Kids arrested outside of Whitman for selling coke

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The teachers definitely know what is going on even at the middle schools. They turn a blind eye. There are kids smoking and having sex in the bathrooms even in the middle schools but the teachers ignore it because they are afraid of getting sued.

Which is a serious problem, given that teachers are mandated reporters.

[Anonymous]

As soon as MCPS staff would try to crack down on this, the ridiculously privileged Whitman parents would swarm in with lawyers to make sure their spoiled kids are protected from consequences and that nothing happens to that perfect college application they've spent their whole lives scripting. They'd make the teacher's life hell. Come on. Get real. Whitman parents would talk the "MCPS woulda coulda shoulda" talk until suddenly precious Larlo got implicated and then it would be full guns blazing against those same teachers. This is a parenting problem and a rich kid problem common in schools all over the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As soon as MCPS staff would try to crack down on this, the ridiculously privileged Whitman parents would swarm in with lawyers to make sure their spoiled kids are protected from consequences and that nothing happens to that perfect college application they've spent their whole lives scripting. They'd make the teacher's life hell. Come on. Get real. Whitman parents would talk the "MCPS woulda coulda shoulda" talk until suddenly precious Larlo got implicated and then it would be full guns blazing against those same teachers. This is a parenting problem and a rich kid problem common in schools all over the world.

Sounds like the problem is more with admin who won't uphold their duty to ensure schools are drug-free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The teachers definitely know what is going on even at the middle schools. They turn a blind eye. There are kids smoking and having sex in the bathrooms even in the middle schools but the teachers ignore it because they are afraid of getting sued.

Which is a serious problem, given that teachers are mandated reporters.

They are mandated reporters of child abuse, not drug use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whitman is a pool of cheating, privileged feckless children, MCPS at its complete level of incompetence, and has become a joke.

This is not on MCPS. Blame the parents or adults in these kids lives.

Depends if the parents agreed to the open lunch policy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whitman is a pool of cheating, privileged feckless children, MCPS at its complete level of incompetence, and has become a joke.

This is not on MCPS. Blame the parents or adults in these kids lives.

Depends if the parents agreed to the open lunch policy

Our school moved to an open lunch. I did not agree but the admin gave up. However, this is a parenting issue, not mcps. As a parent I am responsible for my kids 24-7.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The teachers are very much aware we even have smoke detectors in the bathrooms, but they’re very stupid when it comes to figuring out who did it. I’ve been questioned for even though I don’t smoke and I’ve never as I was using the bathroom same time as them

A lot of teachers do turn there backs on it as people in my class will have full on conversations about what drugs they do and where they get them, but the teachers never seem to interrupt or shut it down

And I think MCPS needs to do a much better job at stopping these drug problems as none of them have faced real consequences as security guards will just take your vape if they find it on you and then walk away I’ve seen it happen and there needs to be a real intervention on amount of drug problems as a lot of people in my grade and other grades sell stuff to each other

What do you want them to do? How about the parents send the kids to treatment and stop funding the drugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The teachers are very much aware we even have smoke detectors in the bathrooms, but they’re very stupid when it comes to figuring out who did it. I’ve been questioned for even though I don’t smoke and I’ve never as I was using the bathroom same time as them

A lot of teachers do turn there backs on it as people in my class will have full on conversations about what drugs they do and where they get them, but the teachers never seem to interrupt or shut it down

And I think MCPS needs to do a much better job at stopping these drug problems as none of them have faced real consequences as security guards will just take your vape if they find it on you and then walk away I’ve seen it happen and there needs to be a real intervention on amount of drug problems as a lot of people in my grade and other grades sell stuff to each other

What do you want them to do? How about the parents send the kids to treatment and stop funding the drugs.

i agree but the parents just don’t care and don’t do there jobs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The teachers are very much aware we even have smoke detectors in the bathrooms, but they’re very stupid when it comes to figuring out who did it. I’ve been questioned for even though I don’t smoke and I’ve never as I was using the bathroom same time as them

A lot of teachers do turn there backs on it as people in my class will have full on conversations about what drugs they do and where they get them, but the teachers never seem to interrupt or shut it down

And I think MCPS needs to do a much better job at stopping these drug problems as none of them have faced real consequences as security guards will just take your vape if they find it on you and then walk away I’ve seen it happen and there needs to be a real intervention on amount of drug problems as a lot of people in my grade and other grades sell stuff to each other

What do you want them to do? How about the parents send the kids to treatment and stop funding the drugs.

i agree but the parents just don’t care and don’t do there jobs

Then, that's on them, not MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whitman is a pool of cheating, privileged feckless children, MCPS at its complete level of incompetence, and has become a joke.

