Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be fair, what she said about masks was really really dumb.

No, that’s not at all fair. She said the school should follow CDC guidance. Maybe you don’t agree with that but it’s not really really dumb.

She said the perception is that masks make us safer. And that was good enough reason to keep the mask mandate: so people can 'feel' safe. That's the dumb part

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

No, that is not what she said. This is what she said:

“The last thing I want is for schools to be a source of anxiety for our students and it feels like making masks optional because of all the messaging, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, that my mask not only protects me, it protects my community,” O’Looney said at the meeting. “… That’s still a lingering sentiment. Regardless of what data says, perception is reality for students and families. I’m really afraid that if we get rid of the mask mandate, it’s going to cause a lot of fear for our students and families.”

Anonymous wrote:Call me a cynic. Why do we even have this position? The SMOB position is window dressing so the Board can pretend to listen to students (how could one student possible represent 160,000+ anyway?). I am truly sorry that she was bullied by adults. Those folks should be ashamed of themselves. Hopefully she was able to parlay this experience into a good college acceptance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

"Is this how your family functions?" I see that DCUM posters still haven't learned respect but will always gaslight, etc. She's literally 18 ... there's no point of talking but then not being able to take action. These "children" you derisively refer to, many times, make smarter and more inclusive decisions than adults. Adults don't always know what they're doing, and I'm sorry for those children who have to deal with you. It's not "children are the future - as long as they know their place". These decisions made at the table affect them everyday.

As someone who routinely reads the Tweens/Teens board, I see a lot more mixed sentiment about the capacity of 18 years -- and what to do about it -- then you acknowledge here.

OK - that's what you've read. I'm a recent MCPS alum and I've lived it. I've seen my peers and I protest gun violence, put together award-winning magazines, and make actionable changes towards racial equity and justice. Kids today go through way more pressure than any other generation, and, again, they need to be fully heard. The SMOB, especially our current one, plays a critical role in that.

(eye roll). Yeah, kid, every parent has lived it. And every generation thinks theirs faced unique issues and should have a voice in the issues of the day. Maturity is recognizing that.

You would also recognize, I'm sure, that the brain continues to develop into one's 20s and so 18s are sometimes mature and sometimes not.

They've literally faced a once in a lifetime global pandemic, and if that doesn't say it then I don't know what does. So with that mentality, they shouldn't have a voice in a mask policy that they'll have to follow? The brain is definitely developing - for issues such as drugs and alcohol, responsible driving, etc. For the issues she has to vote on, she's highly qualified to make an educated opinion on it and has done so masterfully throughout the year. If you want to keep dismissing people just because of age (probably because it was done to you and hurt people do the same to others in turn), especially on a DCUM board, please feel free to do so and discount your argument. It's the perceptions of individuals such as yourself that is fostering a culture where the SMOB can be attacked for making a decision with the information she had available to her at a time where guidance changes quite often. Stay well, though. Keep it up with the outdated "shut up and dribble" mentality.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

"Is this how your family functions?" I see that DCUM posters still haven't learned respect but will always gaslight, etc. She's literally 18 ... there's no point of talking but then not being able to take action. These "children" you derisively refer to, many times, make smarter and more inclusive decisions than adults. Adults don't always know what they're doing, and I'm sorry for those children who have to deal with you. It's not "children are the future - as long as they know their place". These decisions made at the table affect them everyday.

As someone who routinely reads the Tweens/Teens board, I see a lot more mixed sentiment about the capacity of 18 years -- and what to do about it -- then you acknowledge here.

OK - that's what you've read. I'm a recent MCPS alum and I've lived it. I've seen my peers and I protest gun violence, put together award-winning magazines, and make actionable changes towards racial equity and justice. Kids today go through way more pressure than any other generation, and, again, they need to be fully heard. The SMOB, especially our current one, plays a critical role in that.

(eye roll). Yeah, kid, every parent has lived it. And every generation thinks theirs faced unique issues and should have a voice in the issues of the day. Maturity is recognizing that.

You would also recognize, I'm sure, that the brain continues to develop into one's 20s and so 18s are sometimes mature and sometimes not.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

"Is this how your family functions?" I see that DCUM posters still haven't learned respect but will always gaslight, etc. She's literally 18 ... there's no point of talking but then not being able to take action. These "children" you derisively refer to, many times, make smarter and more inclusive decisions than adults. Adults don't always know what they're doing, and I'm sorry for those children who have to deal with you. It's not "children are the future - as long as they know their place". These decisions made at the table affect them everyday.

As someone who routinely reads the Tweens/Teens board, I see a lot more mixed sentiment about the capacity of 18 years -- and what to do about it -- then you acknowledge here.

OK - that's what you've read. I'm a recent MCPS alum and I've lived it. I've seen my peers and I protest gun violence, put together award-winning magazines, and make actionable changes towards racial equity and justice. Kids today go through way more pressure than any other generation, and, again, they need to be fully heard. The SMOB, especially our current one, plays a critical role in that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's entirely possible to disagree with someone's position without attacking the person as an individual. We seem to have forgotten that here in the US at all levels.

This! Disagreement, debate, critiques: all fine. But this went way beyond that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's entirely possible to disagree with someone's position without attacking the person as an individual. We seem to have forgotten that here in the US at all levels.

