We live in Sterling, and the kids will be going to Sterling Park schools. We just can't have OUR kids going to THOSE schools.I hear some variation of this every couple of months. I heard it again today. What astonishes me is how adults will speak this nonsense and feel absolutely no need to justify the statement. When I hear it, I say: "Back it up."
If a kid has had a bad experience, I'm all ears, let's figure out what the problem is and solve it. If there is a problem with a particular teacher or principal, I want to know. Where there is data raising concerns about a particular school, let's look at it and act on it. You want to talk about violence and discipline? Compare the data on the state website; the statistics for Park View are very similar to those for never-maligned Potomac Falls.
I have yet to find someone who can make the case that there is something wrong with the schools themselves, or with the job they're doing for the vast majority of kids. After all, these schools draw from the same talented team of LCPS principals and teachers as every other LCPS school.
The fact is that a sweeping statement about "Sterling Park Schools" is pure prejudice. Sterling Park is served by seven schools. One High, one Middle and five Elementaries. Each is unique. "THOSE schools" doesn't mean "THOSE teachers" or "THOSE principals," or even "THOSE buildings." "THOSE schools" is just code for "THOSE kids," meaning "the poor ones with brown skin."
Don't let it slide when someone says such a thing. Challenge them to back it up. Don't let it be socially safe to say such a thing. There is no place for prejudice against children.
You're 100% right on this one, John.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher in one of "those" fabulous schools, I have never been more proud of my community. I grew up in Sterling in the 80s and returned in order to work with these amazing families who place such high emphasis on education for their families. If making AYP is as important as creating a caring environment of learners, we have done that too.
ReplyDeleteI am honored to work with such dedicated educators. I am honored that the families in this wonderful community trust me to assist in the education of their children.
Anna Purdy, M.Ed
This is why the current boundary process is horrible. It allows those in power to displace others for no reason other than their constituents not having to go to "those" schools. Just look at the Ashburn HS boundary debacle.
ReplyDeleteThere is only one reason why Ashburn Farm students would move from Stone Bridge: politics.
ReplyDeleteUntil the School Board and the Board of Supervisors stop playing games and really work for long term solutions, kids will keep getting moved around. We will have these battles every 2-3 years.
The long term solution is to put the schools where the students are.
Not to put the students where the schools are.
John,
ReplyDeleteThank you for raising this concern. As the representative on the School Board from the Sterling Park area, I share your concerns.
Folkd who would like to know more about the schools that are sometimes referred to as "those schools," are invited to call me or e-mail me.
J. Warren Geurin
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this letter about Sterling Park schools. My niece graduated from Park View with wonderful grades. She is now studying to be a teacher. I also have a nephew in an Elem. school there and he is doing awesome! He loves his school and his teachers!
Tess Cottini