Tired of Constantly Being Hit Up for More Money in MCPS

[Anonymous]

Don't like the fees then go to private. Don't be a freeloader, you ungrateful toad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do kids who can't afford the band trip do? They need to either fundraise until everyone can go, choose a cheaper trip, or leave half of each section behind? Seems odd.

The kids that do not sign up stay behind. I guess they have a substitute for their band class and go about their regular classes during the week of the trip.

OK, that explains what the kids do that stay behind. What on earth does the band do if they don't have all the sections to play the pieces (well)? Why go without the whole band? One band, one sound, amiright?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to School means constant notices for this Class Fee and that PTA Dues or Field Trip Notices in MCPS.

Sure there are caveats to contact the teacher or Principal if we need help. But honestly, why shouldn't they consider a $1,400.00 band trip to be TOO EXPENSIVE for a lot of middle class families? Why don't they consider it is embarrassing/stigmatizing for your child to be left out and at the same time, I shouldn't have to disclose our family's financial situation for my child to fully participate in activities at school?

Totally agree with you. It's because they think people in MCPS are either RICH or POOR. And soon they will be...sigh.
Signed, A member of Bethesda's shrinking middle class.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about a home equity line of credit?

[Anonymous]

Kids are expensive - not everything can be publicly subsidized. They should plan a less expensive trip, but sounds like people would complain no matter what the cost.

[Anonymous]

"Anonymous

Kids are expensive - not everything can be publicly subsidized. They should plan a less expensive trip, but sounds like people would complain no matter what the cost."

No - what is offensive here is the astronomically high cost - not that there is SOME cost. If you could conceivably fundraise your way there then it is reasonable (that means a few hundred perhaps) but 1400??? That is beyond what a school based program should require in order to participate in its activities.

[Anonymous]

Will your kid end up with any sort of scholarship for band? Then consider this an investment.

I guess you need to sell some fruit. You know the drill: ask at work, your neighborhood, family, friends, etc. Or how about making your kid contribute? In lieu of a birthday gift, kick in money for the trip.

[Anonymous]

Band trip is not required. If you can't or don't want to pay that much for the trip, then don't. The end.

[Anonymous]

I remember when my midwestern public school had an 8th grade trip to DC. I didn't have the money (or didn't want my parents to have to dig for the cash) so I didn't go. It's OK if your kid doesn't go on the trip. I got over not being on my class trip to DC (and now I live here, so I really didn't miss out). Or come up with a way for your kid to earn it...mow lawns, babysit, wash cars...

[Anonymous]

Man. I went to a good public elementary school in a different city. Not sure how much my parents paid in fees 20 years ago. But I remember the recorder in music class, which was maybe $3 or $5.

[Anonymous]

The ignorance and entitlement of some PPs on this thread are mind-boggling:
Since when has $117 a month been reasonable?
Since when do children have to sell perishable fruit and have it represent only $50 of what they can contribute to a trip?
Insane. I know plenty of families who do not have that kind of money, and we're in Bethesda.

Incidentally, I'm on the PTA board of an MCPS school, and I make sure we avoid stratifying our community like this.

[Anonymous]

50%, not $50.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The ignorance and entitlement of some PPs on this thread are mind-boggling:
Since when has $117 a month been reasonable?
Since when do children have to sell perishable fruit and have it represent only $50 of what they can contribute to a trip?
Insane. I know plenty of families who do not have that kind of money, and we're in Bethesda.

Incidentally, I'm on the PTA board of an MCPS school, and I make sure we avoid stratifying our community like this.

So don't go in trips such as these. It's not a requirement.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, don't do the trip. Don't be an asshat and ruin it for everyone else.

[Anonymous]

"Anonymous
Yeah, don't do the trip. Don't be an asshat and ruin it for everyone else."

You are obnoxious. If you have a private group that wants to do this then fine. But school sponsored activities should not be so exclusionary.