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[ - ] My kindergarten son really had a hard time finishing the assignment asking him to read a book and write what happened in the beginning, in the middle and at the end. What could I do to help him? 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.25.13, 01:05 AM Flag
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Ask open ended questions [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:08 AM Flag
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Maybe break the book down at the beginning. Have himread a page or two, then give you a breakdown instead of having to recapture it all at the end. Then maybe have him read it again the whole way through. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:16 AM Flag
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OP: He had no problem in understanding the J level book. He just had a hard time summarizing what happened in the middle. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:23 AM Flag
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Maybe the book sucked [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:22 AM Flag
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Kindy lit is pretty dry. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:23 AM Flag
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Let him be 5 or 6 and run and play. Children learn through play -not written assignments in K. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:32 AM Flag
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said the private school mom [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:28 AM Flag
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My children may be in private school -but what does that have to do with anything? It doesn't change how children learn or how ridiculous it is to expect a 5YO boy to read a book and write about the beginning, middle, and end. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:59 AM Flag
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wow what schools giving this assignment to a 5 y/o? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:34 AM Flag
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A gen ed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:44 AM Flag
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manhattan? UWS or UES? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:42 AM Flag
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This is kind of advance for K, I agree. I would take this as an opportunity to do the assignment with him. It will be very useful for him. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:10 AM Flag
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Re-read the book with him. For each page ask him to tell you the main idea of that single page. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:11 AM Flag
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Take your child to storytelling events. There's a good series at Central Park in the summer on Saturdays: http://www.hcastorycenter.org/storytelling-schedule.html [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:19 AM Flag
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^^^ I think it's important for children to hear real storytelling. It gives them a sense of real narrative structure. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:33 AM Flag
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That's an insane assignment for K. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:27 AM Flag
[ - ] Riverdale Country School's college placement this year? How did it go? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.25.13, 12:27 AM Flag
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it's not on their website yet. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:14 AM Flag
[ - ] Avenues early admissions for siblings is due June 15. That's very early. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.25.13, 12:03 AM Flag
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Little hijack: Are avenues families working the wait list or have they moved on? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 12:16 AM Flag
[ - ] It disgusts me when people make pedophile jokes about HM or head injury jokes about Brearley. Obvious jealousy IMO. 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 10:38 PM Flag
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puhleez. i don't do either but it's just not the case that when someone has a laugh at someone else's expense, it's born of jealousy. a streak of meanness, maybe, but not jealousy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:41 PM Flag
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It's please, not puhleez. What are you, 12? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:43 PM Flag
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i am and even i know that it's not jealousy. puhleez. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:39 PM Flag
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Yes people is jealous of the HM victims. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:40 PM Flag
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I think it's more in the Naked Emperor vein. We're appalled/fascinated at how hard the mighty fall. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:49 PM Flag
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Why would anyone be jealous of victimized children? I think they are making fun of the school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:43 PM Flag
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well, duh. Obviously OP is saying people are jealous of those who have dcs at those schools and thus bring up the scandals there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 04:59 AM Flag
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Don't know if I've heard any - examples please? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:00 PM Flag
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Happens every time either school is mentioned. Literally every time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:02 PM Flag
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ya i'd love a head injury [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:06 PM Flag
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I have one child at Horace Mann and another at Hunter. My husband and I both went to Trinity - the things people write about these schools is comical/sad/disgusting/wrong...all because they are frustrated/jealous/confused/fascinated...by these schools and a few others like them. It's like a broken record - no windows, pressure cookers, child abuse, nasty families, entitled children, pedophiles everywhere, horrible facilities, unhappy children, alien abductions, racism, conspiracy theories, sightings of Elvis in the hallway,...none of this is of course true, well except for the Elvis part. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:31 PM Flag
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i don't think anyone is confused about the culture at HM that enabled this ring of pedophiles to victimize children. your inability to see this as a true issue concerns me. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 12:08 AM Flag
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Did not take long! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 12:36 AM Flag
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Oh dear, you are very confused! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 12:37 AM Flag
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NP: you seem very full of yourself and your family's school choices. You also outed yourself with too many details. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 01:58 AM Flag
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and why would she care about having outed herself? It's not like she told you some deep dark secret [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:02 AM Flag
