MCPS Virtual Academy applications open

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtual school is not goid for young kids

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html

This article is rambling nonsense: "Nearly 25% of parents whose children received virtual instruction or combined instruction reported worsened mental or emotional health in their children, compared to 16% of parents whose children received in-person instruction."

Perhaps the difference is parents were more involved with their kids daily lives to actually see what was going on. Or, perhaps the school was not the issue vs. the family situation.

Kids also have different learning styles and personalities. One of my kids did just fine with virtual, for my other it was a big struggle. Same parents, same attention given to both.

It's just really tiresome when posters act like their kid being good at virtual school is some proof of moral superiority or something. Congratulations kid being able to sit still in front of a computer for 6 hours a day

Whoa, not following your logic, PP just said it works for some and not others. Its not about who’s morally superior. It’s so nice that there is an option for kids who need it and I hope it continues.

I'm responding to people who claim here and other threads that the reason their kids thrive in virtual was because "they were more involved in their child's education "

Except if you have a very independent child, it does take a lot of parental involvement.

What does "involvement" mean to you though? Setting them up for the day and being available nearby in case you're occasionally needed? Sitting with your child the entire time and constantly reminding them to stop touching the buttons? Homeschooling after the virtual part was done because they didn't actually learn anything?

Our developmental pediatrician told us that amount of time staring at a screen was not good for our DC, period, and younger kids in general. I'm glad that VA is working out so wonderfully for a subset of families but continue to be amazed by those that can't fathom that if it didn't work out well for yours, it must be due to bad parenting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does it look like for a kid who does VA? Is it all day? Small classes? Interaction with peers?

My son is a 10th grader in the MVA and enjoys it. Classes are very small compared to in the building. He has some core classes under 10 students and none more than 20 students so the attention from the teacher and feedback on assignments has been much better than what we experienced in the traditional setting.

In the class, there's not a ton of peer interaction but the MVA is trying to do clubs and social Zoom rooms during the lunch period to give students that peer to peer interaction in a relaxed setting.

Overall it's been a great experience and allowed my son to just focus on school without all the distractions/drama of high school. MVA isn't for everyone but if your child is organized and self motivated, it is a great option.

That's great PP. But also an example of why there may be disagreements within MCPS about continuing funding after next year. Can they justify continuing to pay for classes that are smaller than within the buildings, and may get smaller yet next year? They'd probably have to combine classes or drop offerings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtual school is not goid for young kids

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html

This article is rambling nonsense: "Nearly 25% of parents whose children received virtual instruction or combined instruction reported worsened mental or emotional health in their children, compared to 16% of parents whose children received in-person instruction."

Perhaps the difference is parents were more involved with their kids daily lives to actually see what was going on. Or, perhaps the school was not the issue vs. the family situation.

Kids also have different learning styles and personalities. One of my kids did just fine with virtual, for my other it was a big struggle. Same parents, same attention given to both.

It's just really tiresome when posters act like their kid being good at virtual school is some proof of moral superiority or something. Congratulations kid being able to sit still in front of a computer for 6 hours a day

Whoa, not following your logic, PP just said it works for some and not others. Its not about who’s morally superior. It’s so nice that there is an option for kids who need it and I hope it continues.

I'm responding to people who claim here and other threads that the reason their kids thrive in virtual was because "they were more involved in their child's education "

Except if you have a very independent child, it does take a lot of parental involvement.

What does "involvement" mean to you though? Setting them up for the day and being available nearby in case you're occasionally needed? Sitting with your child the entire time and constantly reminding them to stop touching the buttons? Homeschooling after the virtual part was done because they didn't actually learn anything?

Our developmental pediatrician told us that amount of time staring at a screen was not good for our DC, period, and younger kids in general. I'm glad that VA is working out so wonderfully for a subset of families but continue to be amazed by those that can't fathom that if it didn't work out well for yours, it must be due to bad parenting.

Your post shows your ignorance with VA and only care about your needs vs others who need it for different reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtual school is not goid for young kids

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html

This article is rambling nonsense: "Nearly 25% of parents whose children received virtual instruction or combined instruction reported worsened mental or emotional health in their children, compared to 16% of parents whose children received in-person instruction."

Perhaps the difference is parents were more involved with their kids daily lives to actually see what was going on. Or, perhaps the school was not the issue vs. the family situation.

Kids also have different learning styles and personalities. One of my kids did just fine with virtual, for my other it was a big struggle. Same parents, same attention given to both.

