TV Charter School

[blueeagle65]

Has anyone heard that current Charter School students that are not children of direct employees of TV are being told they can no longer attend the school? This is disturbing if true.

Any info would be appreciated.

[Irishmen]

Happens a lot when layoffs happen which it did last week to a major concrete company here in TV. No mercy. One 11th grader child has been going there since 1st grade but Dad got laid off and is now being told scram.

[gomoho]

Have not heard that, but I was under the impression that was a requirement to be admitted to the school - parent employed by The Villages.

[Irishmen]

Have not heard that, but I was under the impression that was a requirement to be admitted to the school - parent employed by The Villages.

There were 3 tiers: 1st tier Villages employee who works full time
2nd tier employees of contractors who build for the developer
And 3rd employees who work on Village property like shopping centers and the like.

[PammyJ]

Happens a lot when layoffs happen which it did last week to a major concrete company here in TV. No mercy. One 11th grader child has been going there since 1st grade but Dad got laid off and is now being told scram.

If this is true, how devastating to that child! Even major school districts have a " grandfathering" clause.

[gemorc]

The Villages is growing. The Villages payroll is growing. The Villages Charter School has a fixed enrollment. Part of the employment policy, for The Villages full time employees, is the enrollment of their children into The Villages Charter School. In order to enforce this policy, non-employees' children will have to leave to make room. Life is a b___ch.

[sandybill2]

Have not heard that, but I was under the impression that was a requirement to be admitted to the school - parent employed by The Villages.

my understanding as well. Talked to an employee -female---of one of the Village employers. Her husband was the "qualifying parent" and his company lost business with The Villages----she immediately found a job within the Villages so their child could continue to attend the Village Charter School----she called to tell the school---they already knew her husband was no longer employed--- Apparently this is a strict requirement and they have someone there that keeps track of it all. I heard that if the school year was almost over they would let the child attend until the year was over. Would like to think they would let a child finish out their year----

[Irishmen]

If this is true, how devastating to that child! Even major school districts have a " grandfathering" clause.

They won't take chance on losing the Charter. Strict enforcement.

[Tellmeyourstory....]

That is how the company keeps employees at low wages and expensive healt insurance. I know one single mom that works strictly to keep her son in the charter school and have health insurance for them both. She doesn't take much else home after that. she makes just a wee too much to get any assistance ( the public dole as they call it). But struggles week to week to pay for much other than her monthly bills.
If the are any extra clubs or trips her son wants to participate in, she can not afford it.

I commend her for sacrificing making any kind of money, just to keep her son in the villages school, but how shameful it is that they are kept under these restraints. She is afraid to ask for more money or even apply for another position, as she fears she will be fired or let go.

She even mentioned that one of her co-workers was being sexually harrassed and when she went to HR and her boss, she lost her job.

Doesn't sound the like the magical villages we all know does it?

[Tellmeyourstory....]

my understanding as well. Talked to an employee -female---of one of the Village employers. Her husband was the "qualifying parent" and his company lost business with The Villages----she immediately found a job within the Villages so their child could continue to attend the Village Charter School----she called to tell the school---they already knew her husband was no longer employed--- Apparently this is a strict requirement and they have someone there that keeps track of it all. I heard that if the school year was almost over they would let the child attend until the year was over. Would like to think they would let a child finish out their year----

PS. They have 30 days to relocate the student. It is very rare that they allow the kids to stay.

[justjim]

That is how the company keeps employees at low wages and expensive healt insurance. I know one single mom that works strictly to keep her son in the charter school and have health insurance for them both. She doesn't take much else home after that. she makes just a wee too much to get any assistance ( the public dole as they call it). But struggles week to week to pay for much other than her monthly bills.
If the are any extra clubs or trips her son wants to participate in, she can not afford it.

I commend her for sacrificing making any kind of money, just to keep her son in the villages school, but how shameful it is that they are kept under these restraints. She is afraid to ask for more money or even apply for another position, as she fears she will be fired or let go.

She even mentioned that one of her co-workers was being sexually harrassed and when she went to HR and her boss, she lost her job.

Doesn't sound the like the magical villages we all know does it?

:evil6: Whoa! And the State of Florida Board of Education (or whatever it is called) approves of this? It is difficult to believe that any type of school (Charter or Public or whatever) would not have the students "best interest" as a priority. The requirement to be employed by a certain private employer seems like a "strange" and different way to setup a "charter" school.

[Villageshooter]

:evil6: Whoa! And the State of Florida Board of Education (or whatever it is called) approves of this? It is difficult to believe that any type of school (Charter or Public or whatever) would not have the students "best interest" as a priority. The requirement to be employed by a certain private employer seems like a "strange" and different way to setup a "charter" school.

these are the rules,, folks gotta learn that is the way it is,,, that is problem,,, parents what say,, YEA BUT NOT MY KID! I applaud our developer for sticking to the rules,,, just maybe the parents as well as students realize you have to be responsible and do the right thing... if you dont like the rules,, go to the public school.... this school is the McDonalds happy meal NO SUBSTITUTIONS! deal with it!

[GaryW]

these are the rules,, folks gotta learn that is the way it is,,, that is problem,,, parents what say,, YEA BUT NOT MY KID! I applaud our developer for sticking to the rules,,, just maybe the parents as well as students realize you have to be responsible and do the right thing... if you dont like the rules,, go to the public school.... this school is the McDonalds happy meal NO SUBSTITUTIONS! deal with it!

How far from the truth!!!

Kinda makes a lot of sense,,, Build a brand new 4th and 5th grade center due to wanting to expand the school. :faint::faint:
Now wait the developer is applauded for staying strict and laying off a mess of people and taking their kids out of the school that you just added to with millions of dollars :boom::BigApplause::BigApplause: Makes even more sense.. NOT!!!!

Need to make sure you understand everything before opening mouth and inserting foot and chomping vigorously. Seems a lot of that happens.

Spend millions to expand then kick everyone out,, Smart Busniess to me?? Even Better lets build 5000 more homes,, but wait lets not sell them,,, We did not need all that money anyway..............................

:spoken:

[paulandjean]

Charter Schools.Your taxpayer money at work.Worse thing to happen to education.The state pays the school,what $8000-$10000 per student. School like this are just out to make a buck. No sense of pride with schools like this.

[paulandjean]

:evil6: Whoa! And the State of Florida Board of Education (or whatever it is called) approves of this? It is difficult to believe that any type of school (Charter or Public or whatever) would not have the students "best interest" as a priority. The requirement to be employed by a certain private employer seems like a "strange" and different way to setup a "charter" school.

This was strange from the very onset.Like the "company store"concept back in the West Virgina cool mines.

[gomoho]

Charter Schools.Your taxpayer money at work.Worse thing to happen to education.The state pays the school,what $8000-$10000 per student. School like this are just out to make a buck. No sense of pride with schools like this.

Except this particular Charter School is tops in the state - probably offering one of the best educations in the state of Florida. Their numbers prove it - people aren't sacrificing to send their kids there because their getting a bad education.

[Pibb26]

Except this particular Charter School is tops in the state - probably offering one of the best educations in the state of Florida. Their numbers prove it - people aren't sacrificing to send their kids there because their getting a bad education.


It is one of the top schools in the state. One that still says the pledge every day and teaches citizenship. Yes...it is a charter that you have to qualify for, by being employed in one of the tiers. And they do let students finish out the year, depending on what time of year the qualifying parent no longer qualifies. They have steep expectations of the parents of the students as well in terms of involvement. They are not perfect, but it is an exceptional campus! And if I had kids of that age would have them there in a heartbeat!

[bkcunningham1]

My stepdaughter works for The Villages and our granddaughter goes to the Early Childhood Development Center. We, including my stepdaughter and her husband, are thrilled with her job and our granddaughter's school. My stepdaughter makes considerable less than she made in Baltimore, but it is all relative. Their rent is considerable less, the cost of our granddaughter's school is mush less than Baltimore daycares...it is all relative.

She knew about the wages when they decided to move. She also knew her daughter would get a better education here than inside the Baltimore City School District. It is safer, cleaner, warmer, friendlier and an all around better environment for all of them. My son-in-law is actually making more money than he has ever made in his life.

