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Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] how old was your dc when you started them on food? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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5 and a half years. up until then I breastfed exclusively. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:03 PM Flag
[ - ] So this nanny on the street that my nanny has never meet gave her an invitation for my db to attend the child's she cares for birthday party - weird right? I should tell her not to go? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.04.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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confused. does your db know the other child? if not, and if your nanny doesn't know the one who gave her the invite, i would tell her not to go. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:35 PM Flag
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db is 6 mo she has never played with the other child, my nanny only meet the other nanny that once on the street [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 07:47 AM Flag
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We are in a similar situation. My db is almost 2 and was invited to another db's birthday party. i guess the kids are in the same music class, but I've never met the parents and the party is during the week so db would go with the nanny. all very strange, imo. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 07:52 AM Flag
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this child isnt even in a class with my child - my nanny was walking to the park stopped in the corner when the light turned red - another nanny came up and said "oh what a cute baby" do you want to come to a birthday party [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 08:00 AM Flag
[ - ] what does 5 yo ds need to start tennis in a few weeks... saw the junior racquets at sportsauthority.com... does i need to know anything about buying kids' racquets? does he need new "tennis" shoes? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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The junior racquets usually have an age range on them. My 6 yo has a 23, started out at 4 with a 21. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:20 PM Flag
[ - ] Chicago moms: taking ds to Chicago for 2 days and plan to see Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Science & Technology Museum, Astromony Museum and maybe navy pier. Where should we stay? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.04.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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Do you mean Museum of Science and Industry? (don't know of Sci and Tech museum). Stay somewhere in the Loop/gold coast [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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the one with the U Boat [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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budget? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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Can spend anything, but don't want to frivilous if I can spend $250 and not $500 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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We stayed at Hotel James and were close to everything. Loved it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:19 PM Flag
[ - ] Waiting for contractions to be close enough...but boy, they're starting to hurt! 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:56 PM Flag
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How many minutes apart? BTW, did your water break? I am at week 39 and wondering what will happen first. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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drama queen. log off the computer. sheesh. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:01 PM Flag
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are you kidding me? as slow as this board has been tonight I welcome the drama of childbirth? what's wrong with you? jealous? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:04 PM Flag
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1st baby? 2nd baby? How far apart are they? Are you counting all contractions or just long ones? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:01 PM Flag
[ - ] do you expect your 3.5 yo to put his or her own shoes and socks on? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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not if i'm in a rush [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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my 2.5 yo does. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:29 PM Flag
[ - ] What are best schools for very smart but quiet downtown DD? Thinking Friends, Grace Church, Saint Ann's, Packer? What others should we be considering? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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St. Luke's perhaps [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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Do you only want downtown and Brooklyn schools? Little Red, City and COuntry [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:54 PM Flag
[ - ] what is the best restaurant you have eaten in nyc lately? Was it the vibe and food that made it great or just the food? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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country. Vibe and food, but more the food than the vibe. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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subway. I didn't give a shit when my toddler spilled his drink and my 5 year old threw food. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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Landmarc in TWC [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:02 PM Flag
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np: I had a terrible meal there the other night. Must have been off. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:07 PM Flag
[ - ] Has anyone been to the Bronx Zoo lately? I heard from someone what it is a mob scene, wondering if that's true, and if certain days are better than others 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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We went last week, and it was crazy crowded with school groups. Wait another few weeks until school is out, then it should quiet down again. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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haven't been since the fall, but I'm pretty sure the website has recommendations for best time of day to go. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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you need to go Wednesday afternoons, after school. perfect! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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that's mean! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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We were there last weekend. It was crowded, but the place is so big that it never felt mobbed in a bad way. The children's zoo is probably one place that gets really crowded. If you can avoid Wednesdays, do so (free admission and therefore tons of people). Early mornings are good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:04 PM Flag
[ - ] does your 3.5 put his or her own shoes and socks on? 10 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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sorry, that's 3.5 y.o. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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pretty sure mine did not at that age. Socks were harder, if I remember correctly [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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socks no, shoes yes. and people on the street are forever pointing out when they are on the wrong feet. oh well. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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my 5 y.o. still gets frustrated with socks every now and then. i had to help her today. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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Velcro strapped shoes yes, laced no, socks no. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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2.10 y.o. twin girl can put on socks and shoes (no laces) but her twin brother cannot [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:15 PM Flag
