Organizing to lobby DC to allow larger class sizes under Phase 2/3

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ha ha. I bet you also think it was a random oversight that they didn’t give full time school as an option. They totally wanted to get real feedback on that option, they just forgot...

No it’s not a random oversight. But I don’t know how to make clear to you that DCPS HAS BEEN VERY CLEAR SCHOOL IS GOING TO BE A HYBRID FOR 2020-2021. They have said it over and over. They showed you on the survey. So at this point you are being dense for refusing to acknowledge what is right in front of your eyes and plan accordingly.

They have already committed to going hybrid for all of next year?

They are going to go hybrid until there is a vaccine. they made that explicit! They are just trying to figure out the hybrid model.

That is absolutely insane. What if there isn't a vaccine early next year like everybody seems to think? What if it takes more than a couple of months to get it widely administered?? The kids are screwed.

Then we will see. Most likely there won't be a good vaccine until at least next spring. The kids are screwed. So is everyone else and the people who die or get serious complications from this disease are the most screwed. This is new to everyone and nothing is certain or for sure and plans will keep being changed and updated. Any employer or parent who thinks this was a blip and everything back to normal in a couple months is delusional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which training made sure we are compliant with IDEA??? The 2 hour OSSE webinar where they told us to make a distance learning plan? That’s compliance?
We will be back- in August. Start figuring out how to go back to work. Or, quit and let folks who want to teach do the job.

Are you actually a teacher? If you are, you would know that DCPS has never cared about students with disabilities. Their programs and inane policies actively harm and get in the way of teaching. Every year they go over the recommended numbers for self contained programs and don’t care. They do it since they know many students are OOB and the parents will never know there are too many kids in the room. They don’t staff special education teachers in the proper numbers so that all students IEP hours can be met. DCPS central office knows this and does not care.

We won’t be back full time in August and will most likely be full time distance learning at some point in the year. Use the next month to figure out how you are going to provide services for kids, not complain about the osse webinar or the 20 min webinar put on the DSI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

But I think the point is that if all the DC employees are being counted as trained contact tracers, then the numbers are at least partially reflecting people who in fact will never do any contact tracing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

But I think the point is that if all the DC employees are being counted as trained contact tracers, then the numbers are at least partially reflecting people who in fact will never do any contact tracing.

Or, if they are needed, they are prepared to do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

Masks are essential. No matter what, if you aren't comfortable sending your kid to school (assuming it opens at all for in-person learning) you can keep them home, where they can go maskless.

"Not liking it" is no excuse. No one likes it. But you need to get them used to it now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

Masks are essential. No matter what, if you aren't comfortable sending your kid to school (assuming it opens at all for in-person learning) you can keep them home, where they can go maskless.

"Not liking it" is no excuse. No one likes it. But you need to get them used to it now.

Most of the DC mask restrictions exempt kids under 9 and just “recommend” that kids 2-8 wear masks. I don’t think PKers will be required to wear masks. I actually think teachers continually helping kids put them back on will put them more at risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

But I think the point is that if all the DC employees are being counted as trained contact tracers, then the numbers are at least partially reflecting people who in fact will never do any contact tracing.

Or, if they are needed, they are prepared to do it.

I did the required trainings. They took about half an hour total. Even if they decided to redeploy teachers as contact tracers, I don't feel remotely prepared to do the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

Masks are essential. No matter what, if you aren't comfortable sending your kid to school (assuming it opens at all for in-person learning) you can keep them home, where they can go maskless.

"Not liking it" is no excuse. No one likes it. But you need to get them used to it now.

Most of the DC mask restrictions exempt kids under 9 and just “recommend” that kids 2-8 wear masks. I don’t think PKers will be required to wear masks. I actually think teachers continually helping kids put them back on will put them more at risk.

I don't see how we can keep teachers safe if we don't require that students consistently wear masks. Teachers will not generally have to continually help kids put them back on if parents start practicing with their children now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

Masks are essential. No matter what, if you aren't comfortable sending your kid to school (assuming it opens at all for in-person learning) you can keep them home, where they can go maskless.

