From special workshops to 4x4 block scheduling, parents sought answers to numerous concerns during an education forum held last week at Mount Vernon High School.
After listening to several presentations from School Board members and area school principals, questions were spread across the board. One parent who has students at Groveton Elementary commended that school on what they've been doing with their resources, especially the workshops for Spanish and English parents.
Questions were directed to Edison High Principal Luther Fennell about the 4x4 block scheduling which is in place at Edison and has been suggested for other schools.
Fennell said, "The simplest way to explain it is that students take four courses each semester and earn credits at the end of each semester. It gives them a more manageable schedule. It has been very successful. We did it for the manageability of the students."
Fennell added, "We feel very fortunate to have had a chance to do it. Students can now take 32 credits instead of 28 and can go into more depth with subjects. If you do it right, a lot of good things can happen."
DAN STORCK ASKED Fennell if he noticed a difference between the lower achieving students and the stronger students. Fennell replied that he wasn't sure that any model would make it better for the stronger students, since they were already so motivated, but that it did help the lower academic students.
Bryant Principal Jan McKee said that they've found it helps the students at Bryant as well. "It helps students focus in smaller chunks, and if they only need four more courses, they can finish and graduate mid-year," she said.
A question was asked about increasing nutritional value in the cafeteria food. Superintendent Daniel Domenech said that the food service does meet the guidelines, but they've found that the nutritious foods, fruits, and vegetables are often thrown out because the students don't eat it.
The topic changed to Thomas Jefferson, with questions about the representation by various middle schools. Domenech said that some middle schools are over represented, while others were under represented.
IN AN ATTEMPT to correct that, extra slots had been made available for some of the schools not well represented. Domenech did stipulate that all students had to meet the requirements.
Another question was asked, "If TJ is so successful, then why don't we open another one?"
Domenech replied that TJ is not for everybody and that students who stay in their base schools actually have a better chance of getting accepted at University of Virginia and other schools because the competition is not as fierce.
Diane Brody questioned whether they were worried about finding qualified candidates to replace the large number of principals who were leaving.
Domenech said that they have been well aware that there would be significant turnover, given the fact that many principals who started at the same time would be ready for retirement. Armed with this information, FCPS had started a process of a career ladder program a few years ago. This provides good teachers with training, allowing teachers to become assistant principals and positioning the assistants with the opportunity to move on. He said that they also provide mentoring for the new principals, something that hadn't been done before.
"I'm not concerned, I'm very excited. We have very qualified applicants and I know that it's a good system," said Domenech.
Those participating in the forum were Lee District School Board Representative Chris Braunlich; School Board Chair and Mount Vernon School Board Representative Isis Castro; Fairfax County Public Schools School Superintendent Daniel Domenech; Hayfield Associate Principal Nancy Nickolson; Bryant Principal Jan McKee; West Potomac Associate Principal Sonja Watts; Edison Principal Luther Fennell; and Mount Vernon High School Principal Dr. Crocker.