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socks yes, shoes yes if they aren't lace-up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:16 PM Flag
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my 2.7 yo daughter has been for several months [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:17 PM Flag
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my 2.5 ds does socks and shoes. sometimes wrong feet though [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:31 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.22.14, 01:35 AM Flag
[ - ] I wonder what are the dynamics in the Bill/Hillary relationship. I can't see they have love for eachother... 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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I can. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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they do -- and both are extremely driven and have helped one another succeed... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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by patting each other's back?? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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i think their marriage is strictly business [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:55 PM Flag
[ - ] when during your pg did you start seeing your OB every two weeks? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.04.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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28 weeks [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:55 PM Flag
[ - ] well, it's final. i'm going to go bake a batch of brownies. Oh yes I am. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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Good for you! Enjoy! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
[ - ] Who is "life coach" mom? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:40 PM Flag
[ - ] Toddler art class in Manhattan? Any suggestions? 10 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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Rutger's Church on W. 73rd [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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your kitchen table? duh. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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God FORBID you want to do something fun with your kid, the HORROR.. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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creativekidsny.com [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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what neighborhood? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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seriously. your toddler needs a class? what on earth will he or she "learn"? what a scam. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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np: just like any other "class," it's something to do with your dc. In my case, I took ds to an toddler art "class" so he could work with paints and the like to his heart's content without destroying my really small apartment. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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for FUN perhaps???!! np [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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Ridiculous. What is wrong with a class? An art class for Toddlers is NICE. There is nothing to criticize about it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:24 PM Flag
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rhinelander, 92nd street Y, kids at art [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:18 PM Flag
[ - ] Anyone give their kids Claritin for allergies? Have they had any side effects? Ped recommended it and dd took her first dose today and now is not going to sleep. Wonder if it's related to the medication. TIA! 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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Claritin D makes me wound up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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Claritin D gave me the WORST DRY MOUTH. It was horrible. I drank an ocean and still felt dry [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:33 PM Flag
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he's just taking plain Claritin, not the decongestant kind [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:35 PM Flag
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The regular Claritin had the same effects. I took Zyrtec and did much better. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:37 PM Flag
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Agree; ped recommended zirtec for 3 yr old dd - works very well and she loves the taste - always a plus [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:42 PM Flag
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I give my ds Children's Claritin. I have to give it in the morning. If I give it at night his sleep is disturbed and he has nightmares [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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pick a different medicine! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:46 PM Flag
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Why? It works fine if I give it in the morning, and it's 24 hours. Zyrtec didn't work for him. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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I would be scared of something that gave nightmares [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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It just disturbs his sleep. It doesn't give him nightmares when he takes it in the am. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:04 PM Flag
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cool story bro [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.22.14, 01:36 AM Flag
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I don't remember my kids having side effects from Claritin but Zyrtec works much better for them. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:46 PM Flag
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OP: Thanks, all! Ped said either of those would be fine. Maybe I'll try the Zyrtec next time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:09 PM Flag
[ - ] no way is your private school kindy kid getting a $30K better education than my public school kid. there's just nothing $30K can buy! 146 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:29 PM Flag
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And your opinion is based on what? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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The have two extra letters in the alphabet at private schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:31 PM Flag
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snort [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:31 PM Flag
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Is one of them "y"? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:01 PM Flag
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Think "Gstad" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:52 PM Flag
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You mean Gstaad? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:59 PM Flag
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lol, I didn't even notice my typo. But of course I went to public. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:56 PM Flag
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Of course the $30k can buy so much more, better supplies, better facilities, a choice in who is admitted and the chance to "counsel out" the disruptive kids, smaller classes, more teachers per class, better specialists, better events, more resources... the list is endless - sadly [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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Depends on the public school. And the private school for that matter. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:37 PM Flag
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In NYC, the privates usually have all of the above as compared to the public schools [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:38 PM Flag