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You are, of course, entirely right-- as witnessed by the responses to your post. Sorry about that, though it serves you right to try to make sense to these pinheads. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 05:02 AM Flag
[ - ] Applying to K next year and trying to get a general feel for a bunch of schools. Where are your children in school? Are you happy? Why did you choose it for DC? TIA! 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 09:57 PM Flag
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DDs are at Brearley. We've been very happy at Brearley so far, I grew up in the south, where SS schools are a lot more uncommon. The whole idea and concept was so new to me and I ended up loving it. DDs are thriving and especially with my oldest DD, I've noticed a great deal of confidence which I never had at thirteen y/o. Highly recommend SS if you're debating between the two. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:01 PM Flag
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how's the head injury? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:29 PM Flag
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you may be underestimating your DD. She might be a confident 13 y/o at coed as well. My DD is at a wonderful coed and I love watching her her blossom into a confident teenager, happy to interact and compete with the boys, as well as girls. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 02:03 AM Flag
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we liked the single sex schools and wanted a place that retained the kids from k all the way through 12 so chose ECF a progressive k-12 coed [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:28 PM Flag
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Why'd you end up choosing coed over progressive? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:31 PM Flag
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DD would have done well at SS, but I chose coed because we also have a DS. Very glad they are in the same school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.25.13, 12:09 AM Flag
[ - ] Has anybody chosen different private schools for your DC? What made you do this? What about the schools made you see them as better fits for each child? 15 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 08:03 PM Flag
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As of now, we have four children in three different private schools. Our oldest is in boarding school, our next is in a coed, and our youngest two are in a SS. Honestly, our oldest DD first attended a SS which she nor DH and I were very happy with. Second DC got into a coed school, which we were shocked to have gotten into having no connections. We planned to apply our oldest to the coed for sixth grade, but she decided to stay in her SS and apply to boarding schools for high school. Our second to youngest DD was very very shy, to the point that it was unbearable at times. PSD highly recommended that we put her in SS and wanted to put her where our eldest was at the time. Since we had not been happy there, we applied broadly to a bunch of other SS schools and DD was accepted into one which we loved and have been very happy with. Afterwards we decided that SS might be best for our youngest as well and she joined our other DD. People think that we're crazy and trust me, if I could have them all at one school, I would in a heart beat, but it just didn't work out that way for us. We and DC are very happy though with the schools which they are attending. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:22 PM Flag
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What do you do for pick up and drop off? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:33 PM Flag
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Older DD who goes to a coed can walk and I take the younger two. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:37 PM Flag
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hhi ? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:30 PM Flag
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Why does it matter? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:37 PM Flag
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Yes, Calhoun and Nightingale-both girls. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:38 PM Flag
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What made you choose such different schools for them? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:44 PM Flag
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np: I'm sure different kids with different learning styles n needs [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:31 PM Flag
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Dd and ds are each in ss schools. They chose this in ms. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:21 PM Flag
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Where are they in school? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:02 PM Flag
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Might do it. One in progressive and it's perfect but #2 is a very different kid already and might do better in a more traditional environment. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:09 PM Flag
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Which progressive? We're very interested in progressive schools for DC. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:15 PM Flag
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Calhoun, dc has been there for 5 years and we are very happy with the school. I also have friends who are happy at LREI and hear more of a mixed reaction to ECFS--one friend with 2 dc there love it, but another doesn't like it and wishes they'd made another choice. The dc seems happier than the mom, though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:23 PM Flag
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Thanks so much! Any thoughts on Dalton? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:44 PM Flag
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No, sorry, we didn't look there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:53 PM Flag
[ - ] All the private schools in NYC are great. Great! 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 07:21 PM Flag
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Not all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:20 PM Flag
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Which ones are not? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:32 PM Flag
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And the ones that aren't great are Terrific!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:46 PM Flag
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Yes, that is what I hear all the time. Which ones are merely great then? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:33 PM Flag
[ - ] If your dc is waitlisted for gen-ed kindergarten, have you gotten any info at all about where you are on the list or where your dc will go if s/he doesn't get in? I've called and school is not giving any info. They said we'd hear about alternate placements in the fall. 23 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 05:50 PM Flag
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^^for public school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:44 PM Flag
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Our school said we'd hear about alternate placements in the fall [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:45 PM Flag
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op: aren't you nervous? They won't tell us which schools it might be [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:47 PM Flag
