Until March 22nd 2023, MCPS had an Opt-Out option for books that are currently being read and discussed in public schools from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade. This Opt-Out option was allowed due to the content in the books and how it may contradict religious beliefs of families in the county. As of May 1st 2023 the Board of Eduction has decided to remove the Opt-Out option and will force all MCPS student to attend readings and discussions on these books. They will also not notify parents when these books are being read and discussed.
Opt-Out Removed on The Following Books
Prekindergarten & Kindergarten
A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Gay Pride Day―meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade!
Kindergarten - 5th grade
Uncle Bobby's Wedding is about a fun-loving girl named Chloe and her Uncle Bobby, whom she adores. But then she finds out Uncle Bobby is getting married, and meets Bobby's intended, Jamie, and worries that Uncle Bobby won't have time to spend with her anymore.
Kindergarten - 5th grade
Day brings a shy child named Violet the chance to connect with her crush, Mira, in Sullivan Wild’s uplifting wintry tale...a race through the snow―choreographically captured with dancelike grace in Chua’s simple, light-filled watercolors
Kindergarten - 5th grade
this exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson's adult memoir, The Bold World, Patterson shares her son Penelope's frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope's experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself.
Kindergarten - 5th grade
My Rainbow tells the story of a dedicated mom who puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal. Warm morning sunlight and love fill the Neal home.
Kindergarten - 5th grade
Prince & Knight is a children's picture book authored by Daniel Haack and illustrated by Stevie Lewis. Prince & Knight tells the story of a young prince who falls in love with a knight after the two work together to battle a dragon threatening the kingdom. At the conclusion of the book, the two wed.
Kindergarten - 5th grade
the story, Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All, the nine interconnected characters proudly describe themselves and their backgrounds, involving topics that range from a physical disability to language brokering, offering an opportunity to take pride in a personal story and connect to the collective struggle for justice.
6th Grade
In the town of Howler's Hollow, conjuring magic is strictly off-limits. Only nothing makes Delpha McGill's skin crawl more than rules. So when she finds her family's secret book of hexes, she's itching to use it to banish her mama's money troubles. She just has to keep it quieter than a church mouse -- not exactly Delpha's specialty.
6th Grade
Mysteriously, Ivy's drawings begin to reappear in her locker with notes from someone telling her to open up about her identity. Ivy thinks - and hopes - that this someone might be her classmate, another girl for whom Ivy has begun to develop a crush. Will Ivy find the strength and courage to follow her true feelings?
7th grade
But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend -- and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush.
7th Grade
Rahul Kapoor is heading into seventh grade in a small town in Indiana. The start of middle school is making him feel increasingly anxious, so his favorite person in the whole world, his grandfather, Bhai, gives him some well-meaning advice: Find one thing you’re really good at and become the BEST at it.
8th Grade
This book is about the Stonewall Riots, a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBTQ+) community in reaction to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Maryland Law as it relates to Health Education and Opting-Out your child.
Here is the relevant code from Maryland law about health Ed only:
Sec. 13a.04.18.01. Comprehensive Health Education Instructional Programs for Grades Prekindergarten—12
(e) Student Opt-Out.
(i) The local school system shall establish policies, guidelines, and/or procedures for student opt-out regarding instruction related to family life and human sexuality objectives.
(ii) For students opting out of family life and human sexuality instruction, each school shall establish a procedure for providing a student with appropriate alternative learning activities and/or assessments in health education.
(iii) Each school shall make arrangements to permit students opting out of the objectives related to family life and human sexuality to receive instruction concerning menstruation.
(iv) The local school system shall provide an opportunity for parents/guardians to view instructional materials to be used in the teaching of family life and human sexuality objectives.
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