This is not on MCPS. Blame the parents or adults in these kids lives.

Depends if the parents agreed to the open lunch policy

Our school moved to an open lunch. I did not agree but the admin gave up. However, this is a parenting issue, not mcps. As a parent I am responsible for my kids 24-7.

That is not true. When the kids are in school, they are under the care and protection of MCPS. In loco parentis. Look it up.

[Anonymous]

Drug use and distribution on or around school grounds is MCPS's responsibility: https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/discipline-compendium?state=maryland&sub_category=Substance%20Use

D. Coordination with Local Law Enforcement.

(1) The local board of education shall notify local law enforcement officials of the local board of education's alcohol and other drugs policy.

(2) The local board of education, to the extent possible and consistent with applicable law, shall coordinate efforts with local law enforcement officials to:

(a) Prevent alcohol and other drug abuse by students;

(b) Detect the possession of alcohol or illegal drugs by students on school premises;

(c) Adopt standard operating procedures regarding the reporting of activity related to alcohol and other drug abuse on school premises;

(d) Adopt standard operating procedures regarding the investigation of activity related to alcohol and other drug abuse on school premises; and

(e) Adopt standard operating procedures regarding the seizure and storage of contraband.

Teachers who know that students are dealing or using drugs but choose to look the other way are in violation with several tenets of state and federal law.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Our school moved to an open lunch. I did not agree but the admin gave up. However, this is a parenting issue, not mcps. As a parent I am responsible for my kids 24-7.

That is not true. When the kids are in school, they are under the care and protection of MCPS. In loco parentis. Look it up.

Former Whitman parent again, just noting and affirming the actual students who have posted here. I also appreciate the other former parent with two teenagers who have graduated. My former student also shared with me honestly about what was happening, also not always under best circumstances. As a parent, I was shocked at what the school permitted and what I was powerless to impact or change as someone who can't, and legally isn't permitted to, be on campus. It's not just about parents keeping THEIR students from doing things, it's also parents whose students are HARMED by the lack of security and processes who are also powerless to protect their kids.

If somehow a school board member reads this thread, or a member of the school community wants to try and change things with MCPS, here are some specific, actionable issues. If a parent could figure this out by simply listening and observing, MCPS and school administrators can too and take constructive action:

- Students from all grades frequently sneak out and return within the same school day, to both use and deal drugs. This is the "revolving door" challenge between what happens on and "off campus" or allegedly "outside MCPS control". It's not just lunch, or one grade. Legally, MCPS is currently more exposed by not dealing with this. Should a student be tragically harmed and their family sues, there's no way the school can deny it wasn't aware at this point, which is negligence. There needs to be a policy that if a student leaves without approved excuse or permission, they're gone for the day and marked absent for that day, and parents or guardians are told same-day, not weeks or months later (as we experienced). If this happens often, Whitman needs to enforce the new MCPS attendance policy and students need to quickly get escalated in the system for support and intervention. Not to punish them, to instead accurately identify they are in trouble and need constructive help.

- Whitman security is easily manipulated and evaded, even ninth graders know this. If a ninth grade student can figure this out, why can't MCPS or school administration? This isn't only about illegal cannabis or alcohol use, there's hard drugs used and dealing too. Weapons are regularly smuggled in and witnessed by other students. Students bully and physically threaten and assault other students, both on and off campus. I don't know if security are MCPS employees or a contractor, but it's not working. If MoCo residents pay tax money for security, our students and educators deserve a safe environment. If they need to learn from other parts of MCPS or school districts how to partner productively and well with MoCo mental health, substance abuse and law enforcement for better outcomes, they should do so.

