Thanks for your comment and keeping the post about Bill Roberts in the back of your mind all this time. I toured the school over a year ago and surely things have changed at this point.

I have not watched the Oprah episode today but do have it Tivo’d and will watch it soon. The context in which I used the term “drinking the Koolaide” is one that is often and unfortunately used too colloquially, as are many terms in daily life.

It seems we all (including me) have focused too much on the perception of the Stapleton Neighborhood and not the real purpose of the profile on Bill Roberts which was to give readers a viewpoint – one opinion – on experiences during a tour. We appreciate the passion and dedication that Stapletonians have for their neighborhood. I, for one, find myself there at least once a week and feel it’s a lovely place.

From this point forward, I hope that everyone can focus on the rest of the post and realize that the vast majority of the profile was about the tour itself; though it seems those that have commented cannot get past the opening few lines (which, by the way, is actually positive commentary on the neighborhood in my opinion).

We always welcome comments on any school we profile to learn about experiences parents, staff and administrators have had. To date, have heard very few with substance and specifics. We have also not heard back from the Principal or Assistant Principal after multiple attempts to garner their perspectives. Eventually, we will get back to Bill Roberts for another tour but there are 150 + schools in DPS and many many other private and faith-based schools that deserve our time as well. This is why we would LOVE to hear your comments!

I will certainly think twice about ever using the term about Koolaide again so thank you for pointing out how it’s been misused. In the meantime, If you or anyone would like to comment on the school itself, please do.

Stapleton is a great community for many, though not for all. All neighborhoods have great qualities that attract families to them for a variety of reasons.

~The Scoop Two~

In regard to the school, I had a completely different experience when I took my tour several years ago. I found the school to be a very warm place. In addition, the parents, teachers, and administrators at the open house and on the tour were all generous with their time and eager to answer questions. This year, I have been very impressed with the dedication of the principal and teachers. In addition, the amount of time given by parent volunteers at Roberts is truly amazing.

More importantly, my daughter loves her school and has learned an astounding amount this year. She came from Montview Preschool prior to attending Roberts, a very “warm and fuzzy” kind of place. She had no trouble adapting to such a large school and in fact has flourished there. In addition to having a terrific teacher, my daughter loved the “specials” (gym, art, music, and library), the interaction with the middle school helpers, her “book club” in her class, her pen pals in other classes, and keeping a journal about the worms and other bugs that were in her classroom, to name just a few highlights.

Finally, I would like to comment on the impression that Stapleton is a “soulless” place. This could not be further from the truth. Stapleton is a “community” in the truest sense of the word. This is a place where neighbors really get to know each other and look out for each other. Residents here are very politically and community active and generous with their time and money to local charities. For example, last year someone requested sponsors for foster children to receive Christmas presents and actually had to turn away numerous people willing to help because she received so many responses. Stapleton is also loaded with “momprenuers” and creative home-based businesses. Residents here are tremendously interested in sustainability and all things “green” — a topic that is frequently discussed on the “Stapleton moms” email group. In sum, Stapleton has more community spirit than any place I have encountered.

I urge you to update your post when you have had an opportunity to learn more about Bill Roberts and the Stapleton Community.

Jessica

Thank you for your comments and clarification on some of our experiences through tours and parents with students at the school. It is valuable information that you have provided – and the purpose of this blog is to foster such discussions.

We are also glad to hear that the fundraising efforts have been allocated to something specific. At the time of my (Jenn) tour the Vice Principal and parent tour-guide could not put a specific target on the funds except that “the majority of it will probably go to 1/2 of a Spanish teacher for grades 5 and up”. It made me wonder why, as a parent of a potential K student, I would contribute if it were not going to directly or even indirectly benefit my child! So, I am glad to hear that it will go to two full time teachers. That is excellent.

Also, to be clear, we do not want anyone to “sell the school” to us. Even before this blog, our families felt strongly about getting a “vibe” from schools we visited and were hesitant when any Administrator would throw propaganda our way.

We would be thrilled to hear from parents who have specific stories they can share about experiences and programs at Bill Roberts so that our readers can garner a substantive account of a school they are considering for their children.

Regards,

Jenn & Kerri
The Scoop Two

First, middle-schoolers do interact with elementary students. Many middle school students work in the elementary classrooms for an hour or so in the afternoon, helping the teachers with various tasks in the classrooms. My children frequently talk about the “helpers” in their classrooms, and I’ve seen the middle school helpers greet my children in the hallways or outside. It is a healthy interaction for all involved.

Second, the facilities at Bill Roberts are nice, but they are not what make the school. The school has a fantastic principal, vice-principal, and first-rate teachers that work harder than anyone I know. It’s unfortunate that you were not able to get a sense of that on your tour — perhaps they were focused on things other than “selling” the school.

Third, the money raised by the PTA (over $100,000 last year) goes directly to the school, and for the 2009-10 school year, will be used to pay for the equivalent of 2 full time teachers.

Finally, there are plenty of families at Bill Roberts that enjoy and embrace the diversity that we have at the school, and are happy to have students from other areas. And, you are correct that it is currently projected that beginning with the 2010-11 school year, both Bill Roberts and Westerly Creek (the other DPS neighborhood school in Stapleton) will be full with Stapleton residents, and as a result, unable to accept any choice students.

I have 3 children at Bill Roberts — 3rd grade, 1st grade, and ECE-4, and I could not be happier. I’m pretty sure we all have a soul. Having said that, it is true that Bill Roberts is a big school, and big schools are not for everyone.

I would be happy to provide more detail on these or any other issues relating to Bill Roberts. My contact information is available on the Bill Roberts PTA website — billrobertspta dot com.