School safety - What is MCPS actually doing and considering doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finally. This county pushed too far left, and we got out of control students. Now, we are going back to the middle regards to discipline.

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-bomb-threats-weapons-on-campus-and-assaults-on-staff-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-school-lockdown-counseling-services-behavior-intervention-programs-weapons-related-incidents-alternative-learning-options

Starting this fall, students who commit the most serious offenses could face long-term suspension or even expulsion. The updated Code of Conduct reclassifies threats and violent actions as Level 4 or 5 violations — the highest disciplinary categories under the district’s new guidelines.

Offenses such as making bomb threats, physically assaulting school personnel, or bringing weapons onto school property will now carry the most severe consequences.

The move comes after several alarming events during the current school year.

Good that physically assaulting teachers will now be considered a serious offense, but WHY isn’t physically assaulting OTHER STUDENTS also reclassified as a Level 4 or 5 violation?

Student safety is EQUALLY as critical as the safety of school staff. Administrators in Rockville MUST correct this ERROR.

Take it up with the BOE.

STUDENT — SAFETY — MATTERS

Why doesn’t the Montgomery County BOE agree?

Because they're more interested in:

1) Protecting Marcus Jones and enabling him to collect a paycheck
2) Protecting Taylor and failing to hold him accountable
3) Protecting the "reputation" of MCPS and prioritizing student safety means acknowledging the safety incidents they have and haven't successfully suppressed
4) Shifting the blame to others, i.e. Parents, HHS, DJS, MCPD rather than holding themselves accountable
5) Protecting the unions; in this instance, MCAAP, who wants to pretend that principals aren't part of the safety problem here

Correct. Remember, they tried to hide the fentanyl crisis. This is not the once proud MCPS. This is a rotten organization.

The entire school board needs to be replaced with school safety (from violent students) as the #1 priority. No one learns when they’re in constant fear every day.

We just replaced three of the school board members. They were supposed to be different from their predecessors.

No they weren’t. They were exactly the same.

What do you mean? They WERE supposed to be different. It's why they successfully unseated all three incumbents.

Rita Montoya aggressively went after Lynne Harris's record. And Laura Stewart repeatedly talked about feeling like she had to run for school board DESPITE having friends on the board because of how she dissatisfied she and her fellow MCCPTA allies were with the direction MCPS was headed in. And Natalie Zimmerman ran because she felt that having a RECENT teacher voice on the board would improve decision making at the board level.

All three of those women were supposed to bring fresh perspective, thinking and ideas to the BOE.

That sadly, has not turned out to be the case as they all unnecessarily heap praise on Taylor and MCPS staff in BOE meetings or embarrassingly fumble through parliamentary procedures in front of the whole county.

[Anonymous]

Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

From Rita Montoya's campaign site: https://www.montoya4mcps.com/safe-schools

Students and staff do not feel safe from physical violence in schools due to the presence of guns, drug sales, trespassers and other weapons. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists cannot implement policies and practices effectively when schools are so out of order, especially when inadequately staffed.

MCPS needs both adequate law enforcement coverage, as required by Maryland law, and appropriately applied restorative practices. MCPS must also ensure its Cellular Connectivity policy allows staff to directly contact 911 while on school grounds so as to minimize response time to violent events.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

From Rita Montoya's campaign site: https://www.montoya4mcps.com/safe-schools

Students and staff do not feel safe from physical violence in schools due to the presence of guns, drug sales, trespassers and other weapons. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists cannot implement policies and practices effectively when schools are so out of order, especially when inadequately staffed.

MCPS needs both adequate law enforcement coverage, as required by Maryland law, and appropriately applied restorative practices. MCPS must also ensure its Cellular Connectivity policy allows staff to directly contact 911 while on school grounds so as to minimize response time to violent events.

Ha. I was told directly by my principal we are NOT allowed to call 911 on our own.

Good thing I don’t listen to idiots. If I need to - I will call 911. There really needs to be a better vetting process for administrators. They really are not very intelligent. Not a diss. Facts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finally. This county pushed too far left, and we got out of control students. Now, we are going back to the middle regards to discipline.

