Anonymous
07/24/2025 09:56
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
I think it's important to distinguish between what may upset YOU and what may upset your kid.
Of course, if your kid has any history is trauma, or indicates that they don't want to read it, or there is a real reason to suspect that the book will upset them, seek or encourage the alternative. But it does teens good to read tough stuff because this is often their first encounter with these things, and provides a safe way to empathize and help inform good decisions in the future (how to support people, whether or not to take a risk or commit a crime, career paths). This is a time in life where it's hard to separate parent from child, and the actions are not the same as they were when your kid was 5 or 10 or 12. Most kids can read the book, not saying all, but most.
Of course, if your kid has any history is trauma, or indicates that they don't want to read it, or there is a real reason to suspect that the book will upset them, seek or encourage the alternative. But it does teens good to read tough stuff because this is often their first encounter with these things, and provides a safe way to empathize and help inform good decisions in the future (how to support people, whether or not to take a risk or commit a crime, career paths). This is a time in life where it's hard to separate parent from child, and the actions are not the same as they were when your kid was 5 or 10 or 12. Most kids can read the book, not saying all, but most.
Anonymous
07/24/2025 09:52
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
If OP wrote this, I think you have a real you issue far bigger than this book.
Yes it’s Op — maybe I do have an issue! I was just trying to do an informal survey of what other kids in the incoming class are doing, since an alternative is offered. I know my kid won’t want to be the only one teadkng the alternate choice. My spouse actually has done a lot of work in this area. I see the value of the topic and how it fits with the apex curriculum but it’s not what I would have picked for young girls. Was really just trying to get an anonymous survey but I don’t think enough incoming 9th grade parents responded. I initially didn’t post the book title because I didn’t want this to turn into a forum for debating whether it was an appropriate choice or not — just wanted to know if people were reading it or gojng with the alternative.
Sorry and apologies to all .
I am curious how books suitable for 9th grade girls differ from those suitable for 9th grade boys?
Anonymous
07/23/2025 22:14
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
If OP wrote this, I think you have a real you issue far bigger than this book.
Yes it’s Op — maybe I do have an issue! I was just trying to do an informal survey of what other kids in the incoming class are doing, since an alternative is offered. I know my kid won’t want to be the only one teadkng the alternate choice. My spouse actually has done a lot of work in this area. I see the value of the topic and how it fits with the apex curriculum but it’s not what I would have picked for young girls. Was really just trying to get an anonymous survey but I don’t think enough incoming 9th grade parents responded. I initially didn’t post the book title because I didn’t want this to turn into a forum for debating whether it was an appropriate choice or not — just wanted to know if people were reading it or gojng with the alternative.
Sorry and apologies to all .
OP, I mean this with the best intentions. It's time to let go of the reins as it relates to reading. Let your child read the assigned books or make decisions not to, of their own accord. This is good for them and age-appropriate. I know that this transition can be difficult for parents and kids but you should let them figure some stuff out on their own now.
That’s usually my approach. This is not my first kid and I’ve never policed what they read or complained about an assigned school book. She doesn’t want to read it. My approach is usually to say — if it’s assigned, you read it. She might be more interested in the alternative book but if no one else is reading the alternative (which seemed to be offered because the school acknowledged some kids would find the book upsetting), then it seems pointless to encourage her to read the alternate. (I sort of feel like the school should have the courage of its convictions and if they think this book is appropriate, they shouldn’t offer an alternative. Or they should offer two choices and let the kids split into discussion groups based on their pick. This seems like a neither this nor that solution.).
Anonymous
07/22/2025 23:22
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
If OP wrote this, I think you have a real you issue far bigger than this book.
Yes it’s Op — maybe I do have an issue! I was just trying to do an informal survey of what other kids in the incoming class are doing, since an alternative is offered. I know my kid won’t want to be the only one teadkng the alternate choice. My spouse actually has done a lot of work in this area. I see the value of the topic and how it fits with the apex curriculum but it’s not what I would have picked for young girls. Was really just trying to get an anonymous survey but I don’t think enough incoming 9th grade parents responded. I initially didn’t post the book title because I didn’t want this to turn into a forum for debating whether it was an appropriate choice or not — just wanted to know if people were reading it or gojng with the alternative.
Sorry and apologies to all .
Respect the self-reflection.
Anonymous
07/22/2025 18:57
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
If OP wrote this, I think you have a real you issue far bigger than this book.
Yes it’s Op — maybe I do have an issue! I was just trying to do an informal survey of what other kids in the incoming class are doing, since an alternative is offered. I know my kid won’t want to be the only one teadkng the alternate choice. My spouse actually has done a lot of work in this area. I see the value of the topic and how it fits with the apex curriculum but it’s not what I would have picked for young girls. Was really just trying to get an anonymous survey but I don’t think enough incoming 9th grade parents responded. I initially didn’t post the book title because I didn’t want this to turn into a forum for debating whether it was an appropriate choice or not — just wanted to know if people were reading it or gojng with the alternative.
Sorry and apologies to all .
OP, I mean this with the best intentions. It's time to let go of the reins as it relates to reading. Let your child read the assigned books or make decisions not to, of their own accord. This is good for them and age-appropriate. I know that this transition can be difficult for parents and kids but you should let them figure some stuff out on their own now.
Anonymous
07/22/2025 18:53
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
If OP wrote this, I think you have a real you issue far bigger than this book.
Yes it’s Op — maybe I do have an issue! I was just trying to do an informal survey of what other kids in the incoming class are doing, since an alternative is offered. I know my kid won’t want to be the only one teadkng the alternate choice. My spouse actually has done a lot of work in this area. I see the value of the topic and how it fits with the apex curriculum but it’s not what I would have picked for young girls. Was really just trying to get an anonymous survey but I don’t think enough incoming 9th grade parents responded. I initially didn’t post the book title because I didn’t want this to turn into a forum for debating whether it was an appropriate choice or not — just wanted to know if people were reading it or gojng with the alternative.
Sorry and apologies to all .
Anonymous
07/22/2025 15:13
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
I would let my teen decide which book to read.
Anonymous
07/22/2025 15:08
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
If OP wrote this, I think you have a real you issue far bigger than this book.
Anonymous
07/22/2025 12:37
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What book is it?
Clearly you’re not a WJ apex parent so your opinion is not being sought. The question is what other kids in the program are doing not what other McPS parents would do in the same situation.
Then don't post on DCUM and post on your own internal listserv. -NP
Anonymous
07/22/2025 12:30
Subject: WJ apex parents — assigned book?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The Bloodsworth Book is not for literary value. It's a true crime story tied to AP Gov, if anything. The Zoom assembly was a unique and interesting experience, but if you have a sensitive child, the main points can be covered via a summary of the elements of wrongful conviction and ultimate vindication. Wikipedia.
AP Gov is one of the three required 9th grade classes for Apex.
What are the other two?
English and Bio. So you can see how this book has overlaps with all three classes.