My stepdaughter has applied for other jobs within TV while employed at her current position. She is looking to improve herself financially and started wanting to climb the chain, so to speak. Her supervisor knows about it and has never said a negative word. She only gives her encouragement.

The last time she talked about a job opening and applying, her supervisor asked her to please stop looking for another job. She told her that she was putting it in the budget to send her to school so she can move up in her current department and make more money.

[Pibb26]

My stepdaughter works for The Villages and our granddaughter goes to the Early Childhood Development Center. We, including my stepdaughter and her husband, are thrilled with her job and our granddaughter's school. My stepdaughter makes considerable less than she made in Baltimore, but it is all relative. Their rent is considerable less, the cost of our granddaughter's school is mush less than Baltimore daycares...it is all relative.

She knew about the wages when they decided to move. She also knew her daughter would get a better education here than inside the Baltimore City School District. It is safer, cleaner, warmer, friendlier and an all around better environment for all of them. My son-in-law is actually making more money than he has ever made in his life.

My stepdaughter has applied for other jobs within TV while employed at her current position. She is looking to improve herself financially and started wanting to climb the chain, so to speak. Her supervisor knows about it and has never said a negative word. She only gives her encouragement.

The last time she talked about a job opening and applying, her supervisor asked her to please stop looking for another job. She told her that she was putting it in the budget to send her to school so she can move up in her current department and make more money.

BK...it is sad...the State of Florida is ranked 46th in teacher pay!

[bkcunningham1]

BK...it is sad...the State of Florida is ranked 46th in teacher pay!

Just shows you that teacher pay doesn't have much to do with quality of education.

[ijusluvit]

Just shows you that teacher pay doesn't have much to do with quality of education.

Quite the contrary.

Across the country, performance in public schools is directly related to teacher pay. So it is no accident that Florida, which ranks very low in teacher pay is also ranked very low in performance. If you use the Villages Charter Schools as an example, one of the reasons they do so well is because they recruit better teachers and pay them more than area public schools do. The state just recently rewarded the charter school's overall good performance with another grant, which will be used for one time bonuses to teachers. This is the tenth consecutive year the charter schools received that award.

[paulandjean]

So lets lay-off someone who has a job thru the villages. Now lets kick their kid out of the school also.So the child worries about their parent losing a job and now they have to pull up from their school also and start somewhere also. Boy these educaters there have your child first in their minds. they should be ashamed of themselves. Its all about the buck. Surprised the school is not named for the owners .

[ilovetv]

Just shows you that teacher pay doesn't have much to do with quality of education.

Amen!

And in the end, it's up to the parent who makes the effort and brings their child to school here.

Obviously they think the extra effort is worth it, to have their children go to a school that is safer with more dedicated faculty and parents, and curricular development like this:

The Villages Charter High School (http://www.thevillagescharterschool.org/highSchool/highSchool.asp)

If the parents did not see TV Charter Schools as significantly better than their home district's school, then they would do the easier thing which is to leave them at home when they come to work, and let the kids go to the public school there at home.

[Bonny]

Just remember, when the employees put their children in the Charter School, they know the rules. They also know with the current economy there is always a chance of losing your job. It's a chance they choose to take.

[GaryW]

Things that make you go Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm???????

My kids are in the school, one since 1st grade, graduates this year. the other the whole time and is in 7th grade.
Would not let them go anywhere else... I have seen quite a few teachers come and go. Some for reasons that are unknown. Great School,, new and most everything top notch. But just like any other school, they have issues also.
But I have seen some things with parents and all that would drive you up the wall. Lets say it matters who you are..... Leave it at that..

Other than that,, best school around :shrug::shrug:

[GaryW]

duplicate

[ilovetv]

Financial Audit for 2012 of The Villages Charter Schools:

http://www.myflorida.com/audgen/pages/chschools_efile%20rpts/2012%20the%20villages%20charter%20school.pdf

[njbchbum]

hmmmm...I wonder if a child would have to leave the school if their family no longer met the requirements for attendance AND the child was an outstanding academic and/or athlete who boosted the school stats?

[jbdlfan]

Couple of mis-statements:
TVCS teachers are not higher paid than district counterparts. They pay the prevailing wage. They tend to draw younger teachers at the lower end of the pay scale. They also don't offer state pension program, but do have a 401K.
Students can be removed from the school for a myriad of reasons, including parent employment. When they begin to get overcrowded, they will tighten the restrictions.
Not all employees choose to send their kids to TVCS. There are many students at surrounding schools. A major point for parents sending their kids to TVCS has a lot to do with its size compared to surrounding schools.
TVCS does not provide the resources for many challenged kids like ESE or 504 students, hence, improved test scores. Trust me, many schools play the manipulation game when it comes to state mandated tests.

[jbdlfan]

Except this particular Charter School is tops in the state - probably offering one of the best educations in the state of Florida. Their numbers prove it - people aren't sacrificing to send their kids there because their getting a bad education.

Where in the world did you get that they are tops in the state. The Ele., Middle, or HS aren't even tops in the county individually. They get the high ranking because they get ranked together. Adding a high school to the mix that can manage a high graduation rate will skew the rating.
Are they a good school? Absolutely, but not even close to tops in the state. Check out the state test scores at https://app2.fldoe.org/Ranking/Schools/.
Florida's top schools are tremendous and can compete with the best nationwide, but TVCS isn't there yet.

[paulandjean]

Where in the world did you get that they are tops in the state. The Ele., Middle, or HS aren't even tops in the county individually. They get the high ranking because they get ranked together. Adding a high school to the mix that can manage a high graduation rate will skew the rating.
Are they a good school? Absolutely, but not even close to tops in the state. Check out the state test scores at https://app2.fldoe.org/Ranking/Schools/.
Florida's top schools are tremendous and can compete with the best nationwide, but TVCS isn't there yet.

Agree, Retired from teaching.do not put a lot of faith in test scores.They are a "Private" charter school. They are so different than your typical Florida charter school.Scores are misleading.To bad they do not the right thing and let the children stay,once they have started in their program.

[graciegirl]

...

[gomoho]

Where in the world did you get that they are tops in the state. The Ele., Middle, or HS aren't even tops in the county individually. They get the high ranking because they get ranked together. Adding a high school to the mix that can manage a high graduation rate will skew the rating.
Are they a good school? Absolutely, but not even close to tops in the state. Check out the state test scores at https://app2.fldoe.org/Ranking/Schools/.
Florida's top schools are tremendous and can compete with the best nationwide, but TVCS isn't there yet.

I stand corrected - they are in the top 10 - nothing to scoff at.

[manaboutown]

U.S. News gives them a "bronze" award and rates them as a "best" school. Their test scores are somewhat better than the state average. To which colleges and universities are the seniors gaining admission?

[Villages Kahuna]

Have not heard that, but I was under the impression that was a requirement to be admitted to the school - parent employed by The Villages.Parental employment by The Villages, contractors working for The Villages, or employees of businesses leasing Villages-owned property is indeed a requirement for enrollment in the charter schools. In addition, parents of students have to provide evidence of continued employment of at least 20 hours per week, usually a paycheck stub, every month.

Those are the rules, well understood and agreed to up front. If for whatever reason those rules aren't satisfied, the children of those parents no longer qualifying are dismissed to be enrolled in appropriate public schools.

Those are the rules which are reflected in the school's charter and are not subject to interpretation.

[Villages Kahuna]

hmmmm...I wonder if a child would have to leave the school if their family no longer met the requirements for attendance AND the child was an outstanding academic and/or athlete who boosted the school stats?
Yeah, they do. A couple years ago TV high school had a linebacker who was rated in the top 50 high school players in the country. Just before his senior year, his "sponsoring" parent lost his qualifying job. The kid had to transfer to Leesburg HS where he completed his senior year and graduated.

The story turned out OK though. The young man has a full athletic grant-in-aid to Stanford, where he is a sophomore on the football team.

[jbdlfan]

U.S. News gives them a "bronze" award and rates them as a "best" school. Their test scores are somewhat better than the state average. To which colleges and universities are the seniors gaining admission?

