Urgent Request for Funding to Enhance MoCo Elementary School Safety

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the info poster here is completely inaccurate, especially when it comes to landline phones (in my experience, in every classroom and they CAN call out), call buttons to office (they are there and they work), 911 call ability (they can be called), and camera use and monitoring. As for cell phone ability, it tends to be spotty but not nonexistent, and depends on the carrier and the school location.

You should know what the situation is at your child's school. But but posting incorrect, detailed info on a public forum and making it seem like a system-wide issue is irresponsible and makes students and staff even more vulnerable..

Yes, this thread should be deleted as it is just fear mongering and not accurate

Are you serious?!?!? Not accurate??? Our principal is crying out for help. Teachers are afraid to come to work. My elementary school DOES NOT have cell service in the majority of the building. Our kids need help, why would you want to suppress efforts to help them?

What school? Without basic, verifiable details, this is fearmongering.

+1 This thread started with a plea for parents to copy paste a letter, but none of the details have been verified nor has any person been willing to put their name to this cause publicly.

I'm not saying there are not potential security issues, but this feels very suspicious if there has not been previous school board testimony or any sort of organized advocacy, or anyone coming forward to say they wrote the letter and they've seen these issues and they are willing to advocate publicly for change.

There has been multiple testimonies on the gaps and risks in safety and security for elementary schools in several recent BOE meetings. Go back and watch them.

The problem with this post is that it is extrapolating the security issues at one elementary school to all elementary schools with no evidence. This actually harms efforts to improve school security. MCPS does have some schools with known nasty security issues that have been named aloud in BOE testimony. The original poster should do that with the school in question. Not all elementary schools have these issues so differentiating is important. Pitting elementary schools against high schools also is unhelpful. There are plenty of security issues there as well. All schools should have a method for classrooms to quickly call 911. Any school that does not have that should be named in BOE testimony and parents from that school should be alerted so they can advocate. My kids’ ES had a system so teachers could quickly contact the office. Also, while not all classrooms had cell reception, teachers could connect their cell phones to school WiFi. But the fact one school had this capacity does not mean others are not lacking. Please OP advocate more narrowly and with clear evidence and then coalition build. Perhaps reach out to PTAs at other schools to see if they share the same issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:are wifi calls possible?

No! it's a common misconception...most school wifi networks are too weak or nonexistent. And it's part of the reason why there isn't a bigger push for more emergency buttons. The infrastructure does not exist to support it and the county refuses to fund it.

Taylor came in blazing about Safety First and either didn't know this or didn't address this?
He needs to go. I have no patience left for incompetence.

This 100%. He has made no positive changes. And, his response is to ask for more money and isn't transparent as promised.

He created a bs antibias classroom position for a former principal with a horrible academic record. That position alone is probably a quarter of a million package. He is another one just like the other one. I don't think the board gets it yet.

[Anonymous]

This thread reeks of agitators trying to create panic and discord, not of any kind of serious effort to make real changes.

You don't make policy and practice changes with random isolated anonymous comments lacking evidentiary backing.

If you want to make real change, put together a website, collect documents, write proposals, sign your name, etc, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:are wifi calls possible?

No! it's a common misconception...most school wifi networks are too weak or nonexistent. And it's part of the reason why there isn't a bigger push for more emergency buttons. The infrastructure does not exist to support it and the county refuses to fund it.

Taylor came in blazing about Safety First and either didn't know this or didn't address this?
He needs to go. I have no patience left for incompetence.

This 100%. He has made no positive changes. And, his response is to ask for more money and isn't transparent as promised.

He created a bs antibias classroom position for a former principal with a horrible academic record. That position alone is probably a quarter of a million package. He is another one just like the other one. I don't think the board gets it yet.

Clearly we should fire him and try again. I guess as long as we're willing to give out million dollar severence packages we'll probably get some takers. Of course, anyone actually qualified for the position is going to quickly learn no amount of pay is worth dealing with the combination of MoCo residents and MCEA members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the info poster here is completely inaccurate, especially when it comes to landline phones (in my experience, in every classroom and they CAN call out), call buttons to office (they are there and they work), 911 call ability (they can be called), and camera use and monitoring. As for cell phone ability, it tends to be spotty but not nonexistent, and depends on the carrier and the school location.

You should know what the situation is at your child's school. But but posting incorrect, detailed info on a public forum and making it seem like a system-wide issue is irresponsible and makes students and staff even more vulnerable..

