Choir Teacher at a W school takes advantage

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

I was directly addressing the claim that athletes in MCPS don't pay for uniforms.

I'll also point out that my kid paid for his PE uniform, and was graded in that class, which is required unlike choir which is an elective.

[Anonymous]

Choir question: is the chamber choir audition only? Do all the public schools have a non-audition option for singing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

I was directly addressing the claim that athletes in MCPS don't pay for uniforms.

I'll also point out that my kid paid for his PE uniform, and was graded in that class, which is required unlike choir which is an elective.

Then you were duped. There's no legal requirement that a student purchase clothing for a class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

I was directly addressing the claim that athletes in MCPS don't pay for uniforms.

I'll also point out that my kid paid for his PE uniform, and was graded in that class, which is required unlike choir which is an elective.

At our school the PE uniform is optional and it's more a fundraiser. You just have to do specific colors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

I was directly addressing the claim that athletes in MCPS don't pay for uniforms.

I'll also point out that my kid paid for his PE uniform, and was graded in that class, which is required unlike choir which is an elective.

At our school the PE uniform is optional and it's more a fundraiser. You just have to do specific colors.

At my child’s middle school and high school, the PE uniform was a requirement. My child was docked points when she brought clothes to change into that were not the school uniform.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

I was directly addressing the claim that athletes in MCPS don't pay for uniforms.

I'll also point out that my kid paid for his PE uniform, and was graded in that class, which is required unlike choir which is an elective.

At our school the PE uniform is optional and it's more a fundraiser. You just have to do specific colors.

At my child’s middle school and high school, the PE uniform was a requirement. My child was docked points when she brought clothes to change into that were not the school uniform.

Of course. That's how the principal would guarantee her cut of sales.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

I was directly addressing the claim that athletes in MCPS don't pay for uniforms.

I'll also point out that my kid paid for his PE uniform, and was graded in that class, which is required unlike choir which is an elective.

At our school the PE uniform is optional and it's more a fundraiser. You just have to do specific colors.

At my child’s middle school and high school, the PE uniform was a requirement. My child was docked points when she brought clothes to change into that were not the school uniform.

Of course. That's how the principal would guarantee her cut of sales.

Who needs gangs when we have the MCPS Mafia!

But, Shh!, Omerta.

[Anonymous]

Is it illegal to lower a grade for dress requirements? I am not clear on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it illegal to lower a grade for dress requirements? I am not clear on that.

Our MS does that. We can buy whatever though.
I do think the whole thing is obnoxious and pretentious though. They aren’t the NSO. We have money but I am still irritated at having to pay $60 for black dress shoes that are worn precisely once plus the black dress pants and black dress shirt (another $100–although I bought the shirt big you at least get a second wear out of it). My kids own sneakers and snow boots — let them wear one of those. What a waste to the planet to buy all this stupid crap that is worn once and then “donated” where no one is wants it. And the black stuff fades out with a couple of washes too.

[Anonymous]

Financial obligations should never be a requirement for a grade. Public education should be free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Financial obligations should never be a requirement for a grade. Public education should be free.

It is in Maryland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow - this would not be allowed in FCPS. What about the kids who can't afford that? Or do you not have poor kids in Bethesda?

This is the richest school in the area. I'd hope the PTA helps with those who cannot afford it.

A lot of families fall in between. If your family is living off of say $90k a year in Bethesda, you don’t qualify for anything but also have no spare money.

Very few families making $90K or less except those in subsidized housing. PTA should be purchasing it for those families.

Please bow your head in shame and retreat into the corner.

How many families do you think can live in Bethesda NOW on under $90 without a housing subsidy, living in a basement/room rental/roommates, or lots of family help?

Oh, honey. You are very out of touch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Yes, but MCPS requires every secondary school to send at least one choir, one band, and one orchestra to “adjudication” every March. One of the criteria the ensembles are judged on is “appearance”. This is an unfunded mandate because MCPS should be purchasing whatever kids are required to wear for the performances like they purchase jerseys for athletics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it illegal to lower a grade for dress requirements? I am not clear on that.

Our MS does that. We can buy whatever though.
I do think the whole thing is obnoxious and pretentious though. They aren’t the NSO. We have money but I am still irritated at having to pay $60 for black dress shoes that are worn precisely once plus the black dress pants and black dress shirt (another $100–although I bought the shirt big you at least get a second wear out of it). My kids own sneakers and snow boots — let them wear one of those. What a waste to the planet to buy all this stupid crap that is worn once and then “donated” where no one is wants it. And the black stuff fades out with a couple of washes too.

Don’t think you would say this about purchasing cleats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it illegal to lower a grade for dress requirements? I am not clear on that.

Our MS does that. We can buy whatever though.
I do think the whole thing is obnoxious and pretentious though. They aren’t the NSO. We have money but I am still irritated at having to pay $60 for black dress shoes that are worn precisely once plus the black dress pants and black dress shirt (another $100–although I bought the shirt big you at least get a second wear out of it). My kids own sneakers and snow boots — let them wear one of those. What a waste to the planet to buy all this stupid crap that is worn once and then “donated” where no one is wants it. And the black stuff fades out with a couple of washes too.

Don’t think you would say this about purchasing cleats.

Well, the cleats aren’t for a class. You’re required to take some sort of art in McpS middle school. My kids hate it. Plus the cleats get a lot of wear and if they aren’t worn out I hand them down from kid to kid without regard to gender. The stupid black dress shoes are worn once—so wasteful. I played orchestra for 9 years in a poorer school district and don’t recall any sort of mandate about shoes for concert. In middle school I don’t think we had any dress requirements at all.