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Of course i'm worried and nervous but Can't waste negative energy on it - whatever is going to happen will happen. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:50 PM Flag
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op: what did you tell dc? Mine is at a school where they write all the kindergartens on the wall next to pictures of the kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:07 PM Flag
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np--This seems inappropriate for 4 year old children. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:37 PM Flag
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np: I asked the parents coordinator what school historically gets the overflow from our zoned and she told me. She also mentioned that it's with 95% certainty. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:56 PM Flag
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op: I asked and they said "we have no idea" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:05 PM Flag
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I'm sorry to hear that! Hang in there- when we were WL someone told me to keep checking in with the school on a weekly basis. I hope it works out for you! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:18 PM Flag
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op: i'm calling! thanks [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:24 PM Flag
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What school are you W/L at. UB might know your odds or where your likely to e sent [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:30 PM Flag
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DC was WL and we got a call with offer about a month ago [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:52 PM Flag
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^^the school told me the latest they will let WL families know if they got in or not is late June. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:54 PM Flag
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op: I spoke to principal. She said we won't know until the first week of classes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:06 PM Flag
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Ugh! Did the school have a WL last year and did they clear it? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:18 PM Flag
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Rezoned last year:( [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:09 PM Flag
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First week of classes?! That sounds beyond the pale even for the DOE. Unless what she meant was that you'll get a placement at some other school over the summer, but you could still potentially move after the first week of classes if registered students don't show up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:27 PM Flag
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We were on the wait list a few years ago and our parent coordinator told me what number we were. We didn't get a spot until July. Also, we were sent a letter from the DOE with an alternative school which was NOT GOOD! It was on the opposite side of town and was a crappy gen ed school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:01 PM Flag
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Which school? Downtown I assume. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:23 PM Flag
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brooklyn [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:04 PM Flag
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We have an exceedingly bad WL number for our gen ed (which the parent coordinator did willingly tell us). At a meeting for waitlisted families, they couldn't tell the parents what the overflow school was, but they did say that it has always been the same one in the past. This was before the full extent of the G&T debacles were known, but they said we'd get placement information in mid June. I suspect now it'll be more like mid-late July. This whole thing is a complete clusterf*. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:26 PM Flag
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op: yup [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:04 PM Flag
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This is the kind of bureaucratic BS that drives some parents towards private schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:13 PM Flag
[ - ] I know eleven uber wealthy families from Harvard who paid someone to take their kids' SAT test so they could get a perfect score so that their kids, who are all at TT schools and getting straights As, would be accepted. 31 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 05:46 PM Flag
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Blackmail them - they will pay handsomely for you to keep this to yourself [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:47 PM Flag
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They told you this? It's against the law, right? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:49 PM Flag
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How is it possible that you know 11 families that did this? Is your kid the one who sat for theirs? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:59 PM Flag
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Wake-up! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:19 PM Flag
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Yes. 11 Über wealthy people told you they did this. Very believable. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:00 PM Flag
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I doubt this is true. Eleven? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:00 PM Flag
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DD took the SATs in March - the admission ticket requires a downloaded photograph and the test center requires two forms of photo ID. Now, I'm not saying that paying someone to take the test is impossible, but the idea that you would personally know ELEVEN kids who cheated this way, and ALL of whom got a perfect score, and ALL of whom got into Harvard, seems statistically unlikely. Sorry. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:54 PM Flag
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That is very recent. Big scandal in LI last year. Even now, kids get phony ID, use others. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:12 PM Flag
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I suppose it happens, but the OP has started drinking before 5:00. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:09 PM Flag
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yeah, you sound so trustworthy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:58 PM Flag
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OP I know because me and my brother took the test for them! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:12 PM Flag
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Not with that kind of grammar, you didn't. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:16 PM Flag
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HA [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:29 PM Flag
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Are you both in high school? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:03 PM Flag
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There were actually 3 other über wealthy families but there kids did not get into Harvard / others were two at Yale and one at Williams [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:06 PM Flag
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You got a perfect SAT score and yet you do not know the difference between there and their? Right. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:16 PM Flag
