Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

Because it should not be the school system’s job to provide ‘community support’ to the extent that is expected in MoCo.

There are plenty of community resources.

The schools should have their primary mission be to EDUCATE. Leave the other stuff to the myriad of non-profits and other agencies that exist to provide ‘support’ to the community.

Agree. Budget is a zero-sum game.

The more that is spent on "other," the less that is spent on educating students. Class size is up. Layoffs.

Need to get back to those basics. Prepare students for post high school jobs and/or college.

What do you think the basics are? You are really something. Seriously - go find a hobby. You obviously live under a rock because you clearly have no clue what’s going on in the schools and in the state.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

Because it should not be the school system’s job to provide ‘community support’ to the extent that is expected in MoCo.

There are plenty of community resources.

The schools should have their primary mission be to EDUCATE. Leave the other stuff to the myriad of non-profits and other agencies that exist to provide ‘support’ to the community.

Agree. Budget is a zero-sum game.

The more that is spent on "other," the less that is spent on educating students. Class size is up. Layoffs.

Need to get back to those basics. Prepare students for post high school jobs and/or college.

Community schools are part of the MD Blueprint and are not going anywhere. In fact, their numbers are expanding.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

No one know where they are supposed to be tonight and there is only time to go to a few teachers rooms so you have to make a choice as to which class you think is important.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

Because it should not be the school system’s job to provide ‘community support’ to the extent that is expected in MoCo.

There are plenty of community resources.

The schools should have their primary mission be to EDUCATE. Leave the other stuff to the myriad of non-profits and other agencies that exist to provide ‘support’ to the community.

Agree. Budget is a zero-sum game.

The more that is spent on "other," the less that is spent on educating students. Class size is up. Layoffs.

Need to get back to those basics. Prepare students for post high school jobs and/or college.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:QO Back to School night info here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/qohs/news-index/back-to-school-night/

BTSN used to be a way for parents to get a feel for their child’s day. Distance between classes, number of students in a class, condition of classrooms.
But now MCPS has moved to a virtual platform where parents are removed from the student experience. Some teachers did not even show their face in their video.
Virtual engagement is the new BTSN.

Well, based on several other recent threads on this board, at least half of the posters hated the traditional BTSN format. Maybe they’re trying something new because they didn’t get much engagement before, or had negative feedback on it?

I personally like the old way, even with all its shortcomings, but it sounds like lots of people hate it.

Ding ding ding. Schools are reimagining BTSN after surveying parents and students and a charge from CO.

Many parents don’t go to BTSN after 6th grade because it’s an absolute waste of time. They don’t learn anything they couldn’t have read in the class syllabus and principal weekly message. Virtual was at least better because they didn’t have to waste time navigating all around school buildings.

Virtual is never better. Parents miss out on all that in person social interaction that is required.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

Because it should not be the school system’s job to provide ‘community support’ to the extent that is expected in MoCo.

There are plenty of community resources.

The schools should have their primary mission be to EDUCATE. Leave the other stuff to the myriad of non-profits and other agencies that exist to provide ‘support’ to the community.

It’s a good thing you don’t work for the schools with that attitude.

The state of MD determines who is a community school and provides more resources. If you don’t have your basic needs met, then learning won’t happen. If you don’t like that the school is a place where many children and families receive help navigating the confusing social support system then GTFO of public school. You are an idiot.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying "a block party" is a bad thing. I think that can build school community and spirit. But I don't see how the block party helps to connect the dots on the academic needs and supports of students for parents, which is the purpose of Back to School Night.

It doesn't. That's why there are two posts above saying that the school is NOT focused on academic needs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:QO Back to School night info here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/qohs/news-index/back-to-school-night/

BTSN used to be a way for parents to get a feel for their child’s day. Distance between classes, number of students in a class, condition of classrooms.
But now MCPS has moved to a virtual platform where parents are removed from the student experience. Some teachers did not even show their face in their video.
Virtual engagement is the new BTSN.

