UMBC for graduation?????

[Anonymous]

https://montgonion.com/home/mcpsgraduations

In a letter emailed to parents this afternoon, MCPS school superintendent Thomas Taylor apologized for the gaffe and shared a new plan designed to better accommodate school families and staff.

"We are truly sorry for the stress and anxiety induced by the thought of having to navigate both 495 and 695 on each leg of the commute," Taylor wrote. "We respect Montgomery County parents' preference to fight through inner city traffic and pay $62.50 to park seven blocks from the venue. Our new plan meets those needs and continues to provide a wide variety of overpriced, overcrowded lunchtime dining options for parents and their graduates."

To meet these demands, Taylor announced an entirely new location. "All MCPS high school graduations in 2026 will instead be held at the brand new, state-of-the-art White House Ballroom currently under construction at breakneck speed on the East Wing grounds," he shared with families and staff.

yes, folks, it's satire, but you get the point, maybe.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

It’s not absurd because MCPS has not been able to locate a venue that meets all of the criteria and is closer to home. They’re not making teachers and administrators drive to UMBC for shits and giggles. Seriously, you think MC can easily solve our problem, but MCPS just really wants to make people (including their own staff) drive to Baltimore County instead??? Use your head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Yeah, they hold them in moco on football fields.

A couple of the smallest schools can use their own football fields, but the vast majority cannot and have to book venues off of MCPS’s own school properties…which is how MCPS came to book properties outside of MoCo in the first place, and which they have been doing for quite a while. The new twist is that every school now has to use the same facility.

They all can if they bring in chairs, etc. but by the time the school rents everything it will cost around the same. Using one venue makes sense, but this one due to distance does not.

This is so disingenuous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

It’s not absurd because MCPS has not been able to locate a venue that meets all of the criteria and is closer to home. They’re not making teachers and administrators drive to UMBC for shits and giggles. Seriously, you think MC can easily solve our problem, but MCPS just really wants to make people (including their own staff) drive to Baltimore County instead??? Use your head.

Schools have held graduation in the past at MC. Yes, it would be a good solution. Use your head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

It’s not absurd because MCPS has not been able to locate a venue that meets all of the criteria and is closer to home. They’re not making teachers and administrators drive to UMBC for shits and giggles. Seriously, you think MC can easily solve our problem, but MCPS just really wants to make people (including their own staff) drive to Baltimore County instead??? Use your head.

Schools have held graduation in the past at MC. Yes, it would be a good solution. Use your head.

Post Covid, MCPS has held zero graduation ceremonies at MC. How many years has it been since they used it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

It’s not absurd because MCPS has not been able to locate a venue that meets all of the criteria and is closer to home. They’re not making teachers and administrators drive to UMBC for shits and giggles. Seriously, you think MC can easily solve our problem, but MCPS just really wants to make people (including their own staff) drive to Baltimore County instead??? Use your head.

Schools have held graduation in the past at MC. Yes, it would be a good solution. Use your head.

Post Covid, MCPS has held zero graduation ceremonies at MC. How many years has it been since they used it?

In the distant past, MC was only used for smaller graduation ceremonies, not for traditional high schools. DAR was the default location for most schools for years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

I’m so sorry that attending your dc’s graduation ceremony will be a hardship at best and possibly entirely impossible. That really sucks. You deserve to be in attendance and your dc deserves to have you there. I’m wishing you the best possible health, and congratulations to your graduate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

I’m so sorry that attending your dc’s graduation ceremony will be a hardship at best and possibly entirely impossible. That really sucks. You deserve to be in attendance and your dc deserves to have you there. I’m wishing you the best possible health, and congratulations to your graduate.

+1 But your situation is unique and a clear example of how you can’t please everyone all of the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

Again, MCPS chooses to hold all its graduations in the same place because it's easier for MCPS. That does not mean that the only option available or the best option available from the perspective of parents and loved ones who want to attend their kids' graduation was to hold them all in UMBC.

This they never asked. The cost savings and uniformity is good but having to drive an hour or more and not keeping it in the county or nearby is not ok.

Seems to be ok by a great many people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

Again, MCPS chooses to hold all its graduations in the same place because it's easier for MCPS. That does not mean that the only option available or the best option available from the perspective of parents and loved ones who want to attend their kids' graduation was to hold them all in UMBC.

This they never asked. The cost savings and uniformity is good but having to drive an hour or more and not keeping it in the county or nearby is not ok.

Seems to be ok by a great many people.

Let me guess you are Mcps and choose this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

I’m so sorry that attending your dc’s graduation ceremony will be a hardship at best and possibly entirely impossible. That really sucks. You deserve to be in attendance and your dc deserves to have you there. I’m wishing you the best possible health, and congratulations to your graduate.

+1 But your situation is unique and a clear example of how you can’t please everyone all of the time.

I’m not alone in not being able to travel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

I’m so sorry that attending your dc’s graduation ceremony will be a hardship at best and possibly entirely impossible. That really sucks. You deserve to be in attendance and your dc deserves to have you there. I’m wishing you the best possible health, and congratulations to your graduate.

+1 But your situation is unique and a clear example of how you can’t please everyone all of the time.

I’m not alone in not being able to travel.

You’re not alone, but you’re in a small minority who cannot drive, cannot get a ride from family or friends or neighbors, and cannot accept MCPS provided transportation.

Are you a Damascas parent who has been expecting the traditional outdoor ceremony at the football field, only to find out that MCPS chose your child’s senior year to announce this sudden change? You can’t be indoors in a crowd, even masked, and you need to be close to home for medical treatment? If this is the case, I am truly sorry. In the blink of an eye you went from having a feasible plan for attending your child’s graduation to having MCPS introduce this monkey wrench.

