DCPS Employee Return to In Person Work Guidance

[Anonymous]

I really think DCPS should say NOW that regardless of how the upcoming school year is handled, families will have the choice to have their child repeat the year, if the want, no questions asked, no assessment. My child is going into 9th and I don’t want his first year of high school to be a total bust, academically and socially. But it’s becoming clear that it will be. I’d feel better about going with whatever I’d decided for this upcoming year if I knew my son could hit recent for SY 21-22 if we want.

[Anonymous]

*reset

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

Not everyone who is 65 or older with a preexisting health condition automatically qualifies for paid leave. Also, young people get sick and die from COVID-19, too. Even if they don’t die, the long-term effects on the organs are detrimental to quality of life and may hinder future employment options. It’s a myth that it only affects older adults. I am in my 30s and three of my friends who are my age, in near perfect health with no preexisting conditions were hospitalized for at least one month due to COVID-19. None have fully “recovered” so far. If teachers are to return buildings, they should be considered essential employees and receive hazard pay and access to childcare. All workers deemed essential should receive hazard pay and access to childcare.

PP. Excuse me. That should say, “If teachers are to return *to buildings...”

Teachers: would hazard pay and access to child care do it?

It would be helpful if we had something to advocate for here. That we also want.

Speaking for myself. I don’t need hazard pay. I want safety protocols to be followed. I was DCPS held accountable for what they claim they are going to do. I want clean classrooms. I want them to provide Clorox wipes and sanitizer. I want them to provide soap in student and teacher bathrooms. I want them to do temp check and actually send people home when they are sick. I want them to follow their own rules.

Very reasonable.

I’m not DCPS but a charter parent, but I think all parents could push for this. Thing is how, because they will just say it’s going to happen. I’m not sure how to repair broken trust and make it happen. In our school, the PTO would take it up (if need be) but that isn’t enough, especially if parents aren’t allowed in the buildings. Still this seems solvable. It is something the media should really pick up...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really think DCPS should say NOW that regardless of how the upcoming school year is handled, families will have the choice to have their child repeat the year, if the want, no questions asked, no assessment. My child is going into 9th and I don’t want his first year of high school to be a total bust, academically and socially. But it’s becoming clear that it will be. I’d feel better about going with whatever I’d decided for this upcoming year if I knew my son could hit recent for SY 21-22 if we want.

Then homeschool for the year. File paperwork with OSSE - that’s easy. There is no way they will promise that. You might hear some stuff about discussing it at end of 20-21, best interest of kid, or if it is appropriate, we will consider all factors, etc.

But if you withdraw you have more power when you return.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

Not everyone who is 65 or older with a preexisting health condition automatically qualifies for paid leave. Also, young people get sick and die from COVID-19, too. Even if they don’t die, the long-term effects on the organs are detrimental to quality of life and may hinder future employment options. It’s a myth that it only affects older adults. I am in my 30s and three of my friends who are my age, in near perfect health with no preexisting conditions were hospitalized for at least one month due to COVID-19. None have fully “recovered” so far. If teachers are to return buildings, they should be considered essential employees and receive hazard pay and access to childcare. All workers deemed essential should receive hazard pay and access to childcare.

I'm not aware of anyone who claims that it only affects adults. But the fact is, if you look at the numbers, that severe cases among healthy, younger people of normal weight are extremely rare. I am sorry your group of friends has been hit so particularly hard, but they are by no means representative of the general population.

Also, "even if you don't die", long-term effects on other organs are also a rare complication. Of course there will be cases of that given the overall number of Covid infections, but your posts suggested that such an outcome would be pretty much guaranteed, which is misleading.

[Anonymous]

I do agree that teachers should be considered essential and receive childcare. I don't know that hazard pay is likely as that is not a common practice.

Have DCPS teachers asked for essential worker childcare? Is that being offered in MCPS? I know Maryland has done a great job of offering childcare centers.

[Anonymous]

hello- so do not forget, they have not put forward a plan, just an idea. MANY teachers want to go back- but those with kids do need an idea of the days we will be in the building. The very last thing I want to do is over commit to being there and screw over my students and school.

Ask DCPS for a real plan (days, weeks, hours) but for in person and distance learning.

Then- ask us to commit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do agree that teachers should be considered essential and receive childcare. I don't know that hazard pay is likely as that is not a common practice.

Have DCPS teachers asked for essential worker childcare? Is that being offered in MCPS? I know Maryland has done a great job of offering childcare centers.

OK, or what about teachers are able to enroll their kids in DCPS for this year? That would be a huge win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really think DCPS should say NOW that regardless of how the upcoming school year is handled, families will have the choice to have their child repeat the year, if the want, no questions asked, no assessment. My child is going into 9th and I don’t want his first year of high school to be a total bust, academically and socially. But it’s becoming clear that it will be. I’d feel better about going with whatever I’d decided for this upcoming year if I knew my son could hit recent for SY 21-22 if we want.