Look, I have said before and I will say it again, I HAVE HAD A KID THAT GRADUATED FROM THE SCHOOL! 99% of you haven't. I have experience beyond,walking through the hall once or going to a football game or even volunteering there. Not to mention I am a teacher. If we had to choose again, our kid would have gone somewhere else. Period. But hey, what do I know.

[jbdlfan]

I stand corrected - they are in the top 10 - nothing to scoff at.

Look at the individual school scores. Like I said, I'm nit dissing them, just stating facts. (some folks on here hate the facts)

[jbdlfan]

Yeah, they do. A couple years ago TV high school had a linebacker who was rated in the top 50 high school players in the country. Just before his senior year, his "sponsoring" parent lost his qualifying job. The kid had to transfer to Leesburg HS where he completed his senior year and graduated.

The story turned out OK though. The young man has a full athletic grant-in-aid to Stanford, where he is a sophomore on the football team.

That was a choice of the parents to "leave" the school. They wanted him out and to another school. Job change was not the "reason", but more of a choice.

[paulandjean]

Yeah, they do. A couple years ago TV high school had a linebacker who was rated in the top 50 high school players in the country. Just before his senior year, his "sponsoring" parent lost his qualifying job. The kid had to transfer to Leesburg HS where he completed his senior year and graduated.

The story turned out OK though. The young man has a full athletic grant-in-aid to Stanford, where he is a sophomore on the football team.

I heard the parents were not happy with the football program.The program was much better and level of play was much better at Leesburg. The Villages program in football was they were playing down with the schedule.

[paulandjean]

Look, I have said before and I will say it again, I HAVE HAD A KID THAT GRADUATED FROM THE SCHOOL! 99% of you haven't. I have experience beyond,walking through the hall once or going to a football game or even volunteering there. Not to mention I am a teacher. If we had to choose again, our kid would have gone somewhere else. Period. But hey, what do I know.

I believe you.I have heard this comment from a few also"our kid would have gone somewhere else. Couple of times by athletes and their family.

[gomoho]

Look at the individual school scores. Like I said, I'm nit dissing them, just stating facts. (some folks on here hate the facts)

I went to the link YOU supplied and saw them listed as #9. Maybe you are the one having issue with the FACTS.

[Pibb26]

What part of "school of choice" is so hard to understand? If you would like your kid to attend there then there are rules that need to be followed.
Some of the teachers do not make it there because of the demands of the job...you have to actually want to teach! (no union protection or enabling!)

[paulandjean]

What part of "school of choice" is so hard to understand? If you would like your kid to attend there then there are rules that need to be followed.
Some of the teachers do not make it there because of the demands of the job...you have to actually want to teach! (no union protection or enabling!)

Think you do not understand. The villages schools "are not schools of choice"Schools of choice all students may attend if there is room in that grade. Not all can attend the village schools. they select.

[jbdlfan]

I went to the link YOU supplied and saw them listed as #9. Maybe you are the one having issue with the FACTS.

Ok, again, I will explain this. The #9 is for all schools combined. Not all schools get rated this way because they have more than one Elem., MS attached to their HS. If you look at each school's numbers individually, they are below other schools in the county. This is a Fact. I can go get the numbers, come back here, list the numbers and ratings, but you will still not agree, so you can see it as you care. Spend a little more time and research and you will see what I mean. Remember, if a high school has a high graduation rate attached to the other schools, they all get that reward. Now you can boast about the high graduation rate if you want.

[jbdlfan]

What part of "school of choice" is so hard to understand? If you would like your kid to attend there then there are rules that need to be followed.
Some of the teachers do not make it there because of the demands of the job...you have to actually want to teach! (no union protection or enabling!)

Do you teach there? What does the union have to do with this? Florida is a right to work state. I teach in another county and don't belong to the union. Teacher's union in Florida is very weak, if you have been watching the news the last five years you would have heard that. Salaries are much lower here, union or not. Benefits are less also. The teachers at TVCS get the same benefits as other Villages employees, they are not that great. Good, I suppose, but certainly not extraoirdinary.

[paulandjean]

Think it only the tier3 kids who are being kicked out.You would hear a bigger stink if it was tier 1 and 2. Are kids really calling themselves 1,2 and threes.Teachers must think this is a real pain.

[manaboutown]

How well do the students at the school do on their SAT and/or ACT scores (if they take these tests)? If so how do they compare to other schools in Florida and nationally?

[jbdlfan]

What are the ranges of SAT and/or ACT scores at the school?

SAT average around 1100 without writing 1500 with. Florida has traditionally had lower scores, but they are improving.

[Pibb26]

Do you teach there? What does the union have to do with this? Florida is a right to work state. I teach in another county and don't belong to the union. Teacher's union in Florida is very weak, if you have been watching the news the last five years you would have heard that. Salaries are much lower here, union or not. Benefits are less also. The teachers at TVCS get the same benefits as other Villages employees, they are not that great. Good, I suppose, but certainly not extraoirdinary.

They are a School of Choice (meaning you are choosing to place your child there as opposed to them going to their public school) if you meet their requirements.
My point with the union was that there are many teachers in the system who under perform because they have tenure or the "backing" of the union. TVCS has excellent health care and the 401k is not bad. They do an employer match % far greater than most! If you are smart enough to take advantage of free money!
All in all it is an excellent school. Do they have issues? Sure, but what entity out there has none?

[GaryW]

Removed by me

[ilovetv]

All of the conjecture and hearsay being said here, by people who have never set foot in the door of TVCS, could be laid to rest by actually going there and being a joyful giver of your time as a volunteer, as some of my neighbors do joyfully!

Then maybe you'd actually know what you're talking about! But then, you'd probably have to stop looking for reasons to hate the developer even more, because the school faculty and staff are focused on educating and nurturing the kids, not using the school as a political football.

[jbdlfan]

They are a School of Choice (meaning you are choosing to place your child there as opposed to them going to their public school) if you meet their requirements.
My point with the union was that there are many teachers in the system who under perform because they have tenure or the "backing" of the union. TVCS has excellent health care and the 401k is not bad. They do an employer match % far greater than most! If you are smart enough to take advantage of free money!
All in all it is an excellent school. Do they have issues? Sure, but what entity out there has none?

Excellent healthcare? Ummm....wife is an employee and I can say it is not "excellent". As a matter of fact, it just took a turn for the worse this month. "in the system" What system? "backing" As I stated, Florida is a right to work state. The Union is pretty benign here.

[jbdlfan]

All of the conjecture and hearsay being said here, by people who have never set foot in the door of TVCS, could be laid to rest by actually going there and being a joyful giver of your time as a volunteer, as some of my neighbors do joyfully!

Then maybe you'd actually know what you're talking about! But then, you'd probably have to stop looking for reasons to hate the developer even more, because the school faculty and staff are focused on educating and nurturing the kids, not using the school as a political football.

I did over 150 PI hours there so I think I'm fairly qualified to speak on the issue. Can't say anything I've posted had anything to do with the developer.

[GaryW]

This is getting carried away.. Talk about a Controversy.. We have been in the Charter school for 12 years now and got 5 to go after this year. I have had issues with them and turned around and praised the effort they give the students. Everyone is going to see something different in everything. Everyone will not agree on any one thing, if so, Imagine how strong our country would be. So everyone agree to disagree. That is why I removed my post earlier in this thread. Some people see things in a different way than others.

I love the school even with somethings that have happened years back. But it is a lot better than other places I know of.

Just think of the people in Virginia and DC right now.... :cold::cold::cold:
Take your minds off TVCS...


:boxing2::boxing2::spoken:

[ilovetv]

I did over 150 PI hours there so I think I'm fairly qualified to speak on the issue. Can't say anything I've posted had anything to do with the developer.

That's good! My post wasn't directed at you, but those "who have never set foot in TVCS" but critique it anyway.

[gomoho]

I can't imagine why people are so adamantly against it if their children aren't even attending the school. Sour grapes, maybe???

[jbdlfan]

I can't imagine why people are so adamantly against it if their children aren't even attending the school. Sour grapes, maybe???

