Berkeley Plan in Laurel Oaks by Keystone Custom Homes, Abingdon, MD 21009

This school used to have a very good reputation, and it is disappointing to see how much the atmosphere seems to have changed under the current administration. I also believe an admin wrote the most recent 5 star review. During my time at the school, I have observed a significant lack of communication between admin and the staff. There seems to be a pattern of people quickly falling out of favor with administration, followed by isolation, unfavorable reassignments, lack of support, or ultimately leaving or being forced out of the school. Once you make one small mistake, you are on their bad side and they won't communicate with you to fix the problem. There has also been a noticeable amount of staff turnover, including multiple teachers leaving mid year. The atmosphere here is not what is typical at most other schools.I believe this is something parents should take seriously. Some of the things that concern me: 1. Teachers asking admin for help with difficult student behavior and feeling that they were not given the support they deserve and need. 2. New teachers (Sometimes even experienced teachers) being judged very quickly and instead of being given guidance and encouragement, they are made to feel inadequate and left alone. 3. Staff members being moved into positions or grade levels where they were unhappy or uncomfortable, usually because they want you to leave. 4. Non union staff members being let go suddenly, with no explanation as to why. 5. Parents concerns not being taken seriously. What concerns me most is not any one individual situation, it is the pattern. There appears to be a culture in which being in admins favor matters a great deal, while those who are not may receive significantly less support or consideration. I am not writing this because I expect every employee to agree with admins or because I believe every personnel decision should be made public. I am writing because staff morale and stability matter to students and families. When staff members are constantly leaving or feeling unsupported, that affects the entire school community.