Good Morning,
First of all, congrats to our Gymnists and Swimmers in the Olympics in England and to our Local Junior Olympian Jabari Bennett for winning the Gold and setting a new Record for a 13yr Old in Houston!!! Just Awesome!!!! But we really must do something about our clothing designers at the national level- it's all about the Colors - what happened!!! Anyways;
Eric - I wanted some clarity as well on something. Because a person is a "millionaire" that doesn't mean he/she is altruistic in their approach to doing business which includes "Non Profit" organizations. Actually many NPO's are just a big hustle. It goes to ownership of the real estate most often is what they are usually after. That being said, we really need to be looking at what is beneath the surface with these Charter Schools.
So you know, I don't care how our kids get taught their school work - as long as they are learning. However, it seems that our DCPS has no say in the Charter School System of Operations and that would be a deal breaker. Also, there has to be a reason that people are concerned about Charter vs. Public. Also, why can't DCPS do what "Charter's are going to bring or do? Then, the issue is that I am wondering why we are paying folks to do a job with our School System who can't seem to get results other than shift performing children together into a few schools and just be proud of those results. I don't measure myself simply by my successess but also my failures. That's why I am always willing to say that I have made many mistakes and even though I am confident of my abilities, I am always open to hearing alternatives. Every time anyone says anything, DCPS always guides it back to their focus, their plan and also becomes defensive so it is difficult to even look at possibilities or even think that they are hearing.
EXAMPLE - me not standing in line to speak at Luke C. Moore and that situation being so stressful because someone wanted CONTROL that I MUST stand in line. Instead of embracing me and that I may have something that would make a difference, they rather EGO BLOCK!!! To me, a very experienced manager and coordinator and business person, THAT is INDICATIVE of the OPERATION of DCPS - which probably is a good indicator of where the problem lays - the community really has no input/participation and that this is a "dog and pony" show! It is hard to say but it is no different than the issues that we are going through at CM level or Mayor level.
One of the Problems that I am having with the Digestion of the meetings with DCPS and DME representatives is their audicity to hold their head so "high" when the results is so dissappointing - while DC spends the most per Child on Education. Like I said, I know they mean well, want to do a great job, I know that they are educated, intelligent, have Masters, Phd's, etc., but even my Mother with a 4th Grade education and at 89yrs old would look at them with a puzzled and twisted up brow and think that they are out of their mind - and she ran a successful business with my Father for years!!
For what it is worth Eric, I keep telling everyone that I have everything to lose by taking these real positions. I have no child in either the Public School or the Charter School system and don't intend to. Me saying the things I do and risking all that I do knowing that some people don't want to hear reality, could only be inviting harm rom so many directions - but somebody needs to say it in this manner. The fact is that I hope they are hearing me and just not being adamant in blocking me out. Like I said, our kids have real issues that they are facing and waiting on Rocketship Jesus/Allah/Krishna to fly in ain't the answer!!! The Answer has to come from within US (DCPS/DME/Community).
Rob
On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 11:23 PM, Rob <indianrob@gmail.com> wrote:
Are you saying the broken system is the hierachy of DCPS? Sounds like that is what you are saying. What are we paying them for? Well, while we wait for these "saviors", what are they/us going to do.
On Aug 2, 2012 11:08 PM, "Eric J. Jones" <ejjones.threed@gmail.com> wrote:Rob,
That is the model behind Rocketship which is different. It is a millionaire who started by building a school in the area he her up in instead of just cutting a check to them. He wanted to be part of change.
Now, I will agree that their approach isn't perfect but it is time for change. Our schools, even our good schools are leaving our kids behind.
As for the discussion about good home grown teachers, this has nothing to do with that. It is about a system that is failing our kids. We can have great teachers all we want but if they are operating in a broken system which most in DC are then it is useless.
