Montgomery County BOE election results

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

Where do you think the money for vouchers comes from?

My point is that while ideally we wouldn't have to do it, it may very well be the only way to prevent even bigger damage to the public school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For younger kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

Where do you think the money for vouchers comes from?

My point is that while ideally we wouldn't have to do it, it may very well be the only way to prevent even bigger damage to the public school system.

Where would kids go in MCPS? The bulk of the privates are full so you are just paying for kids aready in private or those who'd go regardless of vouchers. Its not like we have tons of privates on every block.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

PP here. I didn't say anything about early release days or 4-day school weeks. You are obsessed with these issues and hating on the teachers' union. My point is that our school system does not have sufficient resources to endure the financial drag that vouchers have on public education. Weakening public education weakens our community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For cc. kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

High school kids ought to be able to handle missing class from time-to-time. Do you send them to school when they're sick? Are they in extracurriculars?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

PP here. I didn't say anything about early release days or 4-day school weeks. You are obsessed with these issues and hating on the teachers' union. My point is that our school system does not have sufficient resources to endure the financial drag that vouchers have on public education. Weakening public education weakens our community.

There are other ways to weaken public education besides removing per-pupil funding. Reduced instructional hours is a major threat, and we don't have a good way to combat that threat through the political system. As long as public schools have a captive market in students/families, state and local leaders will prioritize the demands of the special interest groups that fund their campaigns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For cc. kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

High school kids ought to be able to handle missing class from time-to-time. Do you send them to school when they're sick? Are they in extracurriculars?

Yes they are in extracurriculuars in school and out of school, sometimes two or more in an evening. No, they stay home sick. That's the point. When there is a 1/2 day I can schedule these things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

PP here. I didn't say anything about early release days or 4-day school weeks. You are obsessed with these issues and hating on the teachers' union. My point is that our school system does not have sufficient resources to endure the financial drag that vouchers have on public education. Weakening public education weakens our community.

There are other ways to weaken public education besides removing per-pupil funding. Reduced instructional hours is a major threat, and we don't have a good way to combat that threat through the political system. As long as public schools have a captive market in students/families, state and local leaders will prioritize the demands of the special interest groups that fund their campaigns.

Very little of that per pupil spending goes to average regular kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For cc. kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

High school kids ought to be able to handle missing class from time-to-time. Do you send them to school when they're sick? Are they in extracurriculars?

Yes they are in extracurriculuars in school and out of school, sometimes two or more in an evening. No, they stay home sick. That's the point. When there is a 1/2 day I can schedule these things.

If they can stay home for a full day or when they're sick, they can miss a period or two for the orthodontist. We certainly don't need half days for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

PP here. I didn't say anything about early release days or 4-day school weeks. You are obsessed with these issues and hating on the teachers' union. My point is that our school system does not have sufficient resources to endure the financial drag that vouchers have on public education. Weakening public education weakens our community.

There are other ways to weaken public education besides removing per-pupil funding. Reduced instructional hours is a major threat, and we don't have a good way to combat that threat through the political system. As long as public schools have a captive market in students/families, state and local leaders will prioritize the demands of the special interest groups that fund their campaigns.

You feel strongly about this; I empathize. I suggest you move to DC, where you aren't beholden to public schools and can take advantage of the plethora of charter schools that give you the options you desire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For cc. kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

High school kids ought to be able to handle missing class from time-to-time. Do you send them to school when they're sick? Are they in extracurriculars?

Yes they are in extracurriculuars in school and out of school, sometimes two or more in an evening. No, they stay home sick. That's the point. When there is a 1/2 day I can schedule these things.

If they can stay home for a full day or when they're sick, they can miss a period or two for the orthodontist. We certainly don't need half days for that.

I'm not like you and send my kids in sick and are selfish enough to spread it and make others sick. No, its not a period or two and no they cannot miss AP or other higher level classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For cc. kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

High school kids ought to be able to handle missing class from time-to-time. Do you send them to school when they're sick? Are they in extracurriculars?

Yes they are in extracurriculuars in school and out of school, sometimes two or more in an evening. No, they stay home sick. That's the point. When there is a 1/2 day I can schedule these things.

If they can stay home for a full day or when they're sick, they can miss a period or two for the orthodontist. We certainly don't need half days for that.

So, wait, I have to pull my kids out because you are too lazy to care for your kids on 1/2 days?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BOE is not the concern moms4liberty did not get in yay

Now federal trikes for public education will suck

The federal government doesn't do much for K-12 education. They might try to encourage vouchers, but they can't really force it. And vouchers wouldn't be so bad. It would be good for MCPS to have to deal with a little competition. Vouchers would probably be a pretty effective tool for preventing MCPS from adopting a bunch of early release days. And would similarly stop the unions from pushing for changes to state law to allow 4 day school weeks.

The last thing we need is to divert dollars from our system to have vouchers. We already have enough areas that are underfunded. Maryland's Blueprint for Education costs are going to drive up taxes enough.

The last thing we need are more early release days or 4 day school weeks. I agree that we don't want to pull funding away from public schools, but making private schools more of a credible alternative to public schools is the only way to address the stranglehold teachers unions have over state and local politics.

I love early release days for appointments and other things.

You've said this before, but it's odd. You don't need early release days for appointments. Perhaps you haven't run into this if your kids don't have unique medical or special needs, but there very often don't get to choose your appointment days/times. You basically have to take the next available appointment, which doesn't end up being for 3-6 months anyway (or a year, if you're going for a developmental pediatrician).

For cc. kids, sure, its no big deal to pull kids out and we did it all the time for doctor's appointments, specialists and thearpies, but once they hit high school, no you cannot pull them out all the time. You have monthly ortho appointments, and sick visits and other things. We do all routine care like physicals, eye and dental in the summe before school starts. For us, of the next available appointment is 2-4 months away. It depends on your health insurance. I have two appointments for myself for January that I made a month ago as that was the first available. But, you cannot easily pull kids out of advanced/AP classes as there are weekly quizzes, tests and lectures. So, those golden half days are helpful. And, some teachers penalize kids for missing class. We have one teacher that does.

High school kids ought to be able to handle missing class from time-to-time. Do you send them to school when they're sick? Are they in extracurriculars?

Yes they are in extracurriculuars in school and out of school, sometimes two or more in an evening. No, they stay home sick. That's the point. When there is a 1/2 day I can schedule these things.

If they can stay home for a full day or when they're sick, they can miss a period or two for the orthodontist. We certainly don't need half days for that.

So, wait, I have to pull my kids out because you are too lazy to care for your kids on 1/2 days?

You want every kid to have to miss class if your kid is going to miss class?