See, here lies in the problem. I have never said I was against the school. As I have said, my kid graduated from there. I just wish people would be mature enough to see it for what it is.... part public part private business that has as many warts as it has diamonds. It is a good school that knows how to do what it does. Nothing more, nothing less. It has a 100% graduation rate, all levels of the school are A rated, and has trmendous support from the community. But it is far from the utopia that some seem to believe it is.
I'm done.

[paulandjean]

My final say,The village schools are a good "Private Charter School".

[mrsanborn]

There are three things I will not argue about. Religion, politics and The Village Charter School. But, I guess what matters most is what is in a name.

[gomoho]

See, here lies in the problem. I have never said I was against the school. As I have said, my kid graduated from there. I just wish people would be mature enough to see it for what it is.... part public part private business that has as many warts as it has diamonds. It is a good school that knows how to do what it does. Nothing more, nothing less. It has a 100% graduation rate, all levels of the school are A rated, and has trmendous support from the community. But it is far from the utopia that some seem to believe it is.
I'm done.

Thank you for that clarification. I recently moved from a city in NC that had a graduation rate of about 78% with more kids dropping out than finishing. I saw the gangsters hanging around the school when it was time for the kids to get out to either sell drugs or try and convince the girls they would take care of them. Pathetic. I imagine other folks have seen the same before they moved here so to hear a school in The Villages is doing so well is no wonder we jump on the band wagon. And I am sorry, but Florida is one of the states that a lot of people think have a sub par education system. We moved frequently with my husband's career and I can certainly say without hesitation the schools in the north my kids attended were far superior to those in Virginia and Florida. Just one mom's opinion. Hope you can understand where I'm coming from.

[Cassie325]

I have not posted on this site in a very long time, however occasionally other members send me links to conversations they think I might be interested in. This is the first I felt the need to log on and say something.
My child attends TVCS. when we first moved here in Aug 2008, we had to go to the public school in Leesburg. This school was an A rated school in the state, but it was the worst experience we had ever been through.
I made a decision to leave my comfy, well paying, work from home job, to find anything I could within the charter school approved employers.
I ended up working for minimum wage, having to be at work at 5:30am and having to find a friend to leave my child with early in the AM and then be driven to school. I lost my health insurance for the two of us. I had to move into a less expensive apartment and made major lifestyle changes in regards to canceling gym membership, cable and Internet extras and eating out, etc....

Was it worth it?

Every minute of every hour and every penny and dollar lost.

I have since worked my way into one of The Villages owned companies and while I am now on the top tier of employment for TVCS eligibility, I still have two more years to go, which to me means, doing whatever it takes to keep my job. Everyone is replaceable. I believe almost every parent that LOVES the school system always keeps this in mind. We do our best but with the ever changing world of The Villages, no one is ever guaranteed their job.

With all of that said, I would not change a thing. The school has its issues but what school doesn't. The teachers are incredible, passionate and care about the kids. The teachers respond to my emails almost immediately (within the day) when I have concerns or questions. They reach out to me with their concerns or their praise.

The administration is fierce about protecting our children, not letting strangers on the campus with our being signed in at the office and approved. Even if a parent goes on campus during the school day without signing in...they will call the cops...they do not tolerate the rules being broken.

I work full time and while only required 20 hours of parental involvement time, I average 40-60 each year, because I feel I should give back to what gives to me.

My child is a B student on average...but B's in AP courses, B's in honors classes...occasionally an A or a C. When my child graduates it will be with an Associates degree or very close to it! Tests scores are not modified. They are what they are.

I love this town, I love my job, I love our school. None of it is perfect, it is full of reality...it is so worth it.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have not posted on this site in a very long time, however occasionally other members send me links to conversations they think I might be interested in. This is the first I felt the need to log on and say something.
My child attends TVCS. when we first moved here in Aug 2008, we had to go to the public school in Leesburg. This school was an A rated school in the state, but it was the worst experience we had ever been through.
I made a decision to leave my comfy, well paying, work from home job, to find anything I could within the charter school approved employers.
I ended up working for minimum wage, having to be at work at 5:30am and having to find a friend to leave my child with early in the AM and then be driven to school. I lost my health insurance for the two of us. I had to move into a less expensive apartment and made major lifestyle changes in regards to canceling gym membership, cable and Internet extras and eating out, etc....

Was it worth it?

Every minute of every hour and every penny and dollar lost.

I have since worked my way into one of The Villages owned companies and while I am now on the top tier of employment for TVCS eligibility, I still have two more years to go, which to me means, doing whatever it takes to keep my job. Everyone is replaceable. I believe almost every parent that LOVES the school system always keeps this in mind. We do our best but with the ever changing world of The Villages, no one is ever guaranteed their job.

With all of that said, I would not change a thing. The school has its issues but what school doesn't. The teachers are incredible, passionate and care about the kids. The teachers respond to my emails almost immediately (within the day) when I have concerns or questions. They reach out to me with their concerns or their praise.

The administration is fierce about protecting our children, not letting strangers on the campus with our being signed in at the office and approved. Even if a parent goes on campus during the school day without signing in...they will call the cops...they do not tolerate the rules being broken.

I work full time and while only required 20 hours of parental involvement time, I average 40-60 each year, because I feel I should give back to what gives to me.

My child is a B student on average...but B's in AP courses, B's in honors classes...occasionally an A or a C. When my child graduates it will be with an Associates degree or very close to it! Tests scores are not modified. They are what they are.

I love this town, I love my job, I love our school. None of it is perfect, it is full of reality...it is so worth it.

Any posts after the above ...................have no meaning. Thank you for your insight!

[Tellmeyourstory....]

Any posts after the above ...................have no meaning. Thank you for your insight!

I agree!!! Thank you Cassie325.


:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:
:mademyday:

[rabonkmontage@msn.com]

Once you quit the country club your children can no longer use the pool.

[mickey100]

Thank you for that clarification. I recently moved from a city in NC that had a graduation rate of about 78% with more kids dropping out than finishing. I saw the gangsters hanging around the school when it was time for the kids to get out to either sell drugs or try and convince the girls they would take care of them. Pathetic. I imagine other folks have seen the same before they moved here so to hear a school in The Villages is doing so well is no wonder we jump on the band wagon. And I am sorry, but Florida is one of the states that a lot of people think have a sub par education system. We moved frequently with my husband's career and I can certainly say without hesitation the schools in the north my kids attended were far superior to those in Virginia and Florida. Just one mom's opinion. Hope you can understand where I'm coming from.

Thank you. We do understand..

One of my golfing friends has a grandson that attended the Charter School, and there were issues with the school and the teachers that caused them to pull the kid out and transfer him to the Leesburg school. She is so glad they did that. Her grandson's self esteem is much better now, and his grades have really improved. Not knocking the school, but just to say there is something for everyone, and nothing is utopia like some on TOTV would have you believe.

[graciegirl]

I have not posted on this site in a very long time, however occasionally other members send me links to conversations they think I might be interested in. This is the first I felt the need to log on and say something.
My child attends TVCS. when we first moved here in Aug 2008, we had to go to the public school in Leesburg. This school was an A rated school in the state, but it was the worst experience we had ever been through.
I made a decision to leave my comfy, well paying, work from home job, to find anything I could within the charter school approved employers.
I ended up working for minimum wage, having to be at work at 5:30am and having to find a friend to leave my child with early in the AM and then be driven to school. I lost my health insurance for the two of us. I had to move into a less expensive apartment and made major lifestyle changes in regards to canceling gym membership, cable and Internet extras and eating out, etc....

Was it worth it?

Every minute of every hour and every penny and dollar lost.

I have since worked my way into one of The Villages owned companies and while I am now on the top tier of employment for TVCS eligibility, I still have two more years to go, which to me means, doing whatever it takes to keep my job. Everyone is replaceable. I believe almost every parent that LOVES the school system always keeps this in mind. We do our best but with the ever changing world of The Villages, no one is ever guaranteed their job.

With all of that said, I would not change a thing. The school has its issues but what school doesn't. The teachers are incredible, passionate and care about the kids. The teachers respond to my emails almost immediately (within the day) when I have concerns or questions. They reach out to me with their concerns or their praise.