It's just really tiresome when posters act like their kid being good at virtual school is some proof of moral superiority or something. Congratulations kid being able to sit still in front of a computer for 6 hours a day

Whoa, not following your logic, PP just said it works for some and not others. Its not about who’s morally superior. It’s so nice that there is an option for kids who need it and I hope it continues.

I'm responding to people who claim here and other threads that the reason their kids thrive in virtual was because "they were more involved in their child's education "

Except if you have a very independent child, it does take a lot of parental involvement.

What does "involvement" mean to you though? Setting them up for the day and being available nearby in case you're occasionally needed? Sitting with your child the entire time and constantly reminding them to stop touching the buttons? Homeschooling after the virtual part was done because they didn't actually learn anything?

Our developmental pediatrician told us that amount of time staring at a screen was not good for our DC, period, and younger kids in general. I'm glad that VA is working out so wonderfully for a subset of families but continue to be amazed by those that can't fathom that if it didn't work out well for yours, it must be due to bad parenting.

Your post shows your ignorance with VA and only care about your needs vs others who need it for different reasons.

Right, we could all still be thriving in virtual and remaining safe from Covid if only parents had been more involved, amirite?

[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:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. Its far better than anything else we looked at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Virtual school is not goid for young kids

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/03/26/health/cdc-remote-learning-kids-mental-health-wellness/index.html

This article is rambling nonsense: "Nearly 25% of parents whose children received virtual instruction or combined instruction reported worsened mental or emotional health in their children, compared to 16% of parents whose children received in-person instruction."

Perhaps the difference is parents were more involved with their kids daily lives to actually see what was going on. Or, perhaps the school was not the issue vs. the family situation.

Kids also have different learning styles and personalities. One of my kids did just fine with virtual, for my other it was a big struggle. Same parents, same attention given to both.

It's just really tiresome when posters act like their kid being good at virtual school is some proof of moral superiority or something. Congratulations kid being able to sit still in front of a computer for 6 hours a day

Whoa, not following your logic, PP just said it works for some and not others. Its not about who’s morally superior. It’s so nice that there is an option for kids who need it and I hope it continues.

I'm responding to people who claim here and other threads that the reason their kids thrive in virtual was because "they were more involved in their child's education "

Except if you have a very independent child, it does take a lot of parental involvement.

What does "involvement" mean to you though? Setting them up for the day and being available nearby in case you're occasionally needed? Sitting with your child the entire time and constantly reminding them to stop touching the buttons? Homeschooling after the virtual part was done because they didn't actually learn anything?

Our developmental pediatrician told us that amount of time staring at a screen was not good for our DC, period, and younger kids in general. I'm glad that VA is working out so wonderfully for a subset of families but continue to be amazed by those that can't fathom that if it didn't work out well for yours, it must be due to bad parenting.

Your post shows your ignorance with VA and only care about your needs vs others who need it for different reasons.

Right, we could all still be thriving in virtual and remaining safe from Covid if only parents had been more involved, amirite?

You have zero experience with VA but choose to come on here to slam it. Right. Not all of us have the luxury of going in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. Its far better than anything else we looked at.

Again what makes it so much better now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. Its far better than anything else we looked at.

Again what makes it so much better now?

Back to the topic. Application process is open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. It’s far better than anything else we looked at.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear- it’s not funded beyond the 23/24 school year, right? And it was created in response to the pandemic. MoCo in general has some budget challenges ahead and it would be good if vulnerable families have a backup plan in case MCPS VA doesn’t continue beyond then. But I can see why, if you really like MCPS VA specifically, you would worry that a state option may be subpar. I would just hate to see families with no publicly funded option available at all and have to turn to a private online program. A state option would benefit vulnerable families elsewhere in the state too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. It’s far better than anything else we looked at.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear- it’s not funded beyond the 23/24 school year, right? And it was created in response to the pandemic. MoCo in general has some budget challenges ahead and it would be good if vulnerable families have a backup plan in case MCPS VA doesn’t continue beyond then. But I can see why, if you really like MCPS VA specifically, you would worry that a state option may be subpar. I would just hate to see families with no publicly funded option available at all and have to turn to a private online program. A state option would benefit vulnerable families elsewhere in the state too.

How could it be funded for the 24/25 school year yet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. It’s far better than anything else we looked at.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear- it’s not funded beyond the 23/24 school year, right? And it was created in response to the pandemic. MoCo in general has some budget challenges ahead and it would be good if vulnerable families have a backup plan in case MCPS VA doesn’t continue beyond then. But I can see why, if you really like MCPS VA specifically, you would worry that a state option may be subpar. I would just hate to see families with no publicly funded option available at all and have to turn to a private online program. A state option would benefit vulnerable families elsewhere in the state too.