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-bomb-threats-weapons-on-campus-and-assaults-on-staff-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-school-lockdown-counseling-services-behavior-intervention-programs-weapons-related-incidents-alternative-learning-options

Starting this fall, students who commit the most serious offenses could face long-term suspension or even expulsion. The updated Code of Conduct reclassifies threats and violent actions as Level 4 or 5 violations — the highest disciplinary categories under the district’s new guidelines.

Offenses such as making bomb threats, physically assaulting school personnel, or bringing weapons onto school property will now carry the most severe consequences.

The move comes after several alarming events during the current school year.

Good that physically assaulting teachers will now be considered a serious offense, but WHY isn’t physically assaulting OTHER STUDENTS also reclassified as a Level 4 or 5 violation?

Student safety is EQUALLY as critical as the safety of school staff. Administrators in Rockville MUST correct this ERROR.

Take it up with the BOE.

STUDENT — SAFETY — MATTERS

Why doesn’t the Montgomery County BOE agree?

Because they're more interested in:

1) Protecting Marcus Jones and enabling him to collect a paycheck
2) Protecting Taylor and failing to hold him accountable
3) Protecting the "reputation" of MCPS and prioritizing student safety means acknowledging the safety incidents they have and haven't successfully suppressed
4) Shifting the blame to others, i.e. Parents, HHS, DJS, MCPD rather than holding themselves accountable
5) Protecting the unions; in this instance, MCAAP, who wants to pretend that principals aren't part of the safety problem here

Correct. Remember, they tried to hide the fentanyl crisis. This is not the once proud MCPS. This is a rotten organization.

The entire school board needs to be replaced with school safety (from violent students) as the #1 priority. No one learns when they’re in constant fear every day.

We just replaced three of the school board members. They were supposed to be different from their predecessors.

No they weren’t. They were exactly the same.

What do you mean? They WERE supposed to be different. It's why they successfully unseated all three incumbents.

Rita Montoya aggressively went after Lynne Harris's record. And Laura Stewart repeatedly talked about feeling like she had to run for school board DESPITE having friends on the board because of how she dissatisfied she and her fellow MCCPTA allies were with the direction MCPS was headed in. And Natalie Zimmerman ran because she felt that having a RECENT teacher voice on the board would improve decision making at the board level.

All three of those women were supposed to bring fresh perspective, thinking and ideas to the BOE.

That sadly, has not turned out to be the case as they all unnecessarily heap praise on Taylor and MCPS staff in BOE meetings or embarrassingly fumble through parliamentary procedures in front of the whole county.

They cannot make any impact till the older BOE members are gone as that's who controls everything. They are playing along, which most of us expected. We need to get rid of all of the incumbents and them too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

From Rita Montoya's campaign site: https://www.montoya4mcps.com/safe-schools

Students and staff do not feel safe from physical violence in schools due to the presence of guns, drug sales, trespassers and other weapons. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists cannot implement policies and practices effectively when schools are so out of order, especially when inadequately staffed.

MCPS needs both adequate law enforcement coverage, as required by Maryland law, and appropriately applied restorative practices. MCPS must also ensure its Cellular Connectivity policy allows staff to directly contact 911 while on school grounds so as to minimize response time to violent events.

Ha. I was told directly by my principal we are NOT allowed to call 911 on our own.

Good thing I don’t listen to idiots. If I need to - I will call 911. There really needs to be a better vetting process for administrators. They really are not very intelligent. Not a diss. Facts.

That's insane, especially with a medical emergency you are losing time.

[Anonymous]

Based on my experience at the high school level is that there are several types of kids wandering hallways/bathrooms and causing most the issues.

-kids with anxiety issues (typically have attendance issues as well)

-kids with oppositional defiance disorder or some other mood disorder. They will do the exact opposite of what you tell them.

-“the smart bad kid”. Often a leader of other kids. Always scheming and dealing but hates academics

-run of the mill kids who may be skipping a particular class like math or are friends with the above.

-EMLs who maybe have very little formal schooling before coming to the U.S. They often seem like little kids sometimes the way they interact.

Obviously there is a mix of traits and backgrounds, but general group has specific needs. We need way more therapists and consequences. It just feels like daycare since MD laws says they can’t drop out till 18.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re: mass shootings and drills: this is just a national reality now. Even the private school I worked at had drills and locked doors.

