Proposed New Regions

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

Well I understand that perspective but in the DCC that ship has long since sailed. I am interested in programming that will strengthen the options these kids have.

The DCC model has not proven to be effective. In practice, consortia are struggling rather than thriving. Given these challenges, expanding this model to the rest of the county raises serious concerns about its viability and long-term impact.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

Or they can find social connections, and additional community. And if the distance isn’t too far than can maintain connection with old friends and support systems. Which is exactly the interest in bringing programs and resources closer.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

Well I understand that perspective but in the DCC that ship has long since sailed. I am interested in programming that will strengthen the options these kids have.

The DCC model has not proven to be effective. In practice, consortia are struggling rather than thriving. Given these challenges, expanding this model to the rest of the county raises serious concerns about its viability and long-term impact.

The DCC model is not what is proposed. It’s a regional program model not a simple choice model.

[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:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

Well I understand that perspective but in the DCC that ship has long since sailed. I am interested in programming that will strengthen the options these kids have.

The DCC model has not proven to be effective. In practice, consortia are struggling rather than thriving. Given these challenges, expanding this model to the rest of the county raises serious concerns about its viability and long-term impact.

As PP said this is not quite consortia. And personally I like that the DCC is divided and mixed with other schools.

[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:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

Well I understand that perspective but in the DCC that ship has long since sailed. I am interested in programming that will strengthen the options these kids have.

The DCC model has not proven to be effective. In practice, consortia are struggling rather than thriving. Given these challenges, expanding this model to the rest of the county raises serious concerns about its viability and long-term impact.

The DCC model is not what is proposed. It’s a regional program model not a simple choice model.

+1. And Taylor was asked at the last meeting about why the DCC/NEC model has not been effective, and he said one reason is that BCC and Sherwood had been excluded, despite the original discussions to include them. It seems clear they are at least trying to make these regions avoid that situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

Is this based on a study? Or on extensive discussions with magnet and consortia alumni?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I think you overestimate how much people want to send their kids to Whitman. Of the 5, I am happy to send my kids to the other 4 but would not want to do that commute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Region 1 doesn't look too bad to me.

BCC is supposed to be kind of decent right? And there have often been positive posts about Einstein.

I think the main questions would be how Blair looks if they removed the county wide magnet program. And I'm not entirely sure of Northwood (as in I don't think I've heard too much about it. Know some people with siblings that graduated from there but that's it.)

Based on test scores/FARMs rates, I would say region 5 looks the most questionable. Northwest is an average/above average school. The rest of the schools are projected to have at least 35% FARMS, including the new Crown HS. With Watkins Mill over 60% FARMS and Gaithersburg HS hovering close to there. Option 3 has Seneca Valley hovering around it's current 35% FARMS but the rest of the options has it around 45%.

MCPS overall average is 44% FARMS. Totally reasonable for a grouping of high schools to be at that average. Parents who are shocked by it are a symptom of how divided the system currently is and how out of touch some parents are.

This particular grouping is always at least 46% FARMS when you add all the schools together and look at the four current realignment options.
Current: 46.8%
Option 1: 47.11%
Option 2: 47.15%
Option 3: 46.19%
Option 4: 48.68%

I haven't worked out all the other proposed regions yet.

If the overall MCPS average is 44%, this is very close to it. Unless we see a region that is sub-34 or over-54 (or something like that), it's probably the best that can be done with some manageable regional proximity. Hopefully, all the regions end up averaging in the 40s. (Really hopefully, the overall FARMS rate decreases, and not for lack of identification, but with the way society is going, both nationally and locally, I'm not holding my breath.)

The problem with averages is that it's not really spread out and you have the extremes balancing each other out.

Not all the schools are represented in the boundary studies.

But on mdreportcard, it says the FARMS rate is about 41% for MCPS and 40% if you limit to high schools.

Looking at the schools in boundary studies with a current FARMS rate of over 40% the schools are:

Blair 51.4
Gaithersburg HS 53.7
Kennedy 55.1
Northwood 50.8
Seneca Valley 47.2
Watkins Mill 54
Wheaton 62.7

According to MD Report Card, which may have different rules or source for FARMS, the schools not in the boundary studies and a FARMS population of more than 40% are:
Blake 54.8
Magruder 49.3
Paint Branch 59.2
Rockville 48.9
Sherwood 21.6
Springbrook 63.6

So Region 2 has three of the schools above, with Sherwood balancing it out. These schools aren't in any of the boundary studies. So we're looking at about a 49.8 percent FARMS rate

Region 5 has three schools above as well with Northwest and maybe Crown to balance it out. So let's say Crown has the same FARMS rate as Northwest the FARMS rate for this group would be 44.46, which we're saying is the average.

But then no other region either has this number of high FARM schools or has very low FARMS schools to balance it out.

For example:

Region 1: 34.34, with Blair's numbers probably changing if they remove the countywide magnet program

Region 3: 38.775, and this is counting Woodward's FARMS numbers to be the same as Wheatons 62.7 but likely isn't forecasted to be this high in any of the current proposed options

Region 4: 37.02

Region 6: 28.82, with Quince Orchard's numbers actually going to be lower with ten percent of it's FARMS population going to Crown

So while the overall average of FARMS in MCPS might be about 44 percent, only regions 2 and 5, looks like they'll have an average FARMS rate of above 40%

Regions 3 and 4 are a little bit over 35 percent, not quite 40 percent. So would consider this the average.

