Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
And you think you would be liked by most IRL? And for the record I have seen the AAP and Fairfax forum, and my point still stands, that forum is not nearly as busy as the MCPS forum. MCPS is well known for being the district with whiny over the top parents.
You claim that you are not CO, but do you understand why we’d think that with this kind of comment?
And if you really are not, I’ll say again, UGH!! That means you’re a magnet parent who thinks their kid is anMAZing and whose kid is doing well, and maybe is about to graduate? And who has never had to fight for anything with MCPS. So, okay, good! I guess I’m glad you’ve had a good experience but you sound smug as heck and weirdly in sync with… MCPS admin? Maybe you’re just a disgruntled secretary or some other school staff member who hates the entitled seeming parents who you have to deal with. We’ll never know here on DCUM, I guess.
Or maybe you are overly whining. Maybe your expectations are irrational.
We’re talking about a school system that fire exceeds every school system in the state and most school systems in the nation.
And you describe it as failing
Wow. It seems like somebody in MCPS is really desperate to defend their horrible plan.
Some of ya’ll need perspective is the problem. You clearly have no idea just how crappy things could be.
Sure, I guess things get even worse at MCPS. That's not exactly comforting.
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
I have two kids, one went through CES to magnet track, and the other one is in CES right now. From a parent perspective, I echo this article in every concern because they are all legitimate concerns. The vigorous resentful response you showed hints you are probably from central office.
As discussed in other responses, the fact that the article author is from within the study team who should have signed a NDA but still chose to speak out publicly proves that central office doesn't listen at all to community inputs. They shut their ears and eyes and show attitude exactly like yours. No this forum is not for the purpose for negativity. This is a forum for community to vet out their concerns and unhappiness about MCPS administrations.
And yoj know this how? Because you’ve heard one person’s input. I’ve heard numerous persons input. Guess what not everyone agrees that things should be slowed down. Yes, all want various questions answered, but some are highly in agreement with the 6 region model and looking forward to the possibility it brings. Because that challenges your narrative and thoughts doesn’t make it an invalid community opinion.
MCPS can't even manage the programs that they have now, or do any kind of analysis of those programs. Yes, they need to slow down the process and think things through.
My kids were the first class to be the 2.0 guinea pigs. We moved here right as 2.0 was starting. I was willing to give it a shot, but I also didn't have the history of 2.0 or MCPS when we moved here. I heard parents complaining about 2.0 and how awful it was. I thought the same as you.. let's give it a shot; those parents should stop complaining. I even wrote a long post about it on this forum to give it a shot.
Boy, was I wrong. After 10+ years in MCPS I have learned that MCPS is terrible at managing and implementing programs.
We moved here because of the magnet programs. Such a huge loss to MCPS to get rid of the county wide magnets that draw the best and brightest from around the country. This is our last year in MCPS, thank god.
Which programs are these?
2.0 was a disaster, and the subsequent replacements have been a revolving door.
The regional IBs are not successful. MCPS won't publish the DP rate at the regional IBs. There's a reason for that. Yet, they think replicating the programs is a good idea. They've yet to show the success of the programs. Why replicate a program that's not proven?
C2.0 was not a program. The regional IBs are new, no DP rate to compare.
All the other programs are successful.
Kennedy has had IB for years. They didn't change the program just because they made it a regional program.
But, even so, where's the data for pass rates for the first class in the regional program?
C2.0 rollout was a program. And it was a disaster. Terrible worksheets; teachers not trained properly.
MCPS cannot manage large scale programs, especially ones that they push too quickly.
What programs have been successful recently by CO?
Again, C2.0 was not a program.
All the MCPS programs have been successfully and well managed, be it CES, Magnets etc..
I'm a program manager. The rollout of 2.0 was not successful. It was awful.
Magnets have been around for many many years.
The recent changes to CES and MS magnet with the so called "accelerated" classes at the home school was were pathetic. I had one DC go to HGC, and one not but had the acceleration at the home school. Pathetic.
MCPS hasn't been able to successful rollout programs in recent years. They have yet to provide a good assessment and post mortem of the changes that they made. Read the article.
You lost any credibility when you don’t even know what C2.0 was.
