Focus on Woodward - Looks like the Magnet Arts option is coming into focus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
People are already fighting over who should get to have the Visual Arts program?!

Magnets don't belong to the individual schools. The individual schools are just housing them. MCPS can move them whenever they want. It doesn't even require a study. You buy into a school district not a school with an perpetual entitlement to have a particular magnet inside it.

In other words: yes.

A brand new visual and performing arts center at Woodward would be a big win for the county. There simply is not any extra money to retrofit it into Einstein. Woodward would be so much more cost effective. Its a shame that some Einstein parents will fight it.

What exactly do you know about Einstein? Einstein biggest academy is VAPA. How would it be cheaper to build a whole new school for the arts IMPLYING that’s what this article is even hinting at.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I, for one, think this is great news... we need something like Duke Ellington in MoCo. The link with Strathmore is also an interesting use of our cultural resources. I know it's still a wish and a prayer, but it is promising (even though its a good 7-9 years away since it looks like Northwood will be there for duration).

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/arts-magnet-program-considered-for-woodward-high-school/

This is ridiculous, clearly the parents who think Einstein isn’t “big enough” clearly don’t know anything about the school and just don’t like the school..

1. Why are we pretending that a PA school is in such demand? A few months ago I saw a musical theatre teacher begging and singing for the county not to cut the arts budget, and now you’re telling me they’re opening a whole magnet school for it while Einstein holds the VAC/VAPA down the street.

2. The article said nothing about performing arts. It said “arts” program which could be communication arts or really anything.

3. Do you know how PA schools work? You don’t get in because you child love to paint or sing. PA schools are extremely competitive and base their decisions on talent and promise so space should be the last thing we’re thinking about.

4. Do you know how big of a deal Einstein is in the arts community? The have over 70k views on a dance flash mob video. Theatre company went to Scotland for an international theatre festival, and VAC is one of the most respected art magnet in the nations. Their senior class earn millions in scholarship. Why would I want to send my child to this new school with no experience over Einstein? People please think. If any school deserves to be an audition base PA magnet, it’s Einstein. The truth is these W parents just don’t like Einstein.

No, the truth is that people who believe they will be sent to Woodward want Woodward to be an attractive option. Why does this have to be a zero sum game? Einstein can be attractive AND another school can be attractive for performing arts. Last I checked Einstein in ONLY available for DCC. This would be a whole-county magnet. Just like RMIB can be attractive AND Blair STEM/CAP or BCCiB or WJ Apex or Poolesville can be attractive. I personally think that there aren't enough options for gifted performing artists in HS in MoCo compared to the several options for gifted academics. Also, it's not really "anything" when the person heading up the process is from Strathmore - that seems to point pretty significantly to looking at a performing arts focus.

Do we have the budget to support two PA program?

[Anonymous]

You all are really underestimating the amount of growth that is taking place - White Flint and Twinbrook are going to add students to the mix. Maybe not so many kids leaving Einstein (seems really early to make any assumptions).

But Einstein deserves credit for their programs too - hopefully Woodward can add to that and not take away.

Theater kids in Scotland, flash mobs - all very cool.

Einstein VAC is nationally recognized and should be expanded and made available to more kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I, for one, think this is great news... we need something like Duke Ellington in MoCo. The link with Strathmore is also an interesting use of our cultural resources. I know it's still a wish and a prayer, but it is promising (even though its a good 7-9 years away since it looks like Northwood will be there for duration).

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/arts-magnet-program-considered-for-woodward-high-school/

This is ridiculous, clearly the parents who think Einstein isn’t “big enough” clearly don’t know anything about the school and just don’t like the school..

1. Why are we pretending that a PA school is in such demand? A few months ago I saw a musical theatre teacher begging and singing for the county not to cut the arts budget, and now you’re telling me they’re opening a whole magnet school for it while Einstein holds the VAC/VAPA down the street.

2. The article said nothing about performing arts. It said “arts” program which could be communication arts or really anything.

3. Do you know how PA schools work? You don’t get in because you child love to paint or sing. PA schools are extremely competitive and base their decisions on talent and promise so space should be the last thing we’re thinking about.

4. Do you know how big of a deal Einstein is in the arts community? The have over 70k views on a dance flash mob video. Theatre company went to Scotland for an international theatre festival, and VAC is one of the most respected art magnet in the nations. Their senior class earn millions in scholarship. Why would I want to send my child to this new school with no experience over Einstein? People please think. If any school deserves to be an audition base PA magnet, it’s Einstein. The truth is these W parents just don’t like Einstein.