Re: guns confiscated on high school campuses: this is an issue of beefs between specific violent kids with major issues, and highly unlikely to affect your average middle class kid.

Re: chair-throwers: this is the real issue at the elementary level. Kids with emotional disturbances who cannot regulate themselves but who the school cannot legally send elsewhere or restrain or otherwise deal with. This is definitely something you will experience that we need a solution for.

When a kid goes on a chair and desk throwing rampage, why can’t a parent be called to pick up their child?

Because half the time the parents don't pick up the phone. When they do, they often refuse to come get their kid.

That long article about how MCPS is failing our special needs kids did not at all have the perspective that there are some parenting fails that are greatly contributing to the behavior issues. And yes I can confirm that this happens in the ES where I work. Parents don’t want to deal with their own kid.

Here’s an idea. Do the paperwork and push for a special placement and more help. I wouldn’t get my kid either. Don’t have a kid like that but have a kid with sn and we’ve been refused an iep or any help.

It’s the VIOLENT kids who need to be immediately removed from the school. They need professional, medical attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finally. This county pushed too far left, and we got out of control students. Now, we are going back to the middle regards to discipline.

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-bomb-threats-weapons-on-campus-and-assaults-on-staff-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-school-lockdown-counseling-services-behavior-intervention-programs-weapons-related-incidents-alternative-learning-options

Starting this fall, students who commit the most serious offenses could face long-term suspension or even expulsion. The updated Code of Conduct reclassifies threats and violent actions as Level 4 or 5 violations — the highest disciplinary categories under the district’s new guidelines.

Offenses such as making bomb threats, physically assaulting school personnel, or bringing weapons onto school property will now carry the most severe consequences.

The move comes after several alarming events during the current school year.

Good that physically assaulting teachers will now be considered a serious offense, but WHY isn’t physically assaulting OTHER STUDENTS also reclassified as a Level 4 or 5 violation?

Student safety is EQUALLY as critical as the safety of school staff. Administrators in Rockville MUST correct this ERROR.

Take it up with the BOE.

STUDENT — SAFETY — MATTERS

Why doesn’t the Montgomery County BOE agree?

Because they're more interested in:

1) Protecting Marcus Jones and enabling him to collect a paycheck
2) Protecting Taylor and failing to hold him accountable
3) Protecting the "reputation" of MCPS and prioritizing student safety means acknowledging the safety incidents they have and haven't successfully suppressed
4) Shifting the blame to others, i.e. Parents, HHS, DJS, MCPD rather than holding themselves accountable
5) Protecting the unions; in this instance, MCAAP, who wants to pretend that principals aren't part of the safety problem here

Correct. Remember, they tried to hide the fentanyl crisis. This is not the once proud MCPS. This is a rotten organization.

The entire school board needs to be replaced with school safety (from violent students) as the #1 priority. No one learns when they’re in constant fear every day.

We just replaced three of the school board members. They were supposed to be different from their predecessors.

No they weren’t. They were exactly the same.

What do you mean? They WERE supposed to be different. It's why they successfully unseated all three incumbents.

Rita Montoya aggressively went after Lynne Harris's record. And Laura Stewart repeatedly talked about feeling like she had to run for school board DESPITE having friends on the board because of how she dissatisfied she and her fellow MCCPTA allies were with the direction MCPS was headed in. And Natalie Zimmerman ran because she felt that having a RECENT teacher voice on the board would improve decision making at the board level.

All three of those women were supposed to bring fresh perspective, thinking and ideas to the BOE.

That sadly, has not turned out to be the case as they all unnecessarily heap praise on Taylor and MCPS staff in BOE meetings or embarrassingly fumble through parliamentary procedures in front of the whole county.

They were endorsed and in the pocket of the usual suspects. No change except for the names. Once in office they fell right in to line.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finally. This county pushed too far left, and we got out of control students. Now, we are going back to the middle regards to discipline.

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-bomb-threats-weapons-on-campus-and-assaults-on-staff-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-school-lockdown-counseling-services-behavior-intervention-programs-weapons-related-incidents-alternative-learning-options

Starting this fall, students who commit the most serious offenses could face long-term suspension or even expulsion. The updated Code of Conduct reclassifies threats and violent actions as Level 4 or 5 violations — the highest disciplinary categories under the district’s new guidelines.