2.0 was the crap curriculum MCPS tried to sell us. I initially was willing to give a chance, but this and the subsequent back and forth changes to the curriculum, HGC > CES, MS magnet lottery... I lost all faith in MCPS.
You're probably the few in CO who still thinks 2.0 was great. Says a lot about you.
MCPS is damned if they do, damned if they don’t. They literally can’t make anyone happy. It’s either too slow or too fast. It’s either too much or not enough. It’ll never be right in some people’s opinion.
Anonymous wrote:I think if multiple design team members would give public testimony saying their suggestions are being ignored, that could get some attention.
The president of the MCCPTA, Brigid Howe, already testified to this fact about the Boundary Studies and Program Analysis and the BOE didn’t care.
I know she did, but I'm saying you need to get multiple voices up there all saying the same things.
Anonymous wrote:MCPS is damned if they do, damned if they don’t. They literally can’t make anyone happy. It’s either too slow or too fast. It’s either too much or not enough. It’ll never be right in some people’s opinion.
Boohoo. Maybe if they stopped running the public school system behind closed doors and handing out lucrative no bid contracts to their friends there wouldn't be so many complaints.
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
I have two kids, one went through CES to magnet track, and the other one is in CES right now. From a parent perspective, I echo this article in every concern because they are all legitimate concerns. The vigorous resentful response you showed hints you are probably from central office.
As discussed in other responses, the fact that the article author is from within the study team who should have signed a NDA but still chose to speak out publicly proves that central office doesn't listen at all to community inputs. They shut their ears and eyes and show attitude exactly like yours. No this forum is not for the purpose for negativity. This is a forum for community to vet out their concerns and unhappiness about MCPS administrations.
I am a member of the program design team. The NDA didn't say Program Design Team members couldn't speak about the process. Members can't reveal non-public information that MCPS has shared with the team. For example, the team knew what regions were under consideration before MCPS accidentally put them up on Boarddocs. That information didn't come out until MCPS revealed it -- albeit apparently by mistake.
With that said, as a member of the Program Design Team, I 100% agree that MCPS has disregarded the feedback it has consistently received from members in this process. It is clear to me that the program design team is there to enable MCPS to say they sought community feedback, not to provide feedback that is genuinely considered. They are moving forward with the plan they want, feedback be damned. - NP
First problem is you don't know what you are doing. This is a public school system. All of the information is public and the entire process should have been conducted in public so the public could observe.
Anonymous wrote:MCPS is damned if they do, damned if they don’t. They literally can’t make anyone happy. It’s either too slow or too fast. It’s either too much or not enough. It’ll never be right in some people’s opinion.
No one said that MCPS is expected to make everyone happy.
It’s their job to do a thorough job of making the case for their recommendations and that getting the majority of the public and the BOE to align with their plans.
That MCPS routinely and continuously fails at this fundamental task is not a poor reflection on the public, but rather a poor reflection of the leadership of MCPS.
Anonymous wrote:I think if multiple design team members would give public testimony saying their suggestions are being ignored, that could get some attention.
The president of the MCCPTA, Brigid Howe, already testified to this fact about the Boundary Studies and Program Analysis and the BOE didn’t care.
And I bet you believe that MCCPTA is representative of all voices? Do you know how many schools don’t have a PTA or not one that is as involved as others?
Anonymous wrote:I think if multiple design team members would give public testimony saying their suggestions are being ignored, that could get some attention.
The president of the MCCPTA, Brigid Howe, already testified to this fact about the Boundary Studies and Program Analysis and the BOE didn’t care.
And I bet you believe that MCCPTA is representative of all voices? Do you know how many schools don’t have a PTA or not one that is as involved as others?
Does she have to be representative of all voices in MCPS for her testimony to carry weight? What’s the point of your comment? Are you seriously going to argue that the MCCPTA doesn’t represent a significant portion of the parent population in MCPS?
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
I have two kids, one went through CES to magnet track, and the other one is in CES right now. From a parent perspective, I echo this article in every concern because they are all legitimate concerns. The vigorous resentful response you showed hints you are probably from central office.
As discussed in other responses, the fact that the article author is from within the study team who should have signed a NDA but still chose to speak out publicly proves that central office doesn't listen at all to community inputs. They shut their ears and eyes and show attitude exactly like yours. No this forum is not for the purpose for negativity. This is a forum for community to vet out their concerns and unhappiness about MCPS administrations.
