Can you post other schools that are following this model? |
Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters |
Ding ding ding. Schools are reimagining BTSN after surveying parents and students and a charge from CO. Many parents don’t go to BTSN after 6th grade because it’s an absolute waste of time. They don’t learn anything they couldn’t have read in the class syllabus and principal weekly message. Virtual was at least better because they didn’t have to waste time navigating all around school buildings. |
And people on DCUM think this is bad because...? |
Because it should not be the school system’s job to provide ‘community support’ to the extent that is expected in MoCo. There are plenty of community resources. The schools should have their primary mission be to EDUCATE. Leave the other stuff to the myriad of non-profits and other agencies that exist to provide ‘support’ to the community. |
| I'm not saying "a block party" is a bad thing. I think that can build school community and spirit. But I don't see how the block party helps to connect the dots on the academic needs and supports of students for parents, which is the purpose of Back to School Night. |
Looking at the QO site linked above, I don't see any mention of a "block party" at all, so not sure where that phrase is coming from. The document they posted says: "The night will begin with an opening session from Principal Elizabeth Thomas with special guests from the Parent Teacher Student Association, NAACP Parent Council, QO Boosters, SGA and more! Then, caregivers will go to Department Open Houses to learn more about the courses in which their students are enrolled. Prior to BTSN, caregivers will receive a one-pager, electronically, providing specific information about their student's teachers, including links to teacher videos and the class syllabus. During BTSN, content teachers of courses offered here at QO will provide information about a student’s experience and important information about the course. Even though you will not be able to follow your student’s entire schedule, the sessions will be repeated several times throughout the evening so you can visit up to five content area discussion sessions. There will also be a table fair with information about college, career, and community opportunities, special programs at QO and clubs/organizations held at the school." This seems fine to me, honestly. |
Three DCs at two high schools last year. One is at a magnet, other two at regular school and both BTSNs were packed last year. They were all in person. In some classes they did not have enough seats for all the parents. Where are you located? |
It doesn't. That's why there are two posts above saying that the school is NOT focused on academic needs. |
It’s a good thing you don’t work for the schools with that attitude. The state of MD determines who is a community school and provides more resources. If you don’t have your basic needs met, then learning won’t happen. If you don’t like that the school is a place where many children and families receive help navigating the confusing social support system then GTFO of public school. You are an idiot. |
Virtual is never better. Parents miss out on all that in person social interaction that is required. |
Agree. Budget is a zero-sum game. The more that is spent on "other," the less that is spent on educating students. Class size is up. Layoffs. Need to get back to those basics. Prepare students for post high school jobs and/or college. |
No one know where they are supposed to be tonight and there is only time to go to a few teachers rooms so you have to make a choice as to which class you think is important. |
What do you think the basics are? You are really something. Seriously - go find a hobby. You obviously live under a rock because you clearly have no clue what’s going on in the schools and in the state. |