Eric J. Jones
- ejjones.threed@gmail.comOn Aug 2, 2012 6:56 PM, "Rob" <indianrob@gmail.com> wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rob <indianrob@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 6:55 PM
Subject: Re: [concerned4DCPS] Fwd: [ward5] Re: [WardFive] Join the conversation on improving Ward 5 schools (IFF closure recommendations), Tuesday at 6pm at Providence Hospital
To: wardfive@googlegroups.com
Hello Maria,The reality is that according to the statistics handed out by DCPS at Luke C. Moore, since 2008, the success of all that hoopla that was implemented has failed tremendously in Ward 5 and the few schools Except Mckinley (for obvious reasons), only rose by a few percnt as to proficiency in Math and Reading. I am pretty sure that the results are similar in Ward 7 and 8 or maybe even worse. This is not to say that folks in those positions don't care and don't want to succeed, but it does say that their approach is not working.At some point, they are going to realize that everyone here in this City are not Stupid and can see the slickness in their approach. Call me crazy, but they have to allow us to be part of the solution and they have to understand that what ever they have tried has not worked - maybe for the well behaved, well fed, kids who are already doing fine and go home to decent home life situations.And Eric, if these "well intentioned rich folks" want to fund, let them bring the money and we will show them what to do. Since we are using our Capital Money for Street Cars instead of our Kids Schools, we will First HAVE TO, like all Charter Schools, renovate the buildings to provide a school with a proper learning environment. Oh, but I have WHINED about that before. Then we can figure out the rest.SO everyone gets it, just like there are no STREET CARS in the CITY but HUGE DEVELOPMENTS all over the place - with no street cars coming anytime soon, we have no CHARTER SCHOOLS that are RAGGEDY! But of Course, THEY expect our children to learn in the RAGGEDY Schools.Let's Start There! The rest the community can help and are willing to do if DCPS start being straight with us and allow us to help them make the decisions.Rob RamsonOn Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 3:34 PM, Ms. Maria <mpjproducer@aol.com> wrote:I agree with you Rob - our city is definitely overflowing with homegrown teaching talent and expertise - as an arts educator and parent, when I go into the public schools, I observe a large majority of teachers who are passionately imparting knowledge, wisdom, and love (not to mention energy, time, money (they basically pay for the supplies and whatever else the children need).
These teachers, many who go well beyond the call of duty are skilled professionals who have been teaching for many years, they are also part of the teachers union- this is not the profile that most corporate charter operators are looking for- in order to keep their costs down - charter school operators hire inexperienced, non-union (Teach for America) teachers, fresh out of their 5-week teacher training program. Many of these young teachers last about 2 years before they crash and burn (and quit). -
I would urge everyone to do just a little research on corporate charters i.e. Kipp, Green Dot, Rocketship, Noble, Mastery - and study their approaches to see why they are churning out fantastic test-takers. (talk about ramming testing down students throats!) I would also urge everyone to do just a bit of research on IFF and their love affair with charters - the IFF basically identifies (school) buildings for charters and gives them loans to move in these facilities and buildings - so to put that fact into context with their recommendation to close or charterize 37 of our public schools - that should really tell us the true intention of DCPS and the DME - but if that's not enough for folks to bite off - just google - IFF- St. Louis Schools, IFF-Chicago Schools, IFF-Milawaukee Schools - IFF studies were done in these school systems prior to their 2012 DC study - and guess what - the public schools that they assessed- have already been or are in the process of becoming charter or closing. The research is only finger tips away.