And yoj know this how? Because you’ve heard one person’s input. I’ve heard numerous persons input. Guess what not everyone agrees that things should be slowed down. Yes, all want various questions answered, but some are highly in agreement with the 6 region model and looking forward to the possibility it brings. Because that challenges your narrative and thoughts doesn’t make it an invalid community opinion.
MCPS can't even manage the programs that they have now, or do any kind of analysis of those programs. Yes, they need to slow down the process and think things through.
My kids were the first class to be the 2.0 guinea pigs. We moved here right as 2.0 was starting. I was willing to give it a shot, but I also didn't have the history of 2.0 or MCPS when we moved here. I heard parents complaining about 2.0 and how awful it was. I thought the same as you.. let's give it a shot; those parents should stop complaining. I even wrote a long post about it on this forum to give it a shot.
Boy, was I wrong. After 10+ years in MCPS I have learned that MCPS is terrible at managing and implementing programs.
We moved here because of the magnet programs. Such a huge loss to MCPS to get rid of the county wide magnets that draw the best and brightest from around the country. This is our last year in MCPS, thank god.
Which programs are these?
2.0 was a disaster, and the subsequent replacements have been a revolving door.
The regional IBs are not successful. MCPS won't publish the DP rate at the regional IBs. There's a reason for that. Yet, they think replicating the programs is a good idea. They've yet to show the success of the programs. Why replicate a program that's not proven?
C2.0 was not a program. The regional IBs are new, no DP rate to compare.
All the other programs are successful.
Kennedy has had IB for years. They didn't change the program just because they made it a regional program.
But, even so, where's the data for pass rates for the first class in the regional program?
C2.0 rollout was a program. And it was a disaster. Terrible worksheets; teachers not trained properly.
MCPS cannot manage large scale programs, especially ones that they push too quickly.
What programs have been successful recently by CO?
Again, C2.0 was not a program.
All the MCPS programs have been successfully and well managed, be it CES, Magnets etc..
I'm a program manager. The rollout of 2.0 was not successful. It was awful.
Magnets have been around for many many years.
The recent changes to CES and MS magnet with the so called "accelerated" classes at the home school was were pathetic. I had one DC go to HGC, and one not but had the acceleration at the home school. Pathetic.
MCPS hasn't been able to successful rollout programs in recent years. They have yet to provide a good assessment and post mortem of the changes that they made. Read the article.
You lost any credibility when you don’t even know what C2.0 was.
No, you lost your temper and your credibility from the beginning when you try to attack every response that shared their experience or expressed their concerns. - NP
When trolls don't even know what they're talking about, you lost all credibility no matter your so-called experience and fake concerns.
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
And you think you would be liked by most IRL? And for the record I have seen the AAP and Fairfax forum, and my point still stands, that forum is not nearly as busy as the MCPS forum. MCPS is well known for being the district with whiny over the top parents.
You claim that you are not CO, but do you understand why we’d think that with this kind of comment?
And if you really are not, I’ll say again, UGH!! That means you’re a magnet parent who thinks their kid is anMAZing and whose kid is doing well, and maybe is about to graduate? And who has never had to fight for anything with MCPS. So, okay, good! I guess I’m glad you’ve had a good experience but you sound smug as heck and weirdly in sync with… MCPS admin? Maybe you’re just a disgruntled secretary or some other school staff member who hates the entitled seeming parents who you have to deal with. We’ll never know here on DCUM, I guess.
Or maybe you are overly whining. Maybe your expectations are irrational.
We’re talking about a school system that fire exceeds every school system in the state and most school systems in the nation.
And you describe it as failing
Wow. It seems like somebody in MCPS is really desperate to defend their horrible plan.
Some of ya’ll need perspective is the problem. You clearly have no idea just how crappy things could be.
If you really are a parent, which I doubt, why would you have this perspective? Why wouldn’t you want the best for your kid? Why would “not as crappy as they could be” be okay for your child? I don’t get it, which is why I don’t think you actually are a parent but someone who works for MCPS.