Yes, this thread should be deleted as it is just fear mongering and not accurate

Are you serious?!?!? Not accurate??? Our principal is crying out for help. Teachers are afraid to come to work. My elementary school DOES NOT have cell service in the majority of the building. Our kids need help, why would you want to suppress efforts to help them?

Principal Anonymous is afraid of children dying, crying for help, but hiding hisncries from the board and the public?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi MCPS Parents! Below are the email addresses and an template email for the Board of Education elected officials, as well as Superintendent Taylor regarding an urgent request for funding to enhance MCPS Elementary School Safety. If you are an MCPS taxpayer, parent or student and you care about the safety of our youngest learners, please consider sending along to the people listed below. Thanks!

Subject: Urgent Request for Funding to Enhance MoCo Elementary School Security

Dear Board of Education Members and Superintendent Taylor,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and parent to express my deep concern for the safety and security of our children in Montgomery County elementary schools. In light of the increasing frequency of tragic events in schools across the nation, I urge you to prioritize the allocation of adequate funding for the implementation of comprehensive security measures in all Montgomery County elementary schools before one of our schools becomes the epicenter of the next tragedy.

I believe that the following measures are essential to creating a safer learning environment for our children:

Physical Security Upgrades:
- Enhanced Entryways: Controlled access points, security vestibules, and visitor screening procedures are crucial to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Emergency Communication Systems: Reliable and easily accessible communication systems, including cellular 911 calling capability, land lines, panic buttons, and public address systems, all of which are vital for rapid response in emergency situations and are currently lacking in nearly all of Montgomery County’s 136 elementary schools.
- Surveillance Systems: High-quality surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the school grounds and interior that are regularly monitored by law enforcement.
- Standardized Infrastructure Assessments: Allowing qualified MCPS emergency and security personnel to equally assess all 136 elementary schools for vulnerabilities and subsequent funding to address security gaps that are identified.

Mental Health Support:
- Increased Counseling Services: Access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors and psychologists, which are essential for early identification and intervention of potential threats.
- Threat Assessment Teams: Multidisciplinary teams comprised of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement should be utilized to assess and address potential threats effectively.

Staff Training & Parent Involvement:
- Active Shooter Training: Regular standardized training for all staff members on active shooter response protocols, including lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and first aid/CPR.
- De-escalation Techniques: Training for staff on de-escalation techniques to manage disruptive behavior and prevent situations from escalating into violence.
- MCPS-Wide Safety and Security Meeting: Q&A on of the code of conduct, current elementary school safety measures, and elementary school safety and security gaps that will be addressed (with timelines and deliverables).

I understand that funding for these measures may require careful budget allocation. However, I believe that the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children are paramount and should be considered the number one priority. I urge you to advocate for the necessary funding and support the implementation of these critical security enhancements in our elementary schools.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt attention and a positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

This is either a troll or a remarkably stupid elementary school teacher.

Rather than making statements that could be verifiably true (e.g., So-and-So Elementary doesn't have working phones or a PA syste). she made statements that were easily verified to be false.

And now knowing that her credibility is shot, she's disappeared from the thread.

[Anonymous]

OP here - hadn’t ghosted, I’m just a mom with a full time job and a preschooler who doesn’t go back to school until next week.

I hadn’t named the school but I plan to next week if I am selected to testify.

Letter was sent out by our school PTA and I also shared it with my name on our Facebook group. I also used my name and school when I sent the letter to the BOE and superintendent.

The hostility is alarming but not surprising.

If you want to know which school, feel free to watch the next public statements.

I was not the author of the letter - I am just trying to help get the word out about things that need to change.

We were actually told that we couldn’t fundraise at our school to raise money for emergency buttons because it wouldn’t be fair to other schools so it’s pretty surprising to hear about all these other elementary schools with better security.

Thanks for the great suggestions posted here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the info poster here is completely inaccurate, especially when it comes to landline phones (in my experience, in every classroom and they CAN call out), call buttons to office (they are there and they work), 911 call ability (they can be called), and camera use and monitoring. As for cell phone ability, it tends to be spotty but not nonexistent, and depends on the carrier and the school location.

You should know what the situation is at your child's school. But but posting incorrect, detailed info on a public forum and making it seem like a system-wide issue is irresponsible and makes students and staff even more vulnerable..