-MariaWard 5 Parent
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob <indianrob@gmail.com>
To: wardfive <wardfive@googlegroups.com>
Cc: ward5 <ward5@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Aug 2, 2012 11:50 am
Subject: Re: [concerned4DCPS] Fwd: [ward5] Re: [WardFive] Join the conversation on improving Ward 5 schools (IFF closure recommendations), Tuesday at 6pm at Providence Hospital
Eric,I am SOOOOOO open to change and outside the BOX thinking that it is sickening. While I understand that DCPS is being challenged with a lot of imbalanced variables when it comes to our children, it is inexcusable the approach that they take with our community. Being Open And Straight Forward would be a great start. Why do we focus on things like ""Quality Education" LOOK like and What Schools Should have" in 2012. They should be talking Straight about the IFF report and the whys and why not - like closing our schools.The things that they are gearing to do is going to cause us to LOSE more of our KIDS. WE have a hole in the system now but tey are fixing for 3-4 years from now. We need to be having discussions in neighborhood meetings about what can be done NOW for each SCHOOL opening in THREE WEEKS - A discussion that should have happened months ago to be prepared. THAT'S THEIR JOB!!! IN ADDITION, we can talk about 2-4 years down the road.I know people and I hear really well and so do others. IF there is a time for instant potatoes, this is it. Then we can worry about the rest of the KIPP, ETC. Like I said, we have many many capable folks right here in the district who understands our kids and could create a more loving environment for our kids and teachers.Rob
On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 11:07 AM, Eric J. Jones <ejjones.threed@gmail.com> wrote:
Rob,The interest in this group has been that it isn't really about money. It's about change that became the catalyst for a millionaire who wanted to improve communities.The story is somewhat similar to how KIPP was started accept the cost associated with KIPP.As far as the retired teachers I think that one of the reasons that these programs are working is because they have folks who are part of a certain system or set in their ways.I think one of the issues that we are facing now with education is fear of change. I don't care if we are talking about public or charter. Many of the teachers are cut from a similar cloth.One of my wife's roommates from undergrad is a teacher in Connecticut. She was at one charter and left for two years and moved to Oklahoma. Upon returning she signed on with another school. She talks often about the changes she has seen based on many places being scared to adapt.I mean models such as the Harlem Children's Empowerment Zone or glue school in Connecticut with the principal (first name is Steve I want to say, I'm drawing a blank) which are having success. We just have to be open to change and willing to adapt.
Eric J. Jones
- ejjones.threed@gmail.comOn Aug 2, 2012 10:32 AM, "Rob" <indianrob@gmail.com> wrote:--
Great model to reference Eric. How about our city doing just that for our ENTIRE population and stop getting rid of our children's future. Imaginge what our "amenity" packages are worth when we give away our air rights to developers. This is Probably Just about Money for a lot of the Charter School Operators and not really about Education. Our Leaders are failing in Education so they are bringing in those who have Money/Power behind them.I am willing to Bet that We have People RIGHT HERE in the DISTRICT that would be great at operation of Charter Schools if that was the direction of Decisions. We don't have to bring in a Company from Califonia or the North Pole. Come on everybody - DCPS and CM's needs to be straight with us and incorporate us as part of their planning and stop treating us like we are "Scarecrows". This is not the Wizard of Oz - Lots of our 600,000+ people have brains.We have enough retired teachers who would love to be part - just for starters!! The resources are right here laying dormant amongst us but of course, from my interaction with DCPS, we don't know nothing!!RobOn Aug 1, 2012 4:47 PM, "Eric J. Jones" <ejjones.threed@gmail.com> wrote:--At first I thought about that as well but then I thought of what Mr. Crok (Founder of McDonald's) once said.He said that the reason that his business is most successful because they are one of the beat real estate investors in the business. Because of smart decisions and long term planning they have been able to sustain. I just hope that the school (if successful) uses this as part of their teachings to show our future generations the importance of planning and stability.
Eric J. Jones
- ejjones.threed@gmail.comOn Aug 1, 2012 3:49 PM, "Eric" <ericindc@yahoo.com> wrote:Thanks for the clarification. My eyebrow gets a bit raised with their focus on real estate, but that is just my own suspicion and not based on anything concrete.
--- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, "Eric J. Jones" <ejjones.threed@...> wrote:
>
> Eric,
>
> They are a non profit. The reason I posted the article is because I knew
> about tonight's mtg and new if would come up.
>
> I have been doing some outside research on them and it seems like an
> interesting model. While it doesn't seem possible that they will be in this
> area for at least another three to five years if at all, I will be
> following their progress in their new markets.
>
> Eric J. Jones
> - ejjones.threed@...