No, the truth is that people who believe they will be sent to Woodward want Woodward to be an attractive option. Why does this have to be a zero sum game? Einstein can be attractive AND another school can be attractive for performing arts. Last I checked Einstein in ONLY available for DCC. This would be a whole-county magnet. Just like RMIB can be attractive AND Blair STEM/CAP or BCCiB or WJ Apex or Poolesville can be attractive. I personally think that there aren't enough options for gifted performing artists in HS in MoCo compared to the several options for gifted academics. Also, it's not really "anything" when the person heading up the process is from Strathmore - that seems to point pretty significantly to looking at a performing arts focus.

Do we have the budget to support two PA program?

If it was performing arts, why wouldn’t the article say it? Is it because this project is so far along in the future they don’t know what’s going to happen?

[Anonymous]

My prediction is that MCPS is being political. They are worried about a huge fight when Woodward comes up. They want it to be attractive. I don't think that they would shut down all the visual and performing arts classes at Einstein. The DCC would still have its choice program in place anyway. They'll say that Einstein's program can stay but will let it whither away.

The programs at Einstein would end up being second fiddle to the new magnet at Woodward. New and better facility plus more competitive so you would get the most talented students from the DCC and whichever other schools were included in the county wide option. The best teachers will want to go there. Over time, Einstein will get less operational funding to keep up its home arts program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I, for one, think this is great news... we need something like Duke Ellington in MoCo. The link with Strathmore is also an interesting use of our cultural resources. I know it's still a wish and a prayer, but it is promising (even though its a good 7-9 years away since it looks like Northwood will be there for duration).

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/arts-magnet-program-considered-for-woodward-high-school/

This is ridiculous, clearly the parents who think Einstein isn’t “big enough” clearly don’t know anything about the school and just don’t like the school..

1. Why are we pretending that a PA school is in such demand? A few months ago I saw a musical theatre teacher begging and singing for the county not to cut the arts budget, and now you’re telling me they’re opening a whole magnet school for it while Einstein holds the VAC/VAPA down the street.

2. The article said nothing about performing arts. It said “arts” program which could be communication arts or really anything.

3. Do you know how PA schools work? You don’t get in because you child love to paint or sing. PA schools are extremely competitive and base their decisions on talent and promise so space should be the last thing we’re thinking about.

4. Do you know how big of a deal Einstein is in the arts community? The have over 70k views on a dance flash mob video. Theatre company went to Scotland for an international theatre festival, and VAC is one of the most respected art magnet in the nations. Their senior class earn millions in scholarship. Why would I want to send my child to this new school with no experience over Einstein? People please think. If any school deserves to be an audition base PA magnet, it’s Einstein. The truth is these W parents just don’t like Einstein.

No, the truth is that people who believe they will be sent to Woodward want Woodward to be an attractive option. Why does this have to be a zero sum game? Einstein can be attractive AND another school can be attractive for performing arts. Last I checked Einstein in ONLY available for DCC. This would be a whole-county magnet. Just like RMIB can be attractive AND Blair STEM/CAP or BCCiB or WJ Apex or Poolesville can be attractive. I personally think that there aren't enough options for gifted performing artists in HS in MoCo compared to the several options for gifted academics. Also, it's not really "anything" when the person heading up the process is from Strathmore - that seems to point pretty significantly to looking at a performing arts focus.

Do we have the budget to support two PA program?

It could be media arts!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You all are really underestimating the amount of growth that is taking place - White Flint and Twinbrook are going to add students to the mix. Maybe not so many kids leaving Einstein (seems really early to make any assumptions).

But Einstein deserves credit for their programs too - hopefully Woodward can add to that and not take away.

Theater kids in Scotland, flash mobs - all very cool.

Einstein VAC is nationally recognized and should be expanded and made available to more kids.

It’s countywide.

[Anonymous]

I wonder when MCPS last added seats to VAC? 25 for the whole county isn’t enough, given the growth.

[Anonymous]

I wonder when MCPS last added seats to VAC? 25 for the whole county isn’t enough, given the growth.

Another reason to move it to Woodward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My prediction is that MCPS is being political. They are worried about a huge fight when Woodward comes up. They want it to be attractive. I don't think that they would shut down all the visual and performing arts classes at Einstein. The DCC would still have its choice program in place anyway. They'll say that Einstein's program can stay but will let it whither away.

