incidents at W schools disproportionately represented in media/DCUM?

[Anonymous]

I didn't read all this thread. My DS attends Whitman. We moved to this district when he was a baby (from DC for the "schools") and have lived in the same house since then. He is now 17. We don't re-evaluate every day and decide whether or not we will relocate to another school district because we are or are not happy with the student population or recent events or the schooling (and MCPS curriculum is kind of the same everywhere). We live here - we love our neighbors, it's close to our jobs, it's our home.

Yes, we are unhappy about the racial incidents at Whitman. We use the opportunity to discuss racial tensions, appropriate behavior, social media, etc. My DS would like to attend a more diverse college. I'm sure there are other good schools and other schools in which there are "incidents". But I'm not going to make a daily decision about that --- my DS has to learn to live where we live.

[Anonymous]

Maybe W parents could anonymously make up stories about other schools to make them look less bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't read all this thread. My DS attends Whitman. We moved to this district when he was a baby (from DC for the "schools") and have lived in the same house since then. He is now 17. We don't re-evaluate every day and decide whether or not we will relocate to another school district because we are or are not happy with the student population or recent events or the schooling (and MCPS curriculum is kind of the same everywhere). We live here - we love our neighbors, it's close to our jobs, it's our home.

Yes, we are unhappy about the racial incidents at Whitman. We use the opportunity to discuss racial tensions, appropriate behavior, social media, etc. My DS would like to attend a more diverse college. I'm sure there are other good schools and other schools in which there are "incidents". But I'm not going to make a daily decision about that --- my DS has to learn to live where we live.

I completely agree with your sentiment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe W parents could anonymously make up stories about other schools to make them look less bad.

Apparently that is something you can easily think of doing. Doesn't matter if you are a non-W or W parent, that is you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe W parents could anonymously make up stories about other schools to make them look less bad.

Apparently that is something you can easily think of doing. Doesn't matter if you are a non-W or W parent, that is you.

One difference is all these negative stories about the W's are from the paper and easily verified Most of the other things said about other schools with a few notable exceptions are just personal anecdotes that nobody knows are true or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe W parents could anonymously make up stories about other schools to make them look less bad.

Apparently that is something you can easily think of doing. Doesn't matter if you are a non-W or W parent, that is you.

One difference is all these negative stories about the W's are from the paper and easily verified Most of the other things said about other schools with a few notable exceptions are just personal anecdotes that nobody knows are true or not.

So?

Does that give you a reason that W parents would anonymously make up stories about other schools to make them look less bad?

Is that what you would do if you see easily verified negative stories about your school ? And therefore you think others would be doing the same?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Surely there are all kinds of things happening also at other MCPS high schools all throughout the county? Are the things happening at Whitman and Churchill (for example) being talked about in the media and DCUM because the parents and students are more likely to make a noise about it? I am considering leaving a W cluster so my kids won't be subject to a bunch of jerks, but wonder if similar stuff is happening in all schools, just not publicized as much, or if it's a different flavor.

Absolutely. My daughter was harassed and called a "stupid white bitch" and the administration did nothing when we brought it to their attention except claim that she was lying. Hard to imagine similar reactions if the races had been reversed.

+1 There's all sorts of bullying occurring that doesn't get emailed to parents or picked up on in the media. Principals will say it didn't happen and basically call the victim a liar even when there's a screen shot or video as proof.

Admitting that bullying is occurring means that the incident gets reported to Central Office and the Maryland State Board of Education. Principals love to skew the numbers so their school climate looks better than it is in reality. Ignoring problems by saying bullying is not occurring is easier than actually working with students to improve behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I am considering leaving a W cluster so my kids won't be subject to a bunch of jerks, but wonder if similar stuff is happening in all schools, just not publicized as much, or if it's a different flavor.

OP how old are your kids and what have been your experiences so far?