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Anonymous wrote:Welp, looks like at least one student wants us to continue the MVA because they are "shy" and like it because they can learn in a "comfortable environment."
I don't think this will be a convincing argument to the BOE lol.
Testimony posted on boardocs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18pIh04bhCGVM6v32-ZLud5ELQXsOvuSS/view
Did you even read and actually listen to the testimony? Kinda sad that is all you got out of it.
Yes I did. It is sad really that parents are enabling this. Kids need to learn to navigate the world regardless of being shy. I was shy too, but I am grateful I had exposure to normal social situations. My son was bullied in middle school. I am sure many parents are shielding their bullied kids with VA, which is so so wrong. It's a form of child abuse.
Wow, you think it's ok your child was bullied and would let him remain in a bad situation over finding an alternative. That speaks volumes of you as a parent. As a parent, I'd do anything to get my child into a better school environment.
What you did was child abuse. Well, actually neglect. You knew your son was being bullied and you ignored it and now rationalize your behavior.
I feel so bad for your son to have to go through that without any support at home.
Yes, I let him figure it all out on his own and he ended up with friends for life from middle school, high school, and college. He is now a recent college graduate with lots of friends and a great job making close to six figures. Had I imprisoned him in our home, I am sure the outcome would have been tragic.
You are a neglectful parent. And, you don't have kids in MCPS and are grown, why are you trolling this board and stirring up trouble?
You are lucky he is ok as it could have been far worse. Lots of kids commit suicide over stuff like that.
I have a younger one there. She also is dealing with bullying and has done a great job navigating it on her own with additional supports at school. I don't need to pull her out of school because she's shy or different. Kids are mean in middle school...we all went through it. Shielding and protecting your kids from it only creates more problems down the road. They will never learn how to deal with awkward or difficult social situations.
Well I guess you will find out how successful she was dealing on her own after she’s an adult and has her own children. If she talks to you.
LOL we have a great relationship. I don't hover over her like the crazy nut case helicopter virtual parents.
I'm a proud helicopter parent and what's nice is I have a strong relationship with my kids as we get to spend time together as when they were in person between school and activities we barely saw each other.
Amen. I love havingmy kids at home with me, they are happy and thriving. Shame some people don't understand tat and want them
forced back to bad schools.
This is a reason for the virtual academy? How about we just fix the schools?
For many families enrolled currently in the MVA, yes it is a reason. It is THE reason. Apart from the kids who have social anxiety, avoiding schools that parents deem too dangerous due to fighting, bullying, etc. is the most commonly cited reason for doing the MVA. It’s quite remarkable actually that these families have been able to take a pandemic learning tool and turn it into a school choice program for schools deemed too violent or emotionally unsafe to attend in person.
And when those kids get older and are forced to integrate to become productive members of society, how do you think that adjustment is going to go?
Kids with parents like you are why kids are bullying. You spend your days online bullying and trolling others instead of spending time with them. And, you probably bully them to so that's all they know.
Why do you care? It has no impact on your life.
Clearly its working given the numbers and speeches given tonight at the BOE.
That means there's a small number of people
that like it. It certainly doesn't mean it is working.
They only allowed a limited number of speeches
and the room was packed full of MVA families and staff as well as many more outside.
The petition is almost to 1800 signatures and continuing to rise.
Why do you dismiss the testimony of families in the MVA when you have no experience with it? Why do you think you know what's best?
Are you that fake psychologist looking for her five minutes of fame.
Yes, we know. They were the only group all night to interrupt and try to shout down another person giving testimony at the meeting.
They didn't shout down anyone. And, of course they will support their school and speak the truth vs. her and others lies.
From what I observed last night, the MVA crowd was very rude to one particular speaker who asked that the board consider some of the data that was recently released and shared some of her experiences as a psychologist who sees families who were in the MVA who did not thrive. They even yelled at the speaker's daughter about the school she attends? Very rambunctious and classless crowd if you ask me. I guess this is what happens when you don't get out much. And what kind of role modeling is this for their kids, many of them who were present?
I also was struck by one student's testimony (alongside his dad) claiming that since he entered virtual academy, his grades went from "very low grades" in person to "100 percents in every single class" in the MVA. Straight 100s? Does MVA have a serious grade inflation issue? I hope BOE is aware of this.
No grade inflation. Probably parent support. The speaker has no direct experience with the mva. That was the issue. She has never spoken to anyone or directly observed it.
You would be passionate if they ere trying to close your child’s school. Be real.
I am being real. I prefer to look at facts and data, not go on the testimonies of people making spectacles of themselves. It really was over the top and unseemly.
Not only did that presenter have hard facts and data, she DID have direct contact with families who were in the MVA (her clients).
And who are you? You aren’t important or even relevant to the conversation. And first person experiences - not a random doctor whose “expertise” I would question very hard - also count as data. Any doctor that “testifies” before the board like that looks like an absolute unprofessional fool. I would have reported her to her state board if my child was her client. No one is forcing virtual down anyone’s throat, so I would blame that doctor and the parents for not getting appropriate help for their child. Not blame a school program I voluntarily enrolled my child in. What an idiot. Again- The virtual academy is not the same in any way as what was previously used during the pandemic. It’s been many years and the program is changing and evolving as any program should do.
Whatever hard facts mean to you you still don’t understand how to critical think and form an unbiased opinion. Go find a hobby please. Or go back to school. In person obviously for you 🙄
How is virtual academy not the same as during the pandemic. Please explain. Do you mean smaller classes?
Do students have to keep their cameras on?
Hi! I'd love to tell you a little bit about the VA as a teacher at the upper school (former due to staffing cuts)
1. I LOVED WORKING THERE - the teachers I had the privilege to work with are dedicated and advocate for each one of their students. They are phenomenal and some I consider lifelong friends now. Isn't that crazy? We barely saw each other, but I feel more connected to them than other teachers in the building I am now.
2. Cameras are required to be on. If not, there is a protocol w/ admin and I cannot speak to what happens if one isn't on now, but I know it's a requirement.
3. The upper school has the same schedule (grades 6-12). This means high schoolers finally have a later start time! Everyone goes to school from 8:15-3 pm (at least last year)
4. Classes are 5 days a week. No days off, unless MCPS says so. They run on a block schedule, so classes typically are 75 min long and meet every other day.
5. Students have advisory - last year it was 25 min a day 5x a week. There are built-in office hours/study halls at the end of the day that are required for students to attend. This means that students get EXTRA help from their teachers and many get much more individualized support than they ever would in person.
6. Lunch is an hour long, and all students are on the same schedule. This tracks with about the same time high school gets (45-60 min depending on which one you are at). This is great for parents with kids in different grades. There are social clubs and peer tutoring during lunch, so kids can get even MORE support.
7. There are social clubs after school run by staff (Anime, Art, Video games, Book Wars, etc). Students run the morning announcements as well (They are so amazing at it too).
8. Students are taught the same curriculum as in person - so that if they did go back in person at any point (it was flexible the first 2 years), then they would be on track.
9. Gradebooks are monitored like I have never seen before - the admin team is ON it to make sure all teachers in all cohorts are on the same page. That was a bit annoying as a teacher because not every class is the same (for example, some classes might have more special education students, so you might have more practice assignments..etc). But it's great for parents and students because they know exactly what their students are doing. Everything is in one place (MyMCPS).
Lots more, but it runs like any other MCPS school. It's just in your home. I understand why parents are upset it might be cut. It's a really good program run by extremely dedicated and knowledgeable staff.
Hope that helps!
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