Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:36
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids were in MCPS and neither had problems navigating the social scene. The trick to successfully navigating the schools is to encourage your kid to get involved with extra curricular activities. A busy kid is connected and engaged and has less time to get into trouble. If your kid is bored and looking for trouble they will find it. Also, take a look in the mirror. If your home life involves a lot of drinking, don’t be surprised when your kids are following your example.
Your anecdote from the 1980s is noted.
FYI my kids are recent grads. I recognize that I am very fortunate in my children. I shared my strategy here because I believe that it works for many but not all kids. I’m sorry if that has not been your experience.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:25
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Future BCC parent here who also has concerns.
I would have the same exact concerns no matter where my kid was going to hs.
OP, what kind of special snowflake high school did YOU go to that drugs were not an issue???
Why are you so insulting to OP? I went to an international high school in Paris. Kids I knew smoked cigarettes outside of school and partied with alcohol. When we heard some kids went to someone's house at lunch to smoke weed, it made the rounds of the school because it was so shocking. People were not into weed in my school. Let alone harder drugs.
How about the drugs being largely supplied by a Central American gang - MS-13 - that likes to dismember folks who disagree with them? Did your international Paris high school have these types of upstanding citizens linked to a well organized violent and illegal distribution system?
Why do you even ask, PP? I'm not the type to be impressed by your exposure to MS-13 or appreciate whatever macho weirdness you're trying to project. My point is that some teens do not go to high schools that have much drug use, if any. If all you've experienced is the opposite, then this might surprise you. But accept that all sorts of lifestyles and experiences exist, and you'll be better off.
The question is whether OP should be concerned about her fifth grader. I think BCC can get turned around before her child goes there, but if she wants to move to WJ or Whitman, which currently have fewer issues, of course, she can. Or she can pay for private. As another poster said, there are degrees in drug exposure. I'm sure privates have fewer issues with drugs, even though theoretically drugs are "everywhere".
It's pretty silly to not expect your kid to encounter drugs in HS and there's no way to predict which HS will have the most drug use by the time your kid starts 9th grade. Keep them busy with sports and extracurriculars, expect good grades, and make sure you know their friends.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:21
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Future BCC parent here who also has concerns.
I would have the same exact concerns no matter where my kid was going to hs.
OP, what kind of special snowflake high school did YOU go to that drugs were not an issue???
Why are you so insulting to OP? I went to an international high school in Paris. Kids I knew smoked cigarettes outside of school and partied with alcohol. When we heard some kids went to someone's house at lunch to smoke weed, it made the rounds of the school because it was so shocking. People were not into weed in my school. Let alone harder drugs.
How about the drugs being largely supplied by a Central American gang - MS-13 - that likes to dismember folks who disagree with them? Did your international Paris high school have these types of upstanding citizens linked to a well organized violent and illegal distribution system?
Why do you even ask, PP? I'm not the type to be impressed by your exposure to MS-13 or appreciate whatever macho weirdness you're trying to project. My point is that some teens do not go to high schools that have much drug use, if any. If all you've experienced is the opposite, then this might surprise you. But accept that all sorts of lifestyles and experiences exist, and you'll be better off.
The question is whether OP should be concerned about her fifth grader. I think BCC can get turned around before her child goes there, but if she wants to move to WJ or Whitman, which currently have fewer issues, of course, she can. Or she can pay for private. As another poster said, there are degrees in drug exposure. I'm sure privates have fewer issues with drugs, even though theoretically drugs are "everywhere".
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:15
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Future BCC parent here who also has concerns.
I would have the same exact concerns no matter where my kid was going to hs.
OP, what kind of special snowflake high school did YOU go to that drugs were not an issue???
Why are you so insulting to OP? I went to an international high school in Paris. Kids I knew smoked cigarettes outside of school and partied with alcohol. When we heard some kids went to someone's house at lunch to smoke weed, it made the rounds of the school because it was so shocking. People were not into weed in my school. Let alone harder drugs.
How about the drugs being largely supplied by a Central American gang - MS-13 - that likes to dismember folks who disagree with them? Did your international Paris high school have these types of upstanding citizens linked to a well organized violent and illegal distribution system?
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:11
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids were in MCPS and neither had problems navigating the social scene. The trick to successfully navigating the schools is to encourage your kid to get involved with extra curricular activities. A busy kid is connected and engaged and has less time to get into trouble. If your kid is bored and looking for trouble they will find it. Also, take a look in the mirror. If your home life involves a lot of drinking, don’t be surprised when your kids are following your example.