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But some public schools are better than others. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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Not sure any of that equals "better" just fancier. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:42 PM Flag
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OP: better supplies? give me examples of these great supplies and facilities and events and specialists that make the $$ worth it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:42 PM Flag
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Don't forget better events. That's crucial to learning. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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let's not forget getting rid of average children -who need to be counseled out - so gross [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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actually, that is a fallacy. tons of average and below kids in private who are kept, especially if they have wealthy powerful parents [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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I know of a child who was tagged at Dalton - now he has to go to school in brooklyn - he is not learning disabled but was tagged at 5 yo [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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parents just are not powerful enough. what can I say? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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kind of like "tag, you're it" except it's "tag, you're not it. state school for you!" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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np - Probably not "state school" but a "lesser" private school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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nope - couldn't even do that with the tag [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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learning disabled [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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"has to go to school in brooklyn"? do you realize how ridiculous you sound? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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what do you mean by "tagged"? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:39 PM Flag
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who said average? "disrputive" was said [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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oh there are bad kids in private. maybe they are just sociopathic enough to avoid being disruptive, but to carry out their bad behavior behind the scenes. but you are clearly the mother of a young child, and have no idea how many of these kids turn out to be bad or kids in trouble [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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Also how many people choose private because their dc's need the extra attention and extra coddling? A lot of these kids actually couldn't make it in a larger class size. And I don't need my dc around those kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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lol. seriously. a bunch of whiny, needy brats. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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you don't need your kid around someone who needs a smaller class size? you are such a pitiable woman with a very limited idea of the difference among children. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:05 PM Flag
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I agree with you. I was posting to OR who said that she wouldn't want her kid around someone who needs to be "coddled" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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OR: I agree that all else equal small size is better than large size. But its also true that some kids will thrive in most environments, and get what they need, and others will be lost. Or others are used to getting a disproportionate amount of attention. And those kids are the ones that really need private. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:10 PM Flag
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Remember Robert Chambers [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:59 PM Flag
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And the more recent prep school killer - Jonathan Smith who went to Pomfret [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:05 PM Flag
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And how about the NJ prep school girl running the Spitzer call girl ring? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:08 PM Flag
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or Spitzer! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 12:36 PM Flag
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LOL on better events!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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More books and multiple copies of books, more computers, smartboards... all kinds of art supplies and materials - never in need of any materials - it makes a difference The privates can offer more special classes like woodshop, movement, dance, drama, music, language... etc [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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my public school kid has everything you mentioned but woodshop. frankly, its over rated for K. I didn't have woodshop until 7th grade, and I survived. plus, all of this stuff is part of the lives of most UMC kids, whether public or private [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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Hunter, a public school, has woodshop FWIW. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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maybe its just cheap OT for all these kids with fine motor issues [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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OH HOLY HELL!!! how will my child ever survive in life without woodshop? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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JINX! I was just typing "Woodshop really separates the wheat from the chafe." And its super important that dc has access to twelve shades of blue for their 2nd grade art projects. So worth $30k. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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You are so rude. Some kids excel at woodshop, it is a craft - some kids are not good at the academic subjects and that is where they shine. The privates offer more opportunities for that kind of stuff [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:02 PM Flag
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Are you joking? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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lol!!! love u! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:08 PM Flag
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And here is one of the first times I've seen a private school supporter admit that not every private school dc is, (pun intended), the sharpest tool in the shed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:13 PM Flag
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:) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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LOL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:18 PM Flag
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Have you ever been to a public school? You may be shocked to learn that they have books and art supplies. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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lol!!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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Why would private school kids need shop anyway? If the super doesn't fix it, it doesn't get fixed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 12:39 PM Flag
