Is this the end of parents in schools (ACPS)?

[Anonymous]

A concert which was scheduled to be outdoors was canceled and moved indoors but only on Facebook for parents (“weather”, no rain date option). A kindergarten graduation ceremony was virtual only, despite kids having been in school in person many without masks for quite some time now. I have never met my children’s teachers in person despite an invitation do to so (was told the meetings could be online, including our annual IEP meeting). I do not think that our only interaction with the school our children go to should be virtual only, especially with performances, concerts, and important meetings. Facebook isn’t even accessible to some parents. I am fine with having a virtual option, but is that all we can expect now?

I hear “COVID” and “safety” as generic reasons for this. But you can require parents to wear masks and have to schedule meetings, not just show up, or do performances outdoors if you’re worried about many people wandering the halls during the school day. I have been in the school twice now since March 2021, both for PTA sponsored evening activities.

What is your school doing re: parents in schools? I miss seeing my children in person, seeing their pride as they show me their hard work. Building an actual rapport with their teachers.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure OP but as a parent to a risking K'er in ACPS, I was disappointed to learn that there would be no opportunity to tour the school virtually or in person before DC starts. It feels very odd to never step foot into the building where my child will be in school. I agree that it's not hard to ask parents to mask up.

[Anonymous]

Our ACPS elementary didn't have any concerts this year (virtual or otherwise), so consider yourself lucky. At least your child got to participate in a concert. At our elementary it has been no concerts, no field trips, no field days, and no after-school activities. Oh, and no parents inside the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our ACPS elementary didn't have any concerts this year (virtual or otherwise), so consider yourself lucky. At least your child got to participate in a concert. At our elementary it has been no concerts, no field trips, no field days, and no after-school activities. Oh, and no parents inside the school.

We’ve also had no clubs, no enrichment, and no field trips, although it seems some others in ACPS have done field trips.

Where is the leadership and direction on this, so schools aren’t doing their own thing? Oh…. Right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our ACPS elementary didn't have any concerts this year (virtual or otherwise), so consider yourself lucky. At least your child got to participate in a concert. At our elementary it has been no concerts, no field trips, no field days, and no after-school activities. Oh, and no parents inside the school.

We’ve also had no clubs, no enrichment, and no field trips, although it seems some others in ACPS have done field trips.

Where is the leadership and direction on this, so schools aren’t doing their own thing? Oh…. Right.

Ha. First PP again to add no kindergarten graduation ceremony and no PTA events in our school either, which seems like it is on the far end of the spectrum. It stinks for the students.

[Anonymous]

Our ACPS school had orchestra/band concerts outside (limited attendance) and had/having K and 5th grade promotion events. Also a field day. Some of the grades got field trips this year.

Still no parents inside the school at all.

[Anonymous]

Can you please tell me what school won't let parents in the building?

[Anonymous]

Another parent of a rising kindergartener. I was also upset to learn that the open house wouldn't be in the building. I have been told that you're allowed to tour the building over the summer if you make an appointment.

[Anonymous]

I would never leave my child in a school where I was not welcome to visit. Find a new school this is a ridiculous ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you please tell me what school won't let parents in the building?

Are any ACPS elementary schools allowing parents in the buildings? I didn't think any of the east end ones were, but could be wrong.

[Anonymous]

I think at this point they need to embrace streaming all school events for parents who can't attend in person. Of course, they should also allow in person attendance as well.

[Anonymous]

I don't like it that parents can't go in the schools yet school board members are free to anytime they please (and then post the pictures of the kids to their social media accounts without parental permission). It's a bad look.

[Anonymous]

I agree that it's a bad look that school board members are visiting the schools yet there are no in person events or activities at my children's school. they are having field day tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

I am now curious as to what schools are not allowing parents in at all, and if it is tied to the socioeconomic position of the school. Ours had a talent show, field trips, and a PTA social. It has curtailed some 5th grade promotion events, but vocal pushback forced some to return. There is a field day with parent volunteers planned.

[Anonymous]

APS allowed parents into the school this school year starting in the fall. Doesn't seem right that Alexandria is still hiding behind covid when the schools are open and mask optional. I will contact the school board. I suggest you do the same. Hopefully things will change by September.