I recently learned that Mardela Middle/High School is having their first middle school dance on Friday from 3-5 PM. What kind of school has a dance at this time. Middle school is a big deal for kids and they deserve to have the opportunity to have events like this later in the evening. From what I have been told, all other middle schools have evening dances.
Just another reason that this school needs a new principal!
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
23 comments:
This dance is for MIDDLE school students ONLY...the time is ABSOLUTELY appropriate as these kids are still 11, 12, 13 years old and certainly do not need to be out late at night for a school dance. A few years ago, these kids (at some of these ages) were still in the ELEMENTARY school setting. The principal did not make the decision about the time either it was the PARENT teacher association. Geez...get life and find something else to complain about!!!
Delmar Middle School has after school dances as well for Middle School students. It makes it easier for parents to transport students since they can stay after school and then just need to be picked up. Middle Schoolers are still young. They ought to be happy to be having a dance at all. It used to just be a high school thing to look forward to.
I have a son at Mardela Middle and I am glad that they get to have the dance right after school. They have a great time, which is the main purpose of the dance. They can enjoy the evening dances when they get to high school and will be older and more mature.
While you are entitled to your comment about our principal I strongly suggest you take a closer look at all of the good she continues to do for MMHS. Anyone who has to courage to be responsible for over 600 students and handle issues with their parents deserves to be treated with respect.
They do this at most Middle Schools. Why you want the school to replace the Principal because you want you kids to get used to going out late is beyond
8:47 I agree with you. As a matter of act, the middle school has done this the same way since my children were in middle school and now they are 29, 27 @ 23.
And NO we do not need another/different princepal because we do have a great one right now.
Like 8:47 said....get a life.
This is the PERFECT time to do this sort of thing, right after school and parents can pick up their children AFTER work. This is a back to school, while kids are still getting acclimated to being back in school. AND....There is an early EVENING semi-formal dance held for them in the Spring! Obviously this parent is either uninformed or an idiot or both!
My son attends Mardela and is a middle school student. I absolutely think this is an appropriate time! My goodness, it is not homecoming or prom. My son is looking forward to it:-)
I wouldnt want my middle schoolers at a dance in the evening. They will have events like that when they are older. Don't rush things
i also have a child at this school. i agree, this principal has done a great job with this school. sure there are few long time parents that think their way is the only way, but Mrs batts deserves the respect for managing the parents, students, teachers, etc...as well as she does even with all of the opposition she receives from those select few. not all of us mardela parents think she's a problem.
As President of the PTA for Mardela Middle and High School, I want to clarify your concerns or questions. The dance is Friday is 3-5pm and is sponsored by the PTA. The next Middle school dance will be in the winter and will also be after school. Each Spring, we have a Middle School Formal that always is an evening dance. Perhaps you should come to our PTA meetings and join in organizing and promoting all the wonderful things happening at Mardela Middle & High School - and by the way, this is no reflection on our Principal, as she completely supports our PTA and always has.
Sincerely,
Sharon Harcum
Isn't it this way at all middle schools?? It was for my kid when she was in Laurel and then in Delmar. The more "formal" dance was held from 7-9 for the middle schoolers, but all other dances were held after school, letting out at 5. Perfect time for some working parents to pick their kids up right after work. Get a clue... and get something more important to complain about!!
Whoever wrote this letter is an idiot. These CHILDREN don't care what time the dance is, just the fact that they get to have a good time and hang out with friends after school is great for the them. I could say a lot more about this subject, but I'd be typing all day. I don't even have children that go to this school but I don't see a problem with a dance from 3-5. Get a life. And maybe a job. Then maybe you'll have less time to worry about when a children's school dance takes place.
Sounds like another parent looking for a babysitter on Friday evening.
Typical "outraged" yet uninformed/uninvolved parent. This is the type of parent that creates all sorts of havoc and stress for teachers and administrators in schools. They have no clue what is going on but grasp a snipet of information and scream foul. I am certain this parent's children don't get the attention they need either, since obviously mommy is starved for it. When was the last time you helped out at the school (i.e.:volunteer)instead of hindering? When you get involved in your childs academic life you will see things from an entirely new perspective. You should try it.
Thank you Ms. Sharon Harcum,
This is the safest and appropiate time for a middle school dance. With the crime rate in this area so high, why would a parent worry about an after school dance for these children. Shame on the writer.
Pragmatic-
I couldn't have said it better myself. You've described this person perfectly....
Hmmmm.... is this the parent whose child and her are always causing conflict with other kids, parents and teachers? If it is, tsk tsk on you! Let things be as they are and go find something else to complain about. You always do. Try going to church. Jesus will help you with your problems.
I see this as a major convenience for parents. Half the gas in only one trip to school after the dance. And the kids don't care what time the dancing starts, just when it ends.
I think the employer of the author needs to find a new employee.
I have children in the 6th and 7th grade, and I have never heard a complaint from them about the dance....they are excited to just hangout and let loose.
I personally prejudged Mrs. Batts based upon all the bad publicity that she received when returning to Mardela. Lesson learned because she has been nothing but helpful for activities that I have been involved with for the 6th and 7th Grade.
It is really unfair, it seems like the same people help out over and over to benefit the kids. Those who have put in numerous hours of their spare time, still have those parents who complain about everything and anything.
I hope when a person thinks they can do better that they will maybe come to a meeting whether pta, Class or any other committee and give their ideas and put their name down for a contibution. Be part of hardwork not the complainer on the sideline.
Michelle Wright is one of those parents who thinks she knows how everything at Mardela should be run and that the teachers and principal should bow to her wishes because she is the board president.
The way she talks to teachers and Mrs. Batts is demanding and disrespectful. It's sad.
Joe, please keep us updated on this matter. It seems there is more of a problem than I realized on this matter. Thank you!
The middle school has held dances at this time for quite a few years now. There are plenty of other things that Batts does wrong, this isn't one of them. I'd be more concerned with her history of poor spending habits, her belittling of staff in front of students, her lack of true concern for staff, students, and parents, the lies she tells to cover up her mistakes, etc.
Students are being sent to the office in huge numbers for latenesses - want to know why - there are no bells. Just "satellite" clocks that don't work so the time is different all over.
So don't blame the dance time on her (it's a great time for a middle school dance) - there are certainly a lot of reasons not to like Batts aka BR.
Sign me - not a fan
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