Yes, this thread should be deleted as it is just fear mongering and not accurate

Are you serious?!?!? Not accurate??? Our principal is crying out for help. Teachers are afraid to come to work. My elementary school DOES NOT have cell service in the majority of the building. Our kids need help, why would you want to suppress efforts to help them?

What specifically is your principal asking for? I doubt it is the list of things in the op.

Our principal wants an armed officer in the school but will settle for anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the info poster here is completely inaccurate, especially when it comes to landline phones (in my experience, in every classroom and they CAN call out), call buttons to office (they are there and they work), 911 call ability (they can be called), and camera use and monitoring. As for cell phone ability, it tends to be spotty but not nonexistent, and depends on the carrier and the school location.

You should know what the situation is at your child's school. But but posting incorrect, detailed info on a public forum and making it seem like a system-wide issue is irresponsible and makes students and staff even more vulnerable..

Have you checked this with all 136 elementary schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - hadn’t ghosted, I’m just a mom with a full time job and a preschooler who doesn’t go back to school until next week.

I hadn’t named the school but I plan to next week if I am selected to testify.

Letter was sent out by our school PTA and I also shared it with my name on our Facebook group. I also used my name and school when I sent the letter to the BOE and superintendent.

The hostility is alarming but not surprising.

If you want to know which school, feel free to watch the next public statements.

I was not the author of the letter - I am just trying to help get the word out about things that need to change.

We were actually told that we couldn’t fundraise at our school to raise money for emergency buttons because it wouldn’t be fair to other schools so it’s pretty surprising to hear about all these other elementary schools with better security.

Thanks for the great suggestions posted here.

Next meeting seems like a great time to testify since the Security Chief is set to give his update then as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the info poster here is completely inaccurate, especially when it comes to landline phones (in my experience, in every classroom and they CAN call out), call buttons to office (they are there and they work), 911 call ability (they can be called), and camera use and monitoring. As for cell phone ability, it tends to be spotty but not nonexistent, and depends on the carrier and the school location.

You should know what the situation is at your child's school. But but posting incorrect, detailed info on a public forum and making it seem like a system-wide issue is irresponsible and makes students and staff even more vulnerable..

Yes, this thread should be deleted as it is just fear mongering and not accurate

Are you serious?!?!? Not accurate??? Our principal is crying out for help. Teachers are afraid to come to work. My elementary school DOES NOT have cell service in the majority of the building. Our kids need help, why would you want to suppress efforts to help them?

What school? Without basic, verifiable details, this is fearmongering.

Fearmongering? To what end? An effort to keep our children safe. So you’re trying to minimize and prevent attempts to help increase security for the children of this county? Do you have children in public school? Great work. You’re a special person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of the info poster here is completely inaccurate, especially when it comes to landline phones (in my experience, in every classroom and they CAN call out), call buttons to office (they are there and they work), 911 call ability (they can be called), and camera use and monitoring. As for cell phone ability, it tends to be spotty but not nonexistent, and depends on the carrier and the school location.

You should know what the situation is at your child's school. But but posting incorrect, detailed info on a public forum and making it seem like a system-wide issue is irresponsible and makes students and staff even more vulnerable..

Yes, this thread should be deleted as it is just fear mongering and not accurate

Are you serious?!?!? Not accurate??? Our principal is crying out for help. Teachers are afraid to come to work. My elementary school DOES NOT have cell service in the majority of the building. Our kids need help, why would you want to suppress efforts to help them?

What school? Without basic, verifiable details, this is fearmongering.

+1 This thread started with a plea for parents to copy paste a letter, but none of the details have been verified nor has any person been willing to put their name to this cause publicly.

I'm not saying there are not potential security issues, but this feels very suspicious if there has not been previous school board testimony or any sort of organized advocacy, or anyone coming forward to say they wrote the letter and they've seen these issues and they are willing to advocate publicly for change.

Suspicious?!?! What do you think they’re trying to achieve other than increase safety in the county’s elementary schools? Go back to reading your conspiracy theory websites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi MCPS Parents! Below are the email addresses and an template email for the Board of Education elected officials, as well as Superintendent Taylor regarding an urgent request for funding to enhance MCPS Elementary School Safety. If you are an MCPS taxpayer, parent or student and you care about the safety of our youngest learners, please consider sending along to the people listed below. Thanks!