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Of course this happens. You think a family would invest all that money in K-12 and not spend a little more to make sure the SAT scores are perfect? I don't know eleven families that did that but I know of a few. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:29 PM Flag
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I think I remember the big LI scandal that someone mentioned above. It was a Stuy kid who took the suburban kids' tests, and he didn't even charge all that much, though he became the example. The suburban kids' parents wrote him checks. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:29 PM Flag
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THIS. Searched for his services and wrote him the checks. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:57 PM Flag
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He was either expelled or otherwise in serious trouble for cheating, as I recall, and I believe the Long Island kids got into good colleges. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:04 PM Flag
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You sure it's not twelve? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:52 PM Flag
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NP I know at least 34 of them so 11 is not that many. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:11 PM Flag
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Wow, you know 34 people who admitted going to H by having someone take their SATs for them? Any get there taking their own test? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:22 PM Flag
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Nope [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:31 PM Flag
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LOL [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:11 PM Flag
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how much did you earn each time? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:29 PM Flag
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The test is so heavily prepped for that I give little weight to a really high score. Some kids are trained for that test since birth and some every weekend for years taking classes just for that test. When I hear of a perfect score I think "Wonder how much they spent tutoring that kid" or "Wonder how many year he has been studying for it."I never think "Wow that kid must be really smart." [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:06 PM Flag
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DS never study a lick. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:34 PM Flag
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Sign my kid up to take it for them, he scored a 2400 without studying! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:28 PM Flag
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Sign my kid up to take it for them, he scored a 2400 without studying! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:28 PM Flag
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Folks, I think the OP is fucking with you!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:32 PM Flag
[ - ] Everyone gets into their first choice school in NYC. 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 05:41 PM Flag
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Yes, one of he benefits if an NYC public education [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:43 PM Flag
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Town is public? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:47 PM Flag
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What? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:02 PM Flag
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lol. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:04 PM Flag
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Sounds as though OP has been sampling the product. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:05 PM Flag
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On UB, they do. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:17 PM Flag
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Seems that way, does it not? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:27 PM Flag
[ - ] What is better a nurturing school or a school where children thrive? 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 05:40 PM Flag
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Children can thrive in a nurturing school- your wording is off [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:41 PM Flag
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ITA. no idea what OP is asking [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:52 PM Flag
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+2 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:57 PM Flag
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This [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:57 PM Flag
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np Depends on if "nurturing" is a nice way of saying the academic program is geared toward average to below average kids. This could bore a smart kid to death. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:01 PM Flag
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A school where children really learn would be great. Also one where children aren't left to their own devices would be great. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:42 PM Flag
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here, here! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:11 PM Flag
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*hear, hear* is how it's spelled. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:36 PM Flag
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I go with "here,hear". Just in case. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:19 PM Flag
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Boys do better in less competitive environments, girls do better with competition. Per the new Po Bronson book. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:19 PM Flag
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I would hope that all schools are nurturing and that children thrive there. What am I missing? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:38 PM Flag
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nurturing makes children thrive. academics challenge children. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:47 PM Flag
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Folks, I think the OP is fucking with you! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:32 PM Flag
[ - ] If you had the choice, 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 05:39 PM Flag
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I would go back to bed [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:40 PM Flag
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I'd do everything different. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:46 PM Flag
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I'd work 30% of my job so I'd still have something intellectually interesting and a nice place to go when my kids drove me nuts. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:11 PM Flag
[ - ] Which one should we choose: good district g&t or excellent gen-ed both nearby for academically advanced dc entering k? not a genius but very far ahead in elementary school subjects 36 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 05:33 PM Flag
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Don't you have youyr own opinion for your own kid? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:29 PM Flag
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op: obviously I'm torn. I'd love dc to go gen-ed until 2nd or 3rd and then switch but we don't get that option [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:32 PM Flag
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come back when you are offered a seat at the G&T [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:35 PM Flag
