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06.12.08, 20:06 PM NY Schools
66 replies
Shutout. Shutout of G & T. Shutout of the charter lotteries. Shutout of zoned with spots. 6 tours, 150 emails, and 50 phone calls later, & I am back to Square 1, my zoned school. IS gives them 3/5 stars for math & reading; 2 % white; and 80 % free lunch. [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
NY Schools 06.12.08, 08:06 PM Flag
 

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It's really hard, but it's just elementary school. Keep calling and appealing. Or move. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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how do you know you are shut out of G&T? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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Hmm.. I needed something on UB to make me feel better tonight. Thank you. At least I'm still waiting for G&T. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:08 PM Flag
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Should have thought of that when you moved there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:08 PM Flag
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What was your OLSAT score? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:10 PM Flag
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OP: 95 BSRA; 60 OLSAT for a grand 72, a young 4 y.o. Funnily, If she had passed G & T I would consider our zoned school which has a G & T. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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Move? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:11 PM Flag
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Hmmm...did you wonder why you were getting such a good deal when you moved in? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:11 PM Flag
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OP: Not cheap, $ doesn't get you good school any more. Prolly sell for 1.3M. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:45 PM Flag
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This sucks. Are you white? Are you poor? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:11 PM Flag
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Take out your checkbook and find a private school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:18 PM Flag
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yeah, because that's easy to get into [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.17.08, 06:06 PM Flag
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I feel for you on the low ratings for your school, but there is nothing wrong with your child learning what it is like to be in the minority. As a black person in this country, I don't have the luxury of ruling out schools because my kids will be the minority. I'm not trying to be bitchy, but just stating it from where I'm sitting. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:18 PM Flag
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^^^ I should say that I am sorry that your child may have to go to a school with a less stellar academic program. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:21 PM Flag
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ITA. Your kid isn't going to care AT ALL about being a minority--maybe that should inspire you. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:23 PM Flag
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You know what, I was a poor white NYC kid going to sucky schools where I felt neglected by harried teachers and threatened by violence-prone kids who were way bigger than me, and I don't think anyone should have to do it, black or white! Think about how you'd feel in a similar adult environment and give this kid a break! And I personally hate seeing how few black kids are in our school -- great kids who have the advantage of attending a fine public but have to deal with always being different. Maybe it doesn't matter in earliest grades but awareness does kick in and it's just more to deal with. I can tell you that you're better off homeschooling than sending you dc to a bad public no matter what your race is. They treat those kids like third world citizens, let's face it. A good novel about the kind of experience we're talking about (white kid in crappy ghetto school) is Jonathan Lethem's The Fortress of Solitude. Very true to what I experienced. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:03 AM Flag
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I almost agree with you (as a black person too). But while I wouldn't mind being in an all black school - the 80% free lunch and the less than stellar academic record would scare me. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:25 PM Flag
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Right, that's why I agree with her on the poor academics. I also agree on the 80% free lunch, though I am ashamed to. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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np: you know i work with a lot of kids that qualify for free lunches in an after school program--you guys should be ashamed of yourselves. most of these kids are bright, and have parents who care about their education. they're just poor. and that you think your kid is too good to sit in a classroom with them is despicable. classism is no better than racism. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:30 PM Flag
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I said I was ashamed and I am. I certainly don't think that poor kids are not smart or motivated, but honestly, if I had the choice, I would not send my child to a school that was predominantly poor. There CAN be more negative pressure on MC black kids to "act black" or not succeed in school. Obviously not always the case, but honestly, I don't want to test that out, having dealt with it myself. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:34 PM Flag
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^^^also, it's not bout thinking my kid is better than those kids, it's about not wanting my child to lumped in with a group and not seen as an individual. You sound as though you see kids for who they are, but in many cases and in many under performing schools this is the case. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:36 PM Flag
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np Nicely put [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 05:53 AM Flag
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ITA. Its not there are some smart poor kids - but I grew up in that environment and there tend to be more negative pressures than positive ones - and I would not subject my dcs to it if I didn't absolutely have to. I'm not proud of my position but it is what it is. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:37 PM Flag
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isn't the issue that her kid faces bullying if she's the minority? Whether she's white in an all-black school or vice versa.....? Pretty tough to subject your kid to that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 07:33 AM Flag
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ita. the argument is noble, but not relevant to the real world. few of us would conduct social experiments like that w/ our kids [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 07:36 AM Flag
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No. That is not always the case. Do you realize what you're saying? Look at the many, many situations in which there is "token" black or "token" Asian or whatever. I was always the token black and I did quite fine. In fact I excelled and it also prepared me for the real world. Are you honestly suggesting segregation? The fact is, as I stated before, I understand OP's issue with the poor academics. That is a valid concern. The race thing is not. Even the poverty issue is a valid concern in so far as racial conflict seems to occur more among the classes and among less educated people. It is in mixing races at younger ages that eliminates racial tension. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.14.08, 05:27 AM Flag
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^^^actually, I take that back. I don't want to invalidate anyone's concerns about their kids. No, it is not invalid to worry about the racial issue, BUT, to me it is a lesser concern in an instance in which you think your kids will get a good education. As I said in the beginning only whites in this country have the luxury of eliminating a good school based on their children being a minority. Other minorities have to and do embrace it in order to get their kids a good education. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.14.08, 05:30 AM Flag
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poor families mean fewer resources for a school that is already struggling -- most of the best schools in NYC raise significant funds because of the more affluent parents whose kids attend. parent-raised funds pay for extras like assistant teachers, art supplies, music, chess, etc. i would not send my child to a school with a significantly poor student body for this reason alone. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:49 AM Flag
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ITA, but the reality on our country is that if you a black minority you are aspiring to the economic status of the middle+ class pop., while if you are already white middle-class you at least want to maintain that. Maybe not so articulate, but true. Whites revere Ivy League, not Howard. Sorry if harsh. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:34 PM Flag