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our public has all the supplies the kids could want 9we supplyy them), adorable classrooms, great, extra smart kids very popular events and on and on. I know you think what you have is better, but you really are basing this on what you imagine, not reality...sadly. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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what public school are you in? The city or the suburbs? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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How are the textbooks for the 5th grade? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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wait -- you can't actually be insinuating that "better" textbooks in 5th grade make for a better education. right? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:01 PM Flag
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Adequate textbooks for older grades are part of a good education. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:08 PM Flag
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maybe you are thinking your public is better than it really is... maybe YOUR reality of what your public is compared to the privates is sadly mistaken [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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well, I spent my childhood and adolescence in NYC privates. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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np: maybe op's public is as good as she thinks it is and maybe you need to put her down to justify your choices. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:06 PM Flag
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Because life is just like this. I was a public school educated Private University, most private school kids have no clue. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 11:09 AM Flag
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well, how is your private school kid going to learn about the rich diversity of society? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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hey, they will have some rich, diverse kids in the class! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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I remember once on old UB, someone wrote that private schools were better than any public school for diversity because of all the millionaires and billionaires at private school. And she wasn't kidding. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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There is a much wider range of kids at my dc's independent school than at our local public school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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hey, for $30K, the school will apply a formula to ensure just the right touch of color and lower MCness to entertain the rich white kids. so what? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:54 PM Flag
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it's basically about status - you want your kid to marry a rich kid who can socially raise them above or with your status. It's pretty gross. If you have a bright child they will excel at public or private [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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I think your last sentence is true if your child is outgoing. For my very shy child, I opted for private so she wouldn't be overlooked. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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what are you going to do when she goes to college? gets a job? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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Presumably she won't be 6 years old then. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 12:54 PM Flag
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Only someone who is very jealous that their kid is not in a private would say the line about marrying rich [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:50 PM Flag
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my kid is a baby. I hear people talk about staying with their peers - it's disgusting [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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np - Maybe not marrying someone rich, but many many people - the strivers - talk about the connections made in private school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:20 PM Flag
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It's not just the strivers that think they're are connections. Private school has offered connections for many years. It's a fact. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:52 PM Flag
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Yes, but only the strivers think that connections to be made at school are important enough for them to scrimp for private school. The wealthy ones don't have to sacrifice plus they have connections on their own. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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you obviously don't know any wealthy people on an intimate basis. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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Well, actually I do. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:40 PM Flag
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You just proved op's point that it's not about education but about status. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:02 PM Flag
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I really wish I could agree with you, but sadly I cannot. Academically many publics are great, but there is more to education than that. And at the end of the day public schools have to answer to the DOE and the DOE does not have the best interests of our kids in mind. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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TOTALLY AGREE [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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I could not agree with you more. My experience w/ my ds' public school this past year has made me seriously consider homeschooling. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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and you think privates do? hahahaha. it's not hard to make sure johnny "legacy" millionaire makes it into a decent college. I'm sure the tuition all goes directly to the classroom. hahahahah. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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A few legacies is not going to ruin the school... enough crap from the DOE and that school loses every good teacher it ever had [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:11 PM Flag
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The problem with your statement is the adults I have met who have gone through public and private. Based on your theory the private adults should be better educated, smarter, more well rounded than the public educated adults I have met. I have to say there is no difference. Some are smart, some aren't and some are just jerks. The biggest difference is the sense of superiority from the privates school grads, even, especially if it is not well founded. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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you keep saying "sadly" there is nothing sad about our public. it is a vital place where kids are thriving, and hands down the kids I know are very very smart--the level is just much higher than the kids from private preschool. this idea that it is all so sad, these public school kids, is just a joke. you really have no idea, do you? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:07 PM Flag
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"keep saying" that was the first time I posted. I have more idea than I would like to. I wish I could be naive about the state of our public schools, but I am not. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:11 PM Flag
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Private school parents feel intitled to their childs grades. Since dc goes to a private school for x amount of dollars they feel they are paying for the A grade. it is a bunch of BS. If you don't beleive me then do a little research look at endowments made my families, and when the money is given. Sounds outragous but trust me it is our lame society and the pressure we put on our dc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 11:15 AM Flag
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ITA. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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Kindergarten? Maybe not, but by 3rd and 4th grades there is no comparison. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:51 PM Flag