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op: we're in brooklyn, I did not list the top district option (put 2nd one instead), and dc got 99. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:30 PM Flag
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^^second one is much closer to our apt [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:32 PM Flag
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Musical talent or athletic? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:29 PM Flag
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op: athletic (dance/gymnastics) but I'm not worried about having that at school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:31 PM Flag
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I'm all for good Gen ed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:30 PM Flag
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ditto [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:06 PM Flag
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You are in a win-win situation, so go with your gut. I would personally go with the district G&T if it was nearby my home. It my child had a long commute, I would go with gen ed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:32 PM Flag
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If they're both so close, if take G&T. If G&T was a PITA commute and grdEd was "excellent", I' go genEd. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:40 PM Flag
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Go for the gen ed. It is just elementary school, and you can try for selective MS. I don't think there is that much benefit in g&t district elementary if your gen ed is good. If it is not, well, then do g&t, but you sound like you are in a great position. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:36 PM Flag
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you can switch from G&T to GenEd if you change your mind later but you cannot do the other way. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:43 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:44 PM Flag
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op: good point--hmmm.... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:41 PM Flag
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but do you want to? having dc start over again? yanking him from the "smart" school? not a great idea imo. np. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:05 PM Flag
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He's young, he will adjust. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:12 PM Flag
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Our district g&t is not different from gen ed. Our principal doesn't believe in it. The kids might be overall a little stronger, but the teachers are all better and more experienced in gen ed. So depends on your school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:51 PM Flag
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It doesn't matter much K-2, but you definitely want them in G&T 3-5. At that point, your dc is in a class with other students who WANT to learn. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:06 PM Flag
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How do you know, based on current screening methods, that these kids will want to learn? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:04 PM Flag
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I haven't done any research but have a few friends who have kids that were in both good gen eds and G&T. They are now in middle schools. So more anecdotal. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:21 PM Flag
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ditto and ditto. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:06 PM Flag
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Which school? Have you had kids at both? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:07 PM Flag
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How crowded/chaotic are the schools? Do you want dc with the same group of kids every year? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:49 PM Flag
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op: both pretty chaotic/crowded. don't care whether dc is with the same kids or not. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:08 PM Flag
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op, you should consider this. G&T kids stay together for all 6 years. I think it's a negative thing. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:14 PM Flag
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np: that's true. It will depend on the group. Not much different than some privates. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:22 PM Flag
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G & T unless there is a cap on gen ed class size. Class sizes at many excellent elementary schools go up to 30 kids per class with one teacher in upper grades. G & T will be small sized all the way. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:52 PM Flag
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np: there are more kids In our district g&t than gened classes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:56 PM Flag
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not true. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:06 PM Flag
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G&T classes can go up to 32 just like gen ed classes. G&T classes are actually becoming more crowded due to high demand. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:13 PM Flag
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we had the choice and picked excellent gen ed for our similar dc. we have been very happy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:05 PM Flag
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Me too, but I have second guessed myself many times over the past year. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:23 PM Flag
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We are in D15. We chose 230 over 321 for our older daughter (now in HS) and we chose 321 over 230 for our middle daughter (now in 8th grade). We have a son (surprise baby) headed to KG now. There were pros and cons to both options and our choice ultimately came down to the girls' personalities more than the schools themselves. Upsides to GT: We knew exactly the teachers would be in GT at 230 and they were reliably good. Even at top gen-eds there will be some duds and there were definitely duds at 230 and 321, but the teachers in the GT program at 230 at the time were consistently good. 230 was more diverse than 321 (which is a plus for me) and the enrichment offerings at 230 were better -- kids had more cluster classes at 230 than are offered at 321, especially in the early grades. That's not because 230 has a GT program but because it is a Title I school. Downsides to GT: My daughter's friends at 230 came from all over the district, making playdates harder to coordinate, especially with two working parents. By 5th grade, my daughter was really tired of her classmates. She still loved many of them and is still friends with many of them today, but she was eager to break out of the mold and sought to attend a different middle school than most of her friends. Basically, after six years together, these kids had sibling-like qualities to their friendships -- they cared deeply about each other, but were also competitive, had lots of petty drama, etc. And there was one student who was extremely difficult -- she was pretty meanspirited and verbally aggressive (she even hit one kid with a chair). I don't want to characterize her as a bully, she was more troubled, but she was particularly hostile toward my daughter and yet there was no way to get away from her until middle school. In a district school, we could've requested that they be placed in separate classes. There are many kids at 321 who live outside the neighborhood, but overall, I appreciate that it's a community school. Academics at the two programs were pretty equal, but I do think it's a bit easier for teachers to differentiate in a GT setting. There is varying ability in both settings, but the spectrum is narrower in a GT setting. But I think, overall, my daughters' academic experiences were fairly similar. Sorry for the length, but I actually weighed this choice twice and experienced both sides so I thought it might be helpful. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:49 PM Flag
