UMBC for graduation?????

[Anonymous]

I’m fine with it being at UMBC, but this is super disappointing for families at Damascus.

Why would MCPS force this? Just another example of how MCPS doesn’t care about what families want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those that want to see what was sent:

This year brings an important update. All Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) comprehensive high school graduation ceremonies will be hosted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). This decision was made to provide every graduate and their family with:
A comfortable, indoor setting that is not dependent on the weather.
Ample parking and accessibility for guests.
Reduced costs—MCPS negotiated with UMBC on behalf of all high schools and is covering venue rental fees, which substantially lowers costs to schools and families.

MCPS decided to use a centralized venue to ensure consistency, equity, and a celebratory experience worthy of this milestone for every student across the county.

We also know that travel may be a concern for some families. MCPS will provide information in the coming months about transportation options and supports to make sure all students and families are able to attend.

Graduation is one of the most memorable events in a student’s life. Our school community is looking forward to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 in a way that is meaningful, inclusive, and accessible for all.

This is great to see! When I was a high schooler in MoCo, we had to sell candy to raise money to graduate at the Kennedy Center. To have the fees covered would have been so helpful.

DAR was pretty but really, really crowded when I was there for a Virginia school graduation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many public schools are moving away from graduations at DAR this year. Not sure why.

Might have to do with the militarization of the federal government and concerns for undocumented Hispanic families with potentially being raided by ICE during their kids graduation.

This, too.

I think this is a good decision. Lots of parking. More tickets. Fewer concerns with ICE and National Guard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Omg, I am so relieved, I might cry. I have twins graduating from different MCPS high schools this year. Some years the ceremonies for these schools were held in different locations on the same day and attending both would have been impossible. I’ve been worried about this for years. If all ceremonies are held in the same venue, there can’t be conflicts. All these years of their BTSN, homecoming, etc., being scheduled on the same nights are forgiven. This is a HUGE relief.

The BOE paid for two graduations to be at Xfinity Center. Blair and WJ.

Not for 2026 - WJ parent - Everyone is at UMBC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People will find anything to complain about.

When did the BOE vote on this change and who gave public comment on the Action Item?

Great question. It might have been one of the items that gets voted on in block.

[Anonymous]

unlike other years, I'm relieved that DAR is now being revoked from hosting graduations, weren't for Trump and ICE enforcement officers in DC.

[Anonymous]

At least all graduation streams can now be livestreamed on Zoom by MCPS-TV without any problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m fine with it being at UMBC, but this is super disappointing for families at Damascus.

Why would MCPS force this? Just another example of how MCPS doesn’t care about what families want.

This is pretty bad for Poolesville parents too, they are much further away from UMBC and I wouldn't imagine the dreading amount of time it would take for parents and students to drive all the way to campus.

[Anonymous]

I just checked Waze. Driving to DAR is 59 minutes and 62 minutes to UMBC.
UMBC is just fine. It’s one day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:unlike other years, I'm relieved that DAR is now being revoked from hosting graduations, weren't for Trump and ICE enforcement officers in DC.

Those HS families must be disappointed not to get the WH in its background when taking photos. Or maybe they were hoping the orange would walk over for a photo shoot with their graduating Larlo. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m fine with it being at UMBC, but this is super disappointing for families at Damascus.

Why would MCPS force this? Just another example of how MCPS doesn’t care about what families want.

This is pretty bad for Poolesville parents too, they are much further away from UMBC and I wouldn't imagine the dreading amount of time it would take for parents and students to drive all the way to campus.

While UMBC is less convenient for the residents of Poolesville, most Poolesville HS students don’t live in Poolesville. I’m a Poolesville HS parent and UMBC is only 9 minutes further drive than Mount St Mary’s, so no big deal. Besides, most Poolesville HS families are used to having a commute to get to the school. Also, this year’s graduation ceremony is at 1:30 in the afternoon, so no one even has to get up early for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m fine with it being at UMBC, but this is super disappointing for families at Damascus.

Why would MCPS force this? Just another example of how MCPS doesn’t care about what families want.

This is pretty bad for Poolesville parents too, they are much further away from UMBC and I wouldn't imagine the dreading amount of time it would take for parents and students to drive all the way to campus.

While UMBC is less convenient for the residents of Poolesville, most Poolesville HS students don’t live in Poolesville. I’m a Poolesville HS parent and UMBC is only 9 minutes further drive than Mount St Mary’s, so no big deal. Besides, most Poolesville HS families are used to having a commute to get to the school. Also, this year’s graduation ceremony is at 1:30 in the afternoon, so no one even has to get up early for it.

And has been noted in this thread it takes into account the desire for families to have more tickets, provides for it being indoors so no heat/rain/locust issues, is cheaper for schools and likely the district now that all schools are there(so fiscal responsibility), and makes them all equal so no one can complain they got a better graduation. Overall from a district perspective having it at UMBC accounts for what most families want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m fine with it being at UMBC, but this is super disappointing for families at Damascus.

Why would MCPS force this? Just another example of how MCPS doesn’t care about what families want.

This is pretty bad for Poolesville parents too, they are much further away from UMBC and I wouldn't imagine the dreading amount of time it would take for parents and students to drive all the way to campus.

While UMBC is less convenient for the residents of Poolesville, most Poolesville HS students don’t live in Poolesville. I’m a Poolesville HS parent and UMBC is only 9 minutes further drive than Mount St Mary’s, so no big deal. Besides, most Poolesville HS families are used to having a commute to get to the school. Also, this year’s graduation ceremony is at 1:30 in the afternoon, so no one even has to get up early for it.

And has been noted in this thread it takes into account the desire for families to have more tickets, provides for it being indoors so no heat/rain/locust issues, is cheaper for schools and likely the district now that all schools are there(so fiscal responsibility), and makes them all equal so no one can complain they got a better graduation. Overall from a district perspective having it at UMBC accounts for what most families want.

Cost of transporting students, staff, families without cars, and administrators to UMBC = ???

As the BOE voted in secret, no one actually knows what “most” families want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m fine with it being at UMBC, but this is super disappointing for families at Damascus.

Why would MCPS force this? Just another example of how MCPS doesn’t care about what families want.

This is pretty bad for Poolesville parents too, they are much further away from UMBC and I wouldn't imagine the dreading amount of time it would take for parents and students to drive all the way to campus.

While UMBC is less convenient for the residents of Poolesville, most Poolesville HS students don’t live in Poolesville. I’m a Poolesville HS parent and UMBC is only 9 minutes further drive than Mount St Mary’s, so no big deal. Besides, most Poolesville HS families are used to having a commute to get to the school. Also, this year’s graduation ceremony is at 1:30 in the afternoon, so no one even has to get up early for it.

I would say what Poolesville parents enjoyed about the Mount was probably being the only graduation that day so you were not ushered out. Plus let’s face it going further west is a nicer drive.

[Anonymous]

If I had a dollar for everytime someone on DCUM were to make a thread about this in the MCPS forums, I would be a billionaire.