What, in 1990? If you are using the past tense you are out of touch. MCPS, Toto is not the same MCPS
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:08
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Future BCC parent here who also has concerns.
I would have the same exact concerns no matter where my kid was going to hs.
OP, what kind of special snowflake high school did YOU go to that drugs were not an issue???
Why are you so insulting to OP? I went to an international high school in Paris. Kids I knew smoked cigarettes outside of school and partied with alcohol. When we heard some kids went to someone's house at lunch to smoke weed, it made the rounds of the school because it was so shocking. People were not into weed in my school. Let alone harder drugs.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:05
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids were in MCPS and neither had problems navigating the social scene. The trick to successfully navigating the schools is to encourage your kid to get involved with extra curricular activities. A busy kid is connected and engaged and has less time to get into trouble. If your kid is bored and looking for trouble they will find it. Also, take a look in the mirror. If your home life involves a lot of drinking, don’t be surprised when your kids are following your example.
Your anecdote from the 1980s is noted.
DP.. certain things are timeless, and what ^PP wrote is one of them. ITA, get your kids involved. I recall a conversation I had with a single mom of a teen when my kids were still really young, and I asked her how she keeps her teen on the straight and narrow. And she said exactly what the PP stated, keep them busy and engaged. It keeps them out of trouble. I've take that to heart. I don't force them to do things they loathe, but they have to pick activities, and they have to keep their grades up. Those are two things that are not negotiable. They are too busy to get into trouble. That's not to say that they won't falter at some point, but I do think kids who have a good home life and are busy with school and activities tend to stay out of trouble.
I have two HSers at a large public school. Most are decent kids just trying to get into college. I went to a real gang infested school out west, and I never ever took drugs, or got drunk, or even smoked. Neither did most of my friends.
IMO, your own experience probably colors your perception. Did you by chance do drugs and drink and have sex in HS?
Not at all, and your smug delusion is noted.
what delusion is that? That I didn't take drugs or drink, nor did my friends? You think you know my friends more than I do?
My parents didn't really drink, they certainly never did drugs. Too poor.
I take it that you did do drugs, drink and have sex in HS, which is probably why you think it's normal. I, of course, knew kids who did all those things. I knew at least 3 girls who got pregnant in HS. But they were not my close friends.
I did no drugs or alcohol, and had no sex, and I think you are both nasty and delusional.
How am I delusional?
Anonymous
02/04/2023 15:04
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids were in MCPS and neither had problems navigating the social scene. The trick to successfully navigating the schools is to encourage your kid to get involved with extra curricular activities. A busy kid is connected and engaged and has less time to get into trouble. If your kid is bored and looking for trouble they will find it. Also, take a look in the mirror. If your home life involves a lot of drinking, don’t be surprised when your kids are following your example.
Your anecdote from the 1980s is noted.
DP.. certain things are timeless, and what ^PP wrote is one of them. ITA, get your kids involved. I recall a conversation I had with a single mom of a teen when my kids were still really young, and I asked her how she keeps her teen on the straight and narrow. And she said exactly what the PP stated, keep them busy and engaged. It keeps them out of trouble. I've take that to heart. I don't force them to do things they loathe, but they have to pick activities, and they have to keep their grades up. Those are two things that are not negotiable. They are too busy to get into trouble. That's not to say that they won't falter at some point, but I do think kids who have a good home life and are busy with school and activities tend to stay out of trouble.
I have two HSers at a large public school. Most are decent kids just trying to get into college. I went to a real gang infested school out west, and I never ever took drugs, or got drunk, or even smoked. Neither did most of my friends.
IMO, your own experience probably colors your perception. Did you by chance do drugs and drink and have sex in HS?
Not at all, and your smug delusion is noted.
what delusion is that? That I didn't take drugs or drink, nor did my friends? You think you know my friends more than I do?
My parents didn't really drink, they certainly never did drugs. Too poor.
I take it that you did do drugs, drink and have sex in HS, which is probably why you think it's normal. I, of course, knew kids who did all those things. I knew at least 3 girls who got pregnant in HS. But they were not my close friends.
I did no drugs or alcohol, and had no sex, and I think you are both nasty and delusional.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:57
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Maybe it will change as my DD gets older but the thought of sending her to a school with drugs, no bathroom use, and all of it is beyond worrisome. Anyone else? Is Whiteman less crazy? Or are all the publics the same. I know this is ripe for snark but I imagine many parents read this and feel sheer worry.
it may not be a good school but it’s a better school than most mcps hs. Good =\= better
Ratings based on test scores will not determine the amount of drug use in the schools.
wut?!?!