MCPS overall is also not funded beyond this school year. That's how the annual budget process works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. It’s far better than anything else we looked at.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear- it’s not funded beyond the 23/24 school year, right? And it was created in response to the pandemic. MoCo in general has some budget challenges ahead and it would be good if vulnerable families have a backup plan in case MCPS VA doesn’t continue beyond then. But I can see why, if you really like MCPS VA specifically, you would worry that a state option may be subpar. I would just hate to see families with no publicly funded option available at all and have to turn to a private online program. A state option would benefit vulnerable families elsewhere in the state too.

MCPS overall is also not funded beyond this school year. That's how the annual budget process works.

Exactly. VA isn’t going anywhere, there is a lot of support, if anything it might be expanded so that high school students can take extra classes they can’t fit into the day. This is a great opportunity for MCPS to lead and innovate and serve as a model for other areas.

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Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. It’s far better than anything else we looked at.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear- it’s not funded beyond the 23/24 school year, right? And it was created in response to the pandemic. MoCo in general has some budget challenges ahead and it would be good if vulnerable families have a backup plan in case MCPS VA doesn’t continue beyond then. But I can see why, if you really like MCPS VA specifically, you would worry that a state option may be subpar. I would just hate to see families with no publicly funded option available at all and have to turn to a private online program. A state option would benefit vulnerable families elsewhere in the state too.

MCPS overall is also not funded beyond this school year. That's how the annual budget process works.

Ergo MCPS simply must be planning to shut down entirely after next year.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ESSER funds run through 9/30/24. It was pretty clear VA would continue next year. It's the year after that's in jeopardy.

Or really, the first year after 2024 when there's a budget crisis.

Really, who told you this?

Did you think ESSER would be ongoing? Haven’t you been paying attention to the board’s budget meetings?

Can you show us where MCPS has said they are shutting down VA in 2024?

Can you show us a budget for the 2024-2025 school year showing the VA being funded?

If you listened to the Board meetings you would hear its a long-term project. There is no budget for the 2024-25 school year yet. So, can YOU show us where they are shutting it down? Why do you think it needs to be shut down? Can you show us the information where the kids in VA are not doing as well as those in person?

I never said it needs to be shut down.But if you’ve been paying attention to board meetings, then you should know that they still don’t know how they’re going to balance the budget when ESSER funds end.

If it's important to them, they will find the money, just like they do for all their other pet projects. I hope they keep VA and the free tutoring.

I think that’s true, but we don’t know how important it is, particularly to the board members. And particularly as VA enrollment numbers drop. And as the budget gets harder to balance.

My expectation is that VA numbers statewide will drop to a level that will make it impractical for individual districts to continue their own virtual programs.

Right- it would be more efficient in the long run for the state of MD to run a virtual program (other states do this). I haven't really seen any indication that the state plans to do this, but with the change in admin, who knows.

It wouldn't work at all.

Of course it would— MSDE could operate it themselves with additional funding, or they could outsource it to K12. I’m inclined to say it would be better for MSDE to operate it, but that probably depends on the total number of students across the state.

I'm inclined to agree too, and would urge anyone who is interested in a virtual option beyond the next school year to not put all their eggs in the MCPS basket and advocate to the state as well. There are very very few examples of individual districts offering virtual outside of the pandemic, whereas many states had a program in place previously.

MCPS has been clear they are funded next year. K12 and those other virtual equal in any way to what MCPS offers and in terms of virtual, its the best option as its live teaching.

You may not want it as you want to justify how bad you felt it was but VA and what happened during Covid are very different and VA is a good program for those who want virtual. It’s far better than anything else we looked at.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear- it’s not funded beyond the 23/24 school year, right? And it was created in response to the pandemic. MoCo in general has some budget challenges ahead and it would be good if vulnerable families have a backup plan in case MCPS VA doesn’t continue beyond then. But I can see why, if you really like MCPS VA specifically, you would worry that a state option may be subpar. I would just hate to see families with no publicly funded option available at all and have to turn to a private online program. A state option would benefit vulnerable families elsewhere in the state too.

MCPS overall is also not funded beyond this school year. That's how the annual budget process works.

Ergo MCPS simply must be planning to shut down entirely after next year.

or so simple minds would have us believe.