options works for South Lakes, not enough students to substantially change the FRL percentage. But I can't find a good option. Floris people do NOT want to go to SL and they are very organized. Plus, the numbers don't seem to work out if Floris AND Fox Mill go to South Lakes. That puts in over 700 students with no 'buffer'.

My little group wanted option 3, but a wide margin. They hated option 4.

Most wanted a magnet, even the South Lakes kids didn't object to that idea. LOTS of people mentioned that everything from the first meeting was ignored by staff. I wonder if that will happen after this meeting too? Will Crossfield be put back in? Will South Lakes get their option 5? I have no idea. Or will they go with option 3, since it was the most popular?

Since Dean Tisdadt made a point of telling the press, and everyone at the meeting, that none of the scenarios are likely to be chosen, it seems to me that he's telling us there will be another scenario. That makes me think that SL will get their option 5. They will once ignore what the people said tonight.

You've got to wonder, why do they ask people to come to these meetings, only to ignore what they say? Why do they bother?

i spoke with both parents in the video at the last sl ptsa meeting
they are fox mill parents who want to go to sl

i think they use these to gauge the opinion of sl people
probably looking for a good scenario for south lakes as per suggestion of the populace since they couldnt come up with any themselves

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Um, hate to burst YOUR bubble, but it did not say
> those were Fox Mill parents. It just siad their
> children faced redistricting and were probably
> McNair.

Actually, they were Fox Mill parents. I met them tonight at the meeting.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Part of Madison is VERY close to South Lakes, much
> closer than it is to Madison. I wonder why they
> weren't part of the study?

I've been told that Madison will be looked at in conjunction with schools sharing borders to the east.
>
> I agree that none of these options works for South
> Lakes, not enough students to substantially change
> the FRL percentage. But I can't find a good
> option. Floris people do NOT want to go to SL and
> they are very organized. Plus, the numbers don't
> seem to work out if Floris AND Fox Mill go to
> South Lakes. That puts in over 700 students with
> no 'buffer'.

Some Floris parents are willing, if they are included with Fox Mill. I don't think we will exceed the buffer, because the County has been over-projecting SL numbers for several years. Also, they count housing units at the Reston Town Center, which only produce a handful of children - not nearly as many as they project.
>
> My little group wanted option 3, but a wide
> margin. They hated option 4.

SL doesn't like it either, because it hurts Herndon.

>
> Most wanted a magnet, even the South Lakes kids
> didn't object to that idea.

Our group did not mention magnet.

Will Crossfield be
> put back in? Will South Lakes get their option 5?

I hope so.

> I have no idea. Or will they go with option 3,
> since it was the most popular?
>
> Since Dean Tisdadt made a point of telling the
> press, and everyone at the meeting, that none of
> the scenarios are likely to be chosen, it seems to
> me that he's telling us there will be another
> scenario. That makes me think that SL will get
> their option 5. They will once ignore what the
> people said tonight.

Actually, our group unanimously felt that SL and Herndon were getting the shaft, and they all said the numbers were not fair. Everyone seemed to want to help SL get more middle class students. I was heartened.
>

Glad you are coming around:)

SubmissiveWiiRNot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FME Mom Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > Um, hate to burst YOUR bubble, but it did not
> say
> > those were Fox Mill parents. It just siad
> their
> > children faced redistricting and were probably
> > McNair.
>
> Actually, they were Fox Mill parents. I met them
> tonight at the meeting.


Well they are definitely the minority. The should pupil place their children to South Lakes -- not inflict it on the rest of us.

Some Fox Mill parents have accepted the inevitable and are looking to get more kids like their children into South Lakes. Others are applying to private schools. If Fox Mill can't get another high performing school into South Lakes, they know they're screwed. There won't be enough high end kids at South Lakes to get all those new courses that they promised.

SL's option #5 puts too many students into South Lakes and doesn't take enough out of Westfield. Floris parents will go nuts if they are moved again. No one in my group mentioned this option #5 until someone showed it to me after the meeting was over. But she didn't have any numbers to go with it. We had no outspoken SL parents in our little group. But the other schools did.

