We have nearly 1000 signatures on this petition, which shows that the community stands behind our Magnet programs. Our work is not done, however. There are several things that you can do to help us right now.
(1) GET US MORE SIGNATURES
Share this petition with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The more signatures we continue to gain, the more inertia the campaign has. Share this campaign on social media.
(2) PARENTS - WRITE TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Parent voices are powerful. If you are a parent of a current Magnet student, or you are the parent of an elementary or middle school prospective student who would be impacted by these changes, please send a letter with your concerns to the board of education. Demand that your son/daughter be allowed to apply for competitive countywide rigorous Magnet programs, and demand that those programs receive adequate and appropriate funding for their level of rigor.
(3) FORMER STUDENTS - TESTIFY
The school system is very concerned with equity right now. We need to change the narrative that is being presented--that our Magnet programs are the source of inequity. If you are a former student, especially from a traditionally underrepresented background, please testify in front of the Board of Education about the positive impact that the program has had on your growth and development. You may testify in person before the Board of Education, or provide written, video, or audio testimony electronically. For instructions on how to testify, please contact BOETestimony@mcpsmd.org stating that you wish to testify and need instructions.
(4) LEADERS - CONNECT WITH ME
If you are a leader in the Blair, Richard Montgomery, or Poolesville communities, or you have experience with marketing, public relations, and/or political campaigns, or know somebody who is, please contact me at khetarpalishan@gmail.com.
(5) [OPTIONAL] DONATE
Many of you supported our petition financially on Change.org. If you are looking for another avenue to support the SMCS program, consider donating to the Alumni! The mission of the SMCS Alumni Collective is to support the current students of the SMCS program. You can donate at smcsalumni.org. Even a $5-10 donation from everyone on this list would make a massive difference in our efforts.