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Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.

Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.

I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.

If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.

Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?

Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?

I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.

Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.

Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.

Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.

I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.

Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.

All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.

Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).

This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.

And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”

I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.

I have two kids, one went through CES to magnet track, and the other one is in CES right now. From a parent perspective, I echo this article in every concern because they are all legitimate concerns. The vigorous resentful response you showed hints you are probably from central office.

As discussed in other responses, the fact that the article author is from within the study team who should have signed a NDA but still chose to speak out publicly proves that central office doesn't listen at all to community inputs. They shut their ears and eyes and show attitude exactly like yours. No this forum is not for the purpose for negativity. This is a forum for community to vet out their concerns and unhappiness about MCPS administrations.

And yoj know this how? Because you’ve heard one person’s input. I’ve heard numerous persons input. Guess what not everyone agrees that things should be slowed down. Yes, all want various questions answered, but some are highly in agreement with the 6 region model and looking forward to the possibility it brings. Because that challenges your narrative and thoughts doesn’t make it an invalid community opinion.

MCPS can't even manage the programs that they have now, or do any kind of analysis of those programs. Yes, they need to slow down the process and think things through.

My kids were the first class to be the 2.0 guinea pigs. We moved here right as 2.0 was starting. I was willing to give it a shot, but I also didn't have the history of 2.0 or MCPS when we moved here. I heard parents complaining about 2.0 and how awful it was. I thought the same as you.. let's give it a shot; those parents should stop complaining. I even wrote a long post about it on this forum to give it a shot.

Boy, was I wrong. After 10+ years in MCPS I have learned that MCPS is terrible at managing and implementing programs.

We moved here because of the magnet programs. Such a huge loss to MCPS to get rid of the county wide magnets that draw the best and brightest from around the country. This is our last year in MCPS, thank god.

Which programs are these?

Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.

Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.

I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.

If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.

Anonymous wrote:I feel like many of these endless posts’ goal is to attempt to scare people into believing the magnets will be destroyed and that there will be no rigor.

This regional program is under a new superintendent, so we can’t assume what happened in the past will happen in this case.

I think the ideas are good. We need to make sure the programs are fully fleshed out and not half baked. The currently successful programs should not be messed around with by changing them from criteria based to interest based.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.

Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.

I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.

If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.

Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?

Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?

I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.

Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.

Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.

Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.

I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.

Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.

All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.

Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).

This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.

And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”

I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.

I have two kids, one went through CES to magnet track, and the other one is in CES right now. From a parent perspective, I echo this article in every concern because they are all legitimate concerns. The vigorous resentful response you showed hints you are probably from central office.

As discussed in other responses, the fact that the article author is from within the study team who should have signed a NDA but still chose to speak out publicly proves that central office doesn't listen at all to community inputs. They shut their ears and eyes and show attitude exactly like yours. No this forum is not for the purpose for negativity. This is a forum for community to vet out their concerns and unhappiness about MCPS administrations.

And yoj know this how? Because you’ve heard one person’s input. I’ve heard numerous persons input. Guess what not everyone agrees that things should be slowed down. Yes, all want various questions answered, but some are highly in agreement with the 6 region model and looking forward to the possibility it brings. Because that challenges your narrative and thoughts doesn’t make it an invalid community opinion.

MCPS can't even manage the programs that they have now, or do any kind of analysis of those programs. Yes, they need to slow down the process and think things through.

My kids were the first class to be the 2.0 guinea pigs. We moved here right as 2.0 was starting. I was willing to give it a shot, but I also didn't have the history of 2.0 or MCPS when we moved here. I heard parents complaining about 2.0 and how awful it was. I thought the same as you.. let's give it a shot; those parents should stop complaining. I even wrote a long post about it on this forum to give it a shot.

Boy, was I wrong. After 10+ years in MCPS I have learned that MCPS is terrible at managing and implementing programs.

We moved here because of the magnet programs. Such a huge loss to MCPS to get rid of the county wide magnets that draw the best and brightest from around the country. This is our last year in MCPS, thank god.

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the sentiment of this article. There are many basic things MCPS isn’t doing, but this highlights their own deadlines they didn’t even meet.