Did anyone see any school board members tonight? were they hiding in the library with Tisdadt and the woman who kept putting an 's' on Westfield?

FME Mom Wrote:

> Well they are definitely the minority. The should
> pupil place their children to South Lakes -- not
> inflict it on the rest of us.

How would you feel if McNair were left at Westfields, and Fox Mill came with East Floris or Fox Mill came with part of Crossfield, plus SL had AP classes to supplement IB? Would you be on board then? Since only scenario 2 and 3 seem to be the likely ones, chances are that Fox Mill will move. Why don't we try to come up with a workable plan. It could be a win-win.

There were 11 South Lakes people in my group. Eight parents and six students.

> Some Fox Mill parents have accepted the inevitable - Stockholm Syndome setting in.

> SL's option #5 puts too many students into South Lakes and doesn't take enough out of Westfield - SL Ftards have always had a hard time w/math.

The MMR center could be moved from SL to another school. There are 150 students in the center and most come from Oakton, Herndon, and Westfield. Perhaps the center could move to Westfield. That would make room at SL for more students.

BUSSING IS THE ANSWER, BRING IT BACK

1) Our group had at least THREE "Option 5s," including a Crossfield parent who wanted to unite all of Crossfield, and a parent who said Option 3 minus Madison. There were options flying all over the place.

2) Re: "SL's option #5 puts too many students into South Lakes and doesn't take enough out of Westfield."

-- There have been a lot of Westfield parents heard from who didn't seem to care that the school had capacity for kids under a "moratorium," and talked about those 8,000 who come to games with great support, and seem not to worry whether they have 3,000 kids, yet are they the same ones who would be concerned if SL's option 5 kept McNair/West Floris with them while taking E. Floris out? The same ones who complain bitterly about overcrowding and are perfectly willing to have some kids sent to Chantilly? Who is it who doesn't "want" McNair? The school whose FRL kids would DROP in EVERY scenario from already low levels (half the county average), some precipitously?

As for too many into SL under SL option 5, Muse is correct -- FCPS has over-estimated growth at South Lakes for years now (we have the numbers to prove it -- just look at projections vs. actuals) and doesn't have a clue about the nature of Reston Town Center and its lack of kids. So "SL Option 5" would allow some buffer and not over-enroll the school.

Again -- Who is OK with Herndon and South Lakes each adding part or all of the only other Title I school (McNair) when they each already have the other two (Hutchison in Herndon, Dogwood in South Lakes)?

All the statistics show (if you care for statistics) that Title I kids do MUCH better at schools where they make up less of a percentage and less in absolute numbers. Westfield and Oakton (Mosby Woods, ex-Title I) are perfect examples.

all the statistics show... that Souf Lakes it is a hell hole

Why would they move more students into Westfield? Isn't one of the goals to move students OUT of Westfield?

I don't think it's realistic to think that SL will only get high performing students AND their MMR center will be sent elsewhere. But what do I know? Staff will do whatever the school board tells them to do.

I am wondering why Crossfield was thrown out completely and why they didn't have a scenario that reduced FRL more for South Lakes. I suppose that is what we will see in the final school assignments that we get next time.

How about we send your pupil placement students home. We have over 50+. Why shoudl we have to move if you cannot retain your own students? South Lakes needs to look in the mirror.

We had maybe 6 South Lakes supporters in my group, a couple of adults and 4 students, but none of them spoke up for South Lakes. The kids didn't have any talking points at all. They were sweet, but young and seemingly uniformed.

Clarifier, What statistics show that the FCPS Title 1 kids to much better at schools where they are a smaller fraction of the total student population? Have you seen any actual data on this?

I think the reason the MMR center could work at Westfield is that it is essentially a separate entity in the building, and since the kids would not be adding absolute numbers to programs for regular ed kids, it would be ok.

If the County numbers are over, there is room at SL with Option 5 and keeping the MMR center. Our FRL numbers would be lowered to around 20%, the county average, which would allow us our diversity without having us too close to the dangerous tipping point from which dangerous trending starts to happen. If the MMR center left, we could actually take more students, perhaps all of Floris.

APorIBMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Clarifier, What statistics show that the FCPS
> Title 1 kids to much better at schools where they
> are a smaller fraction of the total student
> population? Have you seen any actual data on
> this?

Your friend and mine, who shall remain nameless and who is a wonder with numbers did an excellent analysis of Fairfax County schools which perfectly illustrates the point. Why don't you email and ask her to send you a copy.

SubmissiveWiiRNot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FME Mom Wrote:
>
> > Well they are definitely the minority. The
> should
> > pupil place their children to South Lakes --
> not
> > inflict it on the rest of us.
>
> How would you feel if McNair were left at
> Westfields, and Fox Mill came with East Floris or
> Fox Mill came with part of Crossfield, plus SL had
> AP classes to supplement IB? Would you be on
> board then? Since only scenario 2 and 3 seem to
> be the likely ones, chances are that Fox Mill will
> move. Why don't we try to come up with a workable
> plan. It could be a win-win.

None of the scenarios provide a good plan for Oakton if they remove us. Getting to Oakton is a snap -- Down Lawyers, Hunter Mill, 123 for a second, then Sutton. None of these roads have traffic issues. Sending Oak Hill or Navy would SIGNIFICANTLY increase their commuting time, and they would have to take major roads to get to school. Again, moving walkers from Chantilly to Oakton is adsurd. As much as I'd rather keep Restonians in the Reston schools, I agree that moving Aldrin and Armstrong poses the exact same argument -- well, at least Armstrong. Only moving Floris creates a Westfields island with McNair.

However, if they send Fox Mill kicking and screaming to that hell hole, I'd want to drag Floris right along with us.

I still don't see how that is a win-win scenario. Oakton is in the top 100 while South Lakes, well, we've already covered that....

What a complete sham.

UNBELIEVALBLE... The school board never showed up. Did anyone really think those lying bastards would?

The sheep were all given room assignments. Sheep arriving together did not receive the same room numbers. The sheep were corralled into rooms with a 'facilitator', to control them.

I walked around the halls for awhile, but soon tired of the smiling robots, constantly asking me for my room number. I finally wandered into one of the chambers.

Here is what I witnessed.

A Middle Eastern man, trying hard to express himself, was being told to shut up by a large white man sitting behind him. The facilitator, condescendingly, reminded the Middle Eastern man, that he had only seconds left to ask his question.

When the man continued to speak, struggling with the English language, the same big white guy told him to 'shut up', again. Then, the facilitator, actually opened the door, and asked the Middle Eastern man to leave the room....... because, he was unable to articulate his question in the allotted time. When the man objected, another person, this time, a woman, sternly agreed that he should leave. He didn't leave but he did shut up.

I objected and was asked by the facilitator, "And, who are you?" She was clearly annoyed that I wasn't wearing a name tag, so I exited.

People were hired to work the rooms. This was so dirty, it made the MOB look clean.

How much money did this sham cost us?

THIS GROUP OF CROOKS MUST GO.

Madison Island Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How about we send your pupil placement students
> home. We have over 50+. Why shoudl we have to move
> if you cannot retain your own students? South
> Lakes needs to look in the mirror.

Madison's principal could have rejected the pupil placements and didn't. It must have served the school's purposes to take our students.

>>>>All the statistics show (if you care for statistics) that Title I kids do MUCH better at schools where they make up less of a percentage and less in absolute numbers. Westfield and Oakton (Mosby Woods, ex-Title I) are perfect examples.<<<

Could you please explain that? How do we know that Mosby Wood students do better at Oakton than they would do at South Lakes? What evidence is there that title 1 kids do better in schools with fewer of them? The SCHOOLS look better if title 1 kids are spread around, but how do we know that individual students do any better?

FME Mom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
Sending Oak Hill or Navy would
> SIGNIFICANTLY increase their commuting time, and
> they would have to take major roads to get to
> school.
>
> However, if they send Fox Mill kicking and
> screaming to that hell hole, I'd want to drag
> Floris right along with us.
>
> I still don't see how that is a win-win scenario.
> Oakton is in the top 100 while South Lakes, well,
> we've already covered that....