The administration is fierce about protecting our children, not letting strangers on the campus with our being signed in at the office and approved. Even if a parent goes on campus during the school day without signing in...they will call the cops...they do not tolerate the rules being broken.

I work full time and while only required 20 hours of parental involvement time, I average 40-60 each year, because I feel I should give back to what gives to me.

My child is a B student on average...but B's in AP courses, B's in honors classes...occasionally an A or a C. When my child graduates it will be with an Associates degree or very close to it! Tests scores are not modified. They are what they are.

I love this town, I love my job, I love our school. None of it is perfect, it is full of reality...it is so worth it.

Great post Cassie. The sacrifices that you have made to give your daughter a good opportunity in Education are to be commended.

[paulandjean]

Do not think,many of you get it. Private charter school. Taxpayers money going to a private school built by the developer using taxpayers money. School only can be used by select few ,who are not allowed to live here.Can only attend based on keeping job with villages. Its about the parents ,not the kids. What if they pull the charter,what lies ahead with the buildings. Remember taxpayers built the structure,not the developers money.Charter school were started for quality education for all, you could live anywhere in the county, but here a child living at 301 and 466 who could walk to school is not allowed to attend.Empoyees of the village with kids there are like employees of west virginia coal mine towns. Sold your soul to the company store.They should open the school up to everyone in the county. Why would they build it there. Should have been built off-campus.

[graciegirl]

Do not think,many of you get it. Private charter school. Taxpayers money going to a private school built by the developer using taxpayers money. School only can be used by select few ,who are not allowed to live here.Can only attend based on keeping job with villages. Its about the parents ,not the kids. What if they pull the charter,what lies ahead with the buildings. Remember taxpayers built the structure,not the developers money.Charter school were started for quality education for all, you could live anywhere in the county, but here a child living at 301 and 466 who could walk to school is not allowed to attend.Empoyees of the village with kids there are like employees of west virginia coal mine towns. Sold your soul to the company store.They should open the school up to everyone in the county. Why would they build it there. Should have been built off-campus.


Charter school - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_school)

The people who come here to work are not forced by poverty to come here and work. They have choices. They can work in Orlando or Leesburg or Ocala or Wildwood or Bellview or Deland or in Alaska.

Some reactions to the presence of the charter schools are very emotional. I think it has to be partially because public money is used in part to fund them.

I guess then that is when it becomes political.

I SENSE that there must be some discrimination for and privileges given to children whose parents have more important jobs in the Villages systems but us ordinary folks back when, we had some of that happen in public or parochial school if someone's dad was the Mayor or a doctor or lawyer or whose uncle was the bishop or who owned a big company locally.

Human nature. Not always pretty and not always fair either. Sometime, somewhere it must be explained to the children who are in our charge that they must live in a world where rank has it's privileges and that things aren't always fair and how to handle those situations...hopefully for themselves and with our support.How to negotiate an unfair world and how to handle realities are very important and often taught to us by our parents and grandparents if we are lucky.

[pooh]

" The Villages Charter School (VCS) is identified as "a Charter School in the Workplace" and operated as a Florida not-for-profit corporation. Established through Florida law, charter schools in the workplace are public charter schools with the ability to target a specific student population. Charter schools are public schools of choice. VCS exists as a part of the “Choice” program defined by the Florida Department of Education (see 1002.33)."

[paulandjean]

" The Villages Charter School (VCS) is identified as "a Charter School in the Workplace" and operated as a Florida not-for-profit corporation. Established through Florida law, charter schools in the workplace are public charter schools with the ability to target a specific student population. Charter schools are public schools of choice. VCS exists as a part of the “Choice” program defined by the Florida Department of Education (see 1002.33)."

Tell that "choice Part" to the kids that were asked to leave.

[pooh]

Isn't it like that for most charter schools? My grandkids attend a charter school....with boundary limits. They have recently moved and had to make sure they stayed within the school's geographical boundaries for school enrollment.

[jbdlfan]

Any posts after the above ...................have no meaning. Thank you for your insight!

Why wouldn't they have any meaning???? Because she's happy, everybodies happy??? You honestly think everyone has the same experience????
That is a typical response......

[paulandjean]

Once you quit the country club your children can no longer use the pool.

Or in this case receive a education.Not sure of the country club, never belonged or entered.Wonder if the emplouees that do manuel labor jobs for the villages have children in the charter schools? Sorry, "employees"

[jbdlfan]

I have not posted on this site in a very long time, however occasionally other members send me links to conversations they think I might be interested in. This is the first I felt the need to log on and say something.
My child attends TVCS. when we first moved here in Aug 2008, we had to go to the public school in Leesburg. This school was an A rated school in the state, but it was the worst experience we had ever been through.
I made a decision to leave my comfy, well paying, work from home job, to find anything I could within the charter school approved employers.
I ended up working for minimum wage, having to be at work at 5:30am and having to find a friend to leave my child with early in the AM and then be driven to school. I lost my health insurance for the two of us. I had to move into a less expensive apartment and made major lifestyle changes in regards to canceling gym membership, cable and Internet extras and eating out, etc....

Was it worth it?

Every minute of every hour and every penny and dollar lost.

I have since worked my way into one of The Villages owned companies and while I am now on the top tier of employment for TVCS eligibility, I still have two more years to go, which to me means, doing whatever it takes to keep my job. Everyone is replaceable. I believe almost every parent that LOVES the school system always keeps this in mind. We do our best but with the ever changing world of The Villages, no one is ever guaranteed their job.

With all of that said, I would not change a thing. The school has its issues but what school doesn't. The teachers are incredible, passionate and care about the kids. The teachers respond to my emails almost immediately (within the day) when I have concerns or questions. They reach out to me with their concerns or their praise.

The administration is fierce about protecting our children, not letting strangers on the campus with our being signed in at the office and approved. Even if a parent goes on campus during the school day without signing in...they will call the cops...they do not tolerate the rules being broken.

I work full time and while only required 20 hours of parental involvement time, I average 40-60 each year, because I feel I should give back to what gives to me.

My child is a B student on average...but B's in AP courses, B's in honors classes...occasionally an A or a C. When my child graduates it will be with an Associates degree or very close to it! Tests scores are not modified. They are what they are.

I love this town, I love my job, I love our school. None of it is perfect, it is full of reality...it is so worth it.

I commend you for your committment to your childs education. Awesome parental involvement. But we had a very different experience, as individuals will. I will add that we thought that the AP classes would be sufficient in preparation for further education, but sadly this was not the case. My child's experience was that the classes at TVCS did not provide the rigor necessary to prepare him for college. That's a kid that graduated with a 4.3 and got a 2180 on the SAT! But as I said, that is our experience. If you are happy there and your child is happy, who cares!

[jbdlfan]

Charter school - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_school)

The people who come here to work are not forced by poverty to come here and work. They have choices. They can work in Orlando or Leesburg or Ocala or Wildwood or Bellview or Deland or in Alaska.

Some reactions to the presence of the charter schools are very emotional. I think it has to be because public money is used to partially fund them.

I guess then that is when it becomes political. Or because some folks don't like the financial success of the developer. I am not sure why, since none of us have children in the schools, none of us who live in The Villages, anyway.

I SENSE that there must be some discrimination for and privileges given to children whose parents have more important jobs in the Villages systems but us ordinary folks back when, we had some of that happen in public or parochial school if someone's dad was the Mayor or a doctor or lawyer or whose uncle was the bishop or who owned a big company locally.

Human nature. Not always pretty and not always fair either. Sometime, somewhere it must be explained to the children who are in our charge that they must live in a world where rank has it's privileges.

Gracie, that has been basically my point all along. See, I knew we would agree on something!

[paulandjean]

Isn't it like that for most charter schools? My grandkids attend a charter school....with boundary limits. They have recently moved and had to make sure they stayed within the school's geographical boundaries for school enrollment.