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^^^ My dc doesn't have to apply out for 6th grade and attend a new school for 3 years--with the first year as a newbie and the last year applying out to high schools--all of this just as puberty strikes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:55 PM Flag
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explain. i have a dd in 3rd grade public and would love to know what she's missing out on. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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woodshop! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:57 PM Flag
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^^^and don't tell me all about woodshop. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 06:58 PM Flag
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I think the material covered in many private schools far surpasses the non-standardized curriculum of most public schools. My child, when studying European medieval history in 4th grade history, was given the assignment to comment on Voltaire's statement about the Holy Roman Empire. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:15 PM Flag
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What part of this do you think isn't occurring in public schools? Mention of Voltaire? or being asked to comment on something? The Roman Empire? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:19 PM Flag
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the content of what is taught [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:26 PM Flag
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^^^ Sorry--that was 5th grade, not 4th. In 4th grade my dc studied the beginnings of human civilization in history (Sumer, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome) at the same time they studied biomes in science, learning about how different environments result in different ways of living for animals (including humans). They studied Shackleton's accomplishments in Antarctica and measured different materials for their insulating properties. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:25 PM Flag
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In 4th grade my DC studied drooling on himself, in 5th he graduated to hand washing, next year he is going to learn to wipe his bottom. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:53 PM Flag
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You know what? Kids just learn different things. I don't think that every 4th grader needs to learn about Sumer, etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:20 PM Flag
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np:I studied sumer and mesopotamia in 4th grade when I was in public school in YONKERS in 1974!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And I agree with OP. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 03:58 AM Flag
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The point is not what you studied 30 years ago--it's what kids in NYC public schools are studying today. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 10:50 AM Flag
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OMG - you and I both must be on UB all the time! I think this is the 3rd time I've heard about Voltaire & the HRE! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:13 PM Flag
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YOu can argue some publics (whose PTA raise $$$ like Hunter) are comparable in terms of good education and extras, but you can't argue all publics are better. Most publics have a tough time raising money to install 2nd adult in the class, to keep library, arts, music or gym, to have enough supplies... Most of my teacher friends had to spend their own money to buy stuff for school. In terms of resources, publics simply cannot compete with privates. I thought Hunter is the only one that came very close in terms of those stuff (extra stuff and quality & breadth of afterschool classes)... Of course, you can argue it's better to send dc to more socioeconomically lower environment. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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lol. my ds goes to a public school w/ a "socioeconomically lower environment". I don't really see how it's better for him to hear kids calling each other "n*gger" and watching fights where the security guards and teachers do little to stop the kids going after each other. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:03 PM Flag
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EXACTLY [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:07 PM Flag
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Compared to private schools, even Hunter or Anderson has socioeconomically lower families' kids (making $300k instead of $1MM for one example). Doesn't mean poor. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:09 PM Flag
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Of course a private is better than a failing violent public, but so is a good public. The issue not the worst public vs private but is it worth it to spend 30K to avoid sending your child to a good zoned public. Personally, I think not, but it's your money. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:11 PM Flag
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Depends. Some people make $$$$$$$ that $30k is nothing. Plus PS199 or 87, as great as they are, everyone here has been complaining about overcrowding and cutting arts & music. Some said popular publics had to get rid of gym or library to make classes... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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Public Schools just cannot offer all that privates can. They just can't. I am sure that there are some lovely public schools - but the NYC privates have more resources that help to make the school better - I don't understand how people can try to argue that the publics are better. Hunter is a great school - the classrooms dont have windows. PS 6 is a great school - a large number of "at risk" children are bussed in... these affect the quality of the school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:17 PM Flag
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What are you talking about? Where are these "at risk" children being bussed in from? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:20 PM Flag
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Key point is a good zoned public. That is not something universally available in NYC. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:19 PM Flag
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I agree but the private people are saying that private is better than all public, including Hunter and PS 6. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:22 PM Flag
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It's true. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:26 PM Flag
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Lol, I'd take the best and brightest from public school over most pampered over indulged spoiled children from private any day. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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How about over the best and brightest from private? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.06.08, 04:41 PM Flag
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In what way is that true? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:21 PM Flag
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The question is - - is it $30k more of resources, all of which are meaningful to a 5-11 year old? It just isn't. Maybe $5k? Or less? but not $30k. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:07 PM Flag
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Where would you find a private worth sending your child to for only 5k? Either you pay 30k or go public. Cheap privates just aren't worth it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:21 PM Flag
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Agreed [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:22 PM Flag
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I agree. But I also believe that private schools are $30k because that is what the market will bear, because there are many wealthy people in New York, and not because its $30k better than public schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:32 PM Flag
