Reprinted from the Washington Post, May 11. 2018 Sprawling sexting probe ensnares Va. middle school By Justin Jouvenal May 11 at 7:00 AM Email the author A probe that began with reports of nude photos of students circulating at a middle school has mushroomed into a sexting investigation involving nearly a dozen students at two schools in Falls Church, Va., according to a search warrant.No one has been charged in the case that centers on Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, but investigators with the Falls Church police have recovered multiple explicit images, discovered some were posted on social media and learned one high school studentRead More →

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This is a reprint from The Daily Pause by Hal Runkel: “Our numbers-driven society perpetuates a pressure on our kids to perform. High-stakes testing has taken the place of meaningful teaching and learning. College rankings and endowments are also predicated on numbers…All of which adds up to an education system focused on competition, performance and rankings.” (Vicki H. Abeles) Getting into the “right” college The world has always been involved in some kind of collective insanity, but one kind seems to be gripping us all: the pressure to get into the “right” college. I’ve counseled several New York families who were driven by this pressure,Read More →

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There are alternatives to a $120,000,000 new school as discussed and identified through various community meetings.  However, the only option that is being advertised to citizens is the $120,000,000 option.   From the chart, it appears there are other viable solutions but the referendum is written for only the most expensive option.  We have a right and responsibility to look at all options in a thorough and intelligent way to minimize the financial risk while providing space for our growing population.    Ask your school and city leadership to give details of all the options – not just one.  Read More →

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Below is the statement read by Mr. John Leimone to City Council during public comment on Monday, July 24, 2017.  Mr Lemoine has worked as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank and the International Monetary Fund. I strongly support the VPIS recommendation in the well-argued letter to you (City Council) to postpone any decision on a GMHS referendum until citizens have been thoroughly and honestly briefed on all aspects of this project, which because of the costs involved, poses an existential threat to the City’s future financial stability. Underlying this position are at least 4 major concerns: The Council and City Manager have glossedRead More →

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George Mason High School offers many types of advanced coursework for the students:  Dual Enrollment, IB and AP. This is a reprint from the Washington Post on one parent’s experience with the rigor of AP.  The comments from other parents are interesting also.  Is offering all these programs providing a better educational outcome?  Is this the best use of our students time and providing them critical thinking and other important life skills?  Are colleges accepting these credits if the students pass the exam?  What are your thoughts? URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/09/21/why-i-regret-letting-my-teen-sign-up-for-an-ap-course/?wpisrc=nl_most-draw5&wpmm=1Read More →

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