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op: thank you!! Where is your son heading to school in the fall? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:13 PM Flag
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Excellent gen ed. Most of the district g+t share space with "bad" school with a very segregated feel. If your gen ed is considered excellent - I'd opt for that instead. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:50 PM Flag
[ - ] S/O of Dennis Walcott post. What are your thoughts on all the mayoral candidates and how they will handle education. I don't have confidence in any of the candidates. There viewpoints can be found here: http://gothamschools.org/2013-mayoral-race/ 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 04:57 PM Flag
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HEre's the link since it easier to click on within the post: http://gothamschools.org/2013-mayoral-race/ [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:57 PM Flag
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That doesn't exactly give a good over view. In general, I've been happy with what I have heard from Bill Deblassio. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:03 PM Flag
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If you have a better site. Please post it. I would love to see a succinct summary. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:05 PM Flag
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Do you see how many of them have "no opinion"? They're all jokers. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:14 PM Flag
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ITA. And I can't stand that so many want to allow cell phones in school. I am fine with keeping them off and stowed, but I think it is really bad policy. They are pandering to the parents. That is not a big issue, though. It just annoys me. I want to see some bigger changes like a pledge to reduce overcrowding, overhaul the G&T system, choose a better curriculum, admit that not all kids are going to be college ready and work with that in a vocational way, etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:31 PM Flag
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That is about the site and timing. (I'm not saying some/all of them are not jokers but this is not proof either way.) -np [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:50 PM Flag
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Exactly why it is so sad that Tom Allon dropped out of the race. He was the only one who really understands and cares about education. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:34 PM Flag
[ - ] So G&T placements are now being made, while that Kupstov character (mathematician from NYU) is waiting for his turn in court. How likely is it that the DOE will just assign his kid to NEST/BSI to make him go away? (Or the opposite, for being a PITA)? Bets? 34 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 04:38 PM Flag
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is he in court bc of all of the mess-ups? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:41 PM Flag
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He's mad because his daughter supposedly got a "perfect" score, and now she is being unfairly disadvantaged in the lottery by siblings and by the DOE using a metric to calculate scores that is not to his liking. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:44 PM Flag
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it's hard for some people not to feel special and singled out, isn't it... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:47 PM Flag
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sorry but i think he has a point. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:43 PM Flag
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If he was really so concerned about sibling preference, why didn't he sue the DOE back in December? He waited until he saw his daughter's score and then decided to sue-- I don't think this is about having a good point at all. he's just looking for a guaranteed spot for his kid. So again my question- is the DOE just going to give it to him to shut him up? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:52 PM Flag
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for some reason i thought this year they were going to seat the kids based on who got the most questions right, and sibs would be seated first within that score. now it looks like they are back to the old system. that sucks for him. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:56 PM Flag
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they were going to do composite scores (which is slightly different then the exact number of questions a child got wrong, as you need to adjust this for age). They were also going to abolish sibling policy. But this was all dropped back in December or so. Even if they did all that, no guarantee that his child would have gotten the citywide seat his wanted. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:00 PM Flag
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true but it would have been a much better chance for him. very few get all questions correct. that way would have been way more fair, now it's just a free for all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:03 PM Flag
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After siblings, all 99% get first dibs-- that's not exactly a free for all. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:09 PM Flag
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sure it is. it's pretty random. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:13 PM Flag
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I think that living in a city as large as NYC, you need to accept that somethings are a little random. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:18 PM Flag
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my point is it could be a lot more precise and thus fair. then you would truly have the smartest, sharpest kids in these classes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:25 PM Flag
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I totally agree with you - my DC also got a perfect score but I'm absolutely appalled by this suit. Seriously, he should have raised hell about 5/6 months ago instead of after finding out DC's score. I hope the DOE "loses" their application. I'm at least glad I know his name - should my DC have good fortune to get a placement and his DC is in there, I'll know who the hell to avoid like the plague!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:34 PM Flag
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Absolutely. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:09 PM Flag
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but he's not alone in that--is he trying to change the system or get his kid a spot? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:52 PM Flag
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He says both, but I think all he really cares about is getting his kid a spot. If his kid gets a spot, and has a sibling, you can bet that he would not be suing right now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:51 PM Flag
