Unvaccinated Students & School Closures

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

Yes, that was under the presumption of the prior rules. The rules were updated June 25th, and I was unaware.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Something PP just made up

[Anonymous]

Masks should be required across the board. There would be no way to enforce a rule that says if you're vaxxed/no mask if you're not/masks without requiring documentation of vaccination. My understanding is they can't require this documentation right now because the vaccine isn't FDA approved.

Private schools from the outset upgraded their HVAC systems to units that circulate 100 percent fresh air into the room every 30 minutes. They required rapid tests every week. Parents signed forms promising not to travel to high-risk areas without getting a covid test upon return. DCPS just got a bucketload of money which could be used to make our schools safer. They've seen the success the private schools had, in part because of these measures. These things are possible, but I promise you very little is being done. Why? Because DCPS.

I'm an elementary school parent and I'll be getting my kids vaxxed when they're eligible. I hope other parents will do the same because that's our best hope for protecting our kids this fall when the Delta variant will likely be surging. Don't bet DCPS will be doing anything.

(And yes, we're saving for private, but just can't afford it yet).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Masks should be required across the board. There would be no way to enforce a rule that says if you're vaxxed/no mask if you're not/masks without requiring documentation of vaccination. My understanding is they can't require this documentation right now because the vaccine isn't FDA approved.

Private schools from the outset upgraded their HVAC systems to units that circulate 100 percent fresh air into the room every 30 minutes. They required rapid tests every week. Parents signed forms promising not to travel to high-risk areas without getting a covid test upon return. DCPS just got a bucketload of money which could be used to make our schools safer. They've seen the success the private schools had, in part because of these measures. These things are possible, but I promise you very little is being done. Why? Because DCPS.

I'm an elementary school parent and I'll be getting my kids vaxxed when they're eligible. I hope other parents will do the same because that's our best hope for protecting our kids this fall when the Delta variant will likely be surging. Don't bet DCPS will be doing anything.

(And yes, we're saving for private, but just can't afford it yet).

Meh....I know teachers at private schools who said that they didn't really do anything for air circulation beyond open the windows and accept that class was going to be jackets. Plus there were rolling samples for testing (not rapid), and those weren't universal.

And didn't DCPS go through litigation with WTU to show that they had upgraded buildings to various covid-safe levels?

My point: I wouldn't assume that (at least) all privates did the things you say, and I don't think DCPS was as bad as what you say.

I agree with you that everyone who can get vaxxed should (including teachers and staff).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Masks should be required across the board. There would be no way to enforce a rule that says if you're vaxxed/no mask if you're not/masks without requiring documentation of vaccination. My understanding is they can't require this documentation right now because the vaccine isn't FDA approved.

Private schools from the outset upgraded their HVAC systems to units that circulate 100 percent fresh air into the room every 30 minutes. They required rapid tests every week. Parents signed forms promising not to travel to high-risk areas without getting a covid test upon return. DCPS just got a bucketload of money which could be used to make our schools safer. They've seen the success the private schools had, in part because of these measures. These things are possible, but I promise you very little is being done. Why? Because DCPS.

I'm an elementary school parent and I'll be getting my kids vaxxed when they're eligible. I hope other parents will do the same because that's our best hope for protecting our kids this fall when the Delta variant will likely be surging. Don't bet DCPS will be doing anything.

(And yes, we're saving for private, but just can't afford it yet).

Meh....I know teachers at private schools who said that they didn't really do anything for air circulation beyond open the windows and accept that class was going to be jackets. Plus there were rolling samples for testing (not rapid), and those weren't universal.

And didn't DCPS go through litigation with WTU to show that they had upgraded buildings to various covid-safe levels?

My point: I wouldn't assume that (at least) all privates did the things you say, and I don't think DCPS was as bad as what you say.

I agree with you that everyone who can get vaxxed should (including teachers and staff).

