Insight into Bells Mill and Cold Spring

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any details on what the following statements are about?

Montgomery County Education Association
@mceanea
We support our members, educators and support staff at Bells Mill ES and across the county in combatting transphobia. We vow to continue working with MCPS to create a safe environment for teachers to do their jobs and be themselves and give students the same opportunity.


A Message from the Cold Spring PTA Board
The PTA Board condemns any actions or statements that are disparaging towards any members of our community or our shared value of inclusivity. At the PTA meeting on Tuesday night, comments were made that were negative and disrespectful. The PTA Board, along with our Cold Spring Leadership Team, will work together on addressing this issue.

[Anonymous]

I saw the Bells Mill ES statement and also wondered.

[Anonymous]

The religious right has entered MOCO and it's going to get very ugly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The religious right has entered MOCO and it's going to get very ugly.

What happened?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The religious right has entered MOCO and it's going to get very ugly.

What happened?

It's described here:

https://moco360.media/2023/02/08/anti-trans-threats-prompt-bells-mill-es-to-take-pta-meeting-online-launch-investigation/

[Anonymous]

It's because of Libs of TikTok picking up this tweet:

Honestly, I have questions as to why this book was chosen to be read to kids. It's one thing to have the book available to kids in the library for those who might be LGBTQ and curious about this, but to make it a mandatory reading for all kids, whose parents might have differing and varying opinions on this topic seems like you're intentionally provoking a backlash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's because of Libs of TikTok picking up this tweet:

Honestly, I have questions as to why this book was chosen to be read to kids. It's one thing to have the book available to kids in the library for those who might be LGBTQ and curious about this, but to make it a mandatory reading for all kids, whose parents might have differing and varying opinions on this topic seems like you're intentionally provoking a backlash.

What were the actual threats?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone have any details on what the following statements are about?

Montgomery County Education Association
@mceanea
We support our members, educators and support staff at Bells Mill ES and across the county in combatting transphobia. We vow to continue working with MCPS to create a safe environment for teachers to do their jobs and be themselves and give students the same opportunity.


A Message from the Cold Spring PTA Board
The PTA Board condemns any actions or statements that are disparaging towards any members of our community or our shared value of inclusivity. At the PTA meeting on Tuesday night, comments were made that were negative and disrespectful. The PTA Board, along with our Cold Spring Leadership Team, will work together on addressing this issue.

What happened at Cold Spring?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's because of Libs of TikTok picking up this tweet:

Honestly, I have questions as to why this book was chosen to be read to kids. It's one thing to have the book available to kids in the library for those who might be LGBTQ and curious about this, but to make it a mandatory reading for all kids, whose parents might have differing and varying opinions on this topic seems like you're intentionally provoking a backlash.

We are having similar conversations at our elementary school where I work. Most teachers feel that parents should have more of a say and the conversation should happen more at home. There’s a difference between acceptance of students who are transgender and being the first line in instruction of it. These books are mandatory in the county and parents have no opt out unlike puberty instruction which parents can opt out if. Make it make sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Honestly, I have questions as to why this book was chosen to be read to kids. It's one thing to have the book available to kids in the library for those who might be LGBTQ and curious about this, but to make it a mandatory reading for all kids, whose parents might have differing and varying opinions on this topic seems like you're intentionally provoking a backlash.

+1

Mandatory reading of such books does not make any sense. Parents should have these conversations at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's because of Libs of TikTok picking up this tweet:

Honestly, I have questions as to why this book was chosen to be read to kids. It's one thing to have the book available to kids in the library for those who might be LGBTQ and curious about this, but to make it a mandatory reading for all kids, whose parents might have differing and varying opinions on this topic seems like you're intentionally provoking a backlash.

We are having similar conversations at our elementary school where I work. Most teachers feel that parents should have more of a say and the conversation should happen more at home. There’s a difference between acceptance of students who are transgender and being the first line in instruction of it. These books are mandatory in the county and parents have no opt out unlike puberty instruction which parents can opt out if. Make it make sense.

+1 Parents should be allowed to opt out. Are parents being told when these books are being read? And what kind of conversations are happening after the reading? This was about 5th grade, but is this happening in all grades?

[Anonymous]

I didn't think the books were mandatory. Not sure where that idea is coming from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's because of Libs of TikTok picking up this tweet:

Honestly, I have questions as to why this book was chosen to be read to kids. It's one thing to have the book available to kids in the library for those who might be LGBTQ and curious about this, but to make it a mandatory reading for all kids, whose parents might have differing and varying opinions on this topic seems like you're intentionally provoking a backlash.

Here's the thing. Hate is taught at home. You could read young kids this book and they would ask a few questions and be like cool and move on. If your belief is that people can't be treated with respect and kindness even if they are different from you, then go find that school that teaches only hated beliefs like that. Public school is for EVERYONE. Even gasp - transgender students. There are many in public schools right now that you don't even realize are trans, especially in elementary school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The religious right has entered MOCO and it's going to get very ugly.

What happened?

It's described here:

https://moco360.media/2023/02/08/anti-trans-threats-prompt-bells-mill-es-to-take-pta-meeting-online-launch-investigation/

CommonSense Media:

"Parents need to know that Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by author and activist Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, is the story of Patterson's son's coming out as transgender just before his fifth birthday. Penelope knows what he likes — skateboarding, high tops, baggy jeans, and karate — and he knows who he is — a ninja and a boy. But his family, friends, and teachers see him as a girl. He acts out to make them see, but only after a heart-to-heart with his mom can he start living as who he is and focusing on other goals, like perfecting his roundhouse kick in karate. With no violence or language concerns, this heartening true story is appropriate for all kids and their adults.

What's the Story?

Penelope knows who he is -- a ninja, a karate student, and a boy -- but the people in his life see him as a girl, so he acts out to get their attention. A heart-to-heart with his mom, who immediately affirms his gender identity, means Penelope can start living as a boy in all parts of his life. They make a plan to tell the whole family, and the next school day, he dresses up in his favorite jeans, button down shirt and tie, and goes to school, where he tells classmates and his principal that yes, he is a boy. His family and wider community accept and support him, so Penelope pours his energy into preparing for a big goal: winning gold at his first karate competition. This book is based on the author's son, who now goes by Penel.

Is It Any Good?

This lovely, heartwarming story about the author's son, Penelope, is a testament to the power of love and affirmation. Born Ready is relayed in the first person voice of Penelope himself, which puts his perspective front and center. It's also got many elements young kids will connect with -- from Pen's frustration that the people in his life don't see who he is to his love of skateboards, math, science, and karate to his ninja identity, readers will "get" Penelope from page one. The shift from Pen's coming out as a boy to his hard work preparing for a karate tournament shows the power of what it means to be loved and supported: He can now focus on achieving his big life goals.

The digital illustrations with handmade watercolor accenting are full of expressive faces and dynamic movement (kids will especially appreciate the skateboarding page and karate kicks). Penelope is surrounded by a joyful and affirming Black family and community, an important representation in kid's books. That it's also a true story will leave readers hopeful and inspired by Penelope's affirming world.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Penelope's needs and goals in Born Ready. What makes him so angry in the beginning that he acts out? How did the people in his life respond to his declaration, "I am a boy"? What does Penelope focus on after he's told everyone who he really is?

What are some character strengths Penelope shows in this book? When does he show perseverance or communicate well?

What connections can you make with this story? When have you felt misunderstood by friends, family, or teachers? How did you handle the situation?

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/born-ready-the-true-story-of-a-boy-named-penelope

[Anonymous]

Some people have lost perspective.

Gender studies are good thing, but do it at certain level. Not in elementary school.