The answer is No. If you have someone working for the villages ,you could live in Georgia and still attend. But if you live one quarter mile away you would not be allowed. Saddest thing,Daddy you lost your job and they will not let me back into school. Could I just finish the year? No o

[graciegirl]

The answer is No. If you have someone working for the villages ,you could live in Georgia and still attend. But if you live one quarter mile away you would not be allowed. Saddest thing,Daddy you lost your job and they will not let me back into school. Could I just finish the year? No o

When we were raising our children If daddy and mom couldn't pay the bills then our kids couldn't eat. We are responsible for our children. If an unexpected bad thing happens then we do the best for them we can and in so doing teach them that we will and can continue through disappointment and illness and bad times. We try not to spend all of the money we make so that we have some shield against bad things happening. We all must face life's realities sometime, somewhere and no one, NOT one of us hasn't had a set back or a bad thing happen. And have to make sacrifices to get through and change our original game plan.

No one ever wants to disappoint their children or have them suffer for anything, but they all will.

I understand what you are saying, but do you understand what I am saying? Life isn't fair or good always. It is our job to take care of our own and to teach them to get through it.

Or at least that is the way I was taught.

[pooh]

It is sad indeed , BUT this is a special charter school and them's the rules. I'm not sure what you don't understand. There are only a few of this particular type of charter schools in the state of Florida.

[Mikeod]

The answer is No. If you have someone working for the villages ,you could live in Georgia and still attend. But if you live one quarter mile away you would not be allowed. Saddest thing,Daddy you lost your job and they will not let me back into school. Could I just finish the year? No o

So what? My dad changed jobs in the midde of a school year more than once. I had to change schools mid-year. Somehow I survived. Somehow I got educated. It's not the end of the world, even if the kid thinks it is.

[janmcn]

It is sad indeed , BUT this is a special charter school and them's the rules. I'm not sure what you don't understand. There are only a few of this particular type of charter schools in the state of Florida.

As I recall, when this school was first proposed over 10 years ago, there was only one other work related charter school in the country, and that school was in CA. Perhaps it's time for the Florida Legislature to take another look at these "special charter schools".

[pooh]

as i recall, when this school was first proposed over 10 years ago, there was only one other work related charter school in the country, and that school was in ca. Perhaps it's time for the florida legislature to take another look at these "special charter schools".

why???

[paulandjean]

So what? My dad changed jobs in the midde of a school year more than once. I had to change schools mid-year. Somehow I survived. Somehow I got educated. It's not the end of the world, even if the kid thinks it is.

Good for you, but did they kick you out because your dad got fired.Big difference. Maybe at the country club, its no big deal switching schools but to some it is. Remember kids"the only reason you are here, is because of your mom and dads job.I taught in the real world. But to some current posters, the villages is so good, and everything is just right that whatever the owner wants to do is God for them.

[graciegirl]

Good for you, but did they kick you out because your dad got fired.Big difference. Maybe at the country club, its no big deal switching schools but to some it is. Remember kids"the only reason you are here, is because of your mom and dads job.I taught in the real world. But to some current posters, the villages is so good, and everything is just right that whatever the owner wants to do is God for them.

BoyHowdy.

[paulandjean]

BoyHowdy.

You got that right.

[ilovetv]

If it weren't so sad it would be laughable.

Every month there are extensive threads here, full of complaints about the hospital and lack of "good" doctors "who speak English", "went to a top medical school"...blah, blah, blah. People rave about how the only hospital they think is worth going to is MassGeneral, or some other huge teaching and research center.

People (rightly) complain about how TVRH has horribly long wait times in the ER during peak season. Obviously, top hospital administrators, nurses, technicians, engineers, etc. are needed here, and there have to be benefits offered to them to want to move here to work. Why would a sought-after young doctor or nurse or dentist with children want to move to a retirement community??

So when TV developers start a school system to attract young, fresh, brilliant and caring doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, carpenters, landscape architects, golf-course builders and greens superintendents etc. to move here without reluctance to have to send their children to mediocre or weak or dangerous public schools, people use the charter schools as one more way to condemn the developer for being "rich" and "greedy" (never mind the fact that we all chose to spend our money here without a gun to our heads).

The sad part is that those who claim to care so much about the kids, really want them to have to stay in schools that are dangerous, mediocre or weak in instruction, and poorly managed....so that the unions can keep their hold on them, instead of the parents who only get one chance to raise and educate their kids the best way they can find.

[jbdlfan]

If it weren't so sad it would be laughable.

Every month there are extensive threads here, full of complaints about the hospital and lack of "good" doctors "who speak English", "went to a top medical school"...blah, blah, blah. People rave about how the only hospital they think is worth going to is MassGeneral, or some other huge teaching and research center.

People (rightly) complain about how TVRH has horribly long wait times in the ER during peak season. Obviously, top hospital administrators, nurses, technicians, engineers, etc. are needed here, and there have to be benefits offered to them to want to move here to work. Why would a sought-after young doctor or nurse or dentist with children want to move to a retirement community??

So when TV developers start a school system to attract young, fresh, brilliant and caring doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, carpenters, landscape architects, golf-course builders and greens superintendents etc. to move here without reluctance to have to send their children to mediocre or weak or dangerous public schools, people use the charter schools as one more way to condemn the developer for being "rich" and "greedy" (never mind the fact that we all chose to spend our money here without a gun to our heads).

The sad part is that those who claim to care so much about the kids, really want them to have to stay in schools that are dangerous, mediocre or weak in instruction, and poorly managed....so that the unions can keep their hold on them, instead of the parents who only get one chance to raise and educate their kids the best way they can find.

As an educator in this area I find your comments highly offensive. Pretty sure you have never set foot in my school nor have you ever met or spent any time with my teachers. You have no clue about my school, my district or my students.

[mickey100]

If it weren't so sad it would be laughable.



....mediocre or weak or dangerous public schools,
The sad part is that those who claim to care so much about the kids, really want them to have to stay in schools that are dangerous, mediocre or weak in instruction, and poorly managed....so that the unions can keep their hold on them, instead of the parents who only get one chance to raise and educate their kids the best way they can find.

This post would be laughable if it wasn't so sad.

[simpkinp]

I agree with Gracie's thoughtful response. Everyone learns to accept disappointment sooner or later. The world is not perfect. Even here in Paradise!

[Mikeod]

Good for you, but did they kick you out because your dad got fired.Big difference. Maybe at the country club, its no big deal switching schools but to some it is. Remember kids"the only reason you are here, is because of your mom and dads job.I taught in the real world. But to some current posters, the villages is so good, and everything is just right that whatever the owner wants to do is God for them.
What the heck does the country club have to do with this? My parents didn't belong to a country club. You seem to make the assumption that people who support the Charter School somehow are elitists. Where does the developer enter into the discussion? Does he run the school? Does he get to approve the enrollment/disenrollment of students? Or did he just work to establish a Charter School in the Workplace to attract and retain talented people for his workforce and for those who establish businesses within TV.

Whether the student has to leave the school because they no longer meet the enrollment criteria or because their parents move, the kid has to make the same adjustments. They have to assimilate into the new school environment, make new friends, join new clubs or teams. Is it easy? Nope. Does it destroy their future? Nope. It's part of life. Nothing is guaranteed. I am not unsympathetic to the student who had to transfer, but you make it sound like he/she is doomed to wear a scarlet "L" for the rest of their life.

The school has to abide by the rules established when it was set up with the Florida Department of Education.

[pooh]

Good for you, but did they kick you out because your dad got fired.Big difference. Maybe at the country club, its no big deal switching schools but to some it is. Remember kids"the only reason you are here, is because of your mom and dads job.I taught in the real world. But to some current posters, the villages is so good, and everything is just right that whatever the owner wants to do is God for them.

Charter schools are not unique to Florida and not unique toTheVillages. What dog do you have in this race, P&J? I'm sure there are rules and regulations for these types of schools in each state. Seems you are not a fan of Charter Schools...or is it just the one here inTV?

Florida School Choice | Charter School FAQs (http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/information/charter_schools/faqs.asp)

FloridaChild | Workplace Schools (http://floridachild.org/gwworkplace.html)

[crummybuttons]

When the Charter Schools were built everyone knew from the get go that not just anybody could attend this school. One or both parents had to work in the Villages. Not just for the Villages. It could be your barber or hairdresser in Spanish Springs. Have you ever noticed how many young people with families want to work in the Villages. It's the schools. They are the best in FL.

