Buzz

So far our experience has been underwhelming. School started two weeks ago but they’re not learning anything yet, just going over endless rules. And they don’t offer gate for gifted students, just one accelerated math class. My child does like their teachers, at least.Another thing— our first communications from the outgoing principal were all about sixth grade camp the week of September 20th, and the kids were excited for that. However the incoming principal has just announced there will be no sixth grade camp (no explanation) and we did not even get a chance to fundraise to try to make it happen. It’s disappointing since my child’s peers at higher-income schools will get to go. And it makes me feel less excited about participating in fundraising events for the school since they didn’t want use funds for camp. Combined with the lack of learning and the campus being all torn up from construction, it just hasn’t been a great start to the school year for these kids.

My daughter is going into her sophomore year at SDHS. We weren’t sure what to expect last year, but we were so pleasantly surprised at how engaged SDHS staff are with the students. The school has a very active ASB, which my daughter is now a part of, and also has many student-led clubs, many of which focus on community service. She was also able to opt into the MedTech track, which is providing her opportunities to have real-life experience in medical venues across the county- they took a field trip to the “brain lab” in the spring! The student body is engaged in the athletics programs as well as having IB opportunities that remain available, we came from IB elementary and middle, so this was important. AP Spanish is on her schedule for this year, which is an incredible option for a 10th grader. The teachers and counselors have been responsive whenever I have reached out. I feel confident in sending my child to SDHS- and plan to have her younger sister attend as well. We are very happy there and see it as our best fit for her launch into college in a few more years.

Firstly, it has come to my attention that bullying and discriminatory behavior have been allowed to persist within the school environment, with little to no effective action taken to address the situation. As a parent, I believe that every child should feel safe and valued in their learning environment, but it seems that the school's administration has failed to provide adequate support for the victims of bullying.Moreover, I have observed troubling interactions with the principal, who seems to hold a biased and unfair attitude towards parents who are unable to contribute financially to the school. Many of us, myself included, are juggling multiple responsibilities, including full-time jobs and financial challenges. Unfortunately, the principal has made it clear through her attitude and actions that parents who cannot afford to make large donations or commit significant time to fundraising are viewed negatively.This has created an environment where parents who are struggling to make ends meet or who are simply too busy trying to provide for their families are made to feel like they are neglecting their children’s education. The principal's condescending and dismissive behavior towards parents who do not donate large sums of money is both inappropriate and hurtful. Rather than fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community, the principal’s actions have created an atmosphere of division and resentment.As a parent, I feel unfairly judged and alienated by someone in a leadership position who should be working to create an environment of support, not one of exclusion based on financial status. Parents should be able to contribute in a variety of ways that match their individual circumstances. Financial contributions are not the only way to show support for a school.I hope that the school administration takes these concerns seriously and begins to address both the bullying issues and the unprofessional attitude of the principal. Every child deserves a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, and every parent deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their financial situation.