Not all privates are created equal, but I know of four (first hand) who did in fact get their HVAC systems upgraded. On the testing, you're right that it wasn't the rapid testing. It was the one that you get results back in three days, which isn't ideal but better than nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Masks should be required across the board. There would be no way to enforce a rule that says if you're vaxxed/no mask if you're not/masks without requiring documentation of vaccination. My understanding is they can't require this documentation right now because the vaccine isn't FDA approved.

Private schools from the outset upgraded their HVAC systems to units that circulate 100 percent fresh air into the room every 30 minutes. They required rapid tests every week. Parents signed forms promising not to travel to high-risk areas without getting a covid test upon return. DCPS just got a bucketload of money which could be used to make our schools safer. They've seen the success the private schools had, in part because of these measures. These things are possible, but I promise you very little is being done. Why? Because DCPS.

I'm an elementary school parent and I'll be getting my kids vaxxed when they're eligible. I hope other parents will do the same because that's our best hope for protecting our kids this fall when the Delta variant will likely be surging. Don't bet DCPS will be doing anything.

(And yes, we're saving for private, but just can't afford it yet).

Meh....I know teachers at private schools who said that they didn't really do anything for air circulation beyond open the windows and accept that class was going to be jackets. Plus there were rolling samples for testing (not rapid), and those weren't universal.

And didn't DCPS go through litigation with WTU to show that they had upgraded buildings to various covid-safe levels?

My point: I wouldn't assume that (at least) all privates did the things you say, and I don't think DCPS was as bad as what you say.

I agree with you that everyone who can get vaxxed should (including teachers and staff).

Not all privates are created equal, but I know of four (first hand) who did in fact get their HVAC systems upgraded. On the testing, you're right that it wasn't the rapid testing. It was the one that you get results back in three days, which isn't ideal but better than nothing.

There was just a story about how many of these advanced HVAC systems are making claims that haven’t actually been tested and schools are spending boatloads of money on them. Just food for thought.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/coronavirus/2021-06-17/more-than-100-missouri-schools-have-bought-often-unproven-air-cleaning-technology[url]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Masks should be required across the board. There would be no way to enforce a rule that says if you're vaxxed/no mask if you're not/masks without requiring documentation of vaccination. My understanding is they can't require this documentation right now because the vaccine isn't FDA approved.

Private schools from the outset upgraded their HVAC systems to units that circulate 100 percent fresh air into the room every 30 minutes. They required rapid tests every week. Parents signed forms promising not to travel to high-risk areas without getting a covid test upon return. DCPS just got a bucketload of money which could be used to make our schools safer. They've seen the success the private schools had, in part because of these measures. These things are possible, but I promise you very little is being done. Why? Because DCPS.

I'm an elementary school parent and I'll be getting my kids vaxxed when they're eligible. I hope other parents will do the same because that's our best hope for protecting our kids this fall when the Delta variant will likely be surging. Don't bet DCPS will be doing anything.

(And yes, we're saving for private, but just can't afford it yet).

Meh....I know teachers at private schools who said that they didn't really do anything for air circulation beyond open the windows and accept that class was going to be jackets. Plus there were rolling samples for testing (not rapid), and those weren't universal.

And didn't DCPS go through litigation with WTU to show that they had upgraded buildings to various covid-safe levels?

My point: I wouldn't assume that (at least) all privates did the things you say, and I don't think DCPS was as bad as what you say.

I agree with you that everyone who can get vaxxed should (including teachers and staff).

Not all privates are created equal, but I know of four (first hand) who did in fact get their HVAC systems upgraded. On the testing, you're right that it wasn't the rapid testing. It was the one that you get results back in three days, which isn't ideal but better than nothing.

DCPS did sample-based testing, too, right? With PCR (meaning: not rapid)? Something like every 10 days? (I'm at a charter so not familiar with DCPS's testing, but I recall seeing threads about testing at Lafayette.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

That’s not gonna happen.

