Comments on: G&T update on citywide and district programs http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/ Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:07:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: hate TWEED http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9510 hate TWEED Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:21:10 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9510 Pamela please I want to know how many black and latino kids scored 995 AND HOW MANY WERE ACCEPTED TO aNDERSON AND nEST Pamela please I want to know how many black and latino kids scored 995 AND HOW MANY WERE ACCEPTED TO aNDERSON AND nEST

]]> By: G&T parent in Queens http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9509 G&T parent in Queens Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:01:36 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9509 I am the parent of a child in the G&T class at PS101 in Queens. The statements above that are true regarding the class are that 3 children were indeed added to the class this year. It is also true that all 3 children were already students at 101. The first 2 children were in gen ed classes at 101 initially and the third had transferred from 101 to another G&T class in queens and then came back to 101. What is not described in any of the above comments is the uproar that occurred at our school last year in response to the composition of our class. The G&T class that began in first grade last year was composed of about 12 students from outside of our zone. Students whose parents chose our school after they met the standards as set by the DOE. They did EXACTLY what they had an option to do....which was to choose our wonderful school. This unfortunately led to overcrowding in the other gen ed classes....up to 31 students in some classes. This created tremendous distress and concern to the parents at our school. Many of us still cannot understand how this was not better prepared for by our school's administration. Many wanted the program removed, some suggested relocating the out of zone students to other schools. Needless to say, it got very ugly. In some instances, totally inappropriate and embarassing. As the class was already at its cap of 26 students, our school (or really the PA with support from the parents of the G&T class) proposed that we allow the class to be larger to attempt to ease the overcrowding. We proposed to the DOE that they only allow these slots to be filled by 101 students who met the G&T requirements based on re-testing. This would maintain the G&T standard requirements and serve the main purpose of easing overcrowding. Thus, this was a DIRECT response to OUR PARENTS concerns about overcrowding in our classrooms at 101. I believe this proposal was evaluated and approved by the DOE. I cannot attest to who chose these students or how the selection was done. I am going to believe that it was done fairly and accurately. This is the truth as I know it. So #8, there is likely "no room at the inn" in the PS101 G&T class. I am the parent of a child in the G&T class at PS101 in Queens. The statements above that are true regarding the class are that 3 children were indeed added to the class this year. It is also true that all 3 children were already students at 101. The first 2 children were in gen ed classes at 101 initially and the third had transferred from 101 to another G&T class in queens and then came back to 101. What is not described in any of the above comments is the uproar that occurred at our school last year in response to the composition of our class. The G&T class that began in first grade last year was composed of about 12 students from outside of our zone. Students whose parents chose our school after they met the standards as set by the DOE. They did EXACTLY what they had an option to do….which was to choose our wonderful school. This unfortunately led to overcrowding in the other gen ed classes….up to 31 students in some classes. This created tremendous distress and concern to the parents at our school. Many of us still cannot understand how this was not better prepared for by our school’s administration.
Many wanted the program removed, some suggested relocating the out of zone students to other schools. Needless to say, it got very ugly. In some instances, totally inappropriate and embarassing.
As the class was already at its cap of 26 students, our school (or really the PA with support from the parents of the G&T class) proposed that we allow the class to be larger to attempt to ease the overcrowding. We proposed to the DOE that they only allow these slots to be filled by 101 students who met the G&T requirements based on re-testing. This would maintain the G&T standard requirements and serve the main purpose of easing overcrowding. Thus, this was a DIRECT response to OUR PARENTS concerns about overcrowding in our classrooms at 101. I believe this proposal was evaluated and approved by the DOE. I cannot attest to who chose these students or how the selection was done. I am going to believe that it was done fairly and accurately.

This is the truth as I know it. So #8, there is likely “no room at the inn” in the PS101 G&T class.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9505 Anonymous Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:46:28 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9505 #12, I totally agree with you. We do need G&T school in Forest Hills/Kew Gardens area. This area is very convenient unlike Astoria. (Actually getting to Anderson's in Manhattan is easier than getting to stem in Queens!!) Is there any way we can get the message across to DOE?Maybe they can put up a program in Central Queens for the coming school year? #12, I totally agree with you. We do need G&T school in Forest Hills/Kew Gardens area. This area is very convenient unlike Astoria. (Actually getting to Anderson’s in Manhattan is easier than getting to stem in Queens!!)
Is there any way we can get the message across to DOE?Maybe they can put up a program in Central Queens for the coming school year?

]]> By: g+t parent http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9503 g+t parent Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:03:27 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9503 To No. 9, I sympathize with you, but it appears that PS 101 was not forthcoming with their information given to you, and/or the DOE Enrollment Office messed up and enrolled 3 children into a G&T class that is already maxed out. How can the Principal allow this overcrowding to happen? Doesn't DOE communicate with the Principal and confirm numbers anymore?? If DOE can't even manage to place students in a district G&T program without even checking to see if it is filled, it's no wonder that DOE can't make good decisions about establishing a G&T school in an area in Queens where it is easier for the commute of many families. To No. 9, I sympathize with you, but it appears that PS 101 was not forthcoming with their information given to you, and/or the DOE Enrollment Office messed up and enrolled 3 children into a G&T class that is already maxed out. How can the Principal allow this overcrowding to happen? Doesn’t DOE communicate with the Principal and confirm numbers anymore?? If DOE can’t even manage to place students in a district G&T program without even checking to see if it is filled, it’s no wonder that DOE can’t make good decisions about establishing a G&T school in an area in Queens where it is easier for the commute of many families.

