ACPS outdoor recess, indoor lunch/gym?!

[Anonymous]

Has anyone actually gotten a reasonable response on why Acps won’t consider outdoor lunch (or gym, even?!), particularly in elementary schools? In the town hall this afternoon they cited air quality, but the kids are outdoors for recess daily, so that doesn’t make sense. And if it rains, ok so skip that day, this doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Our elem school principal also cited dirt /germs as the reason when I asked over the summer. I mean, isn’t covid worse?? I’d be more than willing to help construct tents, wipe off mats, or whatever, despite having no time, and I’m sure others would too. Is there a way parents can pressure the district to make this happen? They keep blowing it off, seems pretty important to me and not that complicated.

[Anonymous]

THe PE teachers don't want to work outside all day.

[Anonymous]

Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This makes no sense. So, the answer is to put everyone at a higher risk of contracting covid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This makes no sense. So, the answer is to put everyone at a higher risk of contracting covid?

It does make sense. Equity is a higher priority for ACPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This is the battle cry of ACPS. If all students/schools cannot [X], then no student/school can [X].

I have two elementary aged students, both of whom have about 1/3 of their class currently quarantined. Their school has the most, or is tied for the most, cases this school year out of all ACPS schools. More needs to be done, including empowering principals to implement unique solutions for their individual schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

Our elem school doesn’t have ‘suitable’ space. But there is space. They could use it with minimal creativity by seating kids on the ground. I don’t see why picnic tables are a requirement,

[Anonymous]

I don’t know why people can’t understand that PE is an actual class with curriculum. Kids are fatter and more out of shape than ever. The long term effect from obesity is much greater than the chances of a child getting seriously ill from Covid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:THe PE teachers don't want to work outside all day.

Maybe they could rotate, so some classes are outside each day? Some seems better than none.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know why people can’t understand that PE is an actual class with curriculum. Kids are fatter and more out of shape than ever. The long term effect from obesity is much greater than the chances of a child getting seriously ill from Covid

I wasn’t implying that gym isn’t a real class. Just that it has a curriculum that could happen more safely outside. Since recess is already active and outside, it stands to reason that gym could as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This is the battle cry of ACPS. If all students/schools cannot [X], then no student/school can [X].

I have two elementary aged students, both of whom have about 1/3 of their class currently quarantined. Their school has the most, or is tied for the most, cases this school year out of all ACPS schools. More needs to be done, including empowering principals to implement unique solutions for their individual schools.

Correct.

Just accept that outdoor lunch isn't going to happen. It isn't equitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This makes no sense. So, the answer is to put everyone at a higher risk of contracting covid?

It does make sense. Equity is a higher priority for ACPS.

What good is equity if you kill off or cause serious illness to your students?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This makes no sense. So, the answer is to put everyone at a higher risk of contracting covid?

It does make sense. Equity is a higher priority for ACPS.

What good is equity if you kill off or cause serious illness to your students?

ACPS has pledged equity for all. I don't recall where they said "equity sometimes".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not every elementary school has suitable outdoor space therefore it isn't equitable.

This makes no sense. So, the answer is to put everyone at a higher risk of contracting covid?

It does make sense. Equity is a higher priority for ACPS.

What good is equity if you kill off or cause serious illness to your students?

ACPS has pledged equity for all. I don't recall where they said "equity sometimes".

I thought their first duty was not to kill their students or put them at risk of serious illness. Sometimes practical judgments need to be made. Hutchings would rather put all his students at greater risk than at least reducing the risk where possible. If ACPS does have a student death from covid, the blood will be on Hutchings’ hands.

[Anonymous]

“Equity” has turned into a crutch used as an excuse and justification for failure to act. It’s disgusting. Shame on Hutchings and ACPS.

Putting more kids at risk of contracting COVID all in the name of equity. Sick!