At today's Board of Education meeting, numerous parents and students came out to testify in favor of the Visual Arts Program at Einstein High. Once again, this program is on the list of potential cuts from the Montgomery County Board of Education.
Read the testimony and if you have time, watch the video replay. Students and parents spoke from their hearts about the impact of this program on their MCPS experience.
The written statement of Maya Cartland really caught me by surprise. She writes:
The VAC is more than just an art class; it’s a community of artists and scholars. In a school as large as Einstein, it’s important for students to be in an environment where they feel safe to express themselves and their creative talents. Ms. Walsh and Ms. Harris hold their students to high expectations and give us the support to go beyond what we think we can initially do.
Maya continues:
This is in stark contrast to our principal, Mr. Fernandez, a known opponent of the arts. Every year he speaks to students before Career Day and says, “if you major in the arts, be sure to memorize my McDonald’s order: Big Mac with no pickles.” Ask any art student at Einstein and they will be able to recite Mr. Fernandez’ order for you.Did Mr. Fernandez really tell kids to memorize his McDonald's order?
Maya and her classmates get it - even if Mr. Fernandez doesn't.
He, like so many, believe that art doesn’t matter, but what he fails to understand is that we are more than just art students; we are also honor students, AP, IB scholars, and athletes. The senior class has gotten into 32 top art and liberal art schools and won over $1.2 million in scholarships alone.Mr. Fernandez owes Maya and her classmates an apology. And as for the rest of the taxpaying citizens of Montgomery County?
I suggest that Mr. Fernandez turn in his resignation now. If he doesn't value the students, their diverse learning styles, or their unique interests, then he should not be in education. Its time to move on, and let someone who enjoys leading a Montgomery County High School, with its many talented kids of all shapes, sizes, and interests, toward finding their true passions.
Dr. Einstein left us with many memorable quotes - so it seems fitting that I end this piece with the words of the man that gave the high school his name. [See image]
Good luck to the current students at VAC as you pursue your dreams, and lets hope that MCPS keeps a program that works!