I’ve heard there’s a petition to allow Damascas to have their ceremony at home. If that’s what the majority at Damascas wants, I sincerely hope you get to do it. MCPS has paid for Damascas’s time slot at UMBC, and I’m sure UMBC won’t give them a refund, but as long as Damascas can fund a graduation ceremony at home without any additional resources from MCPS, I don’t see why this couldn’t happen. MCPS has arranged for the use of UMBC, but has it expressly forbidden schools from doing their own thing if it won’t cost MCPS another dime and it’s what the majority of a school community wants? Talk to your PTA and see if they’re willing to survey your school community to gauge interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

You must be at a wealthy school. My spouse is a contractor. Paid by the hour, no leave.

My goodness! If you cannot take a day off for your kid graduation, you have bigger problems.
DP

Can we, yes, can others, some yes, some no. Not everyone has a job like you do.

When and where could MCPS hold all 25 graduation ceremonies for the 12,000 graduates and their 20,000+ parents that would not inconvenience anyone?

Montomery college.

That post went right over your head. Even if MC’s magic tent is available, has adequate staffing, is air conditioned, has decent acoustics, easy access to restrooms, is affordable, etc., SOMEONE will be inconvenienced by health problems or having to miss work or driving in traffic or having to arrive first thing in the morning or having to stay late into the evening or getting hustled out of the venue quickly because it has to be prepared for the next ceremony.

MCPS cannot possibly give the perfect graduation ceremony experience to the 50,000 - 60,000 people who would like to attend a graduation ceremony.

Of course they have all of that as its aready set up for MC graduation which is larger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7yMQzD-l4I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co2udY8kMiM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY0f84hISkk

Can they host 25 graduations over a 2 week period? And they’re not already booked?

There’s a reason why we have an agreement with UMBC and not MC. Take it up with Central Office since you can do a better job at this than they can.

What’s the reason. They’d be out of session during graduation.

Maybe they’re already booked. Maybe they can’t staff that many hours. Maybe they have other events going on that require them to take the tent down. You and I don’t know why MC isn’t an option, but apparently, it’s not an option for this year.

Regardless, someone would complain if that’s where all the graduations were being held, even if their complaints are really due to personal circumstances and have nothing to do with MCPS.

So, you are just making excuses.

Yes, we’re all making up excuses since we don’t coordinate these events for MCPS or MC, and MCPS cannot reasonably be expected to control traffic congestion nor accommodate every individual’s health and parents’ work schedules when more than 10,000 families are involved.

You and I don’t know what other venues were considered and what made MCPS settle on UMBC, but one thing we do know is that MCPS has not used MC historically, nor has MCPS been holding their ceremonies anywhere else in MoCo. They’ve used multiple other venues in different cities, most of which resulted in one complaint or another. Now they will have one main complaint about the venue: it’s a farther drive. However, several common problems are solved: people can have more tickets, there will be adequate parking, and ceremonies won’t overlap. Traffic is a potential issue with any venue. Being able to take time off work is a problem with any venue. Health issues are a problem with any venue. Having a venue farther away is an issue, and one that MCPS is attempting to address by providing transportation to those who need it. Apparently they have the budget for that, given whatever UMBC is charging them for its use.

Check your privilege. It is absurd to make that many families drive that far and not hold it in our own county. With health issues, if its local, I can drive myself and leave right after my kid walks. If its far, I cannot do that as I cannot drive that far safely.

And, not a chance I'd take an MCPS bus as I shouldn't be around any crowds even masking.

I’m so sorry that attending your dc’s graduation ceremony will be a hardship at best and possibly entirely impossible. That really sucks. You deserve to be in attendance and your dc deserves to have you there. I’m wishing you the best possible health, and congratulations to your graduate.

+1 But your situation is unique and a clear example of how you can’t please everyone all of the time.

I’m not alone in not being able to travel.

You’re not alone, but you’re in a small minority who cannot drive, cannot get a ride from family or friends or neighbors, and cannot accept MCPS provided transportation.

Are you a Damascas parent who has been expecting the traditional outdoor ceremony at the football field, only to find out that MCPS chose your child’s senior year to announce this sudden change? You can’t be indoors in a crowd, even masked, and you need to be close to home for medical treatment? If this is the case, I am truly sorry. In the blink of an eye you went from having a feasible plan for attending your child’s graduation to having MCPS introduce this monkey wrench.

I’ve heard there’s a petition to allow Damascas to have their ceremony at home. If that’s what the majority at Damascas wants, I sincerely hope you get to do it. MCPS has paid for Damascas’s time slot at UMBC, and I’m sure UMBC won’t give them a refund, but as long as Damascas can fund a graduation ceremony at home without any additional resources from MCPS, I don’t see why this couldn’t happen. MCPS has arranged for the use of UMBC, but has it expressly forbidden schools from doing their own thing if it won’t cost MCPS another dime and it’s what the majority of a school community wants? Talk to your PTA and see if they’re willing to survey your school community to gauge interest.

No, not at Damascus, but good for them for trying to advocate. The cost savings plan and keeping it uniform makes sense, but the distance doesn't. Traditionally, the schools share the cost with MCPS and MCPS gives them a set amount. So, this is the way that MCPS fully pays for it but traveling to Baltimore County from Montgomery County is not reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Montgomery county shouldn't have high schools with enrollment # larger than the counties capacity to host a graduation event. The county has no community. I see on tik tok high school kids having home coming events in DC. I truly regret having raised kids here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was this a change that was ever discussed? The email that just came through was the very first I hear anything of this. Very disappointing.

Totally disappointed in this decision. Why the hell would we drive to Baltimore! We aren’t from there!