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
And you think you would be liked by most IRL? And for the record I have seen the AAP and Fairfax forum, and my point still stands, that forum is not nearly as busy as the MCPS forum. MCPS is well known for being the district with whiny over the top parents.
You claim that you are not CO, but do you understand why we’d think that with this kind of comment?
And if you really are not, I’ll say again, UGH!! That means you’re a magnet parent who thinks their kid is anMAZing and whose kid is doing well, and maybe is about to graduate? And who has never had to fight for anything with MCPS. So, okay, good! I guess I’m glad you’ve had a good experience but you sound smug as heck and weirdly in sync with… MCPS admin? Maybe you’re just a disgruntled secretary or some other school staff member who hates the entitled seeming parents who you have to deal with. We’ll never know here on DCUM, I guess.
Or maybe you are overly whining. Maybe your expectations are irrational.
We’re talking about a school system that fire exceeds every school system in the state and most school systems in the nation.
And you describe it as failing
Wow. It seems like somebody in MCPS is really desperate to defend their horrible plan.
Some of ya’ll need perspective is the problem. You clearly have no idea just how crappy things could be.
If you really are a parent, which I doubt, why would you have this perspective? Why wouldn’t you want the best for your kid? Why would “not as crappy as they could be” be okay for your child? I don’t get it, which is why I don’t think you actually are a parent but someone who works for MCPS.
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
And you think you would be liked by most IRL? And for the record I have seen the AAP and Fairfax forum, and my point still stands, that forum is not nearly as busy as the MCPS forum. MCPS is well known for being the district with whiny over the top parents.
You claim that you are not CO, but do you understand why we’d think that with this kind of comment?
And if you really are not, I’ll say again, UGH!! That means you’re a magnet parent who thinks their kid is anMAZing and whose kid is doing well, and maybe is about to graduate? And who has never had to fight for anything with MCPS. So, okay, good! I guess I’m glad you’ve had a good experience but you sound smug as heck and weirdly in sync with… MCPS admin? Maybe you’re just a disgruntled secretary or some other school staff member who hates the entitled seeming parents who you have to deal with. We’ll never know here on DCUM, I guess.
OR maybe like I said, I’m a parent capable of seeing a variety of perspectives. Just because people don’t wholeheartedly agree with you doesn’t mean they are CO shills. And yes, people generally dislike entitled folk who think the world should revolve around their wants and ideas despite everyone else.
There are plenty of families in MCPS who complain about the distance of the magnet and special programs. Plenty of people who complain that there are not enough seats to service the students that could benefit. Plenty of people who feel that only voices from parts of the county are considered. Plenty of families who feel that their school teachers and administrators have low expectations because there is more black and brown or EML students. AND there have been several studies for different things, that have noted the inequity in the district. So, I’m not sure why people don’t understand that their are a great many people who are in support of this new region model and don’t want to see it delayed.
Note that no one but ya’ll asked anyone to STFU. We asked ya’ll to stop making every molehill a mountain. To stop using the media to get your way without considering that it does damage to the district you claim to want to help. To accept that there could be other voices counter to yours who also have been advocating to MCPS. To give politicians and MSDE the same treatment you give CO and teachers. Also, I’d like if folks put on their thinking caps a little and realize that things are not done in a vacuum. Y’all talk about slowing things down, but to when? As it stands the new programs and boundaries don’t go into affect until fall 2027. How much longer should they delay? The new Strategic Plan begins this year. Surely Taylor wants to be looking at things at the end of those five years. Blueprint implementation is ongoing that requires expansion of CTE, improvements in access, teacher development, etc. This helps achieve several of those goals. It looks to create long term efficiencies and savings for transportation.
This program analysis/development has been absurdly rushed, with all sorts of hugely important issues (like how much demand there is for various programs, how transportation will work and what it will cost, how they will ensure students won't have to travel more than 30 minutes from home to get to a program, which current programs are working well and which aren't, which schools have local programs that could be made regional, etc) still unclear. They need to wait to start the rollout until these things have been figured out, presented to the community for feedback, and then voted on by the Board-- I'm guessing probably around summer or fall 2026 would be enough time to complete all that, but this fall is way too early. (And then actual implementation should be phased rather than launching so many new programs all at once.)
