Upton II Plan in Park Place at Ballenger by DRB Homes, Frederick, MD 21703

Experience: My two children, attending from Kindergarten through 5th Grade, have had vastly different experiences at CMES, largely impacted by the high turnover of teachers. The larger-than-ideal class sizes, particularly in 5th grade with over 30 students per teacher, severely hinder personalized learning. This situation is exacerbated by the inclusion of students with behavioral challenges in regular classrooms, often distracting others and further diluting the teacher's attention.Quality: The quality of teaching at CMES is inconsistent, primarily due to the frequent replacement of experienced teachers. This instability impacts the educational environment, with many students struggling to keep pace. The integration of digital tools like Schoology, alongside traditional methods, has not been seamless, often leaving parents confused about current grades and school updates.Support: The school's approach to handling bullying and social conflicts has been inadequate. Despite efforts to communicate with both teachers and administrators, resolutions have been unsatisfactory, indicating a need for better social-emotional support and conflict resolution strategies within the school.Special Education: There is a noticeable lack of individualized attention and support for students with special needs. This area is understaffed, like other classrooms.Safety: Safety concerns are significant, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times. The school's location and inadequate infrastructure lead to dangerous traffic congestion, with many parents resorting to dropping their children off across a busy street. While a crossing guard is present, the situation remains perilous, especially at a poorly designed crosswalk.Family Engagement: The PTA is commendable in its efforts and seems to be a primary driving force in organizing school events and advocating for improvements. However, broader parent engagement and advocacy are required to address the systemic issues the school faces.Our Experience / Recommendation: Given the current conditions, I would seriously consider alternative schooling options. CMES is struggling with essential aspects of education, including teaching quality, resource allocation, and maintaining a conducive learning environment. Increased investment in teacher retention, class size management, and safety infrastructure is imperative for the school to meet basic educational standards.