6 more months and we are done with MCPS!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am so excited and my child can't wait!
No more dodging fights in the hallway.
No more dodging crazy parents in the student parking lot.
No more weekly fluff updates from an out-of-touch, weak principal.
No more trips back at home at lunch to use the bathroom because the school bathrooms are full of obnoxious weed smokers.
No more equity being shoved down our throats.
No more tutoring to learn the basics.
No more unruly scary kids to avoid in the classrooms.
And so much more!
If we had the money, we would have moved years ago but like many of us...we are trapped in east County hell.
Yes - I am looking forward to the door hitting us on the back as we walk out forever on graduation day!
After yet another scary incident that happened today and was ignored, I just have to remember that it will be over soon.

You are the problem.

Is the MCPS PR dept paying you overtime to work on a Saturday?

No, your mom is paying us to work overtime.

[Anonymous]

I have even better news. You can pull out and start homeschooling today! Follow me for more tips.

And no, I’m not a teacher, nor do I work in education or for MCPS in any capacity, so save it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want a return to a standard kind of teaching with textbooks and some lecturing supplemented by in-class practice and regular homework to reinforce ideas. My kid did not learn well from PowerPoint slides with random clip art. She never knew where to find her homework and could not review the material easily. It was awful.

Your kid sounds like an idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can we mention which East County HS this is? Is it PB?

Blake High School
Some great teachers but leadership and non teaching staff clueless, lazy and dysfunctional. It is a literal zoo in that place.

We love Blake. We love the principal and the one before her. Honestly our experience is nothing like yours. There have been some tough times but we’ve found the school responsive. And the school kids come from the community - MCPS doesn’t make them problematic.

Mcps lawyer has entered the thread

Please grow up.

DP, Not a lawyer, don’t work for MCPS. Stop embarrassing yourself by repeatedly bleating this idiotic refrain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was actually just reflecting on this. My last child is also finishing this year, but I truly don't feel this way. Both of my kids have had so many wonderful teachers- way outnumbering the bad ones. They enjoy school, don't see a lot of fights, have nice and driven friends, and overall have had good experiences. My daughter is in her first year of college and feels well prepared and states that her essays are stronger than many friends (out of state flagship public). I also think their principal has been wonderful and so approachable.

Yet, I know that my experience is not the norm in MCPS and that is so sad. I am sorry that your experience has not been as positive and hate the direction the county is going in. Although I hate just about everything Trump, education reform is one thing I would happily jump on board for.

But your experience by far is what many and families and students experience. And when folks call for education reform what exactly is it that you want reformed, what do you think are the root causes of the problems, and reasons why they are not already resolved?

Most of what I want to see changed is at the county level. I want enforced discipline. I want grades to match ability. I want final exams. Kids who cannot read/study/keep up should fail. Kids who do the bare minimum can get D’s. I want attendance expectations- 5 unexcused absences is a loss of credit. I want students who are unable to safely be in classrooms to not be in those classrooms. I want students with no English to learn some English before being fully mainstreamed. I want undocumented students to not put a strain on our county budget.

Basically, I want a return to when academics and learning were more important than equity.

How will this make white progressive women feel good about themselves?

-I want grades to match ability. : This is school level
-I want final exams. : Funny folks was pretty up in arms about the Biology and Government end of course exams. There was also LOTS of complaints about the class test also.
-Kids who cannot read/study/keep up should fail. : Or be given the support to learn to read and study.
- Kids who do the bare minimum can get D’s.: Again school level
- I want attendance expectations- 5 unexcused absences is a loss of credit. : I guess but frankly I don’t care about the attendance. You’re not here you will get the understanding and grade you deserve. If you’re not present in college but still manage to turn in assignments and score well on exams and pass then you pass. If not then you don’t.
- I want students who are unable to safely be in classrooms to not be in those classrooms. : And go where? They are required by law to be educated and in school until 18. And other school placements are both short and costly. Yes MCPS has to pay for those private placements.
- students with no English to learn some English before being fully mainstreamed. : [i/]Bring on the extra funds to out these kids in a separate class.[/i]
- I want undocumented students to not put a strain on our county budget. : Talk to the county not MCPS.