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non NYer--why don't they scale the score with just nyc kids? so that the top 1 percent of kids who took it in nyc would be the first to get spots, then 98, etc? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:47 PM Flag
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I think they would need a much bigger population to do that but if they stick with the same test for a few years and start putting some sample questions in, they should be able to do that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:07 PM Flag
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The test doesn't differentiate between the top scores (i.e. with margin of error within the test design, 97 and up are the same). You'd need a new test to get the kind of specificity he wants.(btw, my dd missed 2) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:49 PM Flag
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so then the problem is with the test? or with testing 4/5 year olds? better to test them at 8 to 10 and start the programs then? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:58 PM Flag
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np: No. The problem is with thinking you can slice things that fine. What they should be doing is seeing that there are programs for all the kids in the top bracket. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:09 PM Flag
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np: if you are going to test kids so young, you should seat them in order of exact score. the current way is ridiculous. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:04 PM Flag
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So whaddya think? Is his kid going to "get" a spot at a citywide, or not? (or do you believe the powers that be in the DOE are just going to let the lottery play out fair and square?) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:53 PM Flag
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Of course his kid will get a spot. Of course, the DOE will say it is on the up and up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:18 PM Flag
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Ha. That's what I was thinking. Hoping someone reports back to UB that this happened. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:20 PM Flag
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He's not going to hear about his daughter's spot until after the case is heard in court. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:00 PM Flag
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Still, they are making placements now. Don't you think the DOE is going to take a special look at where his child ends up? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:57 PM Flag
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No. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:03 PM Flag
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Yes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:18 PM Flag
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Is this the one in Coney Island or something? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:22 PM Flag
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I think there are really gifted kids who need a specialized education. A 97 is not gifted and does not belong with them and either is a run of the mill 99. there needs to be second round of testing in second or third grade to identify actually gifted kids. There is an opportunity in such a large city to bring these kids together to have a really amazing educational experience. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:28 PM Flag
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In theory, I like the idea of a 2nd test, but alas, kids will just be prepped for that one also. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 05:49 PM Flag
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You also need to remember that this test is not even really an IQ test and doesn't mean much. To the extent any test given to a 4-year means anything, the Hunter test is much more reliable and there are plenty of kids who scores high on Hunter (say at least mid-140s or higher) who do not get a 99 and plenty of 99s who did not get anywhere near a 145 or higher on Hunter. Thus, a 97 or 98 might well be "more" gifted than a 99 (to the extent that is quantifiable at all at that age). You also need to look at what else is said about the child. If everyone who knows the child (teachers, friend's parents, etc.) thinks they might be gifted, that is also a better indication than a test that says that 50% or more affluent children are gifted. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:03 PM Flag
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Kupstov is one of several plaintiffs, and their primary argument was that the DOE's sib policy is unfair to nonsibs, and that the DOE improperly changed its placement methodology without notice to the public. I don't think any of the plaintiffs' claims have any merit. I believe the DOE will prevail and placements will be sent out around the same time the DOE had said: mid-June. The DOE cannot use composite scores because of the 6 different age bands that are used to score the kids. A kid in the oldest age band who got every single question correct still cannot achieve the highest composite scores because of the norming. Whereas a younger kid who got every single question correct will have a HIGHER composite score than the older kid. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 07:20 PM Flag
[ - ] Why are people interested in National Merit Semi-finalists as an indication of a school's success? I went to a no-name public school in the midwest, took the PSAT's cold, and was a National Merit Finalist/ National Merit Scholarship winner. No one at my school cared. Makes me laugh to see this as a criteria for a "TT" school in NYC. 25 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 04:07 PM Flag
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Because of the scholarship attached to the NMS [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:02 PM Flag
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Intel Science winners I understand- that is pretty brilliant stuff. But National Merit Semifinalists? The SATs are actually pretty easy for smart kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:10 PM Flag
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It's based on PSAT scores (not SAT) and only the top 3% qualify... so whether or not the SATs are "pretty easy" doesn't have anything to do with this... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:35 PM Flag
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I'm guessing you didn't get one, so admire kids who do? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:48 PM Flag
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Scholarships are now few and far between. The most prestigious colleges no longer give money for NMS. Too many of them out there now for it to be all that special. The schools that give money for it are those trying to attract kids away from the most prestigious colleges. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:11 PM Flag
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+1 See: University of Texas - Dallas (not the flagship); University of Alabama (flagship but needs out of state kids) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:28 PM Flag
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You don't seem to have a well-developed sense of humour [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:10 PM Flag
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Did you not receive $$? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:10 PM Flag
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bc so few of them go to private schools. it is just evidence that private school kids are not doing well on standardized tests but are getting in to top schools (to the extent they are getting in) by other means ($$$ or connections or both). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:12 PM Flag
