Fight btw BCC & WJ students after game @ 8:30 Friday night

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boys in fatherless homes do less well in life. They have plenty to rage about, including their single mothers with little if any authority, and her various boyfriends.

Absentee/ part time fathers can never be equal to a strong, loving and disciplined father in the home.

Kids who grow up with parents who are judgmental, angry and like to criticize other families tend to do very poorly when they grow up. I feel so bad for kids who have parents like the one above, they are going to grow up so messed up. It's really sad that they don't have a loving mother who demonstrates respect for other people and understanding of different circumstances.

This is a parenting issue regardless of the home situation. There were at least a dozen, if not more kids involved and given that there would be multiple family situations, all of which the parents failed to supervise and discipline their kids. MCPS should require parents to attend the football games or at least require the parents to pick them up if the kids cannot act responsibly. These incidents are happening far to frequently and if they are off MCPS property, MCPS cannot be blamed and parents need to be held accountable for their kids behaviors.

For all you know, the kids involved were never even actually at the game.

That is very true, and if so, then it really has nothing to do with MCPS. Especially given the timing.

If they are MCPS students harming other MCPS students, even if it’s outside of school grounds, it has to do with MCPS.

If they are MCPS students harming anyone, even if it's outside of school grounds, it has to do with MCPS.

If they are your children, harming anyone, even outside of your home, it has to do with the parents.
Mcps is far from perfect and they do have a role to play in holding these kids accountable and trying to change behavior. However, our children are our responsibility whether they are in our homes or out in the world. It takes a village, but it starts at home.

It doesn't take a village. It takes responsible parents or guardians. Stop expecting everyone else to parent your kids. This is why they act this way. There is no accountability or consequences at home. Stop expecting MCPS to parent and discipline your kids. Discipline starts at home. If your kids act up at school or outside school, it's your responsibility to discipline them at home. If they do something at school, consequences should also be at home.

Agreed, but it is likely exacerbated by the lack of teeth in school discipline. If students can do whatever they want in school with effectively no repercussions, situations can escalate easier and result in this. I can parent my kid, but not others' kids. I rely on in school discipline to protect them from others' poor parenting. We need to come together to work to step up in school discipline and get some real consequences back. Teachers and administrators should not have their hands tied when they are the ones on the ground.

You cannot rely on the school or other parents to parent the other students, all you can do is focus on and parent your kids. I agree school needs discipline and consequences and we need to bring back alternative schools or just expel kids in these situations however, that isn't going to happen so all we can do is focus on our own kids. You can discipline your children at home for things that happen in school. MCPS needs more security, more discipline, and metal and other detectors for safety but that's not happening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Both schools have always had open lunch. None of the high schools have cafeteria's to hold as many kids as they need to and they used to have multiple lunch times and now the schools often just have one lunch, which makes it a nightmare without open lunch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Both schools have always had open lunch. None of the high schools have cafeteria's to hold as many kids as they need to and they used to have multiple lunch times and now the schools often just have one lunch, which makes it a nightmare without open lunch.

My point is that these kids are “roaming” without parental supervision every school day.

[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:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Both schools have always had open lunch. None of the high schools have cafeteria's to hold as many kids as they need to and they used to have multiple lunch times and now the schools often just have one lunch, which makes it a nightmare without open lunch.

My point is that these kids are “roaming” without parental supervision every school day.

And to be clear, suggestions that parents prevent their kids from going out in the evening the same place they wander at 11:30 is pointless.

[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:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Both schools have always had open lunch. None of the high schools have cafeteria's to hold as many kids as they need to and they used to have multiple lunch times and now the schools often just have one lunch, which makes it a nightmare without open lunch.

My point is that these kids are “roaming” without parental supervision every school day.

Way back when, the security guards would go to those locations and monitor things. Not sure what they do now. And, if it happens off campus, police should be involved and held accountable through the courts. This attack should go to court, not just a slap on the wrist from MCPS. The county needs to get serious about this and charge these kids as adults and use them as an example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Yes, it used to be the McDonalds and Roy Rogers before the Metro Center was built, then it fluctuated between a few of those spots.