- Students know they can vape, have fights, and use and deal drugs in the bathrooms. And other students feel unsafe there. The school installed vape detectors inside, and cameras outside, the bathrooms. Schools obviously should not be filming students in any restroom. But students have figured out what they can do in the bathrooms, and it's time to have same-gender security or hall monitors directly outside who briefly check bathrooms periodically. Custodial staff do this to clean already, so it's clearly safely doable. This isn't just about preventing vaping, drug use or dealing, it's also because many Whitman students feel unsafe in campus bathrooms. There was a violent assault another student filmed last year, it's very hard to watch. So it's not about just enforcing rules, it's also about safety. Remember, a female student was also sexually assaulted on campus and just a few years ago, a Whitman social studies teacher and coach was CONVICTED of SAing minor students. Practically, what else needs to tragically happen at this point to address the lack of security?

- Students in Whitman's special behavioral placement programs need appropriate support and supervision, to better serve them first and foremost, and also protect other students. These students deserve care, programs and informed help. MCPS school board members should demand these student placements come with appropriate additional supports. As currently set up, this harms those troubled students when they most need help: putting them in a new environment where they are seen as "outsiders", socioeconomically othered, and away from their home communities. It should be no surprise they struggle emotionally and then act out. If a student has opiate or cocaine charges in Baltimore, it's likely they are going to do the same thing in Bethesda without intervention and support. This harms them, and makes other students unsafe, both physically and by exposing them to hard drug dealing and use.

-Whitman parents, go to MCPS Board Meetings and speak up. Yes, school board meetings happen at impossible times for working parents. Yes, they are far away. But it's critical to go and be heard. If you think there aren't resources to support the above solutions, go sit at a MCPS school board meeting where they discuss vendors and contracts, or the budget. You will be shocked at how money is spent and some of the contracts. If we can't keep students and educators safe, maybe it's time to question why some other expenditures are happening, and if tens-of-millions-dollar contracts were awarded most efficiently and transparently. Students and families deserve better! The system will just keep being broken without you.

Our family didn't have the resources to stay in the school due to the expense of what Whitman's negligence did to our student, and the resulting care that's been required. We are still impacted and suffering. I hope students and families will speak up and change things, before one more student is exposed to bullying, violence, drug addiction, sexual assault, or harm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whitman is a pool of cheating, privileged feckless children, MCPS at its complete level of incompetence, and has become a joke.

This is not on MCPS. Blame the parents or adults in these kids lives.

Depends if the parents agreed to the open lunch policy

Our school moved to an open lunch. I did not agree but the admin gave up. However, this is a parenting issue, not mcps. As a parent I am responsible for my kids 24-7.

That is not true. When the kids are in school, they are under the care and protection of MCPS. In loco parentis. Look it up.

If they leave school grounds they are no longer under MCPS care. Even if they are at school it doesn't relieve you of parenting. This is why kids do this. They know they can and no consequences at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Our school moved to an open lunch. I did not agree but the admin gave up. However, this is a parenting issue, not mcps. As a parent I am responsible for my kids 24-7.

That is not true. When the kids are in school, they are under the care and protection of MCPS. In loco parentis. Look it up.

Former Whitman parent again, just noting and affirming the actual students who have posted here. I also appreciate the other former parent with two teenagers who have graduated. My former student also shared with me honestly about what was happening, also not always under best circumstances. As a parent, I was shocked at what the school permitted and what I was powerless to impact or change as someone who can't, and legally isn't permitted to, be on campus. It's not just about parents keeping THEIR students from doing things, it's also parents whose students are HARMED by the lack of security and processes who are also powerless to protect their kids.

If somehow a school board member reads this thread, or a member of the school community wants to try and change things with MCPS, here are some specific, actionable issues. If a parent could figure this out by simply listening and observing, MCPS and school administrators can too and take constructive action:

- Students from all grades frequently sneak out and return within the same school day, to both use and deal drugs. This is the "revolving door" challenge between what happens on and "off campus" or allegedly "outside MCPS control". It's not just lunch, or one grade. Legally, MCPS is currently more exposed by not dealing with this. Should a student be tragically harmed and their family sues, there's no way the school can deny it wasn't aware at this point, which is negligence. There needs to be a policy that if a student leaves without approved excuse or permission, they're gone for the day and marked absent for that day, and parents or guardians are told same-day, not weeks or months later (as we experienced). If this happens often, Whitman needs to enforce the new MCPS attendance policy and students need to quickly get escalated in the system for support and intervention. Not to punish them, to instead accurately identify they are in trouble and need constructive help.