Region 1 is relatively low, below 35 percent.

And region 6, with the lowest at 28.8 percent and likely will go lower with Crown taking some of Quince Orchard's FARMS students.

So the FARMS distribution isn't that spread out across all the regions evenly and you still have disparity in the underserved areas, such as the East county and some of the Gaithersburg area

I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back.

I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible.

Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent.

The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8)

Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones.

Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region.

Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent.

It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students

Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it.

This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed

Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind.

I lived those going to RMIB. When you’re in 8th grade, nobody tells you how important it is to live close to school to form really great social bonds, participate in extracurricular, etc. It just seems like a 35 minute bus ride. Until it’s a 35 minute bus ride in the opposite direction from your social network.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I don’t believe these regional programs will appeal to W students at all. Instead, they simply take away their opportunity to participate in the magnet experience. While there may be a few slots available at W schools for students from other schools, these will likely be the weakest programs since MCPS tends to place the more popular programs at lower-performing schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I don’t believe these regional programs will appeal to W students at all. Instead, they simply take away their opportunity to participate in the magnet experience. While there may be a few slots available at W schools for students from other schools, these will likely be the weakest programs since MCPS tends to place the more popular programs at lower-performing schools

What magnet programs are W students no longer able to access?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I don’t believe these regional programs will appeal to W students at all. Instead, they simply take away their opportunity to participate in the magnet experience. While there may be a few slots available at W schools for students from other schools, these will likely be the weakest programs since MCPS tends to place the more popular programs at lower-performing schools

MCPS is trying to discourage W kids from going to the magnets. They feel W kids already have enrichment activities and opportunities. So, they want to keep the magnets for mostly the eastern side and the TP/SS area in south MoCo. That is why they are going to put the watered down magnets in the eastern part of the county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I think you overestimate how much people want to send their kids to Whitman. Of the 5, I am happy to send my kids to the other 4 but would not want to do that commute.

+1. I know multiple people who have actively avoided sending their kids to Whitman. And you clearly over estimate how many people want out of the poorer schools. Most people like their home HS just fine. They are not dying to go to Whitman. What they want is the programs in the county to be accessible for all students across the county and for resources to be spread fairly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I don’t believe these regional programs will appeal to W students at all. Instead, they simply take away their opportunity to participate in the magnet experience. While there may be a few slots available at W schools for students from other schools, these will likely be the weakest programs since MCPS tends to place the more popular programs at lower-performing schools

MCPS is trying to discourage W kids from going to the magnets. They feel W kids already have enrichment activities and opportunities. So, they want to keep the magnets for mostly the eastern side and the TP/SS area in south MoCo. That is why they are going to put the watered down magnets in the eastern part of the county.

Some of ya’ll really do live in a bubble where you believe that all people think about is the W schools and Whitman particular. Meanwhile, everyone else in the county rarely thinks about ya’ll except knowing that when change is needed you’ll be the ones screaming the loudest against it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Springbrook to Whitman, avoiding highways shows 13.1 miles 34 minutes
Springbrook to WJ, avoiding highways, 10.7 miles, 30 minutes

Blake to WJ, avoiding highways, 12.9 miles, 32 minutes


Watkins Mill High School to Wootton, 10.5 miles, 30 minutes
Watkins Mill High School to QO, 6.7 miles, 20 minutes

Are those far off from what they have now:
Kennedy to Wootton, 9.4 miles, 25 minutes
Damascus to Quince Orchard, 14.8 miles, 30 minutes

They are already pairing Whitman with a bunch of lower tier high poverty schools from the DCC. Even BCC has its problems. There isn’t enough rich schools to give everyone a seat at one. At some point your kids will have to go to school with the neighbors you chose. What happens when the W kids reject a watered down magnet and just stay home as many do already. If the rich kids don’t opt in how many seats can they truly offer the kids who want out from the poorer schools in the cluster. You’ll have kids picking the rich school’s program even if they don’t care for the subject matter and if it is even the least bit selective the and full of slots will go to the brightest middle class kids leaving the typical poorest kids once again stuck in their home school now with less middle kids.

I don’t believe these regional programs will appeal to W students at all. Instead, they simply take away their opportunity to participate in the magnet experience. While there may be a few slots available at W schools for students from other schools, these will likely be the weakest programs since MCPS tends to place the more popular programs at lower-performing schools

MCPS is trying to discourage W kids from going to the magnets. They feel W kids already have enrichment activities and opportunities. So, they want to keep the magnets for mostly the eastern side and the TP/SS area in south MoCo. That is why they are going to put the watered down magnets in the eastern part of the county.

Your opinion on current magnet schools is irrelevant to the discussion, which is about the future when those magnets will not exist and instead we will have several regions, each with the same specialty programs. Only one of those regions is in the southern part of the county. It has not been determined yet what and where the specialty programs would be in each region. Once they do exist, it would not make any sense to actively discourage “W kids” from going to them. But yes, often specialty magnet programs are placed in schools that need to attract more kids. So a “W kid” might need to ride a bus to a “lesser” neighborhood for that opportunity.