Well, based on several other recent threads on this board, at least half of the posters hated the traditional BTSN format. Maybe they’re trying something new because they didn’t get much engagement before, or had negative feedback on it?

I personally like the old way, even with all its shortcomings, but it sounds like lots of people hate it.

Ding ding ding. Schools are reimagining BTSN after surveying parents and students and a charge from CO.

Many parents don’t go to BTSN after 6th grade because it’s an absolute waste of time. They don’t learn anything they couldn’t have read in the class syllabus and principal weekly message. Virtual was at least better because they didn’t have to waste time navigating all around school buildings.

Three DCs at two high schools last year. One is at a magnet, other two at regular school and both BTSNs were packed last year. They were all in person. In some classes they did not have enough seats for all the parents. Where are you located?

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying "a block party" is a bad thing. I think that can build school community and spirit. But I don't see how the block party helps to connect the dots on the academic needs and supports of students for parents, which is the purpose of Back to School Night.

Looking at the QO site linked above, I don't see any mention of a "block party" at all, so not sure where that phrase is coming from. The document they posted says:

"The night will begin with an opening session from Principal Elizabeth Thomas with special guests from the Parent Teacher Student Association, NAACP Parent Council, QO Boosters, SGA and more! Then, caregivers will go to Department Open Houses to learn more about the courses in which their students are enrolled.

Prior to BTSN, caregivers will receive a one-pager, electronically, providing specific information about their student's teachers, including links to teacher videos and the class syllabus. During BTSN, content teachers of courses offered here at QO will provide information about a student’s experience and important information about the course. Even though you will not be able to follow your student’s entire schedule, the sessions will be repeated several times throughout the evening so you can visit up to five content area discussion sessions. There will also be a table fair with information about college, career, and community opportunities, special programs at QO and clubs/organizations held at the school."

This seems fine to me, honestly.

I'm not saying "a block party" is a bad thing. I think that can build school community and spirit. But I don't see how the block party helps to connect the dots on the academic needs and supports of students for parents, which is the purpose of Back to School Night.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

Because it should not be the school system’s job to provide ‘community support’ to the extent that is expected in MoCo.

There are plenty of community resources.

The schools should have their primary mission be to EDUCATE. Leave the other stuff to the myriad of non-profits and other agencies that exist to provide ‘support’ to the community.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

And people on DCUM think this is bad because...?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:QO Back to School night info here:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/qohs/news-index/back-to-school-night/

BTSN used to be a way for parents to get a feel for their child’s day. Distance between classes, number of students in a class, condition of classrooms.
But now MCPS has moved to a virtual platform where parents are removed from the student experience. Some teachers did not even show their face in their video.
Virtual engagement is the new BTSN.

Well, based on several other recent threads on this board, at least half of the posters hated the traditional BTSN format. Maybe they’re trying something new because they didn’t get much engagement before, or had negative feedback on it?

I personally like the old way, even with all its shortcomings, but it sounds like lots of people hate it.

Ding ding ding. Schools are reimagining BTSN after surveying parents and students and a charge from CO.

Many parents don’t go to BTSN after 6th grade because it’s an absolute waste of time. They don’t learn anything they couldn’t have read in the class syllabus and principal weekly message. Virtual was at least better because they didn’t have to waste time navigating all around school buildings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?

Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg HS - schools that need more community support; they will have many resources on site along with teachers and admin from the secondary clusters

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a bad idea. The format is confusing to the point where I can't imagine parents will make it to the right room and the right time. It also does not allow parents to see all their child's classes. I think admin needs to rethink their approach.

I think administration wants it like this, where parents are removed from the process and instead admin wants to showboat and pretend like their school has great optics.

This is EXACTLY why they do this. It’s typical MCPS that focuses on optics versus actually caring about education.

This BTS model is a QO thing, not an MCPS thing.

MCPS thing at multiple schools.

Can you post other schools that are following this model?