Anonymous wrote:I know that’s a very general request, sorry. We are pretty new to the area and I am trying to decide if a large public school is the right fit for all of my kids (I have more than the average bear, ?). Of course everyone’s experience will be different, but cal parents of kids there tell me how they like it? Is there a lot of bullying? What about sports and after school activities? Are there resources for special ed? My kids are in the Chinese program and active in sports, music and theater.

Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, It's amazing how quickly every thread on DCUM turns into how racist MCPS is. It could be a thread about a parking lot and there will be someone who says it's racist because the asphalt is black.

When you only have one card to play you keep playing it.... and playing it.... and playing it.... Hoover is an excellent school. Don't be swayed by the slow minded race-baiters.

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised the issue of drugs hasn’t come up in this thread, maybe because people view it as an issue everywhere. Last year I was hearing (from DC) about vaping and weed all the time. This year, I’m hearing about kids who sell heroin and extasy. Apparently, kids have been suspended but returned a few days later. I’m thinking that is because they are suspended for some ‘lesser offense’ maybe because they are smart enough to bring the hard stuff to school. (Or maybe it is just a trumped up rumor.). Regardless, I’ve had two kids go through Hoover, generally with positive experiences. But I also feel like they are running a gauntlet and have been lucky not to be pulled into an ever present drug culture.

Anonymous wrote:My DD is in 8th grade this year and I have so many positive things to say about the school. She went to Beverly Farms for elementary and we did not love the school at all and were definitely nervous for Hoover. It has exceeded in all areas. She has been challenged but not to the point of failure. She is in all supported classes due to an IEP and we have loved every teacher and case manager she has had. They have taught her how to advocate for what she needs all while pushing her toward independence.

This is not to say that there is no bullying or unkind words at the school- it is a middle school! But she has found a great group of kids to hang out with. She has to learn to deal with reality and not be protected from everything and I feel that this happens at Hoover.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zero bullying? I went there 20 years ago, so the times may be different, but I was definitely bullied. And I can’t imagine the culture of Potomac has changed that much since then..,

Sorry my definition of bullying is physical violence. Sure kids say stuff like the N word pass thing or posting someone is fat on-line or not sitting near you on bus. But it is middle school not church

Kids have committed suicide over the very things you are describing. It matters.

DP

It’s public school. We are at a nonW middle school and the physical violence on a regular basis is pretty appalling, IMO.

The PP’s description sounds pretty tame to me.

It's still unhealthy. We are in a small private (about $10K a year tuition), and there is no bullying. Any issues are dealt with swiftly and the principal is always involved. I would never send another kid to Hoover or any MCPS middle school for that matter.

Oh, please no place is perfect.

MCPS can be great. Hoover is fine. Pay attention to your kid. No private for $10k a year is better than MCPS for the majority of kids. Wait til HS and College for math alone your kid will be quite behind in academics.

Hoover is horrible. My son attended 6-8 and wanted out of MCPS forever. We put him in a private high school and it was the best money spent. We only wish we had done so for middle school. Our daughter is going to private K-12. MCPS never again. Oh, and, she is tracking to do Calc in high school, so she is fine. Nice try though.

As for MCPS high schools vs private high schools...there is no question...MCPS is a big FAIL. No mid term or final exams. 79 + 89 quarterly grades equals A for semester. SEVERE GRADE INFLATION!!!!!!!!!

No thank you MCPS. DS is now at a top 10 college thanks to his great education at his private Catholic school.

Potomac only has three Catholic schools, one k-8, two Catholic HS schools one all boys and other all girls

Not many straight kids like same sex High Schools

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, It's amazing how quickly every thread on DCUM turns into how racist MCPS is. It could be a thread about a parking lot and there will be someone who says it's racist because the asphalt is black.

When you only have one card to play you keep playing it.... and playing it.... and playing it.... Hoover is an excellent school. Don't be swayed by the slow minded race-baiters.

I remember reading a thread here last year about incidents at Hoover involving anti-semitism and or the n*word.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, It's amazing how quickly every thread on DCUM turns into how racist MCPS is. It could be a thread about a parking lot and there will be someone who says it's racist because the asphalt is black.

When you only have one card to play you keep playing it.... and playing it.... and playing it.... Hoover is an excellent school. Don't be swayed by the slow minded race-baiters.

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised the issue of drugs hasn’t come up in this thread, maybe because people view it as an issue everywhere. Last year I was hearing (from DC) about vaping and weed all the time. This year, I’m hearing about kids who sell heroin and extasy. Apparently, kids have been suspended but returned a few days later. I’m thinking that is because they are suspended for some ‘lesser offense’ maybe because they are smart enough to bring the hard stuff to school. (Or maybe it is just a trumped up rumor.). Regardless, I’ve had two kids go through Hoover, generally with positive experiences. But I also feel like they are running a gauntlet and have been lucky not to be pulled into an ever present drug culture.

Anonymous wrote:Wow, It's amazing how quickly every thread on DCUM turns into how racist MCPS is. It could be a thread about a parking lot and there will be someone who says it's racist because the asphalt is black.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are definitely some activities after school. My dd participated in a few last year and one this year. I wouldn't say there are a ton of options, though.

Music program (band/orchestra) is good. Also an optional jazz band for those who are interested.

I am not aware of any after school activities. They never sent an announcement and the website has never been updated. How to find out about after school (or during lunch time) activities?

Click on "Extra Curriculars" on the home page, then click on "*ECA Handbook". You will see a list of after school activities. My DS has participated several activities in the past and he absolutely loves them.