+1. All kinds of very informed, very involved people are sounding alarms about this and the new superintendent is so determined to push this through that any common sense feedback is getting immediately shut down and ignored.
I don’t have a dog in this fight because my kids are old enough that we won’t be subjected to this new experiment. But the central office folks are not seeing around corners here. It is not better for students and families if a regional magnet is technically 10 minutes closer to home than the countywide magnet, but you actually have to leave your house 45 minutes earlier because your bus comes at 6:30 am and the “central bus stop” for your program is not walkable from your home. I just don’t think most families want to inconvenience themselves for a program that isn’t necessarily more convenient and isn’t necessarily better than the home school. But you know, they could actually ask people. Imagine if they did that!
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
And you think you would be liked by most IRL? And for the record I have seen the AAP and Fairfax forum, and my point still stands, that forum is not nearly as busy as the MCPS forum. MCPS is well known for being the district with whiny over the top parents.
You claim that you are not CO, but do you understand why we’d think that with this kind of comment?
And if you really are not, I’ll say again, UGH!! That means you’re a magnet parent who thinks their kid is anMAZing and whose kid is doing well, and maybe is about to graduate? And who has never had to fight for anything with MCPS. So, okay, good! I guess I’m glad you’ve had a good experience but you sound smug as heck and weirdly in sync with… MCPS admin? Maybe you’re just a disgruntled secretary or some other school staff member who hates the entitled seeming parents who you have to deal with. We’ll never know here on DCUM, I guess.
OR maybe like I said, I’m a parent capable of seeing a variety of perspectives. Just because people don’t wholeheartedly agree with you doesn’t mean they are CO shills. And yes, people generally dislike entitled folk who think the world should revolve around their wants and ideas despite everyone else.
There are plenty of families in MCPS who complain about the distance of the magnet and special programs. Plenty of people who complain that there are not enough seats to service the students that could benefit. Plenty of people who feel that only voices from parts of the county are considered. Plenty of families who feel that their school teachers and administrators have low expectations because there is more black and brown or EML students. AND there have been several studies for different things, that have noted the inequity in the district. So, I’m not sure why people don’t understand that their are a great many people who are in support of this new region model and don’t want to see it delayed.
Note that no one but ya’ll asked anyone to STFU. We asked ya’ll to stop making every molehill a mountain. To stop using the media to get your way without considering that it does damage to the district you claim to want to help. To accept that there could be other voices counter to yours who also have been advocating to MCPS. To give politicians and MSDE the same treatment you give CO and teachers. Also, I’d like if folks put on their thinking caps a little and realize that things are not done in a vacuum. Y’all talk about slowing things down, but to when? As it stands the new programs and boundaries don’t go into affect until fall 2027. How much longer should they delay? The new Strategic Plan begins this year. Surely Taylor wants to be looking at things at the end of those five years. Blueprint implementation is ongoing that requires expansion of CTE, improvements in access, teacher development, etc. This helps achieve several of those goals. It looks to create long term efficiencies and savings for transportation.
This program analysis/development has been absurdly rushed, with all sorts of hugely important issues (like how much demand there is for various programs, how transportation will work and what it will cost, how they will ensure students won't have to travel more than 30 minutes from home to get to a program, which current programs are working well and which aren't, which schools have local programs that could be made regional, etc) still unclear. They need to wait to start the rollout until these things have been figured out, presented to the community for feedback, and then voted on by the Board-- I'm guessing probably around summer or fall 2026 would be enough time to complete all that, but this fall is way too early. (And then actual implementation should be phased rather than launching so many new programs all at once.)
+1. All kinds of very informed, very involved people are sounding alarms about this and the new superintendent is so determined to push this through that any common sense feedback is getting immediately shut down and ignored.
I don’t have a dog in this fight because my kids are old enough that we won’t be subjected to this new experiment. But the central office folks are not seeing around corners here. It is not better for students and families if a regional magnet is technically 10 minutes closer to home than the countywide magnet, but you actually have to leave your house 45 minutes earlier because your bus comes at 6:30 am and the “central bus stop” for your program is not walkable from your home. I just don’t think most families want to inconvenience themselves for a program that isn’t necessarily more convenient and isn’t necessarily better than the home school. But you know, they could actually ask people. Imagine if they did that!
Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.
Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.
I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.
If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.
Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?
Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?
I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.
Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.
Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.
Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.
I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.
Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.
All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.
Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).
This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.
And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”
I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.
And you think you would be liked by most IRL? And for the record I have seen the AAP and Fairfax forum, and my point still stands, that forum is not nearly as busy as the MCPS forum. MCPS is well known for being the district with whiny over the top parents.
You claim that you are not CO, but do you understand why we’d think that with this kind of comment?
And if you really are not, I’ll say again, UGH!! That means you’re a magnet parent who thinks their kid is anMAZing and whose kid is doing well, and maybe is about to graduate? And who has never had to fight for anything with MCPS. So, okay, good! I guess I’m glad you’ve had a good experience but you sound smug as heck and weirdly in sync with… MCPS admin? Maybe you’re just a disgruntled secretary or some other school staff member who hates the entitled seeming parents who you have to deal with. We’ll never know here on DCUM, I guess.
OR maybe like I said, I’m a parent capable of seeing a variety of perspectives. Just because people don’t wholeheartedly agree with you doesn’t mean they are CO shills. And yes, people generally dislike entitled folk who think the world should revolve around their wants and ideas despite everyone else.
There are plenty of families in MCPS who complain about the distance of the magnet and special programs. Plenty of people who complain that there are not enough seats to service the students that could benefit. Plenty of people who feel that only voices from parts of the county are considered. Plenty of families who feel that their school teachers and administrators have low expectations because there is more black and brown or EML students. AND there have been several studies for different things, that have noted the inequity in the district. So, I’m not sure why people don’t understand that their are a great many people who are in support of this new region model and don’t want to see it delayed.
Note that no one but ya’ll asked anyone to STFU. We asked ya’ll to stop making every molehill a mountain. To stop using the media to get your way without considering that it does damage to the district you claim to want to help. To accept that there could be other voices counter to yours who also have been advocating to MCPS. To give politicians and MSDE the same treatment you give CO and teachers. Also, I’d like if folks put on their thinking caps a little and realize that things are not done in a vacuum. Y’all talk about slowing things down, but to when? As it stands the new programs and boundaries don’t go into affect until fall 2027. How much longer should they delay? The new Strategic Plan begins this year. Surely Taylor wants to be looking at things at the end of those five years. Blueprint implementation is ongoing that requires expansion of CTE, improvements in access, teacher development, etc. This helps achieve several of those goals. It looks to create long term efficiencies and savings for transportation.
This program analysis/development has been absurdly rushed, with all sorts of hugely important issues (like how much demand there is for various programs, how transportation will work and what it will cost, how they will ensure students won't have to travel more than 30 minutes from home to get to a program, which current programs are working well and which aren't, which schools have local programs that could be made regional, etc) still unclear. They need to wait to start the rollout until these things have been figured out, presented to the community for feedback, and then voted on by the Board-- I'm guessing probably around summer or fall 2026 would be enough time to complete all that, but this fall is way too early. (And then actual implementation should be phased rather than launching so many new programs all at once.)
+1. All kinds of very informed, very involved people are sounding alarms about this and the new superintendent is so determined to push this through that any common sense feedback is getting immediately shut down and ignored.
I don’t have a dog in this fight because my kids are old enough that we won’t be subjected to this new experiment. But the central office folks are not seeing around corners here. It is not better for students and families if a regional magnet is technically 10 minutes closer to home than the countywide magnet, but you actually have to leave your house 45 minutes earlier because your bus comes at 6:30 am and the “central bus stop” for your program is not walkable from your home. I just don’t think most families want to inconvenience themselves for a program that isn’t necessarily more convenient and isn’t necessarily better than the home school. But you know, they could actually ask people. Imagine if they did that!
That's my sense too, that CO is wildly overestimating the demand for these programs. We have kids in magnet programs, but pretty much all of my neighbors with kids would have zero interest, even if it was the next high school over. They prefer their kids having the shortest commute possible, staying with their friends, being on the home teams, etc.
I've never seen these kinds of sweeping changes made with so little data, or such narrow datasets. It made me realize they have no idea what they're doing, and that really worries me about the future prospects for our county. We're already thinking about moving out.
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