MCPS run international trips

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS runs an international trip for middle schoolers - not a private firm. SSIMS French immersion kids go to Paris. SSIMS Spanish kids go to Colombia. All the immersion teachers go. Parents have to pick up some of the financial slack but there’s fundraising. It’s definitely unique in the county and a neat opportunity for the immersion kiddos.

Mcps also has things like band trips but that is different from these.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:EF is horrible. Never ever EF. Read reviews.

We had an amazing experience with them.

Can you tell me more about your experience? My DD and I (yes I’m going too) are going on a trip sponsored by them for spring break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:EF is horrible. Never ever EF. Read reviews.

We had an amazing experience with them.

Great experience for my kid who still talks about years later. Have another trip planned this spring break with EF.

PP had an issue but of course didn’t bother to elaborate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:EF is horrible. Never ever EF. Read reviews.

We had an amazing experience with them.

Can you tell me more about your experience? My DD and I (yes I’m going too) are going on a trip sponsored by them for spring break.

I can compare older DD’s trip with EF to an almost identical trip she took in college while on study abroad:
EF cost more upfront and had more fixed costs, but had fewer surprises. I am deducting the cost of airfare from the US since her college departure was from London.
Major attractions were the same, but EF arranged for kids to jump the lines. In college, DD said they waited as long as 45 min so their real time at the actual attraction was much less.
EF organized night time entertainment ant the hostels after the day’s last outing. Participation was optional. The college company didn’t set anything up and most students tried to just hit bars and clubs on their own.
Guides were good for both, but EF’s guide was slightly older and seemed more experienced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No they are run by for profit companies and it’s misleading if teachers to advertise through school means and imply that they are endorsed by the school or a school trip.

This. Teachers probably get a free trip and paid through the company. It’s crazy expensive.

Send dc to Europe last spring for less than we spent on a crappy family vacation. I would say they're the opposite of crazy expensive. They're actually really reasonable. Highly recommend.

Marie Antoinette here thinks $5k per person is reasonable. I take my entire family to Europe for less than that.

Yeah no you don't do Europe with a family for 10 days for less than 5k unless you're brining PBJ sandwiches for every meal and sleeping in a flop house.

You can if you stay at cheaper places or family and have frequent flyer miles. And, it depends on the size of the family.

EF let’s you use FF miles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

I’m not jealous at all. I have absolutely zero interest in an organized travel group. I’ve traveled plenty and prefer to do my own planning. But I do think it’s unethical. Advertising an expensive for-profit trip via the school and implying (and they ALWAYS do) that it’sa class trip is misleading and unethical. I don’t care who or how much they benefit it’s an abuse of position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

I’m not jealous at all. I have absolutely zero interest in an organized travel group. I’ve traveled plenty and prefer to do my own planning. But I do think it’s unethical. Advertising an expensive for-profit trip via the school and implying (and they ALWAYS do) that it’sa class trip is misleading and unethical. I don’t care who or how much they benefit it’s an abuse of position.

No, they don’t always do that. Many posters have clarified that their schools didn’t. If you have an issue with the actions of a specific teacher, report them to MCPS. Don’t try to ruin things for everyone else.

If THIS is troubling you as an abuse of power so much, you must not sleep at night having kids in MCPS. Have are your whistleblowing efforts going on other issues?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

I’m not jealous at all. I have absolutely zero interest in an organized travel group. I’ve traveled plenty and prefer to do my own planning. But I do think it’s unethical. Advertising an expensive for-profit trip via the school and implying (and they ALWAYS do) that it’sa class trip is misleading and unethical. I don’t care who or how much they benefit it’s an abuse of position.

No, they don’t always do that. Many posters have clarified that their schools didn’t. If you have an issue with the actions of a specific teacher, report them to MCPS. Don’t try to ruin things for everyone else.

If THIS is troubling you as an abuse of power so much, you must not sleep at night having kids in MCPS. Have are your whistleblowing efforts going on other issues?

As I’ve said at my kids schools they never make it clear and parents have been misled.

This is an equity issue and an important one. Expensive vacations that are not accessible to the vast majority of the school population should NOT be advertised or recruited for through school. There is no “ruining things for everyone”, the troops can go on, they just need to be advertised and recruited for outside of school and without using ANY school resources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

I’m not jealous at all. I have absolutely zero interest in an organized travel group. I’ve traveled plenty and prefer to do my own planning. But I do think it’s unethical. Advertising an expensive for-profit trip via the school and implying (and they ALWAYS do) that it’sa class trip is misleading and unethical. I don’t care who or how much they benefit it’s an abuse of position.

No, they don’t always do that. Many posters have clarified that their schools didn’t. If you have an issue with the actions of a specific teacher, report them to MCPS. Don’t try to ruin things for everyone else.

If THIS is troubling you as an abuse of power so much, you must not sleep at night having kids in MCPS. Have are your whistleblowing efforts going on other issues?

As I’ve said at my kids schools they never make it clear and parents have been misled.

This is an equity issue and an important one. Expensive vacations that are not accessible to the vast majority of the school population should NOT be advertised or recruited for through school. There is no “ruining things for everyone”, the troops can go on, they just need to be advertised and recruited for outside of school and without using ANY school resources.