> On Jul 31, 2012 3:57 PM, "Eric" <ericindc@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > This is very helpful information and I am trying to digest it now. I am
> > definitely going to the meeting to see what it is all about, but at first
> > glance, it appears that in order to make this happen, Rocketship is a "for
> > profit" entity. Is that correct? Is the notion here that we are going to
> > turn the schools over to them and they are going to make money off of this
> > deal as opposed to a non-profit? It is also seems that they have a
> > significant interest in real estate....this is puzzling to me, but I am
> > just now trying to get up to speed.
> >
> > --- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, KPW <WKPW3@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Thank you for sharing this info.
> > >
> > > ___________________
> > > KPW
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Virginia Spatz <vspatz@>
> > > To: concerned4DCPS <concerned4DCPS@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Sent: Tue, Jul 31, 2012 11:08 am
> > > Subject: Re: [concerned4DCPS] Fwd: [ward5] Re: [WardFive] Join the
> > conversation on improving Ward 5 schools (IFF closure recommendations),
> > Tuesday at 6pm at Providence Hospital
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I am not on Ward 5 lists. But, please, if there are folks who do not
> > know about the IFF and the plans for DCPS and its charters, make sure they
> > have access to the information.
> > >
> > >
> > > This post, e.g., touches on DC's desire to bring Rocketship here.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > http://alecindc.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/no-plan-no-portfolio-no-evidence-is-there-any-ambiguity-here/#more-51
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Please check this situation out yourselves and forward to Ward 5 and
> > other listserves.
> > >
> > >
> > > Virginia
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Jul 31, 2012, at 10:20 AM, Erich Martel wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > 
> > >
> > >
> > > Yes,
> > > This is the IFF report that people have been talking about since it came
> > out in January.
> > > 37 schools.
> > > Yesterday's WP article on Rocketship schools mentioned that Henderson is
> > trying to bring 8 of them to DC - even though they only have five schools.
> > > They rely heavily on Teach for America, get involved in local politics,
> > bus parents to political meetings key to charter votes, etc.
> > > Gray is 100% behind all of this - as are the deputy mayor, chancellor
> > and all the the charter people
> > > Erich
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: KPW
> > > To: concerned4DCPS@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 6:16 AM
> > > Subject: [concerned4DCPS] Fwd: [ward5] Re: [WardFive] Join the
> > conversation on improving Ward 5 schools (IFF closure recommendations),
> > Tuesday at 6pm at Providence Hospital
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Any truth to this?
> > >
> > > KPW
> > >
> > > -------- Original message --------
> > > Subject: [ward5] Re: [WardFive] Join the conversation on improving Ward
> > 5 schools (IFF closure recommendations), Tuesday at 6pm at Providence
> > Hospital
> > > From: Rob <indianrob@>
> > > To: "Ms. Maria" <mpjproducer@>
> > > CC: wardfive@googlegroups.com,ward5@yahoogroups.com,
> > woodridge5b@yahoogroups.com,woodridgesouth@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > What U Talking About Willis? Seriously! Where did you get this
> > > information?
> > >
> > > Rob
> > >
> > > On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 12:42 AM, Ms. Maria <mpjproducer@> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Although this meeting has been purposely and benignly titled "A
> > Community
> > > > Conversation" to de-emphasize the importance of the real topic of the
> > > > meeting which is the IFF study (commissioned by the Deputy Mayor's
> > > > Office). The IFF study recommends the closure of 37 public schools -
> > most
> > > > if not all in African-American communities.
> > > >
> > > > The community should and must participate in this dialouge and more
> > > > importantly be there to raise fundamental questions about the validity
> > of
> > > > this IFF study which was funded by the Walton Family Foundation; Where
> > is
> > > > the objectivity in a study that is paid for by the same foundation that
> > > > supports and funds charter schools yet pushes for closure or charter
> > take
> > > > over of public schools? Why are the Deputy Mayor and DCPS seeking the
> > > > recommendations of IFF, a real-estate consulting company, to guide
> > > > educational reform in DC? These are just a couple of questions that
> > need
> > > > to be raised tomorrow night.
