Anonymous
06/22/2025 11:25
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
I looked at it yesterday — here are some of the regions—could always change before this weekend. It definitely sounded like RMIB, Poolesville, and Blair SMACS would only be available in their region (cannot remember the Poolesville region).
BCC
Blair
Einstein
Northwood
Whitman
Churchill
WJ
Wheaton (now a W!)
Woodward
RM
Kennedy
Magruder
Rockville
Wootton
BCC
Blair
Einstein
Northwood
Whitman
Churchill
WJ
Wheaton (now a W!)
Woodward
RM
Kennedy
Magruder
Rockville
Wootton
Anonymous
06/22/2025 11:16
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:They really need to slow this down. They are proposing major changes on a fast timeline without opportunity for public input.
They aren't. There has already been a survey sent out and extended. There is also Implementation and Communication planned from July through November.
The survey was so general as to be useless. It didn’t talk about what they could do with regional programs and ask for feedback. Instead it asked general questions like: how far should be travel to get to school? They used that as an excuse to get rid of the current structure.
It wasn’t genuine feedback. This is classic MCPS.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 11:07
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Focusing on the positive, it's possible that the SMCS program might still maintain its criteria-based admission process.
The true value of these programs as they exist today is the strength of the cohort, which would not be the case if it were watered down.
Was there something in the slides that indicated this?
Anonymous
06/22/2025 11:04
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:ETA: and the Blair and RM parents who are complaining about the quality of the program declining if it becomes regional are horrible snobs. Your gifted kid can learn with other gifted local kids! They don’t have to be with only gifted kids from all around the whole county! Give me a break. So snobby!
Is MOP snobby?
The quality of the program would definitely decline if, instead of taking top 100 kids it took the top 1000. It’s already a very tough, challenging program that only the top third or so truly excel in. Expanding without reducing the standards will just set some kids up for failure or more likely dilute the program.
You're assuming that the 100 kids in the program are the top and would forever be. You are also assume there is not another 900 kids who could/would succeed in such program if the seats and program structure were available.
The true value of these programs as they exist today is the strength of the cohort, which would not be the case if it were watered down.
There are usually 800-900 students that apply, at least half, if not many more would be appropriate. Why are you scared of competition? The problem is the neighboring schools, except Wheaton don't have a lot of STEM, which is the draw.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 11:03
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:ETA: and the Blair and RM parents who are complaining about the quality of the program declining if it becomes regional are horrible snobs. Your gifted kid can learn with other gifted local kids! They don’t have to be with only gifted kids from all around the whole county! Give me a break. So snobby!
Is MOP snobby?
The quality of the program would definitely decline if, instead of taking top 100 kids it took the top 1000. It’s already a very tough, challenging program that only the top third or so truly excel in. Expanding without reducing the standards will just set some kids up for failure or more likely dilute the program.
You're assuming that the 100 kids in the program are the top and would forever be. You are also assume there is not another 900 kids who could/would succeed in such program if the seats and program structure were available.
Not assuming. I’m very familiar with the program. Not all of the kids should be there. With watered down admissions, even more will struggle or simply not be motivated.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 10:59
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that they are not picking up on the feedback about long bus rides for students within the Woodward walk zone to Kennedy. They need to get out to the apartments in the cluster and ask people in person.
Oh, they are picking that up, just chosing to ignore because diversity bus is going to run.
I mean it’s been on the news, more than once and more than one station. How are they not getting survey feedback on this?
Because the primary survey responders are from Bethesda, not the apartments that feed to Garrett Park and Farmland.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 10:44
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
They took the slides down. Did anyone save it and, if so, can you post it here?
There were 6 regions each with 4 or 5 schools in them. Made clear that the new regional models would start in the 2027-2028 school year. They had some details about the types of programs, but nothing definitive.
There were 6 regions each with 4 or 5 schools in them. Made clear that the new regional models would start in the 2027-2028 school year. They had some details about the types of programs, but nothing definitive.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 10:38
Subject: Re:When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
What are the regions? The presentation isn't posted.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 10:02
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Looks like they are proposing the DCC and NEC go away?
The regions seem well balanced in terms of both proximity and economic diversity. It would not be easy to do much better and reducing bussing costs would be a win.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 09:42
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Focusing on the positive, it's possible that the SMCS program might still maintain its criteria-based admission process.
The true value of these programs as they exist today is the strength of the cohort, which would not be the case if it were watered down.
The true value of these programs as they exist today is the strength of the cohort, which would not be the case if it were watered down.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 09:29
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:ETA: and the Blair and RM parents who are complaining about the quality of the program declining if it becomes regional are horrible snobs. Your gifted kid can learn with other gifted local kids! They don’t have to be with only gifted kids from all around the whole county! Give me a break. So snobby!
Is MOP snobby?
The quality of the program would definitely decline if, instead of taking top 100 kids it took the top 1000. It’s already a very tough, challenging program that only the top third or so truly excel in. Expanding without reducing the standards will just set some kids up for failure or more likely dilute the program.
You're assuming that the 100 kids in the program are the top and would forever be. You are also assume there is not another 900 kids who could/would succeed in such program if the seats and program structure were available.
Are there 1000 summer research internships even available for SMCS? My kids was at RM when PYP projects became mandatory for all kids. It was a joke. Teachers were mentoring way too many kids. Most kids did as little as they could to check the box. It was pass/fail. I am guessing SMCS research curriculum would meet the same fate.
Yes, having checkmarks for so called coverage will not make any difference. Actual outcome is often way different than pretty presentations.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 09:26
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that they are not picking up on the feedback about long bus rides for students within the Woodward walk zone to Kennedy. They need to get out to the apartments in the cluster and ask people in person.
Oh, they are picking that up, just chosing to ignore because diversity bus is going to run.
I mean it’s been on the news, more than once and more than one station. How are they not getting survey feedback on this?
BOE is heavily leaning towards bussing kids long distance for creating artificial mix. That's why downplaying news/survey feed back etc. It seems Old Farm kids will be bused and Woodward will be 50% FARMS school with WJ becoming second Whitman. That's the way wind is blowing.
Anonymous
06/22/2025 09:24
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Oooh, accidental share I guess
Anonymous
06/22/2025 09:23
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that they are not picking up on the feedback about long bus rides for students within the Woodward walk zone to Kennedy. They need to get out to the apartments in the cluster and ask people in person.
Oh, they are picking that up, just chosing to ignore because diversity bus is going to run.
I mean it’s been on the news, more than once and more than one station. How are they not getting survey feedback on this?
Anonymous
06/22/2025 09:20
Subject: When is the plan for new HS programs coming out?
Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that they are not picking up on the feedback about long bus rides for students within the Woodward walk zone to Kennedy. They need to get out to the apartments in the cluster and ask people in person.
Oh, they are picking that up, just chosing to ignore because diversity bus is going to run.