Perhaps we can get SL, which is not a hell hole BTW, into the top 100. With parents like you involved:) we could kick Oakton's a#%!!

Navy can drive straight down Waples Mill to Jermantown, which changes to Blake when it crosses over 123. Just a quick hop to Sutton.

SubmissiveWiiRNot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FME Mom Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> Sending Oak Hill or Navy would
> > SIGNIFICANTLY increase their commuting time,
> and
> > they would have to take major roads to get to
> > school.
> >
> > However, if they send Fox Mill kicking and
> > screaming to that hell hole, I'd want to drag
> > Floris right along with us.
> >
> > I still don't see how that is a win-win
> scenario.
> > Oakton is in the top 100 while South Lakes,
> well,
> > we've already covered that....
>
> Perhaps we can get SL, which is not a hell hole
> BTW, into the top 100. With parents like you
> involved:) we could kick Oakton's a#%!!
>
> Navy can drive straight down Waples Mill to
> Jermantown, which changes to Blake when it crosses
> over 123. Just a quick hop to Sutton.


Which is a dangerous road to drive in inclement weather, especially with inexperienced drivers.... Hell, I wrapped my car around a tree (well, not REALLY, it just sounds mroe dramatic, but I DID runn into a tree) on that road when I was 16. The owners came out to see if we were OK, and informed me that I was the third person that month to run into said tree.

>>>>i think they use these to gauge the opinion of sl people<<<

Then why not just have meetings at South Lakes, with only South Lakes people, if only their opinions matter?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/2007 01:22AM by Neen.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> >>>>All the statistics show (if you care for
> statistics) that Title I kids do MUCH better at
> schools where they make up less of a percentage
> and less in absolute numbers. Westfield and Oakton
> (Mosby Woods, ex-Title I) are perfect
> examples.<<<
>
> Could you please explain that? How do we know
> that Mosby Wood students do better at Oakton than
> they would do at South Lakes? What evidence is
> there that title 1 kids do better in schools with
> fewer of them? The SCHOOLS look better if title 1
> kids are spread around, but how do we know that
> individual students do any better?

My friend looked at total pass rates and advanced pass rates for FRM students in each of the County schools. The correlation between lower %FRM and strong pass rates was unbelievably strong. I did not compile the data, so don't feel comfortable about posting it without permission, but I'll see if we can put it on the SL PTSA website. It's pretty compelling across the board. Another thing we saw was that SL is doing quite well with it's English and Writing testing. Almost as good as the FRM students at the best schools.

Mosby Woods FRM kids did very well at Oakton, especially when compared with FRM kids at schools like Annandale, Lee, South Lakes, or Herndon. Some schools with high FRM do better at some subjects than others, but overall, when schools went above 15% FRM, the pass rates dropped off.

I can't believe these kids from South Lakes have so much time to post here. This imabulldog posts all day long,. Its actully funny if parents are so stupid to believe any of this. Brian and other ones are big jokes. funny though.

Can someone tell us where we can link to the Option #5 from South Lakes?

I've been told that option #5 is supported by the PTA board, but PTA members have not been polled and the board does not represent the majority of parents. Many want option #4. Is that true? Are the PTA President and VP speaking for themselves? Or do they have support of South Lakes parents?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/2007 01:48AM by Neen.

Student Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I can't believe these kids from South Lakes have
> so much time to post here. This imabulldog posts
> all day long,. Its actully funny if parents are so
> stupid to believe any of this. Brian and other
> ones are big jokes. funny though.

ImaBulldog is from Westfield. He/she and Brian are extremely bright and involved students.

Neen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Can someone tell us where we can link to the
> Option #5 from South Lakes?
>
> I've been told that option #5 is supported by the
> PTA board, but PTA members have not been polled
> and the board does not represent the majority of
> parents. Many want option #4. Is that true? Is
> the PTA President and VP speaking for themselves?
> Or do they have support of South Lakes parents?

The PTA hasn't endorsed anything. Individuals are advocating for different scenarios.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/2007 01:37AM by SLVerity.

I should add that many options are on the table. All schools need to be able to adapt to changes on the ground.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/04/2007 01:30AM by SLVerity.