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:57
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Future BCC parent here who also has concerns.
I would have the same exact concerns no matter where my kid was going to hs.
OP, what kind of special snowflake high school did YOU go to that drugs were not an issue???
Not the OP, but where I went there was no drug issue at all. Maybe this is a generational and perhaps a regional problem?
I didn't realize there was drug use in my school until I got to know a different crowd of kids. It was there. I was just not part of that group.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:56
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids were in MCPS and neither had problems navigating the social scene. The trick to successfully navigating the schools is to encourage your kid to get involved with extra curricular activities. A busy kid is connected and engaged and has less time to get into trouble. If your kid is bored and looking for trouble they will find it. Also, take a look in the mirror. If your home life involves a lot of drinking, don’t be surprised when your kids are following your example.
Your anecdote from the 1980s is noted.
DP.. certain things are timeless, and what ^PP wrote is one of them. ITA, get your kids involved. I recall a conversation I had with a single mom of a teen when my kids were still really young, and I asked her how she keeps her teen on the straight and narrow. And she said exactly what the PP stated, keep them busy and engaged. It keeps them out of trouble. I've take that to heart. I don't force them to do things they loathe, but they have to pick activities, and they have to keep their grades up. Those are two things that are not negotiable. They are too busy to get into trouble. That's not to say that they won't falter at some point, but I do think kids who have a good home life and are busy with school and activities tend to stay out of trouble.
I have two HSers at a large public school. Most are decent kids just trying to get into college. I went to a real gang infested school out west, and I never ever took drugs, or got drunk, or even smoked. Neither did most of my friends.
IMO, your own experience probably colors your perception. Did you by chance do drugs and drink and have sex in HS?
Not at all, and your smug delusion is noted.
what delusion is that? That I didn't take drugs or drink, nor did my friends? You think you know my friends more than I do?
My parents didn't really drink, they certainly never did drugs. Too poor.
I take it that you did do drugs, drink and have sex in HS, which is probably why you think it's normal. I, of course, knew kids who did all those things. I knew at least 3 girls who got pregnant in HS. But they were not my close friends.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:55
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Maybe it will change as my DD gets older but the thought of sending her to a school with drugs, no bathroom use, and all of it is beyond worrisome. Anyone else? Is Whiteman less crazy? Or are all the publics the same. I know this is ripe for snark but I imagine many parents read this and feel sheer worry.
it may not be a good school but it’s a better school than most mcps hs. Good =\= better
Ratings based on test scores will not determine the amount of drug use in the schools.
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:49
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Maybe it will change as my DD gets older but the thought of sending her to a school with drugs, no bathroom use, and all of it is beyond worrisome. Anyone else? Is Whiteman less crazy? Or are all the publics the same. I know this is ripe for snark but I imagine many parents read this and feel sheer worry.
it may not be a good school but it’s a better school than most mcps hs. Good =\= better
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:48
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Future BCC parent here who also has concerns.
I would have the same exact concerns no matter where my kid was going to hs.
OP, what kind of special snowflake high school did YOU go to that drugs were not an issue???
Not the OP, but where I went there was no drug issue at all. Maybe this is a generational and perhaps a regional problem?
Anonymous
02/04/2023 14:45
Subject: I thought BCC was a good school Should this 5th grade parent look elsewhere?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Both of my kids were in MCPS and neither had problems navigating the social scene. The trick to successfully navigating the schools is to encourage your kid to get involved with extra curricular activities. A busy kid is connected and engaged and has less time to get into trouble. If your kid is bored and looking for trouble they will find it. Also, take a look in the mirror. If your home life involves a lot of drinking, don’t be surprised when your kids are following your example.
Your anecdote from the 1980s is noted.
DP.. certain things are timeless, and what ^PP wrote is one of them. ITA, get your kids involved. I recall a conversation I had with a single mom of a teen when my kids were still really young, and I asked her how she keeps her teen on the straight and narrow. And she said exactly what the PP stated, keep them busy and engaged. It keeps them out of trouble. I've take that to heart. I don't force them to do things they loathe, but they have to pick activities, and they have to keep their grades up. Those are two things that are not negotiable. They are too busy to get into trouble. That's not to say that they won't falter at some point, but I do think kids who have a good home life and are busy with school and activities tend to stay out of trouble.
I have two HSers at a large public school. Most are decent kids just trying to get into college. I went to a real gang infested school out west, and I never ever took drugs, or got drunk, or even smoked. Neither did most of my friends.
IMO, your own experience probably colors your perception. Did you by chance do drugs and drink and have sex in HS?
Not at all, and your smug delusion is noted.