Offenses such as making bomb threats, physically assaulting school personnel, or bringing weapons onto school property will now carry the most severe consequences.

The move comes after several alarming events during the current school year.

Good that physically assaulting teachers will now be considered a serious offense, but WHY isn’t physically assaulting OTHER STUDENTS also reclassified as a Level 4 or 5 violation?

Student safety is EQUALLY as critical as the safety of school staff. Administrators in Rockville MUST correct this ERROR.

Take it up with the BOE.

STUDENT — SAFETY — MATTERS

Why doesn’t the Montgomery County BOE agree?

Because they're more interested in:

1) Protecting Marcus Jones and enabling him to collect a paycheck
2) Protecting Taylor and failing to hold him accountable
3) Protecting the "reputation" of MCPS and prioritizing student safety means acknowledging the safety incidents they have and haven't successfully suppressed
4) Shifting the blame to others, i.e. Parents, HHS, DJS, MCPD rather than holding themselves accountable
5) Protecting the unions; in this instance, MCAAP, who wants to pretend that principals aren't part of the safety problem here

Correct. Remember, they tried to hide the fentanyl crisis. This is not the once proud MCPS. This is a rotten organization.

The entire school board needs to be replaced with school safety (from violent students) as the #1 priority. No one learns when they’re in constant fear every day.

We just replaced three of the school board members. They were supposed to be different from their predecessors.

No they weren’t. They were exactly the same.

What do you mean? They WERE supposed to be different. It's why they successfully unseated all three incumbents.

Rita Montoya aggressively went after Lynne Harris's record. And Laura Stewart repeatedly talked about feeling like she had to run for school board DESPITE having friends on the board because of how she dissatisfied she and her fellow MCCPTA allies were with the direction MCPS was headed in. And Natalie Zimmerman ran because she felt that having a RECENT teacher voice on the board would improve decision making at the board level.

All three of those women were supposed to bring fresh perspective, thinking and ideas to the BOE.

That sadly, has not turned out to be the case as they all unnecessarily heap praise on Taylor and MCPS staff in BOE meetings or embarrassingly fumble through parliamentary procedures in front of the whole county.

They were endorsed and in the pocket of the usual suspects. No change except for the names. Once in office they fell right in to line.

Evil. Shame on every voted who fell for their lies. Our children deserve better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

From Rita Montoya's campaign site: https://www.montoya4mcps.com/safe-schools

Students and staff do not feel safe from physical violence in schools due to the presence of guns, drug sales, trespassers and other weapons. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists cannot implement policies and practices effectively when schools are so out of order, especially when inadequately staffed.

MCPS needs both adequate law enforcement coverage, as required by Maryland law, and appropriately applied restorative practices. MCPS must also ensure its Cellular Connectivity policy allows staff to directly contact 911 while on school grounds so as to minimize response time to violent events.

Ha. I was told directly by my principal we are NOT allowed to call 911 on our own.

Good thing I don’t listen to idiots. If I need to - I will call 911. There really needs to be a better vetting process for administrators. They really are not very intelligent. Not a diss. Facts.

Please do call 911. We need safety and we can deal with adminstrative policies later. Thank you for all you do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Finally. This county pushed too far left, and we got out of control students. Now, we are going back to the middle regards to discipline.

https://wjla.com/news/local/montgomery-county-public-schools-mcps-bomb-threats-weapons-on-campus-and-assaults-on-staff-bethesda-chevy-chase-high-school-lockdown-counseling-services-behavior-intervention-programs-weapons-related-incidents-alternative-learning-options

Starting this fall, students who commit the most serious offenses could face long-term suspension or even expulsion. The updated Code of Conduct reclassifies threats and violent actions as Level 4 or 5 violations — the highest disciplinary categories under the district’s new guidelines.

Offenses such as making bomb threats, physically assaulting school personnel, or bringing weapons onto school property will now carry the most severe consequences.

The move comes after several alarming events during the current school year.

Good that physically assaulting teachers will now be considered a serious offense, but WHY isn’t physically assaulting OTHER STUDENTS also reclassified as a Level 4 or 5 violation?

