Reply to Initial boundary options for Woodward study area are up

Forum Index » Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

Reply to "Initial boundary options for Woodward study area are up "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I can see both sides of the conversation. Yes, we absolutely need more diversity in our schools—there’s no doubt about that. However, as someone who has sent my son to high-FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) schools in the past, I have to be honest about what I experienced. Whether those students looked like me or not, there was often a noticeable disregard for others. Fights, verbal altercations, and stealing were common. This was in the 2000s, mind you.

Eventually, I pulled him out and enrolled him in private school. Later, I bought a home in Olney, and my second child attended public schools there and did just fine.

I saw a comment recently suggesting that students on FARMS should be allowed to attend W schools—sort of like a magnet model. I actually think that’s a smart solution. It would increase diversity without bringing the very issues that drove people to move to places like Bethesda, Chevy Chase, or certain areas of Rockville in the first place.[/quote]

Is it your assertion that all the kids from low-income families had a disregard for others? Or that a higher percentage of them do?[/quote]
I’m not saying all kids from low-income families behave that way—but there are definitely risk factors we shouldn’t ignore or deny. Poverty brings stress, instability, and sometimes exposure to environments where conflict is normalized. That doesn’t mean every child will act out, but it does mean that schools with higher concentrations of those challenges often deal with more behavioral issues.

That said, yes—FARMS rates do need to be higher in our more affluent schools. That’s exactly why I mentioned that comment about creating a magnet-style program to bring FARMS students into W schools. It’s a way to increase diversity meaningfully, without replicating the same issues that led families—mine included—to seek out places like Olney, Bethesda, or Chevy Chase in the first place. We can aim for inclusion and support while also being realistic about what works.[/quote]

Neglect, child abuse, violence and lack of supervision are also common in wealthy families, it’s just hidden better.   The dcc kids don’t want to be bussed to your school.  You don’t want inclusion and diversity, let’s be real.  [/quote]
PP gave valid reasons, and you guys still aren’t satisfied.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics