Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My oldest is in the CES right now in 5th grade. Barnsley is his homeschool. I’m also a teacher in the county.

IMO the CES is nothing to write home about. Maybe the enriching experiences have changed since COVID, but to me it felt like a bunch of extra work in an environment of over achieving kids who want that (or whose parents want it). I would not travel for this program.

They also have a 2E program which is an absolute shit show. Barnsley is known for not honoring IEPs; my 6 year old started at Barnsley and is now elsewhere with an IEP that we had to fight for tooth and nail.

I used to sing this school’s praises from the rooftops. Now, the administration and counselors are negligent at best and purposefully harmful at worst. So many parents have had awful experiences, but just keep their heads down or move or apply for a COSA. It’s time to blow the whistle on what was once a truly great school.

Two reasons for this.

Before COVID, the Barnsley CES drew kids from WJ. Definitely a stronger, more higher-perfoming cohort of kids. MCPS felt that the acceptances to the CES were not 'equitable'. So, they took WJ kids out of the Barnsley CES.

Also, after COVID, with the focus on 'Equity' MCPS started lowering the bar. This was discussed in several CES Info sessions. Kids from lower-income schools were allowed into the CES at lower MAP percentages (85% versus 99%).

Another factor is the new principal at Barnsley. The previous principal was fine, but the new one is not great at all. Teacher morale is lower, and it's just not a great environment.

Agree that the GT/LD program is not great at all.

I’m sad to hear this about the 2E program. We were hoping our DC would go there I. 3rd grade.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can see one addressed to my 3rd grader in USPS informed delivery, but it didn't show up with today's mail. Do they send these out to everyone in the pool or just those who were selected?

I believe the communication goes out to all 3rd graders. We got a notification that my kid didn't meet the criteria to be in the pool, but I'm confused because I double checked all the criteria described and he meets all of them...

Do you know their locally normed map score? I think you can only get it by emailing or calling DCAPPS. At least that’s how was before. If you are at a school with low FARMS it makes a big difference. The local norm only compares to other kids at MCPS schools that are like your school. So your kid could be in the top 15 percent of scores nationwide, but more like the top 25 percent in MCPS schools that are like your school.

Thanks for this question. From what I can tell, the local norm is included on the last MAP report and he's above that (and the requirement is above 85th percentile "or" above local norm). Anyway, I've reached out to see if I can get some clarity on what I'm missing.

No it’s not included. You have no way of knowing what the local norm is without contacting MCPS to see where your kid fits. The national norm is what is on the MAP report and you can only guess where it fits locally. It’s almost certain that your kid didn’t make the cut off. They only mistakes I’ve heard of are when there are missing grades not with MAP scores.

I am perfectly fine with the way that the boundary requirements changed for the CES program. Part of the appeal of Barnsley for me used to be the fact that it is diverse in the true sense of diversity. I do not blame the students. I blame the administration and some (not all) of the teachers. When I talk about enriching experiences, I am not talking about rigorous work; I am talking about field trips and assemblies and celebration of the aforementioned diversity. I’ve seen hardly any of that.

Assemblies come from the PTA. I guess you can blame the parents for that?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CES program in general has gone down hill quite a bit since MCPS lowered the standards for admission. Just keep that in mind when you collect info on the experience of others. If their DC attended CES more than a few years ago, their experience isn't all that relevant to today's CES.

This poster is correct. More recently, there are more kids who need ‘support’ and some who, even with supports in place are just unable to keep up.

If you are reasonably happy with your home school, the CES might not be worth it.

MCPS has admitted that it lowered the standards at certain schools and there is definitely a difference in the abilities of students who are in the Barnsley CES now versus about 10 years ago.

Please link to where MCPS “admitted” this or otherwise back up your unsubstantiated statement.

It was at an in-person CES meeting that I attended. There is a different MAP cut off to enter the CES lottery, depending on which school your kid attends and what the ESOL/FARMS percentage is at that ES.

Believe me or not, it makes no difference to me. My kids are out of the CES now, so just sharing my experience with the OP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can see one addressed to my 3rd grader in USPS informed delivery, but it didn't show up with today's mail. Do they send these out to everyone in the pool or just those who were selected?

I believe the communication goes out to all 3rd graders. We got a notification that my kid didn't meet the criteria to be in the pool, but I'm confused because I double checked all the criteria described and he meets all of them...