This person is just fixated…

Ok, so team sports, band trips, arts performances, etc. are all not accessible to the vast majority of the school population. Calling them a school activity when the vast majority cannot participate is misleading and no school resources should be used. Ok, do you think that’s better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

I’m not jealous at all. I have absolutely zero interest in an organized travel group. I’ve traveled plenty and prefer to do my own planning. But I do think it’s unethical. Advertising an expensive for-profit trip via the school and implying (and they ALWAYS do) that it’sa class trip is misleading and unethical. I don’t care who or how much they benefit it’s an abuse of position.

No, they don’t always do that. Many posters have clarified that their schools didn’t. If you have an issue with the actions of a specific teacher, report them to MCPS. Don’t try to ruin things for everyone else.

If THIS is troubling you as an abuse of power so much, you must not sleep at night having kids in MCPS. Have are your whistleblowing efforts going on other issues?

As I’ve said at my kids schools they never make it clear and parents have been misled.

This is an equity issue and an important one. Expensive vacations that are not accessible to the vast majority of the school population should NOT be advertised or recruited for through school. There is no “ruining things for everyone”, the troops can go on, they just need to be advertised and recruited for outside of school and without using ANY school resources.

This person is just fixated…

Ok, so team sports, band trips, arts performances, etc. are all not accessible to the vast majority of the school population. Calling them a school activity when the vast majority cannot participate is misleading and no school resources should be used. Ok, do you think that’s better?

Not even remotely similar. There are options for kids who can’t afford costs for band or field trips for example. And they don’t require fees of $5k or more per kid. “This person” is multiple reasonable people. Just look at the thread. Most MCPS parents agree that costly private trips have no place being advertised through school. This is PUBLIC education. If you want this you are welcome to go private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:EF is horrible. Never ever EF. Read reviews.

We had an amazing experience with them.

Can you tell me more about your experience? My DD and I (yes I’m going too) are going on a trip sponsored by them for spring break.

not the pp you responded to, but this is helpful information. we are considering letting our kid go on one of these trips.

I can compare older DD’s trip with EF to an almost identical trip she took in college while on study abroad:
EF cost more upfront and had more fixed costs, but had fewer surprises. I am deducting the cost of airfare from the US since her college departure was from London.
Major attractions were the same, but EF arranged for kids to jump the lines. In college, DD said they waited as long as 45 min so their real time at the actual attraction was much less.
EF organized night time entertainment ant the hostels after the day’s last outing. Participation was optional. The college company didn’t set anything up and most students tried to just hit bars and clubs on their own.
Guides were good for both, but EF’s guide was slightly older and seemed more experienced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About the trips:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/watchdog/sdut-company-rewards-teachers-for-school-trips-2011dec26-story.html

They're not school trips so compensation rules don't apply. They make it very, very clear they aren't school trips. Of course, there is always an idiot out there who doesn't bother to read or listen to the numerous times they say they aren't school trips.
I don't find myself becoming mad that a person who coordinates and chaperones my kid for a week should get their trip comped. Honestly the petty people out there are something else.

they aren't school trips but the teacher is responsible for supervising the kids.

Not sure if you're aware of this but teachers are people! Just like you and I!
I'm far more worried about teachers getting tutoring side jobs through the unwritten referral directory than this.

Wow! You think teachers shouldn't have side gigs? They're not allowed to tutor kids in the school they work in. What's your issue?

PP here. If they want to have side gigs, that’s fine (it shouldn’t be necessary but it is). They should not be able to use their MCPS positions or MCPS resources (including email or student/parent contact info) to advertise their side gigs.

100 percent. This is basic ethics.

How is it a side gig if the teacher isn’t making a profit and usually has to take 1-2 days of personal leave while traveling?

You sound jealous. If not of teachers, then of families who figure out how to make this happen for their kids.

I’m not jealous at all. I have absolutely zero interest in an organized travel group. I’ve traveled plenty and prefer to do my own planning. But I do think it’s unethical. Advertising an expensive for-profit trip via the school and implying (and they ALWAYS do) that it’sa class trip is misleading and unethical. I don’t care who or how much they benefit it’s an abuse of position.

No, they don’t always do that. Many posters have clarified that their schools didn’t. If you have an issue with the actions of a specific teacher, report them to MCPS. Don’t try to ruin things for everyone else.

If THIS is troubling you as an abuse of power so much, you must not sleep at night having kids in MCPS. Have are your whistleblowing efforts going on other issues?

As I’ve said at my kids schools they never make it clear and parents have been misled.

This is an equity issue and an important one. Expensive vacations that are not accessible to the vast majority of the school population should NOT be advertised or recruited for through school. There is no “ruining things for everyone”, the troops can go on, they just need to be advertised and recruited for outside of school and without using ANY school resources.

This person is just fixated…

Ok, so team sports, band trips, arts performances, etc. are all not accessible to the vast majority of the school population. Calling them a school activity when the vast majority cannot participate is misleading and no school resources should be used. Ok, do you think that’s better?

Not even remotely similar. There are options for kids who can’t afford costs for band or field trips for example. And they don’t require fees of $5k or more per kid. “This person” is multiple reasonable people. Just look at the thread. Most MCPS parents agree that costly private trips have no place being advertised through school. This is PUBLIC education. If you want this you are welcome to go private.

Is financial equity all that matters to you? Maybe schools shouldn’t sponsor anything that isn’t open to all schools. Get rid of tryouts for sports, music, and academic competitions. Everyone goes or no one goes. If people don’t like it, they can go to private. I’m beginning to think you are just some right winger that hates public schools and it scorches you that they offer anything amazing.