The programs at Einstein would end up being second fiddle to the new magnet at Woodward. New and better facility plus more competitive so you would get the most talented students from the DCC and whichever other schools were included in the county wide option. The best teachers will want to go there. Over time, Einstein will get less operational funding to keep up its home arts program.

Most of the arts programs (other than VAC) are already second fiddle to better funded (by boosters) programs in many of the wealthier county highschools. I also know plenty of Einstein parents who would give up arts classes in a heartbeat to have better computer science offerings.

I have one at Einstein and one at Blair. My Einstein kid is there because she likes foreign languages and wants to do the IB program. My son specifically applied to the CAP program at Blair so he could participate in the strings program at Blair. Orchestra and band at Einstein are okay, but there is really not a sizeable cohort of kids who are serious musicians taking private lessons outside of school. Based on the many dance performances I've seen over the years there, I'd say that few are taking private dance instruction. A lot of people at Einstein seem to think it is like Duke Ellington or something. There is definitely a need for an audition-based performing arts in MoCo. I think it would be great at Einstein, but I'm guessing that it is easier to build the facilities needed from scratch, rather than try and retrofit Einstein's current physical plant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I wonder when MCPS last added seats to VAC? 25 for the whole county isn’t enough, given the growth.

Another reason to move it to Woodward.

Hello, VAC alumni here. There are far more than 25 seats. Whatever information you got that from, is incorrect. Also we had kids from QO, RM,BCC,Whitman, Blair, even Damascus in my class. The program is open to the county and you have the option to become an Einstein student, which a lot of kids soon become. If you don’t want to commute the distance then maybe you don’t want it as badly as you think. If the VAC students were anything like they were at my time at Einstein, they would fight for the program to stay where it is. Einstein gave me the best high school experience that my home high school never could. I’m certain if this ever became a possible reality, VAC parents,students, and alumni would fight it.

[Anonymous]

WJ has some really talented visual art kids too. They may not have VAC but still create really beautiful art. They have a show in the spring - check it out. There’s enough talent for more than one arts program, I’m sure of it.

[Anonymous]

I’m certain if this ever became a possible reality, VAC parents,students, and alumni would fight it.

You realize that this input would be meaningless especially since your home school wasn't even Einstein. A VAC at Woodward would be just as good or even better with larger and newer facilities than a VAC at Einstein. The old building and location does not contribute anything to the quality of the experience. The BOE and MCPS would simply tell you that students will have an equally fantastic experience at Woodward. Also alumni do not matter in public schools. You get no donor points.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I’m certain if this ever became a possible reality, VAC parents,students, and alumni would fight it.

You realize that this input would be meaningless especially since your home school wasn't even Einstein. A VAC at Woodward would be just as good or even better with larger and newer facilities than a VAC at Einstein. The old building and location does not contribute anything to the quality of the experience. The BOE and MCPS would simply tell you that students will have an equally fantastic experience at Woodward. Also alumni do not matter in public schools. You get no donor points.

You are saying a lot of scenarios guided by assumptions. I think the students who are in the VAC along with their parents would get to have a say on the matter, and successful alumni thoughts on it wouldn’t hurt either. I don’t understand how the BOE can say something they don’t know yet. If you’re suggesting 2 VAC I promise you it won’t hold a flame to the one at Einstein. Why? Because Einstein’s been around since 1974 and has built university connections, outstanding merit to its name, and has a fantastic gallery. The VAC is open to all mcps schools, if you don’t want to send your child there because you heard Einstein is a bad school then I don’t know what to tell you. This thread is ridiculous, one source says Woodward might have a “ arts magnet program” and now we’re talking about the VAC being moved. This school isn’t set to open until 2025 or 26 . I don’t think the VAC is going anywhere and this thread is really pointless.

[Anonymous]

19:36 you sound very clueless. How old are you?

The VAC is only as strong as its students and teachers. If the students and teachers move to Woodward the connections and talent end up at Woodward. The program's identity has nothing to do with physically being in the Einstein school. Woodward is not far away.

The BOE and MCPS expect any current students and parents to object to moves. I also think that you would be very surprised at how many people in VAC would not object to a move into Woodward if the facilities were nicer. I agree with another poster that non VAC parents at Einstein would really prefer to see more STEM courses. The VAC program does nothing for their kids if their kids don't take art electives. There will be some Einstein parents who fear losing something that makes Einstein unique but this isn't a very good argument for keeping it small and in the older building.