"Not liking it" is no excuse. No one likes it. But you need to get them used to it now.

Most of the DC mask restrictions exempt kids under 9 and just “recommend” that kids 2-8 wear masks. I don’t think PKers will be required to wear masks. I actually think teachers continually helping kids put them back on will put them more at risk.

I don't see how we can keep teachers safe if we don't require that students consistently wear masks. Teachers will not generally have to continually help kids put them back on if parents start practicing with their children now.

Yeah they will... We’re talking about 3-5 year olds. They should actually just allocate teachers N95s instead. It would actually be more protective in any case.

[Anonymous]

Why wouldn't I want small class sizes? Your kid would get a lot more out of being in a class of 6, with focused teacher attention, two days a week, than a class with 25 kids and virtually no individual attention 5 days a week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

Masks are essential. No matter what, if you aren't comfortable sending your kid to school (assuming it opens at all for in-person learning) you can keep them home, where they can go maskless.

"Not liking it" is no excuse. No one likes it. But you need to get them used to it now.

Most of the DC mask restrictions exempt kids under 9 and just “recommend” that kids 2-8 wear masks. I don’t think PKers will be required to wear masks. I actually think teachers continually helping kids put them back on will put them more at risk.

I don't see how we can keep teachers safe if we don't require that students consistently wear masks. Teachers will not generally have to continually help kids put them back on if parents start practicing with their children now.

Yeah they will... We’re talking about 3-5 year olds. They should actually just allocate teachers N95s instead. It would actually be more protective in any case.

I'm not talking about 3-5 year olds. I'm talking about 9-10 year olds, and they should be able to wear a mask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

Not yet...when school starts back up people will start pushing to not wear masks. My kid doesn’t like them....it’s too hot....my kid can’t understand what the teacher is saying...etc. it will start, don’t worry.

Masks are essential. No matter what, if you aren't comfortable sending your kid to school (assuming it opens at all for in-person learning) you can keep them home, where they can go maskless.

"Not liking it" is no excuse. No one likes it. But you need to get them used to it now.

Most of the DC mask restrictions exempt kids under 9 and just “recommend” that kids 2-8 wear masks. I don’t think PKers will be required to wear masks. I actually think teachers continually helping kids put them back on will put them more at risk.

I don't see how we can keep teachers safe if we don't require that students consistently wear masks. Teachers will not generally have to continually help kids put them back on if parents start practicing with their children now.

Yeah they will... We’re talking about 3-5 year olds. They should actually just allocate teachers N95s instead. It would actually be more protective in any case.

I'm not talking about 3-5 year olds. I'm talking about 9-10 year olds, and they should be able to wear a mask.

I mean, you’re responding to a post only talking about 2-8 year olds and specifically mentioning PKers, so I’m not sure who you think is disagreeing with you about 9-10 year olds?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So far, has the mayor changed or disregarded any of the task force’s recommendations? I don’t think so.

However DC’s metrics are good. As of yesterday we are just one of 10 states to have sufficient contact tracers, for example. That’s a big deal and should help us get back to normal sooner, vaccine or not. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/18/879787448/as-states-reopen-do-they-have-the-workforce-they-need-to-stop-coronavirus-outbre

Thinking of the classrooms at my kid’s school I don’t think they can fit even 10 students in and keep them 6 feet apart.

We have so many contact tracers because all DC govt employees were required to take the contact tracing training.

So what? More than most states have managed. And at least no one around here is pushing people not to wear masks.

But I think the point is that if all the DC employees are being counted as trained contact tracers, then the numbers are at least partially reflecting people who in fact will never do any contact tracing.

Or, if they are needed, they are prepared to do it.

I did the required trainings. They took about half an hour total. Even if they decided to redeploy teachers as contact tracers, I don't feel remotely prepared to do the job.

+1

We were not prepared to contact trace. It was a really short training, and we are not contact tracers. There is no where in my teaching contract that says I need to become a public health employee at the will of the mayor. Use some common sense.