Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

You did not buy directly from a company. Those deals are set up with the approval of the principal and they get a cut. Just like they get a cut of school pictures.

Every fee collected at the school goes through the principal. Every one.

What's wrong with providing financial need? Everything. It's not required for attendance at public schools in Maryland and it's none of the school's business.

There is a difference between fees for classes and fees for after school activities. Fees for classes are illegal.
Schools can charge for after school.

If chorus is a class, it's free for all. No fees permitted in Maryland.

You can't make all these assumptions when you don't know the organizations involved. The direct purchase of the sport gear does not go to the principal.

There is a fee for AP exams. Chamber is like a class and an extracurricular. School budget will cover music but not dresses/tuxes. Maybe students can do fundraisers, but expecting school budget to cover is unrealistic.

People provide financial info for farms, ap waivers, college app waivers. I have for various scholarship requests. I don't see why this is a big deal.

Principals get a cut of sports gear.

Principals get a cut of AP fees. That's public information. You need to catch up.

Can you provide any kind evidence that it's public knowledge that principals (rather than schools, or booster clubs, or the individual teachers who are paid to proctor exams outside of their contracted hours) get a cut of sports gear or AP fees?

Having to purchase a $100 dress for a class is no different than having to purchase an AP textbook for a class. The textbooks used to be a requirement till MSDE told MCPS they no longer could require the purchase.

You should contact MSDE if contacting the principal doesn’t change the class requirement.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Not a class. Not given a grade for football.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

You did not buy directly from a company. Those deals are set up with the approval of the principal and they get a cut. Just like they get a cut of school pictures.

Every fee collected at the school goes through the principal. Every one.

What's wrong with providing financial need? Everything. It's not required for attendance at public schools in Maryland and it's none of the school's business.

There is a difference between fees for classes and fees for after school activities. Fees for classes are illegal.
Schools can charge for after school.

If chorus is a class, it's free for all. No fees permitted in Maryland.

You can't make all these assumptions when you don't know the organizations involved. The direct purchase of the sport gear does not go to the principal.

There is a fee for AP exams. Chamber is like a class and an extracurricular. School budget will cover music but not dresses/tuxes. Maybe students can do fundraisers, but expecting school budget to cover is unrealistic.

People provide financial info for farms, ap waivers, college app waivers. I have for various scholarship requests. I don't see why this is a big deal.

Principals get a cut of sports gear.

Principals get a cut of AP fees. That's public information. You need to catch up.

A class is where a grade is received. It's a clear line. Grade = free for all.

Financial information is provided voluntarily for things outside of public school classes. You don't seem to be able to understand the diffference.

Public school classes in Maryland are free for all. No fees. No financial forms required.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Multiply that number by 4 for our W school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

When my kid was in MCPS and played football they provided the shoulder pads, helmets, and jersey. Parents provided the pants, the socks, the cleats, etc . . . We easily spent $100 for a single season.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

Another WCHS parent here. I've been really surprised by the expectation that parents pay for so much. When I was in HS a million years ago, the school provided everything. In band, we had fancy dresses for concert band, uniforms for marching band, t shirts and suspenders for pep band-they were kept in stock at the school (as an adult, it seems like it would have been a problem to have all of the right sizes but I was involved in uniform distribution and it was actually never an issue). We did have to have our own black shoes (but brand/style wasn't specified) and I think boys had to provide their own bowtie because they kept getting stolen from the stocks. But nothing expensive was ever expected. Of course, we also had to do a lot of fund raising (for band trips, mostly). But back in the day, we actually did the fund raising--sold snacks at public events, walked door to door to sell oranges, etc. I suppose our parents bought more oranges than they would have wanted, but we absolutely sold these things throughout the neighborhood.

My kid was in WCHS newspaper class a few years ago and had to sell two subscriptions (I think $20 each). I guess this is technically fundraising rather than asking parents to pay, but realistically, no one is going to buy a Churchill newspaper subscription.. we just paid the $$ ourselves, as I'm sure all parents did. Seemed very strange to me to be a class requirement (for which he received a grade).