Do you know their locally normed map score? I think you can only get it by emailing or calling DCAPPS. At least that’s how was before. If you are at a school with low FARMS it makes a big difference. The local norm only compares to other kids at MCPS schools that are like your school. So your kid could be in the top 15 percent of scores nationwide, but more like the top 25 percent in MCPS schools that are like your school.

Thanks for this question. From what I can tell, the local norm is included on the last MAP report and he's above that (and the requirement is above 85th percentile "or" above local norm). Anyway, I've reached out to see if I can get some clarity on what I'm missing.

No it’s not included. You have no way of knowing what the local norm is without contacting MCPS to see where your kid fits. The national norm is what is on the MAP report and you can only guess where it fits locally. It’s almost certain that your kid didn’t make the cut off. They only mistakes I’ve heard of are when there are missing grades not with MAP scores.

I am perfectly fine with the way that the boundary requirements changed for the CES program. Part of the appeal of Barnsley for me used to be the fact that it is diverse in the true sense of diversity. I do not blame the students. I blame the administration and some (not all) of the teachers. When I talk about enriching experiences, I am not talking about rigorous work; I am talking about field trips and assemblies and celebration of the aforementioned diversity. I’ve seen hardly any of that.

OP, I think it depends on what your home school is. Are you willing to share?

If your kid is coming from Meadow Hall, then sure it might be worth it. Plus, your kid will be at Wood MS anyway and might meet a few kids that they will see again.

If your kid is coming from College Gardens, then maybe not worth it as much.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can see one addressed to my 3rd grader in USPS informed delivery, but it didn't show up with today's mail. Do they send these out to everyone in the pool or just those who were selected?

I believe the communication goes out to all 3rd graders. We got a notification that my kid didn't meet the criteria to be in the pool, but I'm confused because I double checked all the criteria described and he meets all of them...

Do you know their locally normed map score? I think you can only get it by emailing or calling DCAPPS. At least that’s how was before. If you are at a school with low FARMS it makes a big difference. The local norm only compares to other kids at MCPS schools that are like your school. So your kid could be in the top 15 percent of scores nationwide, but more like the top 25 percent in MCPS schools that are like your school.

Thanks for this question. From what I can tell, the local norm is included on the last MAP report and he's above that (and the requirement is above 85th percentile "or" above local norm). Anyway, I've reached out to see if I can get some clarity on what I'm missing.

No it’s not included. You have no way of knowing what the local norm is without contacting MCPS to see where your kid fits. The national norm is what is on the MAP report and you can only guess where it fits locally. It’s almost certain that your kid didn’t make the cut off. They only mistakes I’ve heard of are when there are missing grades not with MAP scores.

Anonymous wrote:My oldest is in the CES right now in 5th grade. Barnsley is his homeschool. I’m also a teacher in the county.

IMO the CES is nothing to write home about. Maybe the enriching experiences have changed since COVID, but to me it felt like a bunch of extra work in an environment of over achieving kids who want that (or whose parents want it). I would not travel for this program.

They also have a 2E program which is an absolute shit show. Barnsley is known for not honoring IEPs; my 6 year old started at Barnsley and is now elsewhere with an IEP that we had to fight for tooth and nail.

I used to sing this school’s praises from the rooftops. Now, the administration and counselors are negligent at best and purposefully harmful at worst. So many parents have had awful experiences, but just keep their heads down or move or apply for a COSA. It’s time to blow the whistle on what was once a truly great school.

Two reasons for this.

Before COVID, the Barnsley CES drew kids from WJ. Definitely a stronger, more higher-perfoming cohort of kids. MCPS felt that the acceptances to the CES were not 'equitable'. So, they took WJ kids out of the Barnsley CES.

Also, after COVID, with the focus on 'Equity' MCPS started lowering the bar. This was discussed in several CES Info sessions. Kids from lower-income schools were allowed into the CES at lower MAP percentages (85% versus 99%).

Another factor is the new principal at Barnsley. The previous principal was fine, but the new one is not great at all. Teacher morale is lower, and it's just not a great environment.

Agree that the GT/LD program is not great at all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The CES program in general has gone down hill quite a bit since MCPS lowered the standards for admission. Just keep that in mind when you collect info on the experience of others. If their DC attended CES more than a few years ago, their experience isn't all that relevant to today's CES.

This poster is correct. More recently, there are more kids who need ‘support’ and some who, even with supports in place are just unable to keep up.