Agreed, but I don’t see them being able to do that due to volume. But we are *sort of* doing that and I’m not going to lie...I am so relieved and happy. We got the school on board with our child repeating last year’s grade. We were already hoping to do this before COVID hit and our child is young for the grade so it is more of a redshirting, but the added emphasis on and relief from doing it now is exponential. I’m no longer worried about the coming year.

[Anonymous]

Here is a new article that sums up what we know about kids and Covid and schools so far:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/parents-need-facts-kids-covid-19/613744/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is a new article that sums up what we know about kids and Covid and schools so far:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/parents-need-facts-kids-covid-19/613744/

Once again, for the friends in the back. This is fine. You can get someone to write anything.
But, make DCPS come up with an ACTUAL plan. With dates and times. Thats it.

If its all good to open up- then make a dammed plan. Why is this so confusing for folks?

[Anonymous]

Teachers: would hazard pay and access to child care do it?

It would be helpful if we had something to advocate for here. That we also want.


Speaking for myself. I don’t need hazard pay. I want safety protocols to be followed. I was DCPS held accountable for what they claim they are going to do. I want clean classrooms. I want them to provide Clorox wipes and sanitizer. I want them to provide soap in student and teacher bathrooms. I want them to do temp check and actually send people home when they are sick. I want them to follow their own rules.

DCPS teacher here and I totally agree.

Last year the student bathrooms in my area of the school were without soap for at least 4 months. I sent at least weekly message (emails and phone calls) asking for soap. No soap in the staff bathrooms either. We started to bring our own. When I cleaned out my classroom, there was no evidence anywhere of even a light cleaning. Admin at our school regularly say, "everyone will have access to _______ (working computers for testing, copies of class texts, access to functioning copiers, access to printers, etc.) and there is no follow through. Teachers are used to this, so we manage and get creative. However, our health and the health of our students is central in this case. So what happens when we show up to work and there is no soap, no hand sanitizer, someone didn't do the temperature checks and our classrooms haven't been cleaned? Teachers can't just walk out on our classes.

Childcare would be a huge help as well, but I have no faith that DCPS will figure that out, so I am tryin to make alternate arrangements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is a new article that sums up what we know about kids and Covid and schools so far:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/parents-need-facts-kids-covid-19/613744/

Oh look! An article I found on the Internet! With experts and everything! https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2020/06/26/coronavirus-indoor-air-schools-offices/

[Anonymous]

Just look at what is happening in other states that have reopened. Teachers and students are getting sick.

https://news4sanantonio.com/news/coronavirus/more-than-300-children-in-texas-day-cares-have-caught-covid-19-and-the-numbers-are-rising

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Teachers: would hazard pay and access to child care do it?

It would be helpful if we had something to advocate for here. That we also want.

Speaking for myself. I don’t need hazard pay. I want safety protocols to be followed. I was DCPS held accountable for what they claim they are going to do. I want clean classrooms. I want them to provide Clorox wipes and sanitizer. I want them to provide soap in student and teacher bathrooms. I want them to do temp check and actually send people home when they are sick. I want them to follow their own rules.

DCPS teacher here and I totally agree.

Last year the student bathrooms in my area of the school were without soap for at least 4 months. I sent at least weekly message (emails and phone calls) asking for soap. No soap in the staff bathrooms either. We started to bring our own. When I cleaned out my classroom, there was no evidence anywhere of even a light cleaning. Admin at our school regularly say, "everyone will have access to _______ (working computers for testing, copies of class texts, access to functioning copiers, access to printers, etc.) and there is no follow through. Teachers are used to this, so we manage and get creative. However, our health and the health of our students is central in this case. So what happens when we show up to work and there is no soap, no hand sanitizer, someone didn't do the temperature checks and our classrooms haven't been cleaned? Teachers can't just walk out on our classes.

Childcare would be a huge help as well, but I have no faith that DCPS will figure that out, so I am tryin to make alternate arrangements.

I’m OP of the thread. This is what I have been saying. I very much want to go back, but if DCPS doesn’t follow through, it seems there’s no recourse besides use my own leave or quit. Why would I risk that when I can just sign up for DL teaching now? My classroom is routinely covered in mouse droppings, including in student food bins sent from the cafeteria. When I packed up my “cleaned” room, mouse droppings were everywhere. There is no trust. I want a clear, detailed plan for what they are saying they will do, and guidance when it’s not followed. “Enhanced cleaning” for my room could mean they sanitize once a year, vacuum once a week, take out trash every day. It’s meaningless without details of what I should expect.