APS mask policy

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


These APE people just can’t get enough to complain about. Masks are coming off. Period. WTF else do they want? Good grief, I wonder if they’re also never satisfied in their personal lives. I can’t imagine being married to one of them. 😩
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


I make less than Duran. But in my government policy jobs I have had to utilize a crystal ball to anticipate what was coming down from on high and be prepared to act immediately. And I did. This is not rocket since, really. He and his staff are more than capable of a nimble response to heavily anticipated guidance. If they’re not, then they should find new jobs.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.


This proves my point. The fact that there are a lot of variables that would be affected by the CDC’s change of policy means that giving Duran a business day to figure out those impacts is perfectly reasonable.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.

As of this morning it's a qualtrics survey similar to the one that was sent for vaccine verification. Students will not be moved to separate classrooms. Some 504/IEP accommodations may be made. Teachers won't be mask police.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.


This proves my point. The fact that there are a lot of variables that would be affected by the CDC’s change of policy means that giving Duran a business day to figure out those impacts is perfectly reasonable.


Or APS could simply follow the state law, and simply have said this afternoon “in accordance with the state law of VA, on March 1, masks are optional in all county schools. “ See how simple that is when you just follow the law? Or science. Or the CDC.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.


This proves my point. The fact that there are a lot of variables that would be affected by the CDC’s change of policy means that giving Duran a business day to figure out those impacts is perfectly reasonable.


Or APS could simply follow the state law, and simply have said this afternoon “in accordance with the state law of VA, on March 1, masks are optional in all county schools. “ See how simple that is when you just follow the law? Or science. Or the CDC.


Except that’s a mischaracterization of the state law.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.


This proves my point. The fact that there are a lot of variables that would be affected by the CDC’s change of policy means that giving Duran a business day to figure out those impacts is perfectly reasonable.


Ok well then schools can’t be surprised when some kids show up unmasked on Monday because the CDC now says we’re in low transmission. Because you know that is what some people will do. I hope teachers and staff have been advised on how to handle the matter.
Anonymous
I agree that it is reasonable to need a few days to react. But. When gov youngkin issued his executive order aps sent out an announcement on a Saturday saying that they were going to defy the governor and continue to mandate masks in accordance with cdc guidance. And now they need time to absorb the change from the cdc? They certainly didn’t take any time to absorb executive order. https://www.apsva.us/post/no-change-to-current-aps-mask-requirements-masks-required-inside-on-school-grounds-and-on-buses/
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I agree that it is reasonable to need a few days to react. But. When gov youngkin issued his executive order aps sent out an announcement on a Saturday saying that they were going to defy the governor and continue to mandate masks in accordance with cdc guidance. And now they need time to absorb the change from the cdc? They certainly didn’t take any time to absorb executive order. https://www.apsva.us/post/no-change-to-current-aps-mask-requirements-masks-required-inside-on-school-grounds-and-on-buses/


Because responding to the EO didn’t require any policy changes by APS. Do you really not understand the difference?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I agree that it is reasonable to need a few days to react. But. When gov youngkin issued his executive order aps sent out an announcement on a Saturday saying that they were going to defy the governor and continue to mandate masks in accordance with cdc guidance. And now they need time to absorb the change from the cdc? They certainly didn’t take any time to absorb executive order. https://www.apsva.us/post/no-change-to-current-aps-mask-requirements-masks-required-inside-on-school-grounds-and-on-buses/

That was maintaining a current policy, not creating a new one based on CDC guidance.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I agree that it is reasonable to need a few days to react. But. When gov youngkin issued his executive order aps sent out an announcement on a Saturday saying that they were going to defy the governor and continue to mandate masks in accordance with cdc guidance. And now they need time to absorb the change from the cdc? They certainly didn’t take any time to absorb executive order. https://www.apsva.us/post/no-change-to-current-aps-mask-requirements-masks-required-inside-on-school-grounds-and-on-buses/


Stupid comments like this make it really hard to take the anti-mask side seriously.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.

As of this morning it's a qualtrics survey similar to the one that was sent for vaccine verification. Students will not be moved to separate classrooms. Some 504/IEP accommodations may be made. Teachers won't be mask police.


Maybe not, but one of my kid’s teachers flat out told the kids that she will quit if they don’t wear masks.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.

As of this morning it's a qualtrics survey similar to the one that was sent for vaccine verification. Students will not be moved to separate classrooms. Some 504/IEP accommodations may be made. Teachers won't be mask police.


Maybe not, but one of my kid’s teachers flat out told the kids that she will quit if they don’t wear masks.

High school teacher?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So since the latest APS metric said that masks are not required for anyone once we fall in CDC's low transmission category, and CDC just announced that Arlington is in the low transmission category, does that mean no masks required next week? No opt out form necessary? I assume this will apply to teachers and staff too?



Duran's Friday email just came out...they need to "review" the new guidance and will get back to us on Monday


I think this is great actually. Maybe APS can save face, there doesn't have to be tension between kids about who is opting out, and teachers can get a break too (if they want one).


I think this just proves APS cares more saving face than timely communicating with families. Which seems just about right.


Because they didn’t announce a whole new policy within minutes of CDC changing it’s guidelines, late on a Friday afternoon when there is no school the next day? I like my administrators and policy folks to think through what the policies will be going forward, and a weekend is a reasonable amount of time to do so.


No. Because regardless of what the CDC says, masks are coming off Tuesday. If there is going to be a formal “opt out” out process then that needs to be communicated with more than one day’s notice. And everyone has know for days now the CDC was going to change its metrics. The writing was on the wall that transmission would possibly be lowered. How did they not already have a plan/press release ready to go knowing this was a likely scenario? What exactly are these people at Syphax with bloated six figure salaries who responsible for writing these policies doing all day?


And under their current policy, you’ll be able to opt out your kids on Tuesday. Any new policy would, if anything, be even more flexible. Since you seem to be of the view that your kids will go mask free on Tuesday, this really doesn’t impact you. As for me, we’ll probably follow whatever guidelines are ultimately issued, and since masks aren’t a big deal to my kids I think we’ll be fine waiting until Monday to find out what the new policy will be.


But it’s not as simple as masks just coming off on Tuesday. We have been given no guidance as to whether a written opt out is required. No update on how masking vs. not masking may affect kids being required to quarantine or not being allowed to do test to stay (I’m hoping there is no change to that, but who knows). Is there a chance kids will be moved around the classroom based on their masking decision? My family is leaning toward unmasking, but I’ve been waiting to hear how it will be implemented to decide for sure.

None of this came out of the blue. And this isn’t the first issue for which APS has had poor communication. I’m sorry I expect a bit more from highly paid professionals.

As of this morning it's a qualtrics survey similar to the one that was sent for vaccine verification. Students will not be moved to separate classrooms. Some 504/IEP accommodations may be made. Teachers won't be mask police.


Maybe not, but one of my kid’s teachers flat out told the kids that she will quit if they don’t wear masks.


Great, thanks anti-maskers.

Schools were doing pretty well this year until the antimaskers got their way.
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