Virtual. Make them their parents’ problem 24/7. Bye.

And yes, before you blather on about the OMG LAWS that you think will prevent this, laws can be changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was actually just reflecting on this. My last child is also finishing this year, but I truly don't feel this way. Both of my kids have had so many wonderful teachers- way outnumbering the bad ones. They enjoy school, don't see a lot of fights, have nice and driven friends, and overall have had good experiences. My daughter is in her first year of college and feels well prepared and states that her essays are stronger than many friends (out of state flagship public). I also think their principal has been wonderful and so approachable.

Yet, I know that my experience is not the norm in MCPS and that is so sad. I am sorry that your experience has not been as positive and hate the direction the county is going in. Although I hate just about everything Trump, education reform is one thing I would happily jump on board for.

PP here who loves Blake. My third child is a senior. We feel the same - so many great teachers. Communication has gotten so much better over the years both about major incidents and individual needs of your kids.

I spent a lot of time there because two of my kids have special needs - one eventually transferred to a non mainstream program. Also I go to sports events (even the ones my kids aren’t in), school shows, BTSN, special programs, etc, and I volunteer. The time, effort and compassion I’ve seen from staff, counselors and teachers has been amazing. The number of special programs offered by MCPS is exceptional. Whether your kid struggles or is brilliant or has special interests or is just typical. Each of mine had a completely different path - honors/APs/sports for one, vo tech for another and special ed for the third - with amazingly committed staff who managed to see him through to a diploma despite all odds.

I mean look at the programs - IB, aviation . . . And the signature schools.

I agree there are problems and I think it’s great that so many are taking them on. I am especially concerned with the increased violence and think we need to hold onto our hats given the election results.

But you can’t deny the incredible resource we have and the commitment to finding a way to make kids successful. Not all will be but that isn’t necessarily due to lack of resources or commitment.

And now I will again be accused of being a MCPS lawyer. But that I am not. Just a parent who is thankful for the experience we’ve had and sorry that others have had less than satisfactory years in HS.

You can be both a MCPS parent and MCPS lawyer. Or outgoing BOE member Harris.

Can you read? Do you not know what “but I am not” means? Seek therapy for your bizarre obsession.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am so excited and my child can't wait!
No more dodging fights in the hallway.
No more dodging crazy parents in the student parking lot.
No more weekly fluff updates from an out-of-touch, weak principal.
No more trips back at home at lunch to use the bathroom because the school bathrooms are full of obnoxious weed smokers.
No more equity being shoved down our throats.
No more tutoring to learn the basics.
No more unruly scary kids to avoid in the classrooms.
And so much more!
If we had the money, we would have moved years ago but like many of us...we are trapped in east County hell.
Yes - I am looking forward to the door hitting us on the back as we walk out forever on graduation day!
After yet another scary incident that happened today and was ignored, I just have to remember that it will be over soon.

You are the problem.

Is the MCPS PR dept paying you overtime to work on a Saturday?

G
R
O
W

U
P

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was actually just reflecting on this. My last child is also finishing this year, but I truly don't feel this way. Both of my kids have had so many wonderful teachers- way outnumbering the bad ones. They enjoy school, don't see a lot of fights, have nice and driven friends, and overall have had good experiences. My daughter is in her first year of college and feels well prepared and states that her essays are stronger than many friends (out of state flagship public). I also think their principal has been wonderful and so approachable.

Yet, I know that my experience is not the norm in MCPS and that is so sad. I am sorry that your experience has not been as positive and hate the direction the county is going in. Although I hate just about everything Trump, education reform is one thing I would happily jump on board for.

But your experience by far is what many and families and students experience. And when folks call for education reform what exactly is it that you want reformed, what do you think are the root causes of the problems, and reasons why they are not already resolved?

Most of what I want to see changed is at the county level. I want enforced discipline. I want grades to match ability. I want final exams. Kids who cannot read/study/keep up should fail. Kids who do the bare minimum can get D’s. I want attendance expectations- 5 unexcused absences is a loss of credit. I want students who are unable to safely be in classrooms to not be in those classrooms. I want students with no English to learn some English before being fully mainstreamed. I want undocumented students to not put a strain on our county budget.