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Um, I'm black and graduated from Harvard, not Howard, so not really getting your point. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:37 PM Flag
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You are glad you have the Harvard degree & not Howard, right? That is it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:40 PM Flag
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Of course I am. But I don't think that has anything to do with a white child being a minority in a school. It could predominantly black, Asian or hispanic for starters, and presuming the academics are good in the school, I don't see what the big deal is. I've seen posters on here talk about other programs that were academically good BUT that they were predominantly minorities. As long as my kid gets the best possible education, I don't care if he is the minority (which he most likely will be.) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:43 PM Flag
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I agree with the poster above that your concerns are mainly academic. I would like to add an anecdote. I am white and went to a G&T program in a largely black school (not in NYC). It was extremely difficult. I remember, as the only white kid on the school bus, sitting by the bus driver and dodging stuff being thrown at me. I don't think that kids in Kindergarten are aware of race related issues, so you are probably fine in the next year. However, I would consider looking for something else for the later years. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 06:58 AM Flag
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OP: Historically, people in my hood (in Brooklyn) have just gotten spots in better zoned schools, but the baby boom coupled with OSEPO's attempts just this year to not let people cross district lines has made it really hard. I am not poor, but 3 kids & not enough $ for private. Moving not really an option for various reasons; the least of which is that to move to better zone=$$$. We need more district lottery schools here. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:25 PM Flag
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which neighborhood/school? i feel for you... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:26 PM Flag
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PS 9, D 13. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:29 PM Flag
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Ouch. D13 mom here - I feel for you. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:32 PM Flag
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What is good in D 13? Where do your kids go? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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The only thing I liked in D13 was Community Roots Charter which we didn't get into. 1 dc in independent private. The other dc still waiting for G&T placement letter. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:42 PM Flag
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Maybe the WL will move after the G&T placements come out. GL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 05:46 PM Flag
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If independent private is not an option, what would catholic schools - much less in terms of cost. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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OP: Checked it out. Completely undynamic. Zoned seemed better. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:37 PM Flag
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private catholic are worse academically than zoned, is that true? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.17.08, 06:09 PM Flag
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How old is your dc? Can you give it another try next year? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:29 PM Flag
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OP: Kindergarten for next yr. If switched would mean 4 schools in as may years. Be real hard to do that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:36 PM Flag
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Can your dc stay in current school until next yr. My dc nursery school currently goes up to age 6 - although many dcs leave at 5. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.12.08, 08:39 PM Flag
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Work the waitlists at those charter schools. G&T placements are about to come out, and it's likely that the charter school wait lists will move in the next 2 weeks. Keep on being proactive and see what happens. It cannot hurt you and might create an opportunity that you think is closed right now. If that doesn't work, then reconsider moving in the next year. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 05:21 AM Flag
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If your place can sell for $1.3MM (prob'ly a townhouse?), then sell it and move to a better zone even if you have to live in a shoe. What else can you do? You could apply to privates next year but few spots for 1st grade. If your dd had a really off day on olsat (60 on olsat), I'd be concerned about sending dc to zoned school but if your dc is more a normal/average kid, I don't see how your zoned school is such a bad option. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 06:58 AM Flag
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Who would pay 1.3 million for a house in a crappy school zone? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 07:15 AM Flag
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np: apparently you don't live in NYC. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 07:19 AM Flag
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Last time I checked there are still enough childless households in NYC that would love to buy a house. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:01 AM Flag
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Harlem brownstones are going for $2MM for the minimum liveable bldg- not even the nice ones with all the original details intact. Complete shells (pretty much just the land and walls only) are going for $1MM. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:01 AM Flag
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It's also a good time to consider the burbs, where you can get a great place and free schools for all 3 kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 07:28 AM Flag
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But I thought District 13 was Park Slope. Don't you have a couple of excellent elementaries? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:14 AM Flag
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np: You have to be zoned. Also, I thought PS was in District 15? But I'm not really sure about that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 08:19 AM Flag
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I think OP is in Prospect Heights [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 05:48 PM Flag
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What about ps150 in Tribeca? Good school, unzoned. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:10 AM Flag
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and hard to get in considering they only accept 28 kids per year (minus the kids that are already in pre-K and continue on) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:14 AM Flag
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It's unzoned, but have to live in D2. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.18.08, 04:31 PM Flag
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I am a free lunch kid who attended schools where the cops visited regularly. I had a few amazing teachers and got the undivided attention of the principal and guidance counselors as one of the few kids who was motivated to learn. When we finally moved to a "better" neighborhood and school, I was more than a semester ahead of the kids at the better school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 09:27 AM Flag
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For every kid like you, there are 99 kids who will fall thru the cracks. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 10:07 AM Flag
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Get over it. Your kid will make of his education what he makes of it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 10:09 AM Flag
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Move if only for a year - sublet. GL and I am sorry that this happened to you. This process sucks! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.13.08, 05:50 PM Flag
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Have you toured the school (PS9) and looked at the work? The pre-k is very mixed and a huge percentage of them tested into the G&T program this year. I have heard nothing but good things about the K also. My dc tested 99% on the G and T and we toured Nest and Anderson. The pre-k work on the walls at PS9 was the same thing we saw on the Kindergarten walls at Nest. We decided to keep dc at 9, for social and commuting reasons and feel that the education will not suffer. This school is definitely coming up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.17.08, 06:04 PM Flag
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I think ps9 you are talking about (in D3) and ps9 OP is talking about (D13, which is in Brooklyn) is totally different school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.17.08, 06:24 PM Flag
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No, I'm talking about PS9 in Brooklyn. The Teunis Bergen school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.18.08, 04:20 PM Flag
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