“MCPS should not chase shiny new programs while neglecting the foundation.“

https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/08/29/opinion-mcps-needs-to-build-stronger-foundation-before-expanding-regional-programs/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I agree, if you moved all the Churchill kids to Kennedy and Kennedy to Churchill, Kennedy would become a top performing school and Churchill one of the worst.

The student body makes the biggest difference in terms of performance.

No. And I can tell you must be a W parent if that’s your takeaway.

The students at Kennedy are not the main problem. It is:

- Failed administration
- New and inexperienced teachers delivering poor quality instruction
- Plain ol’ bad teachers
- High levels of parent engagement, usually in the form of a well-resourced and active PTA
- Lack of resources (classroom materials and a building that isn’t well maintained)
- Stupid policies that use the bigotry of low expectations that enable a chaotic and unstable learning environment
- High turnover of staff based on failed leadership, lack of resources, and stupid MCPS policies

I’m the PP to whom you’ve responded. We may disagree on many things but I think putting great programs in schools like Kennedy is critical. It’s a godsend for Blair and the local population benefits from the involved parents etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I agree, if you moved all the Churchill kids to Kennedy and Kennedy to Churchill, Kennedy would become a top performing school and Churchill one of the worst.

The student body makes the biggest difference in terms of performance.

No. And I can tell you must be a W parent if that’s your takeaway.

The students at Kennedy are not the main problem. It is:

- Failed administration
- New and inexperienced teachers delivering poor quality instruction
- Plain ol’ bad teachers
- High levels of parent engagement, usually in the form of a well-resourced and active PTA
- Lack of resources (classroom materials and a building that isn’t well maintained)
- Stupid policies that use the bigotry of low expectations that enable a chaotic and unstable learning environment
- High turnover of staff based on failed leadership, lack of resources, and stupid MCPS policies

Anonymous wrote:MCPS can't even show the numbers that the 4 regional IBs were a success, yet they want to expand it and get rid of the one IB magnet that has been successful for 20 years.

Makes zero sense. They need to do an assessment analysis on the regionals to figure out why they aren't as successful as RMIB's program. Some people claim that the 90%ile achievers can handle the advanced coursework. If that's true, why are the IB exam scores so much lower in those regionals than RMIBs' exam scores? Why don't they publish the IBDP rate at those regionals like they do at RMIB?

Anonymous wrote:While I agree, if you moved all the Churchill kids to Kennedy and Kennedy to Churchill, Kennedy would become a top performing school and Churchill one of the worst.

The student body makes the biggest difference in terms of performance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.

Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.

I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.

If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.

Seriously? That’s your response to this opinion piece that is well-researched, well-argued and points out serious concerns worth considering?

Just a blanket, “Leave MCPS alone” plea? Do you not see how pathetic you sound?

I didn’t say anywhere “Leave MCPS alone.” What I said is that some of ya’ll need to learn better discretion, partnership, and that the Bethesda area view of things is not the only view that must be considered. What I called out, is that the constant overly public negativity about the district does damage. As much as we can and should push for change and improvements, that should also be teemed with understanding for exactly how good things are in comparison to many school districts elsewhere, including in this very state. Not to mention, that while opinion pieces like this can be well researched and push for good things, they also bring with them a spotlight that is not always helpful.

Some of ya’ll on this board can’t manage a decision of bedtimes without crowdsourcing. Imagine if I constantly shone a spotlight on your every decision and all the inner working of your house. Imagine the stress that would cause. Imagine how much priority shifting would happen as you respond to people’s comments, questions, concerns or call out of both real and perceived failings.

Wow - this is an amazingly out of touch take. When the government is set to take away a program that people rely on you cannot expect them to just STFU.

Oh stop with the drama. No one said they should STFU, (though occasionally parents in this district should be told exactly that). This is not like someone is taking away food or housing or even education all together. This is a change that is being made to address real inequity in this county that has been talked about, complained about, and even reported in several studies.

I have a kid in a magnet and am absolutely happy about that because that is were said child needs to be. That said, I’m not ignorant to the fact that there are a number of other children who would also benefit from these programs and don’t because of number of seats and where they are located. I’m also not ignorant to the fact that while there may be things I want to see MCPS do better, they are also head and shoulders above A LOT of other school districts in the nation. And I’m also not ignorant to the fact that most other places don’t air out their problems nearly as much as MCPS.

