Anonymous wrote:There’s no solution that will make everyone happy, but most parents don’t have tons of children and can afford to take a half day or even a full day off work for this one-time special milestone event in each of their children’s lives. People were already driving a half hour from their house to graduation ceremony venues before; you’ll survive driving an extra 45 minutes. There will be traffic, but there was traffic to contend with when people drove to the previous venues as well. This is not the hardship you’re making it out to be.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Saving a two hour commute, works for me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Why not?

Is it air conditioned? How far to restrooms? If there’s a downpour, can the tent be accessed without walking in wet grass or mud? How are the acoustics?

Does every seat have a view of the stage?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

If only the Central Office had a staff person PAID to look for convenient options in Montgomery County, rather than expecting us to crowdsource the jobs they're paid to do on DCUM.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Why not?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Why not?

Is it air conditioned? How far to restrooms? If there’s a downpour, can the tent be accessed without walking in wet grass or mud? How are the acoustics?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Why not?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

A tent? Seriously? That's not going to be appealing to most MCPS families.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

MC. They put up a big tent and have about 3000 students graduating. The tent is there. MCPS can share the cost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.

Do you know of a comparable venue in MoCo that has the same or better availability, accessibility and affordability? Please share that information with Central Office.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the graduation schedule.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/

Traffic will be a nightmare for 6 pm ceremonies.

And at 9am! It's silly to mandate this for everyone, when there are better solutions for some high schools.

Just another example of why MCPS is just TOO LARGE of a school system. What works best for families in Silver Spring might not be what works best for families in Damascus.

The State of MD mandates that school systems are by county. MCPS’s job is to do what is best for the school system as a whole. Booking all graduation ceremonies at one location probably helps them lock in better rates for the venue rental. It gives them some leverage with the venue because of the amount of business they’re providing. It ensures that there’s no overlap in ceremonies, so no one has to miss one ceremony to attend another (MCPS teachers and principals have children of their own who are graduating). UMBC, as a venue, ensures that families get more tickets to the ceremonies and have access to adequate parking. MCPS is providing transportation to those for whom it would be a hardship. UMBC is not everyone’s first choice, but there is no venue that would have everyone cheering. MCPS has tried to address the most common complaints that they’ve received about graduation ceremonies.

There’s so much that MCPS is getting wrong these days. There’s a lot to complain about. This is the least controversial change they’re making.

One venue and same for all makes sense. Forcing families and staff to go to Baltimore county does not. You forget some people have health issues that make travel difficult or other responsibilities that may impact travel. We are not local to that venue.