Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

I would suggest that anyone with a rising 8th grader who might be interested in a program (or rising 5th grader, honestly-- there's been less talk about middle school so far but they are supposed to assess and potentially change those programs too) to fill out their questions/feedback form asking what the impact will be: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fCkz2b1rVr60QIatOoSPXCLD7f1YlRRDCn3VbHrBx-o/viewform?edit_requested=true

Contacting Board of Ed members would be good too, and maybe even signing up to testify at the next board meeting on July 24th. And if you can get your kid to do any of these things as well, that would be even more powerful...

I personally find it a little uncomfortable when younger kids testify. Like, clearly their parent put them up to it and they are parroting what the parent says and thinks. I fully think kids have feelings about certain things and should have an avenue to communicate and advocate, but a lot of the testimony from ES age kids can feel like a bit of exploitation.

I think in some cases that's true and in others the ES kids really do have strong feelings themselves that they want to convey. But I hear you on that.

But by 8th grade, kids absolutely are often deeply invested in the decision about their high school plans (not just based on what their parents think), and the current lack of clarity genuinely puts them in an extremely tough spot. And I strongly suspect the Board would be more sympathetic to hearing that from the kids themselves than their parents.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

I would suggest that anyone with a rising 8th grader who might be interested in a program (or rising 5th grader, honestly-- there's been less talk about middle school so far but they are supposed to assess and potentially change those programs too) to fill out their questions/feedback form asking what the impact will be: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fCkz2b1rVr60QIatOoSPXCLD7f1YlRRDCn3VbHrBx-o/viewform?edit_requested=true

Contacting Board of Ed members would be good too, and maybe even signing up to testify at the next board meeting on July 24th. And if you can get your kid to do any of these things as well, that would be even more powerful...

I personally find it a little uncomfortable when younger kids testify. Like, clearly their parent put them up to it and they are parroting what the parent says and thinks. I fully think kids have feelings about certain things and should have an avenue to communicate and advocate, but a lot of the testimony from ES age kids can feel like a bit of exploitation.

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

I would suggest that anyone with a rising 8th grader who might be interested in a program (or rising 5th grader, honestly-- there's been less talk about middle school so far but they are supposed to assess and potentially change those programs too) to fill out their questions/feedback form asking what the impact will be: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fCkz2b1rVr60QIatOoSPXCLD7f1YlRRDCn3VbHrBx-o/viewform?edit_requested=true

Contacting Board of Ed members would be good too, and maybe even signing up to testify at the next board meeting on July 24th. And if you can get your kid to do any of these things as well, that would be even more powerful...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be same as last Fall? Or six regional model? Or somewhere in between?

This will be the last class from the currently conceived application programs/boundaries. The intent is for these students to complete the programs they began.

Can you point to a publicly available resource (webpage, MCPS notice, BOE meeting/agenda item) that demonstrates that there is that intent?

Look at the slides and video available from the 6/24 BOE meeting. The writing is on the wall between the start of the program changes and the boundary changes for fall 2027

But where did they say anything about students finishing the programs they began?

That was my question. There is nothing in the slides or the meeting video to this effect.

All MCPS has said on the subject is that, in general, Taylor wants rising sophomores to go to their new school, while rising juniors and seniors stay. They haven't even confirmed, though, that they will maintain the programs for these students.

It would only make sense to most to allow those having begun a program to complete it, but their silence on the matter is deafening.

Taylor did talk about that at one of the recent meetings, I can't remember which one. He said students would be allowed to complete programs they had started, but didn't have specific details on how that would work.

There is absolutely no way that could work. They would have to have an overlap of existing and new programs for three years until those rising 10th graders graduate. MCPS can’t afford that and there aren’t enough teachers, buses or space.

It would work fine for programs that are staying put but changing boundaries/eligibility. The challenge would be if programs disappear or move, that's much harder logistically and raises the issues you mention.

DP. If they are going change the boundaries, they should probably just immediately have the students go to the new region schools for cost, logistic, and lack of personnel. Sometimes things change and you end up with the short stick, unfortunately.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be same as last Fall? Or six regional model? Or somewhere in between?

This will be the last class from the currently conceived application programs/boundaries. The intent is for these students to complete the programs they began.

Can you point to a publicly available resource (webpage, MCPS notice, BOE meeting/agenda item) that demonstrates that there is that intent?

Look at the slides and video available from the 6/24 BOE meeting. The writing is on the wall between the start of the program changes and the boundary changes for fall 2027

But where did they say anything about students finishing the programs they began?

That was my question. There is nothing in the slides or the meeting video to this effect.

All MCPS has said on the subject is that, in general, Taylor wants rising sophomores to go to their new school, while rising juniors and seniors stay. They haven't even confirmed, though, that they will maintain the programs for these students.

It would only make sense to most to allow those having begun a program to complete it, but their silence on the matter is deafening.

Taylor did talk about that at one of the recent meetings, I can't remember which one. He said students would be allowed to complete programs they had started, but didn't have specific details on how that would work.

There is absolutely no way that could work. They would have to have an overlap of existing and new programs for three years until those rising 10th graders graduate. MCPS can’t afford that and there aren’t enough teachers, buses or space.

I agree that there isn’t enough staff. I taught AP at a HS that was adopting IB. It was a disaster for two years.

Anonymous wrote:Has MCPS shared application info/dates for this year’s rising 8th graders yet? Will it be shared later than usual? Our DD is interested in VAC…

No, the site hasn't been updated yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be same as last Fall? Or six regional model? Or somewhere in between?