Go to a top private school and you know what you will find. That your thoughts and opinions on their curriculum choices and operations while heard are often roundly ignored. And if you want to leave they will wish you well and replace you with one of the many other waiting persons. Public schools give more parent opportunity for engagement and voice and I certainly encourage that to continue. But do not confuse that with meaning that everyone’s thoughts and opinions should always be the deciding factor. Particularly when it doesn’t present all the sides. For instance the fact that the state is publishing new Science standards. Or that the state published new integrated Algebra requirements, but that now means MCPs has to figure out what to do with compacted math kids who will be done with Algebra by the end of MS, not all of whom want to be taking Linear Algebra, and those who do may not be missing content.

All this to say is there are a lot of perspectives that need to be considered.

Geez, you are on a platform titled "MCPS". What else do you expect people to discuss about other than MCPS? Please get out and enter another platform called "AAP" on dcurbanmom, and you can find all kinds of complaint or whining about FCPS (according to your standard, everything other than agreeing is complaint).

This isn’t a private school. It doesn’t matter what happens there.

And “not being ignorant” of this and that sounds like one way of saying… “the system is working for my kid, so why doesn’t everyone calm down?”

I actually hope you’re a CO troll because if you’re an actual magnet parent? Ick. I wouldn’t like you IRL.

I have two kids, one went through CES to magnet track, and the other one is in CES right now. From a parent perspective, I echo this article in every concern because they are all legitimate concerns. The vigorous resentful response you showed hints you are probably from central office.

As discussed in other responses, the fact that the article author is from within the study team who should have signed a NDA but still chose to speak out publicly proves that central office doesn't listen at all to community inputs. They shut their ears and eyes and show attitude exactly like yours. No this forum is not for the purpose for negativity. This is a forum for community to vet out their concerns and unhappiness about MCPS administrations.

And yoj know this how? Because you’ve heard one person’s input. I’ve heard numerous persons input. Guess what not everyone agrees that things should be slowed down. Yes, all want various questions answered, but some are highly in agreement with the 6 region model and looking forward to the possibility it brings. Because that challenges your narrative and thoughts doesn’t make it an invalid community opinion.

MCPS can't even manage the programs that they have now, or do any kind of analysis of those programs. Yes, they need to slow down the process and think things through.

My kids were the first class to be the 2.0 guinea pigs. We moved here right as 2.0 was starting. I was willing to give it a shot, but I also didn't have the history of 2.0 or MCPS when we moved here. I heard parents complaining about 2.0 and how awful it was. I thought the same as you.. let's give it a shot; those parents should stop complaining. I even wrote a long post about it on this forum to give it a shot.

Boy, was I wrong. After 10+ years in MCPS I have learned that MCPS is terrible at managing and implementing programs.

We moved here because of the magnet programs. Such a huge loss to MCPS to get rid of the county wide magnets that draw the best and brightest from around the country. This is our last year in MCPS, thank god.

Anonymous wrote:MCPS can't even show the numbers that the 4 regional IBs were a success, yet they want to expand it and get rid of the one IB magnet that has been successful for 20 years.

Makes zero sense. They need to do an assessment analysis on the regionals to figure out why they aren't as successful as RMIB's program. Some people claim that the 90%ile achievers can handle the advanced coursework. If that's true, why are the IB exam scores so much lower in those regionals than RMIBs' exam scores? Why don't they publish the IBDP rate at those regionals like they do at RMIB?

Anonymous wrote:I really wish that folks would reach at to the media less about the school district. Not to mention complain less. Eyes and accountability are important but I don’t think people consider the damage and how difficult it also makes things.

Like does anyone realize that there is no district in the state written about or talked about more than MCPS? Heck there is no district nearby that is talked about as much and this includes FCPS which has more students and sometimes similar challenges.

I’m not suggesting that bad things should be covered up, but I am suggesting that everything doesn’t need parent opinion or to be made into a mountain. Teachers are feed up with parents. It’s hard to get people to want to do the work of Central Office. Sourcing for a Superintendent is a nightmare. No one wants to run for BOE because of salary and the backlash. Even kids hate the blood sport of competition that late to have created.

If there is anything at present that I would ask from parents it would be some calmness and discretion.