Your bothsidesing is inappropriate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

"Is this how your family functions?" I see that DCUM posters still haven't learned respect but will always gaslight, etc. She's literally 18 ... there's no point of talking but then not being able to take action. These "children" you derisively refer to, many times, make smarter and more inclusive decisions than adults. Adults don't always know what they're doing, and I'm sorry for those children who have to deal with you. It's not "children are the future - as long as they know their place". These decisions made at the table affect them everyday.

As someone who routinely reads the Tweens/Teens board, I see a lot more mixed sentiment about the capacity of 18 years -- and what to do about it -- then you acknowledge here.

OK - that's what you've read. I'm a recent MCPS alum and I've lived it. I've seen my peers and I protest gun violence, put together award-winning magazines, and make actionable changes towards racial equity and justice. Kids today go through way more pressure than any other generation, and, again, they need to be fully heard. The SMOB, especially our current one, plays a critical role in that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

No, that is not what she said. This is what she said:

“The last thing I want is for schools to be a source of anxiety for our students and it feels like making masks optional because of all the messaging, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, that my mask not only protects me, it protects my community,” O’Looney said at the meeting. “… That’s still a lingering sentiment. Regardless of what data says, perception is reality for students and families. I’m really afraid that if we get rid of the mask mandate, it’s going to cause a lot of fear for our students and families.”

Yes, and that was dumb. Perception is more important than data? Shouldn’t schools be educating people? They can do that about masks and covid, too.

What she's trying to say is making masks optional puts the onus on children to protect themselves and their community. I get that YOU think there's no need for them to do that. No doubt you were on of the sociopaths sending your kids to school sick in January and demanding masks be removed. But what she's saying is, again, making masks optional right now--right after a surge that was pretty damned traumatic for a lot of those kids and their teachers, btw--is putting the responsibility in the hands of minor children, who will then have to weigh the choice with the added fun of peer pressure, bullying etc. As you've taken a side and politicized this, so will your damaged children. No doubt they're already stalking asthmatics in their classrooms telling them "masks don't work," and whatever other nonsense you've put in their heads.

And no, again, this doesn't mean we mask forever. But we need to listen to our children too. We need to keep them safe. We need to stop demanding they have to make life or death decisions in middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

"Is this how your family functions?" I see that DCUM posters still haven't learned respect but will always gaslight, etc. She's literally 18 ... there's no point of talking but then not being able to take action. These "children" you derisively refer to, many times, make smarter and more inclusive decisions than adults. Adults don't always know what they're doing, and I'm sorry for those children who have to deal with you. It's not "children are the future - as long as they know their place". These decisions made at the table affect them everyday.

As someone who routinely reads the Tweens/Teens board, I see a lot more mixed sentiment about the capacity of 18 years -- and what to do about it -- then you acknowledge here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

"Is this how your family functions?" I see that DCUM posters still haven't learned respect but will always gaslight, etc. She's literally 18 ... there's no point of talking but then not being able to take action. These "children" you derisively refer to, many times, make smarter and more inclusive decisions than adults. Adults don't always know what they're doing, and I'm sorry for those children who have to deal with you. It's not "children are the future - as long as they know their place". These decisions made at the table affect them everyday.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

+1

Agreed. Kids can have a voice but not a vote.

Not having a vote is exactly what it means to not have a voice. If the SMOB is non-voting, it's a waste of the student's time re: pushing the dialogue based on their current experiences and it'd be a waste of the BOE's time as a body. They don't make decisions on personnel, etc. so it's not "broad" decisions. After all, they are the ones who will have to follow those policies in their respective schools. Name one area/sector where the consumer doesn't have a voice that's almost co-equal.

No, she can talk at every board meeting. That's a voice. Children should not get to make policy. Adults do know better than children. Adults can become better informed adults by listening to children. But they are still children. Adults should be making the decisions.

Is this how your family functions? I listen to my kids, but I am the one who makes the decisions and accepts responsibility.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

No, that is not what she said. This is what she said:

“The last thing I want is for schools to be a source of anxiety for our students and it feels like making masks optional because of all the messaging, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, that my mask not only protects me, it protects my community,” O’Looney said at the meeting. “… That’s still a lingering sentiment. Regardless of what data says, perception is reality for students and families. I’m really afraid that if we get rid of the mask mandate, it’s going to cause a lot of fear for our students and families.”

Yes, and that was dumb. Perception is more important than data? Shouldn’t schools be educating people? They can do that about masks and covid, too.

What she's trying to say is making masks optional puts the onus on children to protect themselves and their community. I get that YOU think there's no need for them to do that. No doubt you were on of the sociopaths sending your kids to school sick in January and demanding masks be removed. But what she's saying is, again, making masks optional right now--right after a surge that was pretty damned traumatic for a lot of those kids and their teachers, btw--is putting the responsibility in the hands of minor children, who will then have to weigh the choice with the added fun of peer pressure, bullying etc. As you've taken a side and politicized this, so will your damaged children. No doubt they're already stalking asthmatics in their classrooms telling them "masks don't work," and whatever other nonsense you've put in their heads.

And no, again, this doesn't mean we mask forever. But we need to listen to our children too. We need to keep them safe. We need to stop demanding they have to make life or death decisions in middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She said the perception of masks making us safer was all that matters. That makes no sense and is worthy of ridicule.

This is one more reason why there shouldn't be a full-fledge student member of the board. They are taking a position where they are able to make broad decisions regarding our school system and yet it is not politically correct to criticize them when they say things that don't make sense.

+100

If you watch the board meetings, she does a better job at asking questions and discussing issues than the "adults." The few I've watched recently I've been impressed by her.