> > > >
> > > > Hope to see you all there,
> > > > Maria P. Jones
> > > > Ward 5 Parent
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: Ward Five Council on Education <ward5coe@>
> > > > To: ward5 <ward5@yahoogroups.com>; wardfive <wardfive@googlegroups.com
> > >;
> > > > woodridge5b <woodridge5b@yahoogroups.com>; woodridgesouth <
> > > > woodridgesouth@yahoogroups.com>
> > > > Sent: Mon, Jul 30, 2012 11:23 pm
> > > > Subject: [WardFive] Join the conversation on improving Ward 5 schools,
> > > > Tuesday at 6pm at Providence Hospital
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > *You are invited to a Community
> > > > Conversation*
> > > > * on Quality Education in Ward 5***
> > > > * *
> > > > *
> > > > for more info and to RSVP
> > > > please go to
> > > > http://dcward5.eventbrite.com/
> > > > (Thank you to those who have already RSVPed!)
> > > >
> > > > *
> > > > *Please join us Tuesday, July 31, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.*
> > > > **
> > > > *Refreshments will be served*
> > > > **
> > > > *Children are welcome*
> > > > * *
> > > > *Providence Hospital*
> > > > *Ground floor lecture hall*
> > > > *1150 Varnum Street NE*
> > > > *(or use 12th St entrance)*
> > > > *Washington, DC 20017*
> > > > * *
> > > > *HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT ALL CHILDREN IN DC *
> > > > *HAVE ACCESS TO A QUALITY EDUCATION?*
> > > > **
> > > > *JOIN US TO DISCUSS:*
> > > > **
> > > > *-** What needs to be done to improve our kids’ educational
> > > > opportunities; and*
> > > > *- How parents, students, educators, employers and other community
> > > > leaders in DC can work together to improve opportunities for young
> > people.
> > > > *
> > > > * *
> > > > *Please come and let your voice be heard!*
> > > > **
> > > > *Sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education*
> > > > *Hosted by the Ward Five Council on Education*
> > > > *With funding from the CityBridge Foundation*
> > > > Co-sponsored by the Woodridge South Community Association,
> > > > the 5th District Citizens’ Advisory Council, and the Ward 5 Democrats
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > To join the Ward Five Council on Education, click here:
> > > > http://groups.google.com/group/ward5coe-members/
> > > > **
> > > > **
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > >
> > > > *Shelagh Bocoum*
> > > > *Public Relations Officer*
> > > > *Ward Five Council on Education*
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > WardFive@googlegroups.com is open to WardFive residents for community
> > > > discussion and information sharing.
> > > >
> > > > To post to this group, send email to wardfive@googlegroups.com
> > > > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
> > > > wardfive+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
> > > > For more options, visit this group at
> > > > http://groups.google.com/group/wardfive?hl=en
> > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > R. Ramson
> > > 3744 12th Street, N.E.,
> > > Washington D.C., 20017
> > > 202-438-5988
> > >
> > > "We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
> > > (Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> > > Version: 8.5.455 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/5166 - Release Date: 07/30/12
> > 18:37:00
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
WardFive@googlegroups.com is open to WardFive residents for community discussion and information sharing.
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R. Ramson
3744 12th Street, N.E.,
Washington D.C., 20017
202-438-5988
"We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
(Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)
--
WardFive@googlegroups.com is open to WardFive residents for community discussion and information sharing.
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--
R. Ramson
3744 12th Street, N.E.,
Washington D.C., 20017
202-438-5988
"We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
(Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)
--
R. Ramson
3744 12th Street, N.E.,
Washington D.C., 20017
202-438-5988
"We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
(Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)
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--
R. Ramson
3744 12th Street, N.E.,
Washington D.C., 20017
202-438-5988
"We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
(Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)
--
WardFive@googlegroups.com is open to WardFive residents for community discussion and information sharing.
To post to this group, send email to wardfive@googlegroups.com
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