...I'm not understanding how it's relevant that McDonalds and Roy Rogers used to be loci of juvenile delinquency in downtown Bethesda in the late 1970s?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boys in fatherless homes do less well in life. They have plenty to rage about, including their single mothers with little if any authority, and her various boyfriends.

Absentee/ part time fathers can never be equal to a strong, loving and disciplined father in the home.

Kids who grow up with parents who are judgmental, angry and like to criticize other families tend to do very poorly when they grow up. I feel so bad for kids who have parents like the one above, they are going to grow up so messed up. It's really sad that they don't have a loving mother who demonstrates respect for other people and understanding of different circumstances.

This is a parenting issue regardless of the home situation. There were at least a dozen, if not more kids involved and given that there would be multiple family situations, all of which the parents failed to supervise and discipline their kids. MCPS should require parents to attend the football games or at least require the parents to pick them up if the kids cannot act responsibly. These incidents are happening far to frequently and if they are off MCPS property, MCPS cannot be blamed and parents need to be held accountable for their kids behaviors.

For all you know, the kids involved were never even actually at the game.

That is very true, and if so, then it really has nothing to do with MCPS. Especially given the timing.

If they are MCPS students harming other MCPS students, even if it’s outside of school grounds, it has to do with MCPS.

If they are MCPS students harming anyone, even if it's outside of school grounds, it has to do with MCPS.

If they are your children, harming anyone, even outside of your home, it has to do with the parents.
Mcps is far from perfect and they do have a role to play in holding these kids accountable and trying to change behavior. However, our children are our responsibility whether they are in our homes or out in the world. It takes a village, but it starts at home.

It doesn't take a village. It takes responsible parents or guardians. Stop expecting everyone else to parent your kids. This is why they act this way. There is no accountability or consequences at home. Stop expecting MCPS to parent and discipline your kids. Discipline starts at home. If your kids act up at school or outside school, it's your responsibility to discipline them at home. If they do something at school, consequences should also be at home.

Agreed, but it is likely exacerbated by the lack of teeth in school discipline. If students can do whatever they want in school with effectively no repercussions, situations can escalate easier and result in this. I can parent my kid, but not others' kids. I rely on in school discipline to protect them from others' poor parenting. We need to come together to work to step up in school discipline and get some real consequences back. Teachers and administrators should not have their hands tied when they are the ones on the ground.

You cannot rely on the school or other parents to parent the other students, all you can do is focus on and parent your kids. I agree school needs discipline and consequences and we need to bring back alternative schools or just expel kids in these situations however, that isn't going to happen so all we can do is focus on our own kids. You can discipline your children at home for things that happen in school. MCPS needs more security, more discipline, and metal and other detectors for safety but that's not happening.

But why can't we come together to bring some of these back? Does anyone really think these students should be allowed to return to school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

For the record, the WJ theme was “black out”, so yes, when I dropped my 15yo off in all black I was well aware what he was wearing and where he was. He was participating in an age appropriate activity, supporting his friends and school. Others lost control and committed crimes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Yes, it used to be the McDonalds and Roy Rogers before the Metro Center was built, then it fluctuated between a few of those spots.

...I'm not understanding how it's relevant that McDonalds and Roy Rogers used to be loci of juvenile delinquency in downtown Bethesda in the late 1970s?

The same kind of incidents happened then too. This is nothing new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think either of these schools has a big problem with student violence. But unfortunately MCPS doesn’t have any plan for dealing with kids with these severe emotional problems. Just before this my kids were telling me about a kid that beat up another kid last year and broke ribs — suspended for a week and then back in school. Everyone at the school knows to avoid him because he has a hair trigger, but apparently the same kid was starting something last week as well.

Parents need to intervene to get the troublemakers removed and put in special placements.

Growing up we had troublemakers who pulled fire alarms. Stop minimizing what this is. These are violent criminals.