Subject: Urgent Request for Funding to Enhance MoCo Elementary School Security

Dear Board of Education Members and Superintendent Taylor,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and parent to express my deep concern for the safety and security of our children in Montgomery County elementary schools. In light of the increasing frequency of tragic events in schools across the nation, I urge you to prioritize the allocation of adequate funding for the implementation of comprehensive security measures in all Montgomery County elementary schools before one of our schools becomes the epicenter of the next tragedy.

I believe that the following measures are essential to creating a safer learning environment for our children:

Physical Security Upgrades:
- Enhanced Entryways: Controlled access points, security vestibules, and visitor screening procedures are crucial to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Emergency Communication Systems: Reliable and easily accessible communication systems, including cellular 911 calling capability, land lines, panic buttons, and public address systems, all of which are vital for rapid response in emergency situations and are currently lacking in nearly all of Montgomery County’s 136 elementary schools.
- Surveillance Systems: High-quality surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the school grounds and interior that are regularly monitored by law enforcement.
- Standardized Infrastructure Assessments: Allowing qualified MCPS emergency and security personnel to equally assess all 136 elementary schools for vulnerabilities and subsequent funding to address security gaps that are identified.

Mental Health Support:
- Increased Counseling Services: Access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors and psychologists, which are essential for early identification and intervention of potential threats.
- Threat Assessment Teams: Multidisciplinary teams comprised of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement should be utilized to assess and address potential threats effectively.

Staff Training & Parent Involvement:
- Active Shooter Training: Regular standardized training for all staff members on active shooter response protocols, including lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and first aid/CPR.
- De-escalation Techniques: Training for staff on de-escalation techniques to manage disruptive behavior and prevent situations from escalating into violence.
- MCPS-Wide Safety and Security Meeting: Q&A on of the code of conduct, current elementary school safety measures, and elementary school safety and security gaps that will be addressed (with timelines and deliverables).

I understand that funding for these measures may require careful budget allocation. However, I believe that the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children are paramount and should be considered the number one priority. I urge you to advocate for the necessary funding and support the implementation of these critical security enhancements in our elementary schools.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt attention and a positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

This is either a troll or a remarkably stupid elementary school teacher.

Rather than making statements that could be verifiably true (e.g., So-and-So Elementary doesn't have working phones or a PA syste). she made statements that were easily verified to be false.

And now knowing that her credibility is shot, she's disappeared from the thread.

Keyboard warrior. Great effort, you must be really proud of yourself. A concerned individual makes a genuine, and desperately needed effort to help keep children safe, and you insult them?!?! Your kids, if you have any, must think you’re very special. I’m embarrassed for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi MCPS Parents! Below are the email addresses and an template email for the Board of Education elected officials, as well as Superintendent Taylor regarding an urgent request for funding to enhance MCPS Elementary School Safety. If you are an MCPS taxpayer, parent or student and you care about the safety of our youngest learners, please consider sending along to the people listed below. Thanks!

Subject: Urgent Request for Funding to Enhance MoCo Elementary School Security

Dear Board of Education Members and Superintendent Taylor,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and parent to express my deep concern for the safety and security of our children in Montgomery County elementary schools. In light of the increasing frequency of tragic events in schools across the nation, I urge you to prioritize the allocation of adequate funding for the implementation of comprehensive security measures in all Montgomery County elementary schools before one of our schools becomes the epicenter of the next tragedy.

I believe that the following measures are essential to creating a safer learning environment for our children:

Physical Security Upgrades:
- Enhanced Entryways: Controlled access points, security vestibules, and visitor screening procedures are crucial to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Emergency Communication Systems: Reliable and easily accessible communication systems, including cellular 911 calling capability, land lines, panic buttons, and public address systems, all of which are vital for rapid response in emergency situations and are currently lacking in nearly all of Montgomery County’s 136 elementary schools.
- Surveillance Systems: High-quality surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the school grounds and interior that are regularly monitored by law enforcement.
- Standardized Infrastructure Assessments: Allowing qualified MCPS emergency and security personnel to equally assess all 136 elementary schools for vulnerabilities and subsequent funding to address security gaps that are identified.

Mental Health Support:
- Increased Counseling Services: Access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors and psychologists, which are essential for early identification and intervention of potential threats.
- Threat Assessment Teams: Multidisciplinary teams comprised of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement should be utilized to assess and address potential threats effectively.

