Building on ACPS Virtual Thread--what will the fall be like? Best guesses?

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine a bus schedule that would allow for two cohorts of kids to be in the building on the same day at different times.

[Anonymous]

I teach in ACPS and think we will be open 5 days based on conversations in my building . CDC is changing guidance on spacing, cohort mixing, and cohort size. Especially if other school divisions are open 5 day.

The whole cohort mixing thing puzzles me. My son is back in hybrid at GW (and happy with it so far). He mixes groups of kids all day long (different kids in each class). I understand that they need less kids per class for physical distancing, and thus hybrid (for now), but am confused about how they can say that they can't "mix cohorts" when he is essentially doing that right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the ACPS teachers, are you not allowed to open the window in your classroom?

No. We are not.

Because we have an ongoing mold issue and opening the windows stresses the hvac system. It's on the ACPS website.

[Anonymous]

It is understandable that in old buildings that have historically been plagued with mold that letting in too much moisture and unfiltered air will likely exacerbate mold. But why make it a district wide policy since there are some brand-new buildings that won't have that issue.

And since many classrooms don't have windows, why not add a portable HEPA air purifier for each classroom regardless of the age of the building or HVAC system? It could only enhance flushing out/turning over the air in a classroom (ASHRAE recommends 4-6 times per hour). See DCPS:


From: http://dcpsreopenstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/10222020_DCPS_HVAC-Enhancements_5-Ws_CommsReview.pdf

"HVAC enhancements are designed to increase the air change rates and filtration. The work varies by system and includes modifications like increasing fresh air distribution through an existing Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) and installation of MERV-13/MERV-14 filters or placement High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in high traffic areas and instructional spaces. In addition, no matter the
system, all classrooms across the DCPS portfolio will receive a portable HEPA filter. "

"All schools will receive indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors that monitor, in real time, particulate matter, temperature, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, ozone, and carbon dioxide levels for measurement and verification purposes. While there is no air quality check for COVID-19, these monitors will help ensure that our systems are working properly and give us important information to help identify solutions if modifications are required."

[Anonymous]

Why is there a mold problem? Does that just happen in old buildings or is something else going on?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the ACPS teachers, are you not allowed to open the window in your classroom?

No. We are not.

Because we have an ongoing mold issue and opening the windows stresses the hvac system. It's on the ACPS website.

Holy Sh*t

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the governor will probably require that all districts make a 5-day a week option available. It might be a staggered half day for all kids and asynchronous for the rest of the day. With all the billions funneled to schools for Covid relief, I would hope that ACPS would be able to use some funds to improve ventilation and stop spending so much money on consultants. Purchasing portable HEPA filterers for all rooms is not a huge budgetary outlay and it would be far less expensive than renovating antiquated HVAC systems - especially ones that do not allow for windows, where avialble, to be opened for fear of mold growth or some other reason. As others have noted, surrounding school districts and many across the country are using portable HEPA filterers - sometimes medical-grade ones - but even just duct-taping a MERV 13 filter on a box fan would improve ventilation.

Open the damn window and turn on the fan. Rhode Island schools are worse than ACPS and they managed to do it —- with a Democratic governor, too.

[Anonymous]

At the PTAC meeting last night, Hutchings apparently said:

ACPS is "aiming to do 5 days in person in the fall.” A 100% virtual program will also be offered. Teachers will either be teaching in person OR 100% virtual. ACPS is investigating other locations that will allow for bigger capacity.

(And some announcement about playground equipment is coming after Spring Break)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the ACPS teachers, are you not allowed to open the window in your classroom?

No. Has not been allowed for years for security reasons (school shooters).

[Anonymous]

At the PTAC meeting last night, Hutchings apparently said:

ACPS is "aiming to do 5 days in person in the fall.” A 100% virtual program will also be offered. Teachers will either be teaching in person OR 100% virtual. ACPS is investigating other locations that will allow for bigger capacity.

At least they are going to try. Personally, as the parent of a 13 year old, I kind of liked the hybrid option (quieter for him to work from home some days), but I do understand that it puts a big burden on teachers and that it is impossible for parents with younger kids. So 5 days a week is good news for the ACPS community overall.

[Anonymous]

PP left out an important detail from the Hutchings quote:

"ACPS is aiming to do 5 days in person in the fall while adhering to all CDC guidelines that are in effect at that time, whether it is 3 or 6 feet."

IMO this changes nothing, it means they are going to stick tot he CDC recommendations and if it stays at 6 feet, I can't think of a way (even with some magical new spaces) that kids can go 5 days a week. Hutchings has a zero risk approach to everything. He needs to start taking into account that doing anything OTHER than 5 days in the fall exacerbates all sorts of other risks--academically, equity, and mental health-wise.

[Anonymous]

There is no excuse for not opening in the fall, especially the surrounding school district are doing it. This virus is not going to completely go away, but we have to manage the risk and move on. I am not trying to be insensitive but its reality.

[Anonymous]

P left out an important detail from the Hutchings quote:

"ACPS is aiming to do 5 days in person in the fall while adhering to all CDC guidelines that are in effect at that time, whether it is 3 or 6 feet."

I think the CDC will drop the rec to 3 feet. In any event, maybe we can get community levels down low enough so that we qualify for 5 days under ACPS's own risk matrix. Fingers crossed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP left out an important detail from the Hutchings quote:

"ACPS is aiming to do 5 days in person in the fall while adhering to all CDC guidelines that are in effect at that time, whether it is 3 or 6 feet."

IMO this changes nothing, it means they are going to stick tot he CDC recommendations and if it stays at 6 feet, I can't think of a way (even with some magical new spaces) that kids can go 5 days a week. Hutchings has a zero risk approach to everything. He needs to start taking into account that doing anything OTHER than 5 days in the fall exacerbates all sorts of other risks--academically, equity, and mental health-wise.

I'd say that's an important detail.

But it's coming from a PTAC source so I'm not surprised. I wonder if carrying all that water for ACPS ever gets heavy. Doubt it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP left out an important detail from the Hutchings quote:

"ACPS is aiming to do 5 days in person in the fall while adhering to all CDC guidelines that are in effect at that time, whether it is 3 or 6 feet."

IMO this changes nothing, it means they are going to stick tot he CDC recommendations and if it stays at 6 feet, I can't think of a way (even with some magical new spaces) that kids can go 5 days a week. Hutchings has a zero risk approach to everything. He needs to start taking into account that doing anything OTHER than 5 days in the fall exacerbates all sorts of other risks--academically, equity, and mental health-wise.

Rumors of the change in CDC guidelines have been around all this week - and yet Hutching and Haering chose yesterday to release a video claiming 6 feet is the "gold standard" and that's why they're sticking with it. I'm predicting they'll keep to 6 feet regardless of what CDC does - as they'll claim its' better. Better for someone I suppose, just not our kids.