If she cared about that she wouldn’t have allowed Ward 3 to open some elementary schools 4 full days a week while Ward 7 and 8 stayed distance learning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

Within a school you might see something similar:
1. A student tests positive for covid
2. the exposed technically (I think) are divided by vax status as to whether or not they need to quarantine for two weeks. Vaxxed kids don't need to quarantine and can remain IPL. Unvaxxed need to learn from home.
3. The kids in person are more likely to be white, while the kids at home are more likely to be Black
4. Equity concern? So the principal has everyone learn from home.

(This is all assuming the teacher is vaxxed and is willing to share vaccination status)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

That’s not gonna happen.

If she cared about that she wouldn’t have allowed Ward 3 to open some elementary schools 4 full days a week while Ward 7 and 8 stayed distance learning.

+1. Ward 7 and 8 will be most affected by school closure because they have the lowest vaccination rate. Other school will continue to stay open and operate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

Within a school you might see something similar:
1. A student tests positive for covid
2. the exposed technically (I think) are divided by vax status as to whether or not they need to quarantine for two weeks. Vaxxed kids don't need to quarantine and can remain IPL. Unvaxxed need to learn from home.
3. The kids in person are more likely to be white, while the kids at home are more likely to be Black
4. Equity concern? So the principal has everyone learn from home.

(This is all assuming the teacher is vaxxed and is willing to share vaccination status)

+1000

This is the scenario I see as most likely. Everyone will be sent home for equity purposes (but really it’s to avoid the optics politically).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

Within a school you might see something similar:
1. A student tests positive for covid
2. the exposed technically (I think) are divided by vax status as to whether or not they need to quarantine for two weeks. Vaxxed kids don't need to quarantine and can remain IPL. Unvaxxed need to learn from home.
3. The kids in person are more likely to be white, while the kids at home are more likely to be Black
4. Equity concern? So the principal has everyone learn from home.

(This is all assuming the teacher is vaxxed and is willing to share vaccination status)

+1000

This is the scenario I see as most likely. Everyone will be sent home for equity purposes (but really it’s to avoid the optics politically).

This is what I see happening too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you think schools must close down if an unvaccinated student gets covid?

Not the OP, but certainly all those exposed would have to be quarantined for two weeks (under current rules). In a high school with students switching classes this means the exposure could range across several groups of kids and teachers. So is not the whole school, but it could be a number of kids/teachers. And that’s just one positive test.

Incorrect. DOH calls/screens everyone exposed in a school setting (the the "close contacts" however defined), but fully vaccinated students are told by DOH they are not required to quarantine. Schools are not required to shut down, although those with larger number of unvaccinated exposures might choose to do so for equity reasons. Of course this is not fair for the vaccinated. Students who are eligible to be vaccinated should get vaccinated or suffer these inconveniences (even though their parents are to blame). At least that's how it works in charters.

what is closing for "equity reasons"??? that makes no sense.

Here is what could happen:
1. Thanks to low vaccination rates in Wards 7 and 8, there are some positive cases in schools in that part of the city.
2. School leaders panic and shut down those schools.
3. The Mayor, seeing the press stories of shutting down Ward 7 and 8 schools while keeping schools open in more affluent areas, shuts down schools citywide.

Within a school you might see something similar:
1. A student tests positive for covid
2. the exposed technically (I think) are divided by vax status as to whether or not they need to quarantine for two weeks. Vaxxed kids don't need to quarantine and can remain IPL. Unvaxxed need to learn from home.
3. The kids in person are more likely to be white, while the kids at home are more likely to be Black
4. Equity concern? So the principal has everyone learn from home.

(This is all assuming the teacher is vaxxed and is willing to share vaccination status)

+1000

This is the scenario I see as most likely. Everyone will be sent home for equity purposes (but really it’s to avoid the optics politically).

This is what I see happening too.

And at that point I hope they just let the teacher teach from home because what that admin made a PP do (come in and teach from the teacher’s lounge) is ridiculous and shows a lack of respect as a professional.