So, with that said, when the parent gets fired or laid off.....sorry charlie, you're outta here! Rules are rules! Also, have you ever been up the the squares for events and the kids from the schools might have a booth? They are a breath of fresh air. Polite and courteous. Kuddo's to the Charter Schools.

[Applepie]

I don't understand what paulandjean mean by referring to the charter school as the "country club" My neighbors grandchildren attend TVCS and their mother works at the MacDonalds on 466. Also my hairdresser's daughter goes to the school.
I have talked to waitesses at LSL whose childen attend the school. Certainly not every student comes from a rich background. Maybe they are referring to the buildings and outdoor faciities. Which are excellent. Please explain.

[manaboutown]

I don't understand what paulandjean mean by referring to the charter school as the "country club" My neighbors grandchildren attend TVCS and their mother works at the MacDonalds on 466. Also my hairdresser's daughter goes to the school.
I have talked to waitesses at LSL whose childen attend the school. Certainly not every student comes from a rich background. Maybe they are referring to the buildings and outdoor faciities. Which are excellent. Please explain.

Apparently about 25% of the students are on the free and reduced price lunch subsidy program which is need based as I understand it.

[crummybuttons]

what the heck does the country club have to do with this? My parents didn't belong to a country club. You seem to make the assumption that people who support the charter school somehow are elitists. Where does the developer enter into the discussion? Does he run the school? Does he get to approve the enrollment/disenrollment of students? Or did he just work to establish a charter school in the workplace to attract and retain talented people for his workforce and for those who establish businesses within tv.

Whether the student has to leave the school because they no longer meet the enrollment criteria or because their parents move, the kid has to make the same adjustments. They have to assimilate into the new school environment, make new friends, join new clubs or teams. Is it easy? Nope. Does it destroy their future? Nope. It's part of life. Nothing is guaranteed. I am not unsympathetic to the student who had to transfer, but you make it sound like he/she is doomed to wear a scarlet "l" for the rest of their life.

The school has to abide by the rules established when it was set up with the florida department of education.

this was the most intelligent response of the night. Bravo to you, i couldn't agree more. You are my hero!

[DougB]

When the Charter Schools were built everyone knew from the get go that not just anybody could attend this school. One or both parents had to work in the Villages. Not just for the Villages. It could be your barber or hairdresser in Spanish Springs. Have you ever noticed how many young people with families want to work in the Villages. It's the schools. They are the best in FL.

So, with that said, when the parent gets fired or laid off.....sorry charlie, you're outta here! Rules are rules! Also, have you ever been up the the squares for events and the kids from the schools might have a booth? They are a breath of fresh air. Polite and courteous. Kuddo's to the Charter Schools.

It is a very good school and has much to be proud of but the schools are not the best in Florida. Brevard County had three combination middle/high schools in the top ten. All three scoring above the charter school that ranked number nine. Top school in the state is Pine View in Sarasota.

[PammyJ]

Villages Charter School (elementary grades) is ranked 164 in the State of Florida. There are over 1900 Elementary schools. Data looks good, However, these rankings do not include the fact that only the stable student scores are counted. Children have to Be enrolled at certain times of FTE or they do not count. Parents who are stable, have steady employment in any school - usually helps students succeed. I suspect there might be a policy that requires parents to put in volunteer hours at this school which is a research based approach for student success also!

[Cassie325]

When we were raising our children If daddy and mom couldn't pay the bills then our kids couldn't eat. We are responsible for our children. If an unexpected bad thing happens then we do the best for them we can and in so doing teach them that we will and can continue through disappointment and illness and bad times. We try not to spend all of the money we make so that we have some shield against bad things happening. We all must face life's realities sometime, somewhere and no one, NOT one of us hasn't had a set back or a bad thing happen. And have to make sacrifices to get through and change our original game plan.

No one ever wants to disappoint their children or have them suffer for anything, but they all will.

I understand what you are saying, but do you understand what I am saying? Life isn't fair or good always. It is our job to take care of our own and to teach them to get through it.

Or at least that is the way I was taught.

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!

[paulandjean]

Charter schools are not unique to Florida and not unique toTheVillages. What dog do you have in this race, P&J? I'm sure there are rules and regulations for these types of schools in each state. Seems you are not a fan of Charter Schools...or is it just the one here inTV?

Florida School Choice | Charter School FAQs (http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org/information/charter_schools/faqs.asp)

FloridaChild | Workplace Schools (http://floridachild.org/gwworkplace.html)

Correct,Not a fan of charter schools. Especially the one in the villages.I understand "Private School"I attended Catholic Schools which are the best education one can receive. They are private and receive little or no state money and yet out perform these charter schools.Maybe they should just give the state average to catholic schools and you would see state scores soar.Catholic Schools building of Leaders.

[graciegirl]

Correct,Not a fan of charter schools. Especially the one in the villages.I understand "Private School"I attended Catholic Schools which are the best education one can receive. They are private and receive little or no state money and yet out perform these charter schools.Maybe they should just give the state average to catholic schools and you would see state scores soar.Catholic Schools building of Leaders.


Gee guys, You aren't scoring a big one here for us mackeral snappers.

sigh.

Our priest back in Ohio supports our fine public schools in the area and I helped teach in the after school religious education program at St.John the Evangelist in West Chester, Ohio. It had over 800 students.

Things change and Catholic schools change too.

But I don't truly understand what that has to do with your obvious dislike of the Villages Charter Schools. I am trying to understand. It has been said that there is some favortism shown in the school to some kids due to their parents postition with The Villages.

It isn't right but we had the same sort of thing when we went to school if someone's family was a doctor or held a prestigious position in the community.

It isn't fair but..........

[pooh]

Correct,Not a fan of charter schools. Especially the one in the villages.I understand "Private School"I attended Catholic Schools which are the best education one can receive. They are private and receive little or no state money and yet out perform these charter schools.Maybe they should just give the state average to catholic schools and you would see state scores soar.Catholic Schools building of Leaders.

I also went to Catholic schools, grades 1 thru 12 and loved it. At the time, our school did provide a better education than the local public school. Is that the case now? Maybe, maybe not.

As I've stated before, my grandchildren attend a charter school in Chicago. It's a fantastic school......the kids love it, my son and daughter-in-law love it. When they were seeking out their new apartment in the city, they made sure it was located within the school's boundaries.

You have stated your bias. I'm sure you realize that not all share your view.
Charter school in the workplace is a good concept and it works.

[DougB]

Correct,Not a fan of charter schools. Especially the one in the villages.I understand "Private School"I attended Catholic Schools which are the best education one can receive. They are private and receive little or no state money and yet out perform these charter schools.Maybe they should just give the state average to catholic schools and you would see state scores soar.Catholic Schools building of Leaders.

What do you base your statement on that catholic schoos provide the best education and out perform charter schools? I would like you to provide any evidence you can with that statement.

[gomoho]

I don't know that Catholic schools are measured the same way public schools are. Of course it has been a million years since I was there, so things have probably changed. Anxious awaiting paulandjean's response.

[GaryW]

I don't know that Catholic schools are measured the same way public schools are. Of course it has been a million years since I was there, so things have probably changed. Anxious awaiting paulandjean's response.

Me Also. Can not wait to here how that is...

:agree::agree:

[Quixote]

Parental employment by The Villages, contractors working for The Villages, or employees of businesses leasing Villages-owned property is indeed a requirement for enrollment in the charter schools. In addition, parents of students have to provide evidence of continued employment of at least 20 hours per week, usually a paycheck stub, every month.

Those are the rules, well understood and agreed to up front. If for whatever reason those rules aren't satisfied, the children of those parents no longer qualifying are dismissed to be enrolled in appropriate public schools.

Those are the rules which are reflected in the school's charter and are not subject to interpretation.

Not sure why some people have issues with accepting the rules when accepting the benefits. While completely unrelated, I live here with certain expectations and appreciate that I don't have to walk out my front door to discover that my neighbor decided to turn his lawn into a corn field--or to display his extensive collection of life-sized Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs statuary (south of CR-466, that is). Rules indeed are rules!