]]> By: Queens Parent http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9501 Queens Parent Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:08:08 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9501 In response to No. 4, for years, many of us in the Forest Hills/Kew Gardens area (which sits on top of a transit hub - subway, express buses, railroad)have begged DOE and local politicians for a G&T school (not program) to be established in our area. Yet, somehow, this never happens. Instead, we have PS 303 established in space that many in the community wanted to see become at very least, a G&T middle school, perhaps even one with an arts focus. (There is space on the site to expand, by the way.) DOE seems to have no understanding of how difficult it is to get around in Queens (we're not Manhattan!) and how we need a G&T school in central Queens, on top of a major transit site, such as FH, Kew Gardens, and possibly parts of Rego Park or Elmhurst, along the Queens Blvd. corridor. There are sites available, but somehow, DOE never seems to consider them. Many kids in Queens get into G&T schools in Manhattan and ultimately decide not to attend, even for middle school, as the commute is too difficult. Give us a break, DOE! In response to No. 4, for years, many of us in the Forest Hills/Kew Gardens area (which sits on top of a transit hub - subway, express buses, railroad)have begged DOE and local politicians for a G&T school (not program) to be established in our area. Yet, somehow, this never happens. Instead, we have PS 303 established in space that many in the community wanted to see become at very least, a G&T middle school, perhaps even one with an arts focus. (There is space on the site to expand, by the way.) DOE seems to have no understanding of how difficult it is to get around in Queens (we’re not Manhattan!) and how we need a G&T school in central Queens, on top of a major transit site, such as FH, Kew Gardens, and possibly parts of Rego Park or Elmhurst, along the Queens Blvd. corridor. There are sites available, but somehow, DOE never seems to consider them. Many kids in Queens get into G&T schools in Manhattan and ultimately decide not to attend, even for middle school, as the commute is too difficult. Give us a break, DOE!

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9497 Anonymous Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:04:35 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9497 To the editors: PS 153 is located in Washington Heights, not Morningside Heights. To the editors: PS 153 is located in Washington Heights, not Morningside Heights.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9496 Anonymous Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:14:01 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9496 Sorry the above was in response to #8 not #6! Sorry the above was in response to #8 not #6!

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9495 Anonymous Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:12:23 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9495 #6, I did contact PS101Q and they said they were all booked up!If they have space you could contact the Office of Enrollment.Anyone has any thoughts about the G&T program at 174Q? #6, I did contact PS101Q and they said they were all booked up!If they have space you could contact the Office of Enrollment.Anyone has any thoughts about the G&T program at 174Q?

]]> By: fed-up parent http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9484 fed-up parent Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:02:21 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9484 #6's comments sound like P.S.101Q in Forest Hills. I have many friends' children who attend P.S. 101Q so that story sounds right, and the dates sound right. I also find it highly unusual that 3 children would be added to a G&T class DURING the school term, and not at the BEGINNING of the school year. I would also be interested in getting my child a transfer this month to P.S.101Q G&T's class from a G&T program within District 28. Can Insideschools help and advise me as to whom shall I contact to get this done? #6’s comments sound like P.S.101Q in Forest Hills. I have many friends’ children who attend P.S. 101Q so that story sounds right, and the dates sound right. I also find it highly unusual that 3 children would be added to a G&T class DURING the school term, and not at the BEGINNING of the school year. I would also be interested in getting my child a transfer this month to P.S.101Q G&T’s class from a G&T program within District 28. Can Insideschools help and advise me as to whom shall I contact to get this done?

]]> By: DebQ http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9481 DebQ Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:10:53 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/10/01/gt-update-on-citywide-and-district-programs/#comment-9481 Does anyone know the gender breakdown of the G&T tests? The entering K class at NEST is 2/3 girls; I've heard that Anderson has precisely the opposite situation: 2/3 boys. Both schools added an extra K class to deal with overload (NEST now has 6 K classes, Anderson 3); there are no comments yet from Tweed about how they plan to handle the space issues that will be created as these extra bodies move up through the grades. Nor is it clear whether the DOE will now see these "extra" classes as the standard number for each school, thus continuing to put pressure on already tight classroom spaces. Does anyone know the gender breakdown of the G&T tests? The entering K class at NEST is 2/3 girls; I’ve heard that Anderson has precisely the opposite situation: 2/3 boys. Both schools added an extra K class to deal with overload (NEST now has 6 K classes, Anderson 3); there are no comments yet from Tweed about how they plan to handle the space issues that will be created as these extra bodies move up through the grades. Nor is it clear whether the DOE will now see these “extra” classes as the standard number for each school, thus continuing to put pressure on already tight classroom spaces.

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