PETITION: MCPS Board of Eduction - Keep Schools Open for In-Person Learning!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Please sign this petition to keep doing what we are doing! I am an upper middle class Bethesda mom! Do the thing I say that you are already doing NOW!"

Do you think the working middle class parents outside of Bethesda have the means to supervise their kids during virtual learning?

Yeah, actually, see-- not all of them do, but here's what I know.

Working class parents* outside of Bethesda are sending their kids to school right now, sometimes even with suspected COVID or a close contact, because they have those working class jobs that don't let them just take off. If they were to keep their kids home, they would be truant (which has greater consequences to them than UMC Bethesda parents), they would have no supervision, and they wouldn't be in school-- they'd be home, likely alone or with an older sibling, with no structure.

If school were virtual for everyone, it would be virtual for everyone, which means parents could organize with a few others in their communities to trade off childcare duties, the kids would at least potentially have the structure of virtual school, they wouldn't miss classes and they wouldn't be flagged for truancy.

It's one reason most of "those" parents chose virtual in the spring, and this is largely what they did.

And lol at "supervise their kids during virtual learning." Yes, they should have someone there, and preferably keeping the youngest at least occasionally on-task with a reminder or 5. But I suspect your definition of "supervise" is a lot more involved, which certainly would be a high bar to clear!


*Many, not all! I'm sure there are WC non-Bethesdans who greatly prefer in-person. They seem to be in the minority, though.

A huge number of working women ended up leaving the workforce, in part, because of virtual learning. And then they have a harder time getting back into the workforce. It always falls on the women.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-women-jobs/pushed-out-by-pandemic-women-struggle-to-regain-footing-in-u-s-job-market-idUSKBN2AW19Y

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

Thank you!!!!

-DP who has sent this link around, usually to significant pushback from people who claim to care about kids' health and safety. Because they know so much more than CHOP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

People only want to listen to the experts when it fits their narrative. Otherwise, they have a "but but but.." mentality. Their anxiety and fear over ride rational thinking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

People only want to listen to the experts when it fits their narrative. Otherwise, they have a "but but but.." mentality. Their anxiety and fear over ride rational thinking.

Yep! I am waiting for someone to chime in that CHOP obviously wants black and brown children and their grandparents to die. That's where we are . . . still.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

People only want to listen to the experts when it fits their narrative. Otherwise, they have a "but but but.." mentality. Their anxiety and fear over ride rational thinking.

Yep! I am waiting for someone to chime in that CHOP obviously wants black and brown children and their grandparents to die. That's where we are . . . still.

August 2021. Irrelevant now with omicron.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

People only want to listen to the experts when it fits their narrative. Otherwise, they have a "but but but.." mentality. Their anxiety and fear over ride rational thinking.

Dr. Travis Gayles, which I know many of you worship, frequently referenced CHOP guidance when closing schools in 2020. Just like all public health guidance, it changes with more data. But you cannot deny that this is an excellent reference for guidance. Just signed the petition!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

People only want to listen to the experts when it fits their narrative. Otherwise, they have a "but but but.." mentality. Their anxiety and fear over ride rational thinking.

Yep! I am waiting for someone to chime in that CHOP obviously wants black and brown children and their grandparents to die. That's where we are . . . still.

August 2021. Irrelevant now with omicron.

DP. It says January 2022 right at the top. It's a very current update from an August 2021 document.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

With evidence that COVID-19 is becoming a milder infection in most children, and at a time when all
adults and youth in K-12 settings have been offered vaccination, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(CHOP) and PolicyLab at CHOP support in-person education, even in times of significant community
transmission, and propose new guidance that reduces excessive burden to school staff and families.

https://policylab.chop.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/publications/PolicyLab-Guidance-In-person-Education-K-12%20Educational-Settings-January-2022.pdf

People only want to listen to the experts when it fits their narrative. Otherwise, they have a "but but but.." mentality. Their anxiety and fear over ride rational thinking.

I mean that’s been true of literally everyone in this whole sorry saga — only caring about the science/the “others” when it fits their interests...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

Do you even read the things you post? They went virtual during the winter session (first three weeks of January) to promote reduced campus density. That was not a decision on a regular semester. They are starting classes January 24 in person. Also, during the three week pause, some learning did occur in person, such as those with labs and clinical requirements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

Do you even read the things you post? They went virtual during the winter session (first three weeks of January) to promote reduced campus density. That was not a decision on a regular semester. They are starting classes January 24 in person. Also, during the three week pause, some learning did occur in person, such as those with labs and clinical requirements.

Moreover, colleges have to worry about dorms. Elementary schools don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

Do you even read the things you post? They went virtual during the winter session (first three weeks of January) to promote reduced campus density. That was not a decision on a regular semester. They are starting classes January 24 in person. Also, during the three week pause, some learning did occur in person, such as those with labs and clinical requirements.

A 3 week pause sounds like a great idea!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

Do you even read the things you post? They went virtual during the winter session (first three weeks of January) to promote reduced campus density. That was not a decision on a regular semester. They are starting classes January 24 in person. Also, during the three week pause, some learning did occur in person, such as those with labs and clinical requirements.

A 3 week pause sounds like a great idea!

Just three weeks. Then another three weeks because it is not safe yet. Then we have to wait for boosters for 5 to 11 year olds. Then we have to wait for the fourth shot for adults. Then we have to wait for a vaccine for 0 to 5. Then the new variant is here and we can't go back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

Do you even read the things you post? They went virtual during the winter session (first three weeks of January) to promote reduced campus density. That was not a decision on a regular semester. They are starting classes January 24 in person. Also, during the three week pause, some learning did occur in person, such as those with labs and clinical requirements.

No one said semester and J Term is normally in person. I think HGSE has a huge role to play in the optics of this. As an alum, if they are promoting schools stay open right now fully in person, they should too. Dorms aren’t an issue for grad students. Actions matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Might be best to leave this decision up to public health experts.

And experts in education and child development.

Guess what? They all agree that in-person learning should be prioritized. So... yeah. No need to petition, unless you want to show your support. I'd rather email leadership directly to thank them for putting kids first, for a change.

And of course the leading experts in education have gone remote themselves during the surge:

“ the University determined the best course of action was for us all to be remote for the first three weeks of January. The hope is to reduce the risk of on-campus transmission following holiday travel and gatherings and lessen the stress on local healthcare systems. In other words, this is planned as a temporary measure designed to protect us at what is anticipated to be the height of the Omicron surge.”


https://www.gse.harvard.edu/spring-semester-2022-covid-updates-dean-bridget-long

Do you even read the things you post? They went virtual during the winter session (first three weeks of January) to promote reduced campus density. That was not a decision on a regular semester. They are starting classes January 24 in person. Also, during the three week pause, some learning did occur in person, such as those with labs and clinical requirements.

No one said semester and J Term is normally in person. I think HGSE has a huge role to play in the optics of this. As an alum, if they are promoting schools stay open right now fully in person, they should too. Dorms aren’t an issue for grad students. Actions matter.

DP, but come on. You *know* (or, you should) that K-12 education differs greatly from undergraduate and graduate school in terms of what can and cannot be done remotely and also the foundational role it plays in someone's life. It's disingenuous to claim otherwise.