Basically, I want a return to when academics and learning were more important than equity.

How will this make white progressive women feel good about themselves?

-I want grades to match ability. : This is school level
-I want final exams. : Funny folks was pretty up in arms about the Biology and Government end of course exams. There was also LOTS of complaints about the class test also.
-Kids who cannot read/study/keep up should fail. : Or be given the support to learn to read and study.
- Kids who do the bare minimum can get D’s.: Again school level
- I want attendance expectations- 5 unexcused absences is a loss of credit. : I guess but frankly I don’t care about the attendance. You’re not here you will get the understanding and grade you deserve. If you’re not present in college but still manage to turn in assignments and score well on exams and pass then you pass. If not then you don’t.
- I want students who are unable to safely be in classrooms to not be in those classrooms. : And go where? They are required by law to be educated and in school until 18. And other school placements are both short and costly. Yes MCPS has to pay for those private placements.
- students with no English to learn some English before being fully mainstreamed. : [i/]Bring on the extra funds to out these kids in a separate class.[/i]
- I want undocumented students to not put a strain on our county budget. : Talk to the county not MCPS.

Virtual. Make them their parents’ problem 24/7. Bye.

And yes, before you blather on about the OMG LAWS that you think will prevent this, laws can be changed.

Then who you would need to take the bolded and your idea up with would be the state not MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am so excited and my child can't wait!
No more dodging fights in the hallway.
No more dodging crazy parents in the student parking lot.
No more weekly fluff updates from an out-of-touch, weak principal.
No more trips back at home at lunch to use the bathroom because the school bathrooms are full of obnoxious weed smokers.
No more equity being shoved down our throats.
No more tutoring to learn the basics.
No more unruly scary kids to avoid in the classrooms.
And so much more!
If we had the money, we would have moved years ago but like many of us...we are trapped in east County hell.
Yes - I am looking forward to the door hitting us on the back as we walk out forever on graduation day!
After yet another scary incident that happened today and was ignored, I just have to remember that it will be over soon.

You are the problem.

Is the MCPS PR dept paying you overtime to work on a Saturday?

No, your mom is paying us to work overtime.

What a middle school-ish response no wonder there are problems

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was actually just reflecting on this. My last child is also finishing this year, but I truly don't feel this way. Both of my kids have had so many wonderful teachers- way outnumbering the bad ones. They enjoy school, don't see a lot of fights, have nice and driven friends, and overall have had good experiences. My daughter is in her first year of college and feels well prepared and states that her essays are stronger than many friends (out of state flagship public). I also think their principal has been wonderful and so approachable.

Yet, I know that my experience is not the norm in MCPS and that is so sad. I am sorry that your experience has not been as positive and hate the direction the county is going in. Although I hate just about everything Trump, education reform is one thing I would happily jump on board for.

PP here who loves Blake. My third child is a senior. We feel the same - so many great teachers. Communication has gotten so much better over the years both about major incidents and individual needs of your kids.

I spent a lot of time there because two of my kids have special needs - one eventually transferred to a non mainstream program. Also I go to sports events (even the ones my kids aren’t in), school shows, BTSN, special programs, etc, and I volunteer. The time, effort and compassion I’ve seen from staff, counselors and teachers has been amazing. The number of special programs offered by MCPS is exceptional. Whether your kid struggles or is brilliant or has special interests or is just typical. Each of mine had a completely different path - honors/APs/sports for one, vo tech for another and special ed for the third - with amazingly committed staff who managed to see him through to a diploma despite all odds.

I mean look at the programs - IB, aviation . . . And the signature schools.

I agree there are problems and I think it’s great that so many are taking them on. I am especially concerned with the increased violence and think we need to hold onto our hats given the election results.

But you can’t deny the incredible resource we have and the commitment to finding a way to make kids successful. Not all will be but that isn’t necessarily due to lack of resources or commitment.