Multiply the fees for uniforms, trips, and other things, the cost becomes excessive especially for families who have multiple children in the school. It’s unnecessary and excessive. Some things run through the school accounts but most don’t. I personally do not believe anyone is financially profiting except for the chosen vendors, however, who would know because there’s no oversight.

Such excessive fees discourage participation for what are public school activities. When trips are involved, students pay for the school staff who chaperone so staff do get the perk of a free trip.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

What it comes down to is that MCPS or the school doesn't value the arts/music as much as sports since sports uniforms are provided. A simple dress code is reasonable. A $100 dress is not. I wouldn't spend that much on myself except a special occasion so I wouldn't want to for a growing child either.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

You did not buy directly from a company. Those deals are set up with the approval of the principal and they get a cut. Just like they get a cut of school pictures.

Every fee collected at the school goes through the principal. Every one.

What's wrong with providing financial need? Everything. It's not required for attendance at public schools in Maryland and it's none of the school's business.

There is a difference between fees for classes and fees for after school activities. Fees for classes are illegal.
Schools can charge for after school.

If chorus is a class, it's free for all. No fees permitted in Maryland.

You can't make all these assumptions when you don't know the organizations involved. The direct purchase of the sport gear does not go to the principal.

There is a fee for AP exams. Chamber is like a class and an extracurricular. School budget will cover music but not dresses/tuxes. Maybe students can do fundraisers, but expecting school budget to cover is unrealistic.

People provide financial info for farms, ap waivers, college app waivers. I have for various scholarship requests. I don't see why this is a big deal.

Anonymous wrote:This looks like it would be a great story for the Bethesda beat!

Maybe start by addressing it with the teacher, department chair, or principal?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

You did not buy directly from a company. Those deals are set up with the approval of the principal and they get a cut. Just like they get a cut of school pictures.

Every fee collected at the school goes through the principal. Every one.

What's wrong with providing financial need? Everything. It's not required for attendance at public schools in Maryland and it's none of the school's business.

There is a difference between fees for classes and fees for after school activities. Fees for classes are illegal.
Schools can charge for after school.

If chorus is a class, it's free for all. No fees permitted in Maryland.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. What is the attire for other MCPS high school choirs? Would be interested I. Hearing of a large expenditure is asked of the parents.

The biggest problem is the grade deduction tied to dress code infringement. It's not allowed.

Performance clothes cost what they cost, but multiple layers needing hemming is NOT practical and parents can definitely complain. A public school chorus should not have more than one performance uniform.

Finally, the teacher should always add a line in their email about the school helping families in need who cannot afford the special outfit. This is a Bethesda-area school with a well-funded PTA. These schools are ready and able to help, but the teacher has to know how to handle that and not pick something completely over the top in the first place.

Churchill Parent here (not OP) -

Many programs at our school have a similar expectation for financial expenditures except for the requirement tied to a class grade. My child dropped out of band when we were asked to provide financial proof of our financial hardship when we spoke up. It was embarrassing and sucked the interest for my child to continue with band. We experienced the same problem when it came to financial expectations for athletic teams. Parents were expected to pay between $100 to as high as $300 in fees to a team account managed by parents, not the school.

It’s insensitive to set financial requirements so outrageously high and totally unnecessary.

Certain activities require gear. I understand some specialized dresses for chamber, like uniforms/warm up gear for poms. My kids had to buy several tops, a jacket and pants. It was about $200. We bought directly, so the money did not go to the principal. When my youngest was in theatre, we had to pay a fee. It went straight to the drama production, not to the principal. If people can't afford these, they can get a waiver. What's wrong with providing financial proof of need?

Chamber is a different chorus from concert ot treble, so they would each have their own uniform. (Though, typically, concert would use robes owned by the school and treble might be student-owned pieces in certain colors).

+10

I went to a public school in NY in a very wealthy area. We had to have specialized dresses for choir…and the school bought them. Every year you would sign out a dress (many of us just kept taking the same one every year). Some of the mothers did hemming, or we just used safety pins if we were tripping over it. I never had to fund raise for anything - thank heavens.

Report the teacher. And since everyone here seems to think that the “W” schools are sooooo special and everyone is wealthy, have the school/choir budget pay for a set of dresses and tuxedos.