Anonymous
Post 02/14/2026 14:51     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What kind of nonsense is this. My middle school did not do any of these things when I was in middle school. Are people not allowed to have their backpack in the classroom anymore? There is a metal detector and people can only enter the school through one door?


No one cares what it was like when you went to school.


This is just stupid. The metal detectors don't work, and you are wasting everyones time.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2026 09:11     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:What kind of nonsense is this. My middle school did not do any of these things when I was in middle school. Are people not allowed to have their backpack in the classroom anymore? There is a metal detector and people can only enter the school through one door?


No one cares what it was like when you went to school.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2026 08:51     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I have never seen another school with such poorly designed drop-off traffic. At Rachel Carson, there is only one lane to enter the school, whether you are dropping off a student or parking. Everyone must then drive through the circle past the parking lot to exit. During the morning rush, it is always heavily congested.

The tardy policy has also become much stricter. The main entrance closes at 7:25 a.m., and now the school has implemented a rule that even if a student enters the building before 7:25, they will still be sent to the office for a tardy pass if they cannot reach their classroom by that time. I don’t understand the reasoning behind this—surely it takes time for students to walk from the entrance to their classrooms.

Even more concerning is that students who enter the classroom carrying their backpacks are being sent to the office for a tardy pass, yet there is no written policy stating this requirement.

What I don’t understand is why, in elementary school, most teachers and staff are very supportive and approachable, but the experience seems to become increasingly rigid in middle school and high school.


If school starts at 7:25 then you need to be in your classroom seated and ready to go.

Teacher can’t start teaching if too many kids are walking in late and the that not good for anything.

Leaver earlier. Policy is a good one.


This. Plus, it is just plain rude to be late.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2026 08:11     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:I have never seen another school with such poorly designed drop-off traffic. At Rachel Carson, there is only one lane to enter the school, whether you are dropping off a student or parking. Everyone must then drive through the circle past the parking lot to exit. During the morning rush, it is always heavily congested.

The tardy policy has also become much stricter. The main entrance closes at 7:25 a.m., and now the school has implemented a rule that even if a student enters the building before 7:25, they will still be sent to the office for a tardy pass if they cannot reach their classroom by that time. I don’t understand the reasoning behind this—surely it takes time for students to walk from the entrance to their classrooms.

Even more concerning is that students who enter the classroom carrying their backpacks are being sent to the office for a tardy pass, yet there is no written policy stating this requirement.

What I don’t understand is why, in elementary school, most teachers and staff are very supportive and approachable, but the experience seems to become increasingly rigid in middle school and high school.


If school starts at 7:25 then you need to be in your classroom seated and ready to go.

Teacher can’t start teaching if too many kids are walking in late and the that not good for anything.

Leaver earlier. Policy is a good one.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2026 07:54     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
It’s middle school. No one gives a shit about a tardy.
Anonymous
Post 02/14/2026 07:37     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
What kind of nonsense is this. My middle school did not do any of these things when I was in middle school. Are people not allowed to have their backpack in the classroom anymore? There is a metal detector and people can only enter the school through one door?
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 19:20     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:This is the same policy at every middle and high school and it’s evenly applied. If the kiss and ride lane is onerous, have your child take the bus. You can drive them to the bus stop if you want to see them off. If your child is within walking distance, have them walk. It builds character having to learn to follow a schedule and be timely. If you want to continue to use kiss and ride, drop off at 7. This isn’t complicated.

You are obviously not a Carson parent.

https://carsonms.fcps.edu/attendance-late-arrivals-and-early-departures

"There are no walkers at Rachel Carson Middle School. For safety reasons, all students must take the bus or receive a ride from a parent or guardian."


My child rode his bike, along with his three best friends, to Carson 75% of the time. They had to cross Centreville Road, but they did it and they learned how to do it as safely as possible (including having flashing lights on their bikes and helmets). The school never questioned any of us parents or told the boys they couldn't ride their bikes to school.
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 16:38     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
These policies are only becoming objectionable post covid - pre COVID you went to work on time, you went to school on time. People act like it is an infringement on their rights to be held to these standards again. But then they also complain that educational outcomes are declining - well, 24% of students are chronically absent, and who knows how many more are chronically tardy or a mix. I second / third the recommendations to use the bus. My two middle schoolers manage just fine even with the early start time. It’s only a few years. If they sleep 9-6 they will be fine and can still catch the bus.
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 16:28     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
You have a very simple solution. Go early.
Yes, there is a traffic jam in the mornings, but if you go 5-10 early, you wouldn't even notice this issue.
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 15:15     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
My kids have never had the option not to take the school bus except if they are coming from an appointment or are carrying extra items (like my elementary schooler carrying her valentine's stuff today). Try that.
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 14:28     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Crappy traffic followed me from navy to carson.


Easy answer: school bus


Or leave and drop off 15 minutes earlier

But then what if every parent tries this...then you're looking at the same ridiculous situation, only 15 minutes earlier.

Which is why PP suggested the school bus.
try it and see if it works for you
Anonymous
Post 02/13/2026 14:27     Subject: Rachcel Carson Middle School Ridiculous Tardy Policy
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Crappy traffic followed me from navy to carson.


Easy answer: school bus


Or leave and drop off 15 minutes earlier


I for one love to drop off my kids at the kiss and ride in the dark when its below freezing!

It builds character. Since they only wear shorts and a sweatshirt, it’s no different than a refreshing cold plunge, while they wait 20 minutes for the security line to start moving.
maybe they will wear a coat