February 18th, the MCPS Policy Management committee recommended a change in policy that would allow high school freshmen to participate in school sports regardless of their current grades. This will come as a change from the current policy which states that grades will not be considered for the first quarter of freshman year. In order to play a school sport, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA or have no more than 1 failing grade.
The recommended policy was hit with backlash from county residents as many fear that such a policy change will devalue the significance of education in a county that is known for its high performance and high emphasis on education.
In an interview with Bethesda Magazine, MCPS board member Pat O’Neil stated,
“The fair thing is to have that universal eligibility for first year students.”
During the committee meeting, charts and statistics were presented stating that if the policy were to be implemented it would raise graduation rates, increase academic performance, improve self-esteem, and provide students with useful life skills.
Along with the elimination of sports recommendation, the Policy Management committee recommended an elimination of eligibility requirements for academic clubs at county high schools.
If implemented, the finalized changes are expected to appear in the 2020-2021 school year.
Article by Danis Cammett of Walter Johnson High School
Graphic by Sophia Li of Takoma Park Middle School