- Whitman security is easily manipulated and evaded, even ninth graders know this. If a ninth grade student can figure this out, why can't MCPS or school administration? This isn't only about illegal cannabis or alcohol use, there's hard drugs used and dealing too. Weapons are regularly smuggled in and witnessed by other students. Students bully and physically threaten and assault other students, both on and off campus. I don't know if security are MCPS employees or a contractor, but it's not working. If MoCo residents pay tax money for security, our students and educators deserve a safe environment. If they need to learn from other parts of MCPS or school districts how to partner productively and well with MoCo mental health, substance abuse and law enforcement for better outcomes, they should do so.

- Students know they can vape, have fights, and use and deal drugs in the bathrooms. And other students feel unsafe there. The school installed vape detectors inside, and cameras outside, the bathrooms. Schools obviously should not be filming students in any restroom. But students have figured out what they can do in the bathrooms, and it's time to have same-gender security or hall monitors directly outside who briefly check bathrooms periodically. Custodial staff do this to clean already, so it's clearly safely doable. This isn't just about preventing vaping, drug use or dealing, it's also because many Whitman students feel unsafe in campus bathrooms. There was a violent assault another student filmed last year, it's very hard to watch. So it's not about just enforcing rules, it's also about safety. Remember, a female student was also sexually assaulted on campus and just a few years ago, a Whitman social studies teacher and coach was CONVICTED of SAing minor students. Practically, what else needs to tragically happen at this point to address the lack of security?

- Students in Whitman's special behavioral placement programs need appropriate support and supervision, to better serve them first and foremost, and also protect other students. These students deserve care, programs and informed help. MCPS school board members should demand these student placements come with appropriate additional supports. As currently set up, this harms those troubled students when they most need help: putting them in a new environment where they are seen as "outsiders", socioeconomically othered, and away from their home communities. It should be no surprise they struggle emotionally and then act out. If a student has opiate or cocaine charges in Baltimore, it's likely they are going to do the same thing in Bethesda without intervention and support. This harms them, and makes other students unsafe, both physically and by exposing them to hard drug dealing and use.

-Whitman parents, go to MCPS Board Meetings and speak up. Yes, school board meetings happen at impossible times for working parents. Yes, they are far away. But it's critical to go and be heard. If you think there aren't resources to support the above solutions, go sit at a MCPS school board meeting where they discuss vendors and contracts, or the budget. You will be shocked at how money is spent and some of the contracts. If we can't keep students and educators safe, maybe it's time to question why some other expenditures are happening, and if tens-of-millions-dollar contracts were awarded most efficiently and transparently. Students and families deserve better! The system will just keep being broken without you.

Our family didn't have the resources to stay in the school due to the expense of what Whitman's negligence did to our student, and the resulting care that's been required. We are still impacted and suffering. I hope students and families will speak up and change things, before one more student is exposed to bullying, violence, drug addiction, sexual assault, or harm.

If your kid had issues, they easily could have found the same thing at any school, its probably more pronounced at Whitman as more famlies have disposable money and give their kids easier access to money to buy drugs, party and lack of supervision. I don't know what happened to your child but its a mix of school, parents and kids and parents need to be heavily involved and stop thinking kids don't need them as much as teens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Drug use and distribution on or around school grounds is MCPS's responsibility: https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/discipline-compendium?state=maryland&sub_category=Substance%20Use

D. Coordination with Local Law Enforcement.

(1) The local board of education shall notify local law enforcement officials of the local board of education's alcohol and other drugs policy.

(2) The local board of education, to the extent possible and consistent with applicable law, shall coordinate efforts with local law enforcement officials to:

(a) Prevent alcohol and other drug abuse by students;

(b) Detect the possession of alcohol or illegal drugs by students on school premises;

(c) Adopt standard operating procedures regarding the reporting of activity related to alcohol and other drug abuse on school premises;

(d) Adopt standard operating procedures regarding the investigation of activity related to alcohol and other drug abuse on school premises; and

(e) Adopt standard operating procedures regarding the seizure and storage of contraband.

Teachers who know that students are dealing or using drugs but choose to look the other way are in violation with several tenets of state and federal law.

Mandated reporter is for abuse/neglect for CPS, this is criminal and very different.