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The 30K goes to pay for an overall faculty/student ratio of around 1/6 at most private schools. The very best public schools have around a 1/15 ratio. This goes beyond what you see in the classroom and includes a reading teacher for every reading group--not one teacher going from group to group. It includes full time language teachers with native accents who have a class load of maybe 40 kids total, with classes 4-5 times weekly. It includes maybe 5 or 6 different science teachers over the course of 8 grades--enough that a child may really find one teacher they really click with and not be turned off to a subject because of one teacher. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:40 PM Flag
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why must you go on and on? Privates cost $30K per year, so they can buy all this stuff. the question is whether it makes a difference. given that the majority of the smartest and best went ot public schools in this country, I would say it may even be an impediment to success to have everything handed to you and planned out. kids should learn to be resourceful and capable of making choices and thinking for themselves. I fear handing them all this well thought out learning experience (native accents, indeed!) just makes them complcent and uninterested. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:56 PM Flag
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NP: I don't buy it. i went to private preschool, then public K-12, then Ivy then top grad school. My public school education gave me a very solid academic foundation and social skills dealing with all types of people. Now I am relatively successful and can deal just as easily with CEOs as with the cleaning staff of my building and inner city kids I tutor. Private school for K-12 does NOT necessarily success make. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:06 PM Flag
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Ditto here for all of this. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 06:31 AM Flag
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If your child's needs aren't being met in public school, they can often get an infinitely better education at a private school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 07:57 PM Flag
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have you ever spent time in a first-class private school? it is so worth it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:19 PM Flag
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have you ever spent time in a top selective public school. it is so worth it. peer group alone is head and shoulders above the average private school population. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:22 PM Flag
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A good school will challenge each student to their abilities. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:28 PM Flag
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and many good publics do this. I think that people don't realize this, and can't imagine it, but it is true [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:33 PM Flag
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or: have been a teacher at both - top public and elite private. TRUST me it is so far and above worth the money! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:49 PM Flag
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really why? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:59 PM Flag
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The private school my dc attend is most definitely $30k better than the public school I attended, which was adequate. It prepared me for college, for life, etc., but there is a big difference btw and adequate education and an excellent education. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:43 PM Flag
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Overall, it's a crime that public schools are not much, much better across the board in NYC. How much $$ does the city collect in sales and income tax dollars? Billions and billions. There are so many useless programs in the city budget. The schools in this city could be a model for the nation. Why don't we mommies of this city insist on this? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:46 PM Flag
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Do you know how many foreign languages are represented in US city school system? over 150 including non-English speakers. try that in a private school! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:50 PM Flag
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I think the NYC school system is really too large and too heterogenous for it to really be any kind of model. Should there be more $$ spent on the poorer students, to bring them up to college level? Or should it be for the wealthier students, to keep them in the system? Should it be spent more on special needs kids? There are over 1 million children in this system. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:51 PM Flag
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There should be more money spent per student, comparable to what is spent per student in good suburban schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 08:53 PM Flag
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But where is the money coming from? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 09:00 PM Flag
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all of the billions of $$$ in taxes that NYC takes from us every year. The most important things: police, education, get shafted and we have a humongous revenue pool. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.04.08, 09:23 PM Flag
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you are forgetting something. The private schools cherry-pick their students. Much easier to get more done with a homogeneous student body than with a diverse one like the NYC public school system. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 11:02 AM Flag
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If I could afford to, I would send my kids to private but I can't so ..... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 12:56 PM Flag
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I'm a huge fan of public ed and will send my kids to public, but this is a naive statement. The facilities at many private schools are so much better than public. There's just no comparison. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 12:57 PM Flag
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DH & I discuss this frequently as he is the product of top public schools and I am the product of NYC private/TT boarding school and for us $30K/year is not a small amount. Interestingly, it is DH who feels strongly that I received a phenomenally better education and that what he sees some of the privates offering (esp my boarding school) blow away what public school offered. That is not to say that a private grad is going to be more successful or even smarter, but that he or she will be far better educated. Educated and successful are not the same thing, but on UB it appears that if you are successful, education becomes irrelevant. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 01:35 PM Flag
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buys me smaller classes, gym four times a week, dance once, music once, science lab, foreign language instruction, amazing facilities including a well stocked library, three gyms, four art studios--and best of all none of that no child left behind reading in kindergarten crap. good luck with your argument though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 01:55 PM Flag
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Interesting that it buys "you" these things and not your "dc" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 02:02 PM Flag
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and most children can do without this and still excel academically. It is YOU who thinks this is all required. It is all about you. Not really the child. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 02:12 PM Flag
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np: I think saying that most kids can excel academically is an overly broad statement. i think MOST kids are average and will not excel academically at all. i think some kids are bright and motivated and can excel without these things. I think some kids will fall through the cracks completely. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.05.08, 02:18 PM Flag
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