Student safety is EQUALLY as critical as the safety of school staff. Administrators in Rockville MUST correct this ERROR.

Take it up with the BOE.

STUDENT — SAFETY — MATTERS

Why doesn’t the Montgomery County BOE agree?

Because they're more interested in:

1) Protecting Marcus Jones and enabling him to collect a paycheck
2) Protecting Taylor and failing to hold him accountable
3) Protecting the "reputation" of MCPS and prioritizing student safety means acknowledging the safety incidents they have and haven't successfully suppressed
4) Shifting the blame to others, i.e. Parents, HHS, DJS, MCPD rather than holding themselves accountable
5) Protecting the unions; in this instance, MCAAP, who wants to pretend that principals aren't part of the safety problem here

Correct. Remember, they tried to hide the fentanyl crisis. This is not the once proud MCPS. This is a rotten organization.

The entire school board needs to be replaced with school safety (from violent students) as the #1 priority. No one learns when they’re in constant fear every day.

We just replaced three of the school board members. They were supposed to be different from their predecessors.

No they weren’t. They were exactly the same.

What do you mean? They WERE supposed to be different. It's why they successfully unseated all three incumbents.

Rita Montoya aggressively went after Lynne Harris's record. And Laura Stewart repeatedly talked about feeling like she had to run for school board DESPITE having friends on the board because of how she dissatisfied she and her fellow MCCPTA allies were with the direction MCPS was headed in. And Natalie Zimmerman ran because she felt that having a RECENT teacher voice on the board would improve decision making at the board level.

All three of those women were supposed to bring fresh perspective, thinking and ideas to the BOE.

That sadly, has not turned out to be the case as they all unnecessarily heap praise on Taylor and MCPS staff in BOE meetings or embarrassingly fumble through parliamentary procedures in front of the whole county.

They were endorsed and in the pocket of the usual suspects. No change except for the names. Once in office they fell right in to line.

If you mean the MCEA/Apple Ballot, you're right. I guess MCEA is happy because they pretty much got the full-funding request they were asking for with the budget, but I hope now that the budget is done, that they start bringing a more critical voice and eye to the BOE and Taylor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

From Rita Montoya's campaign site: https://www.montoya4mcps.com/safe-schools

Students and staff do not feel safe from physical violence in schools due to the presence of guns, drug sales, trespassers and other weapons. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists cannot implement policies and practices effectively when schools are so out of order, especially when inadequately staffed.

MCPS needs both adequate law enforcement coverage, as required by Maryland law, and appropriately applied restorative practices. MCPS must also ensure its Cellular Connectivity policy allows staff to directly contact 911 while on school grounds so as to minimize response time to violent events.

Ha. I was told directly by my principal we are NOT allowed to call 911 on our own.

Good thing I don’t listen to idiots. If I need to - I will call 911. There really needs to be a better vetting process for administrators. They really are not very intelligent. Not a diss. Facts.

Please do call 911. We need safety and we can deal with adminstrative policies later. Thank you for all you do.

Except lots of teachers can’t afford involuntary retirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did any of them speak out against the classroom violence, and the lack of consequences for violent kids?

From Rita Montoya's campaign site: https://www.montoya4mcps.com/safe-schools

Students and staff do not feel safe from physical violence in schools due to the presence of guns, drug sales, trespassers and other weapons. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists cannot implement policies and practices effectively when schools are so out of order, especially when inadequately staffed.

MCPS needs both adequate law enforcement coverage, as required by Maryland law, and appropriately applied restorative practices. MCPS must also ensure its Cellular Connectivity policy allows staff to directly contact 911 while on school grounds so as to minimize response time to violent events.

Ha. I was told directly by my principal we are NOT allowed to call 911 on our own.

Good thing I don’t listen to idiots. If I need to - I will call 911. There really needs to be a better vetting process for administrators. They really are not very intelligent. Not a diss. Facts.

Please do call 911. We need safety and we can deal with adminstrative policies later. Thank you for all you do.

Except lots of teachers can’t afford involuntary retirement.

Nah. I’d rather do the right thing.

[Anonymous]

Innocent school children need to be protected from mentally ill aggressors in the classrooms.