Staff Training & Parent Involvement:
- Active Shooter Training: Regular standardized training for all staff members on active shooter response protocols, including lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and first aid/CPR.
- De-escalation Techniques: Training for staff on de-escalation techniques to manage disruptive behavior and prevent situations from escalating into violence.
- MCPS-Wide Safety and Security Meeting: Q&A on of the code of conduct, current elementary school safety measures, and elementary school safety and security gaps that will be addressed (with timelines and deliverables).

I understand that funding for these measures may require careful budget allocation. However, I believe that the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children are paramount and should be considered the number one priority. I urge you to advocate for the necessary funding and support the implementation of these critical security enhancements in our elementary schools.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt attention and a positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

This is either a troll or a remarkably stupid elementary school teacher.

Rather than making statements that could be verifiably true (e.g., So-and-So Elementary doesn't have working phones or a PA syste). she made statements that were easily verified to be false.

And now knowing that her credibility is shot, she's disappeared from the thread.

Keyboard warrior. Great effort, you must be really proud of yourself. A concerned individual makes a genuine, and desperately needed effort to help keep children safe, and you insult them?!?! Your kids, if you have any, must think you’re very special. I’m embarrassed for you.

So "genuine" and "desperately needed" that you still refuse to name the school...

This has got to be a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi MCPS Parents! Below are the email addresses and an template email for the Board of Education elected officials, as well as Superintendent Taylor regarding an urgent request for funding to enhance MCPS Elementary School Safety. If you are an MCPS taxpayer, parent or student and you care about the safety of our youngest learners, please consider sending along to the people listed below. Thanks!

Subject: Urgent Request for Funding to Enhance MoCo Elementary School Security

Dear Board of Education Members and Superintendent Taylor,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and parent to express my deep concern for the safety and security of our children in Montgomery County elementary schools. In light of the increasing frequency of tragic events in schools across the nation, I urge you to prioritize the allocation of adequate funding for the implementation of comprehensive security measures in all Montgomery County elementary schools before one of our schools becomes the epicenter of the next tragedy.

I believe that the following measures are essential to creating a safer learning environment for our children:

Physical Security Upgrades:
- Enhanced Entryways: Controlled access points, security vestibules, and visitor screening procedures are crucial to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Emergency Communication Systems: Reliable and easily accessible communication systems, including cellular 911 calling capability, land lines, panic buttons, and public address systems, all of which are vital for rapid response in emergency situations and are currently lacking in nearly all of Montgomery County’s 136 elementary schools.
- Surveillance Systems: High-quality surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the school grounds and interior that are regularly monitored by law enforcement.
- Standardized Infrastructure Assessments: Allowing qualified MCPS emergency and security personnel to equally assess all 136 elementary schools for vulnerabilities and subsequent funding to address security gaps that are identified.

Mental Health Support:
- Increased Counseling Services: Access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors and psychologists, which are essential for early identification and intervention of potential threats.
- Threat Assessment Teams: Multidisciplinary teams comprised of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement should be utilized to assess and address potential threats effectively.

Staff Training & Parent Involvement:
- Active Shooter Training: Regular standardized training for all staff members on active shooter response protocols, including lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and first aid/CPR.
- De-escalation Techniques: Training for staff on de-escalation techniques to manage disruptive behavior and prevent situations from escalating into violence.
- MCPS-Wide Safety and Security Meeting: Q&A on of the code of conduct, current elementary school safety measures, and elementary school safety and security gaps that will be addressed (with timelines and deliverables).

I understand that funding for these measures may require careful budget allocation. However, I believe that the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children are paramount and should be considered the number one priority. I urge you to advocate for the necessary funding and support the implementation of these critical security enhancements in our elementary schools.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt attention and a positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

This is either a troll or a remarkably stupid elementary school teacher.

Rather than making statements that could be verifiably true (e.g., So-and-So Elementary doesn't have working phones or a PA syste). she made statements that were easily verified to be false.

And now knowing that her credibility is shot, she's disappeared from the thread.

Keyboard warrior. Great effort, you must be really proud of yourself. A concerned individual makes a genuine, and desperately needed effort to help keep children safe, and you insult them?!?! Your kids, if you have any, must think you’re very special. I’m embarrassed for you.

So "genuine" and "desperately needed" that you still refuse to name the school...

This has got to be a troll.

It’s not a singular school, this is the issue. I’ll be at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday. I will wear a green shirt so you can identify me. Please feel free to come and have a conversation with me.