Many former special placements/schools have been closed. Often violent students or those who sexually assault are just moved from school to school. This is widespread, not unique to MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Open lunch for all high school students is indeed ridiculous. You should have to earn the privilege.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Open lunch for all high school students is indeed ridiculous. You should have to earn the privilege.

The privilege of eating lunch? And how do you think school staff should enforce this, and do you think this is the best use of their time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think either of these schools has a big problem with student violence. But unfortunately MCPS doesn’t have any plan for dealing with kids with these severe emotional problems. Just before this my kids were telling me about a kid that beat up another kid last year and broke ribs — suspended for a week and then back in school. Everyone at the school knows to avoid him because he has a hair trigger, but apparently the same kid was starting something last week as well.

Parents need to intervene to get the troublemakers removed and put in special placements.

Growing up we had troublemakers who pulled fire alarms. Stop minimizing what this is. These are violent criminals.

Many former special placements/schools have been closed. Often violent students or those who sexually assault are just moved from school to school. This is widespread, not unique to MoCo.

It is unique to very liberal type school systems. Many school systems still have centers and special schools for kids who display violent and extremely aggressive behaviors.

[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:I am not convinced that parents are primarily to blame. Several have pointed the finger at lackadaisical parenting skills as a reason for the melee last night. These students are up against a culture that promotes entitlement and disrespect for authority that has been fueled by the pandemic-related events of 2020-2022.

A culture of entitlement and disrespect for authority starts at home. This has nothing to do with the pandemic and kids have been back in school for over two years now. Stop blaming the pandemic for bad parenting. Kids don't get this way overnight. This was many years in the doing, prior to covid and they know they can do it as there is no supervision or consequences at home. MCPS should require a parent or legal guardian to attend these games or close them to the public if students cannot behave without that level of supervision. But, even so, this happened off MCPS property so those "kids" were under the supervision of their parents so ultimately the parents failed somewhere and this didn't just happen 3 years ago. Plenty of kids DON'T behave this way and also went through the pandemic.

Your post is so opinionated and judgmental. Any experienced parent, or wise adult in general, knows that of course parenting matters but it's not everything. Kids are born with certain genetics that you can't always control. Or there are circumstances that you can't control. Experiences that they go through that you can't control. Plenty of well parented kids grow up to have many issues. And plenty of poorly parented kids grow up to be perfectly well adjusted and successful.

We all wish we could point the finger at someone for everything, but the reality is that you can't.

You really want to argue all of those kids are special needs and cannot be controlled. Then they should be in a residential program, like RICA or another program if the parents cannot handle them. Bottomline is where were the parents. They weren't supervising their kids after the football game and the kids violently attacked another. When your kids dress in all black and put masks over their faces, as a parent, that's not a red flag to you?

These are high school kids. Let's say, ages 14-18. Do you think it's inappropriate for kids aged 14-18 to be out in downtown Bethesda on a Friday evening without a parent?

I would not let my 14 year old free roam. 16-18 if they were well behaved sure. But, I expect to know exactly where they are and what they are doing. A 14 year old should not be freely roaming. This is why these things are happening. And, as a parent, if my kid was dressed in all black carrying a face mask common sense is something is seriously off and going to happen.

What exactly constitutes "freely roaming"? Would you expect your kid to text you, "outside the metro station committing assault"? Do you think the kids left home with their ski masks on?

I expect them to text me if there is a change of plans. I would never ever let my kid hang out at a place like that as I know what happens there. This isn't anything new. It was happening 25-40 years ago and still is. People acting shocked shouldn't be. This has always been a rough school hidden by the wealth of Chevy Chase and Bethesda.

You don't monitor what clothing your kids go out in or where they are? This is why this stuff is happening. Until they are 18 and graduated high school they are your responsibility.

Meaning, downtown Bethesda?

Considering BCC (and WJ) students have open lunch. This is extra ridiculous.

Open lunch for all high school students is indeed ridiculous. You should have to earn the privilege.

The privilege of eating lunch? And how do you think school staff should enforce this, and do you think this is the best use of their time?

The privilege of eating lunch anywhere other than a monitored cafeteria or classroom setting--yes.