[Quixote]

So lets lay-off someone who has a job thru the villages. Now lets kick their kid out of the school also.So the child worries about their parent losing a job and now they have to pull up from their school also and start somewhere also. Boy these educaters there have your child first in their minds. they should be ashamed of themselves. Its all about the buck. Surprised the school is not named for the owners .

... that some people thrive on negativity, self-destructive as it is. One can have an opinion--and express that opinion--without interminable hostility, negativity, cynicism that reflects more on the individual expressing it than on the topic itself. Speaking for myself, life is just too short to live like this! (And this has nothing to do with charter schools....)

[jbdlfan]

Apparently about 25% of the students are on the free and reduced price lunch subsidy program which is need based as I understand it.

That is actually a pretty low number, 25%, for this area. A household with 4 people can make up to $42,000 for reduced and $30,000 for free. Add one person to the house and its $50,000 and $35,000. Those are decent wages in the outlying areas. To put in perspective, we are 80% free and reduced.

[Tellmeyourstory....]

TVCS is way beyond 25% free and reduced.....I would 25% are NOT on free and reduced.

When clubs in town collect $$$ or back packs and supplies for surrounding schools, I always wonder why they don't help the charter school kids....

Think about all the parents that work at the grocery stores, do the lawn work, the secretarial staff at different business', the waitress's - waiters, etc.....

:shrug:

[graciegirl]

TVCS is way beyond 25% free and reduced.....I would 25% are NOT on free and reduced.

When clubs in town collect $$$ or back packs and supplies for surrounding schools, I always wonder why they don't help the charter school kids....

Think about all the parents that work at the grocery stores, do the lawn work, the secretarial staff at different business', the waitress's - waiters, etc.....

:shrug:

How do you know this?

[Bonny]

TVCS is way beyond 25% free and reduced.....I would 25% are NOT on free and reduced.

When clubs in town collect $$$ or back packs and supplies for surrounding schools, I always wonder why they don't help the charter school kids....

Think about all the parents that work at the grocery stores, do the lawn work, the secretarial staff at different business', the waitress's - waiters, etc.....

:shrug:

The Parrot Heads always give to the Villages Charter School. We have included them in our Operation Back Pack & given money for uniforms.

[graciegirl]

The Parrot Heads always give to the Villages Charter School. We have included them in our Operation Back Pack & given money for uniforms.

Good for you.. I hear SO MANY good things about the Parrot Heads and you have fun too.!

[DougB]

TVCS is way beyond 25% free and reduced.....I would 25% are NOT on free and reduced.
:shrug:

This is not true. Manaboutown is correct that TVCS is about 25% free and reduced lunch, which is relatively low compared to other nearby schools.
South Sumter High School. 61%
South Sumter Middle School. 69%
Wildwood Elementary 86%
Webster Elementary. 84%
I could go on, but I believe that is enough.

[Tellmeyourstory....]

How do you know this?

I have grandchildren there. And I used to work there

[Garden guru]

Parental employment by The Villages, contractors working for The Villages, or employees of businesses leasing Villages-owned property is indeed a requirement for enrollment in the charter schools. In addition, parents of students have to provide evidence of continued employment of at least 20 hours per week, usually a paycheck stub, every month.

Those are the rules, well understood and agreed to up front. If for whatever reason those rules aren't satisfied, the children of those parents no longer qualifying are dismissed to be enrolled in appropriate public schools.

Those are the rules which are reflected in the school's charter and are not subject to interpretation.

There's a difference between being legal and being ethical. Too bad so many Villagers talk a good talk about being fine, upstanding Christians and insist on pledging "one nation under God" but find nothing wrong with this kind of preferential treatment for employees' children. Reminds me of some certain Pharisees who were really good at quoting the Law but didn't have a clue about what God really required. Which children would Jesus think were not worthy of a high quality education? Would you deny Charter School admission to the boy Jesus because his parents didn't work in The Villages? As you do it to the least of these children, you do it to Him. Legality has nothing to do with it. It may be legal, but it's clearly WRONG!

[graciegirl]

There's a difference between being legal and being ethical. Too bad so many Villagers talk a good talk about being fine, upstanding Christians and insist on pledging "one nation under God" but find nothing wrong with this kind of preferential treatment for employees' children. Reminds me of some certain Pharisees who were really good at quoting the Law but didn't have a clue about what God really required. Which children would Jesus think were not worthy of a high quality education? Would you deny Charter School admission to the boy Jesus because his parents didn't work in The Villages? As you do it to the least of these children, you do it to Him. Legality has nothing to do with it. It may be legal, but it's clearly WRONG!

The children are not denied an education in this area. Many people who work for The Villages do so in part to allow their children to go to the Charter schools.

I learned long ago that I myself could make things better for my children if I tried.

I found that the harder my husband and I worked, denied ourselves luxuries, the more choices we had for our children.

The people who teach at the local public schools are good teachers and dedicated people too.

Many of us climbed up from a fair public education and made a success of our lives through working hard.

Many villagers volunteer in the public schools classrooms and there are MANY, many, programs collecting food and money for the back pack programs for the public schools. We had a speaker, a teacher from one of our local schools who told us what a difference people who lived in The Villages made in public education..

You would be surprised and happy to see the good that our town does for public education. And know the many people who care.

I try each day to figure out what God "really requires".

None of us will know until the time comes.

[DougB]

There's a difference between being legal and being ethical. Too bad so many Villagers talk a good talk about being fine, upstanding Christians and insist on pledging "one nation under God" but find nothing wrong with this kind of preferential treatment for employees' children. Reminds me of some certain Pharisees who were really good at quoting the Law but didn't have a clue about what God really required. Which children would Jesus think were not worthy of a high quality education? Would you deny Charter School admission to the boy Jesus because his parents didn't work in The Villages? As you do it to the least of these children, you do it to Him. Legality has nothing to do with it. It may be legal, but it's clearly WRONG!


The Villages Charter School operates by a Charter Agreement approved by the Sumter County Board of Education and the Florida State Department of Education. Unlike traditional county schools, their enrollment criteria is based upon one of the parents/guardians place of employment rather than geographic address of their home.
I work at a public school in a different county. Our enrollment is based on the geographic area the child lives. Although I would say no to John, Paul, Peter and the others, I certainly wouldn't turn Jesus away!

[ilovetv]

There's a difference between being legal and being ethical. Too bad so many Villagers talk a good talk about being fine, upstanding Christians and insist on pledging "one nation under God" but find nothing wrong with this kind of preferential treatment for employees' children. Reminds me of some certain Pharisees who were really good at quoting the Law but didn't have a clue about what God really required. Which children would Jesus think were not worthy of a high quality education? Would you deny Charter School admission to the boy Jesus because his parents didn't work in The Villages? As you do it to the least of these children, you do it to Him. Legality has nothing to do with it. It may be legal, but it's clearly WRONG!

This is almost funny, considering most of the criticism against public charter schools centers on teachers' unions condemning charter schools for being a poor-quality education....and opponents' mantra of supposed "separation of church and state"!

And, Jesus AKA "Rabbi" was a teacher.....in a theocracy....which I don't think anybody here wants.

I think it's a great idea to encourage and enable productivity, by incentivizing parents to stick with their employment thru thick and thin, thus developing tenacity and work ethic which every child needs to see lived out to achieve a complete education.

[TexaninVA]

Have just now noticed this thread ... but here's a more general question.

Factually (not ideologically or emotionally) what does the data show about student achievement, in general, in terms of correlation with non-unionized teachers in a private school vs unionized teachers in a public school?

[DougB]

Have just now noticed this thread ... but here's a more general question.

Factually (not ideologically or emotionally) what does the data show about student achievement, in general, in terms of correlation with non-unionized teachers in a private school vs unionized teachers in a public school?

There is really no data because there are too many factors to consider. You can not just compare student achievement. It would be like comparing apples and oranges. Private schools do not take the same standardized tests as public schools, different social economic factors, disabilities, etc.

Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that all school districts have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with special-needs students.
Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to. As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with that student population.
However, most colleges and universities will say that students who enroll in college from public schools are as prepared as those from private schools and vise versa.