If you are reasonably happy with your home school, the CES might not be worth it.

MCPS has admitted that it lowered the standards at certain schools and there is definitely a difference in the abilities of students who are in the Barnsley CES now versus about 10 years ago.

Please link to where MCPS “admitted” this or otherwise back up your unsubstantiated statement.

Anonymous wrote:The CES program in general has gone down hill quite a bit since MCPS lowered the standards for admission. Just keep that in mind when you collect info on the experience of others. If their DC attended CES more than a few years ago, their experience isn't all that relevant to today's CES.

Well, our society is in freefall decline. Only a return to our mythical past can save us!

Anonymous wrote:We got notice about a spot in CES at Piney Branch and would love some feedback (PBES but also generally! We have a lucky lottery kid, as she’s already in an immersion program. She’s an aspiring author and avid reader and so quite interested in the idea of the program, but would lose the immersion spot so decision feels big!

Thanks!

I think in the long run your child will be fine either way. The main benefit to either program is a strong cohort.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can see one addressed to my 3rd grader in USPS informed delivery, but it didn't show up with today's mail. Do they send these out to everyone in the pool or just those who were selected?

I believe the communication goes out to all 3rd graders. We got a notification that my kid didn't meet the criteria to be in the pool, but I'm confused because I double checked all the criteria described and he meets all of them...

Do you know their locally normed map score? I think you can only get it by emailing or calling DCAPPS. At least that’s how was before. If you are at a school with low FARMS it makes a big difference. The local norm only compares to other kids at MCPS schools that are like your school. So your kid could be in the top 15 percent of scores nationwide, but more like the top 25 percent in MCPS schools that are like your school.

Last year the lowest farms schools required national scores in the top 5% to meet the top 15% local bar.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can see one addressed to my 3rd grader in USPS informed delivery, but it didn't show up with today's mail. Do they send these out to everyone in the pool or just those who were selected?

I believe the communication goes out to all 3rd graders. We got a notification that my kid didn't meet the criteria to be in the pool, but I'm confused because I double checked all the criteria described and he meets all of them...

That's the basis for an appeal. They often make mistakes.

We notified Barnsley 8 months before my child started kindergarten that he would need extra support because we were paying for a one to one aide in his preschool. They never scheduled a child find meeting, claiming that they needed data which they did not have because he was not a student in the system. Fast forward to his first few weeks of kindergarten and you can imagine what happened: we were getting notified every day about his disruptive behavior. He was set up to fail from the beginning. Despite us advocating for him, he still did not get IEP until December. They responded to his behaviors by secluding him instead of offering the support that an emotionally disabled 5 year old needs.

For kids with already established IEPs - they are often not supported. I’ve heard this first hand from other parents.

The principal targets hyperactive boys and punishes them for exhibiting typical behaviors.

If we are still living here when our daughter starts K, we will apply for a COSA. What we have experienced could fill a book.

Anonymous wrote:My oldest is in the CES right now in 5th grade. Barnsley is his homeschool. I’m also a teacher in the county.

IMO the CES is nothing to write home about. Maybe the enriching experiences have changed since COVID, but to me it felt like a bunch of extra work in an environment of over achieving kids who want that (or whose parents want it). I would not travel for this program.

They also have a 2E program which is an absolute shit show. Barnsley is known for not honoring IEPs; my 6 year old started at Barnsley and is now elsewhere with an IEP that we had to fight for tooth and nail.

I used to sing this school’s praises from the rooftops. Now, the administration and counselors are negligent at best and purposefully harmful at worst. So many parents have had awful experiences, but just keep their heads down or move or apply for a COSA. It’s time to blow the whistle on what was once a truly great school.

Oh no! Can you tell me more about the issues with the IEPs? My child has a mild learning disability which so far has not been an issue but we have worried might become one when academic rigor increases

Anonymous wrote:The CES program in general has gone down hill quite a bit since MCPS lowered the standards for admission. Just keep that in mind when you collect info on the experience of others. If their DC attended CES more than a few years ago, their experience isn't all that relevant to today's CES.

This poster is correct. More recently, there are more kids who need ‘support’ and some who, even with supports in place are just unable to keep up.

If you are reasonably happy with your home school, the CES might not be worth it.

MCPS has admitted that it lowered the standards at certain schools and there is definitely a difference in the abilities of students who are in the Barnsley CES now versus about 10 years ago.