McKinley C.J.A Middle School (Washington: transfer, magnet school, university)

[Kaydphia]

I am interviewing with this school next week. Any details on the school? What is it like? Any pros and cons?

Thanks!

[aaronstlcards]

Actually, it's McKinley CLA now. Two years ago, the admininstration decided to add a high school program to the middle school (same building). I would say that things are looking alright at McKinley, and the district decided not to close or move the school to a different location for next year. The school is a gifted, magnet school, meaning it has to maintain racial diversity, and students have to test at a certain IQ (I think it's around 130) to get in. The school has seen better days though. McKinley may have high test scores and is very well regarded, but the school has a "urban" element, and most of faculty in the front office sometimes acts like they don't know what they're doing, and the school is under-funded. From what I hear, that wasn't a problem. If you have any more questions i'd be glad to help you.

Source: Me, a McKinley High School Student, Class of 2012!

[Kaydphia]

Thanks for responding...

I am curious about the "urban" element...What does that mean?

My main concern is whether the students are learning and if the teachers are teaching...

How is the parental support? How is the administration there? How are the students? Are there tons of behavior issues or average for the age group? How is the area around the school. If hired, I would like to live within 20 minutes of the school.

Thanks again.

[aaronstlcards]

As far as the "urban" element part, most of the students here are pretty smart and well-educated, but some kids are just ignorant. Trust me, if you saw some of the student body looks and acts, you would see what i'm talking about.
In response to your question if students are learning and teachers are teaching, Yes.
It seems as that their is great parental support too, but some parents just love to complain. Their is even a Yahoo Email group. That leads me to the administration. The yahoo group was created to clear stuff up that the administration made unclear. The administration isn't horrible, but it should be better. Keep in mind, it's a public school in the city, so there are some moderate behavoir issues, but that's only with some students (that's where 'urban' element shows). The area around the school is isn't bad, but I wouldn't call it utopia.

[aragx6]

You go there right Aaron?

My understanding is that it has always been a very strong school and that teaching positions there are very highly sought after.

[aaronstlcards]

^
Actually, I won't go there next year, i'm transferring. And I would say your assumptions are pretty on-the-dot, but I would't exactly say it has always been very strong.

[conchita]

Kaydphia,

What did you decide after your interview at McKinley? We learned today that we will have a new principal next year. He is dynamic and engaging. He will bring many new ideas to the school.

I am sorry that what you have read is a bit negative. The student writing had attended the school for only one year. He has good perspective as a student in his experiences, but there is so much more to the picture.

McKinley is a Blue Ribbon, Gold Star school with an outstanding record of academic achievement. There are fine arts programs including vocal music, band, and dance. There are extra-curricular sports. There is a chess team as well as many activity period opportunities to play in the jazz band, write for the school newspaper, serve on the student leadership committee (LEAGUE) or participate in National Junior Honor Society. This is just a small sample of what is available.

Not only do we have a very strong parent support system and Yahoo Group, but the McKinley Goldbug Alumni Association is incredibly supportive and present in the school.

There are very few incidents of poor student behavior. Students are typically engaged in their academics and do not support nor have time for misbehavior.

Our high school program will expand to a 9-11 this next school year and 9-12 the following year. There is a leadership component to the program, hence the change in the school name. This program is in collaboration with Washington University.

I would like to see more McKinley's faculty and staff become more nurturing and passionate about their work, but many are. With the arrival of a new principal, we are very, very hopeful.

I hope your conversations, interviews, and visits have been positive.

[aaronstlcards]

Originally Posted by conchita

Kaydphia,

What did you decide after your interview at McKinley? We learned today that we will have a new principal next year. He is dynamic and engaging. He will bring many new ideas to the school.

I am sorry that what you have read is a bit negative. The student writing had attended the school for only one year. He has good perspective as a student in his experiences, but there is so much more to the picture.

McKinley is a Blue Ribbon, Gold Star school with an outstanding record of academic achievement. There are fine arts programs including vocal music, band, and dance. There are extra-curricular sports. There is a chess team as well as many activity period opportunities to play in the jazz band, write for the school newspaper, serve on the student leadership committee (LEAGUE) or participate in National Junior Honor Society. This is just a small sample of what is available.

Not only do we have a very strong parent support system and Yahoo Group, but the McKinley Goldbug Alumni Association is incredibly supportive and present in the school.

There are very few incidents of poor student behavior. Students are typically engaged in their academics and do not support nor have time for misbehavior.

Our high school program will expand to a 9-11 this next school year and 9-12 the following year. There is a leadership component to the program, hence the change in the school name. This program is in collaboration with Washington University.

I would like to see more McKinley's faculty and staff become more nurturing and passionate about their work, but many are. With the arrival of a new principal, we are very, very hopeful.

I hope your conversations, interviews, and visits have been positive.

Well put, and can I ask who you are?