Tired of Constantly Being Hit Up for More Money in MCPS

[Anonymous]

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

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

[Anonymous]

We are in the midst of the back-to-school fees, and I feel it. But ours are all around the $50 amount (but many more of them than I expected) along with instrument costs for music (needed to buy the '"correct" (meaning expensive) drumsticks and mallets)
But $1400 seems a bit stiff! Will they be doing any fundraising to lower the cost? And do they need the money now or are they just giving you a heads up that you'll need to pony up later?

[Anonymous]

"why shouldn't they consider a $1,400.00 band trip to be TOO EXPENSIVE for a lot of middle class families"

that's absolutely insane. I agree it's terrible to offer something this expensive w/ the expectation it's to be shouldered by the families (as opposed to some unique grant or crazy fundraising system).

[Anonymous]

Where are they going? Europe. I am not buying that.

[Anonymous]

Fundraising for the $1,400.00 band trip is selling perishable fruit. We had to pay $500 now, $300 in October, and the balance due around December (just in time for the Holidays - yey!).

Even if we sell several hundreds of dollars of oranges and grapefruits, trying to deliver them before they spoil is a challenge. Only 50% of what is sold goes to the trip. Any ideas on how a child can sell then deliver $2,800 worth of fruit? Breaks out to be about 1000 cases of fruit.

We have already shelled out over $1,000 for another After School Activity. Didn't know it would be that expensive when she tried out and will discourage her from continuing in the activity in the future. Too expensive.

It just seems like every time we turn around, someone comes up with "Please Submit a Check to ______ for this". It is insane considering this is a public school. Yes this is Montgomery County but not everyone in our school district has incomes to support these types of expenses. It creates an undercurrent of segregation by socio-economic levels at our school.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

You are talking a out extras.

[Anonymous]

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

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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are talking a out extras.

School sponsored extras. I guess to avoid fees altogether your child should just stick to math, science, English, and social studies. Oh wait, we get requests for money in those classes as well. If you can't pay, submit a financial hardship statement to the Principal or your child can stay behind for those as well.

[Anonymous]

Class party fees and PTA is voluntary and outside MCPS. However, if your child participates in the class party its really obnoxious not to contribute to the fee if you are not financially strapped. PTA fees are usually pretty low. Again, if you don't participate in anything don't join. Its very obnoxious though to participate in all the free events and have your kids enjoy the assemblies etc while other parents are paying for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are talking a out extras.

School sponsored extras. I guess to avoid fees altogether your child should just stick to math, science, English, and social studies. Oh wait, we get requests for money in those classes as well. If you can't pay, submit a financial hardship statement to the Principal or your child can stay behind for those as well.

What requests for money do you get for math, science, English, and social studies?

[Anonymous]

Some of that money may be scholarship money for those who cannot afford it or to pay for the staff. That is very high for an bus trip with hotel and some food.

[Anonymous]

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

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

If you get a payment plan 1400 is only 117 a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

If you get a payment plan 1400 is only 117 a month.

There are many people for whom an additional $117 a month is not "only". True fact.

[Anonymous]

That is a lot of fruit.