And now I will again be accused of being a MCPS lawyer. But that I am not. Just a parent who is thankful for the experience we’ve had and sorry that others have had less than satisfactory years in HS.

You can be both a MCPS parent and MCPS lawyer. Or outgoing BOE member Harris.

Can you read? Do you not know what “but I am not” means? Seek therapy for your bizarre obsession.

Hey Lynne

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so excited and my child can't wait!
No more dodging fights in the hallway.
No more dodging crazy parents in the student parking lot.
No more weekly fluff updates from an out-of-touch, weak principal.
No more trips back at home at lunch to use the bathroom because the school bathrooms are full of obnoxious weed smokers.
No more equity being shoved down our throats.
No more tutoring to learn the basics.
No more unruly scary kids to avoid in the classrooms.
And so much more!
If we had the money, we would have moved years ago but like many of us...we are trapped in east County hell.
Yes - I am looking forward to the door hitting us on the back as we walk out forever on graduation day!
After yet another scary incident that happened today and was ignored, I just have to remember that it will be over soon.

Would you be willing to say what school for the DCUM parents whose kids havent started high school yet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was actually just reflecting on this. My last child is also finishing this year, but I truly don't feel this way. Both of my kids have had so many wonderful teachers- way outnumbering the bad ones. They enjoy school, don't see a lot of fights, have nice and driven friends, and overall have had good experiences. My daughter is in her first year of college and feels well prepared and states that her essays are stronger than many friends (out of state flagship public). I also think their principal has been wonderful and so approachable.

Yet, I know that my experience is not the norm in MCPS and that is so sad. I am sorry that your experience has not been as positive and hate the direction the county is going in. Although I hate just about everything Trump, education reform is one thing I would happily jump on board for.

Actually, from my perspective, your experience might be the norm. We sent our kids to a WCAC school, but have many friends who sent their kids to BCC, Whitman, Blair, Churchill, Sherwood, Damascus, and WJ. They share the same experiences as you. Granted, it isn't all the MoCo schools, but it a decent sample set. What appears to be the case in this thread is a lot of projection and deflection. Sure, public schools are going to have problems, but you get what you pay for. It feels like a lot of the parents on this thread are trying to avoid reality: their kid/s just isn't/aren't that special and feel the need to make excuses for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can we mention which East County HS this is? Is it PB?

Blake High School
Some great teachers but leadership and non teaching staff clueless, lazy and dysfunctional. It is a literal zoo in that place.

We love Blake. We love the principal and the one before her. Honestly our experience is nothing like yours. There have been some tough times but we’ve found the school responsive. And the school kids come from the community - MCPS doesn’t make them problematic.

Mcps lawyer has entered the thread

Please grow up.

DP, Not a lawyer, don’t work for MCPS. Stop embarrassing yourself by repeatedly bleating this idiotic refrain.

+1 million. It's such a tiresome and pointless response.

[Anonymous]

My children go to Hoover and Churchill but I am a teacher at an east county middle school. The teaching is the same. The curriculum is the same. But the experience...not the same. The fighting and outright disrespect is completely out of control at my school, while my children are having a safe and happy school experience. When I tell them things that happen at my school, they are completely shocked. Also, so many of my parents just do not care about grades or emails from the teacher. Very different at my kid' schools where communication from the teacher and bad grades would lead to parents intervening.

Schools are not the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My children go to Hoover and Churchill but I am a teacher at an east county middle school. The teaching is the same. The curriculum is the same. But the experience...not the same. The fighting and outright disrespect is completely out of control at my school, while my children are having a safe and happy school experience. When I tell them things that happen at my school, they are completely shocked. Also, so many of my parents just do not care about grades or emails from the teacher. Very different at my kid' schools where communication from the teacher and bad grades would lead to parents intervening.

Schools are not the same.

It seems that the teachers at your school might lack adequate classroom management skills. I taught until recently for a number of years at a PGCPS and never encountered what you described at what I must assume is a more well-resourced institution. It was a second career after one spent in finance. Perhaps you are the problem? Maybe take some professional development courses, realize that the teaching isn't the same when the teachers (such as yourself) aren't the same, or retire altogether.