This will be the last class from the currently conceived application programs/boundaries. The intent is for these students to complete the programs they began.

Can you point to a publicly available resource (webpage, MCPS notice, BOE meeting/agenda item) that demonstrates that there is that intent?

Look at the slides and video available from the 6/24 BOE meeting. The writing is on the wall between the start of the program changes and the boundary changes for fall 2027

But where did they say anything about students finishing the programs they began?

That was my question. There is nothing in the slides or the meeting video to this effect.

All MCPS has said on the subject is that, in general, Taylor wants rising sophomores to go to their new school, while rising juniors and seniors stay. They haven't even confirmed, though, that they will maintain the programs for these students.

It would only make sense to most to allow those having begun a program to complete it, but their silence on the matter is deafening.

Taylor did talk about that at one of the recent meetings, I can't remember which one. He said students would be allowed to complete programs they had started, but didn't have specific details on how that would work.

There is absolutely no way that could work. They would have to have an overlap of existing and new programs for three years until those rising 10th graders graduate. MCPS can’t afford that and there aren’t enough teachers, buses or space.

It would work fine for programs that are staying put but changing boundaries/eligibility. The challenge would be if programs disappear or move, that's much harder logistically and raises the issues you mention.

Has MCPS shared application info/dates for this year’s rising 8th graders yet? Will it be shared later than usual? Our DD is interested in VAC…

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be same as last Fall? Or six regional model? Or somewhere in between?

This will be the last class from the currently conceived application programs/boundaries. The intent is for these students to complete the programs they began.

Can you point to a publicly available resource (webpage, MCPS notice, BOE meeting/agenda item) that demonstrates that there is that intent?

Look at the slides and video available from the 6/24 BOE meeting. The writing is on the wall between the start of the program changes and the boundary changes for fall 2027

But where did they say anything about students finishing the programs they began?

That was my question. There is nothing in the slides or the meeting video to this effect.

All MCPS has said on the subject is that, in general, Taylor wants rising sophomores to go to their new school, while rising juniors and seniors stay. They haven't even confirmed, though, that they will maintain the programs for these students.

It would only make sense to most to allow those having begun a program to complete it, but their silence on the matter is deafening.

Taylor did talk about that at one of the recent meetings, I can't remember which one. He said students would be allowed to complete programs they had started, but didn't have specific details on how that would work.

There is absolutely no way that could work. They would have to have an overlap of existing and new programs for three years until those rising 10th graders graduate. MCPS can’t afford that and there aren’t enough teachers, buses or space.

They should just expand existing programs and add one or two others and leave it at that

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be same as last Fall? Or six regional model? Or somewhere in between?

This will be the last class from the currently conceived application programs/boundaries. The intent is for these students to complete the programs they began.

Can you point to a publicly available resource (webpage, MCPS notice, BOE meeting/agenda item) that demonstrates that there is that intent?

Look at the slides and video available from the 6/24 BOE meeting. The writing is on the wall between the start of the program changes and the boundary changes for fall 2027

But where did they say anything about students finishing the programs they began?

That was my question. There is nothing in the slides or the meeting video to this effect.

All MCPS has said on the subject is that, in general, Taylor wants rising sophomores to go to their new school, while rising juniors and seniors stay. They haven't even confirmed, though, that they will maintain the programs for these students.

It would only make sense to most to allow those having begun a program to complete it, but their silence on the matter is deafening.

Taylor did talk about that at one of the recent meetings, I can't remember which one. He said students would be allowed to complete programs they had started, but didn't have specific details on how that would work.

There is absolutely no way that could work. They would have to have an overlap of existing and new programs for three years until those rising 10th graders graduate. MCPS can’t afford that and there aren’t enough teachers, buses or space.

+1. I suspect big programs will be safer and just transition to students from the region filling the seats in future years, but smaller programs may be moved or combined or phased out. I also suspect they know where they may be sunsetting or eliminating certain programs and may not open those up to applicants this year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would it be same as last Fall? Or six regional model? Or somewhere in between?

This will be the last class from the currently conceived application programs/boundaries. The intent is for these students to complete the programs they began.

Can you point to a publicly available resource (webpage, MCPS notice, BOE meeting/agenda item) that demonstrates that there is that intent?

Look at the slides and video available from the 6/24 BOE meeting. The writing is on the wall between the start of the program changes and the boundary changes for fall 2027

But where did they say anything about students finishing the programs they began?

That was my question. There is nothing in the slides or the meeting video to this effect.

All MCPS has said on the subject is that, in general, Taylor wants rising sophomores to go to their new school, while rising juniors and seniors stay. They haven't even confirmed, though, that they will maintain the programs for these students.

It would only make sense to most to allow those having begun a program to complete it, but their silence on the matter is deafening.

Taylor did talk about that at one of the recent meetings, I can't remember which one. He said students would be allowed to complete programs they had started, but didn't have specific details on how that would work.

There is absolutely no way that could work. They would have to have an overlap of existing and new programs for three years until those rising 10th graders graduate. MCPS can’t afford that and there aren’t enough teachers, buses or space.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

They won’t or if they do it will be a lie. They can’t afford to staff old and new programs at the same time

+1 At the very least, they should adjust application timing and response such that this cohort of students clearly knows what their home school option will be after boundary changes. In some ways, being in a special program may insulate these students from having to start at a home school for 9th and be switched for 10th due to boundary change implementation in 2027.