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Ah, but that's the irony. Parents who received NMS themselves don't see this as a big deal; parents who did not use this as one more way to assess schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:28 PM Flag
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Don't National Merit Scholarships suck in terms of actual money? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:31 PM Flag
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OP: I think I got somewhere between 2K-4K (that was 20years ago). So yea, nothing huge money-wise directly from being a National Merit Finalist. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:35 PM Flag
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20 years ago that was great money. Now it's probably 5% of tuition at best. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:31 PM Flag
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20 years ago that was a nice chunk of change. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:36 PM Flag
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OP: I was happy with it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:49 PM Flag
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the $$$ is besides the point; whether you're a semi- or finalist is determined by score only, so no way to "buy" or "connect" your way into it. it's a very objective measuring stick. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:32 PM Flag
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same and same. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:07 PM Flag
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I was a National Merit Semi-finalist, too, in a medium size midwestern city. The newspaper printed the names and photos of all the students from area high schools who were semi-finalists. While it wasn't a huge deal, it was obviously not something that lots of students received. I think our school of around 230 had 3, and most schools only had 1 (probably 20 - 30 high schools in metropolitan area). This was decades ago, but IMO it gives you a sense of how many very smart dcs are at a school. By smart, I mean those that always test very high in standardized tests. I'd argue that isn't the only measure of intelligence, but apparently there are some racist moms here who hate affirmative -action and they insist that the number of NMS shows are smart the kids are. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 06:39 PM Flag
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ditto! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:02 PM Flag
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same. i'm from a small southern town and in our public high school of 200 kids we had 3 national merit semi-finalists including myself. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:03 PM Flag
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correction. TT private parents don't care. TT public parents point to this to show how their kids' schools must be better than TT privates. then TT private parents shrug and move on. this reaction gets TT public parents angry and they start to attack academic merits of TT privates, basically trashing. at this point some TT private parents start to point to matriculation stats to counter the attack. they both go on for a while then move on. around next year's publishing date, repeat. bottom line, TT privates parents do not think the # of NMSF reflects directly on the quality of academics at TT privates. [p.s., some years, if a non-TT privates does exceptionally well, then the parents of that non-TT privates start pointing out how their non-TT did better of similar to TT privates and therefore their non-TT privates must be = or close to = to TT privates. to this, most TT private parents get annoyed but still ignore.] signed another NMF who thinks it's not that big deal. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:03 PM Flag
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Sounds like TT parents are above it all. Good for them:) LMAO. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:28 PM Flag
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every year! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 09:14 PM Flag
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It isn't a big deal, but it is, at least, a fair assessment of the students at the school. Just because a school has more connections to get students into more "tt" colleges also doesn't make them a better school. It's funny, people talk about Stuyvesant being such a meritocracy because it is based on one test that any kid can take. I guess you would argue that the test is just as meaningless as the PSAT. Also, the PSAT isn't something kids study for, so it is probably more reflective of kids' natural abilities. It's not as if the kids at tt schools aren't taking the PSAT -- they just don't score as high. I wonder why that is? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:16 PM Flag
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Riverdale had two finalists! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 11:34 PM Flag
[ - ] Waitlist is closed now? or any chance to move it up? (waitlisted in Riverdale for kinder) 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 04:06 PM Flag
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A few will forfeit their deposits and places after the G&T placements are announced [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:22 PM Flag
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Our DC is on a waitlist at another private and, we are hoping that G&T will cause some movement but, G&T keeps getting delayed and delayed!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:36 PM Flag
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private school kids don't get into citywide g&t sadly. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 08:10 PM Flag
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Ours did. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 10:13 PM Flag
[ - ] How would you rank? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 03:13 PM Flag
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perfect 40 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:19 PM Flag
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out of 100 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:32 PM Flag
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Overall as a person? Out of 100? Hmmmm...75? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:40 PM Flag
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Gunnery sergeant. Hup!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:45 PM Flag
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So-so [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:46 PM Flag
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Eh. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:52 PM Flag
[ - ] If you could pick which would you pick? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 05.24.13, 02:53 PM Flag
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The one with the winning numbers [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 02:50 PM Flag
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left nostril, for sure [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:00 PM Flag
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c. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:06 PM Flag
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d. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 03:47 PM Flag
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That one [ Reply | More
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General Topics 05.24.13, 04:44 PM Flag
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