Smart Restart APS- ventilation studies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does no one question this bully? Her only credentials seem to be that she is loud, long-winded and creates colorful charts. She is a graphic artist and appears to have not been in the workforce for years, except for her invitation-making business.

^^ speaking of bullies

Her qualifications are on her LinkedIn. Sorry if public facts seem like bullying, but I am sick of her shutting down discussion. The way she refused to even entertain sharing how she came to her conclusions was weird. She makes broad, sweeping claims with pretty graphics (because she is a graphic artist) that are designed to make the reader believe the information is backed by solid science. It is not. She is well-intentioned, but a hack. And so many clueless sycophants encourage her to keep producing. She has a history of bullying on other topics in the past - in real life, not saying on social media.

I am not APE, but I don’t care for how she squelches discussion and sows fear.

What does her profession have to do with anything?

Feel free to challenge her points or question the data, but trying to tear her down because of her job is straight-up bullying.

Seems like you’re trying to silence her instead of addressing her points.

No one can challenge her analysis because she refuses to share it, and admit it involves certain assumptions on her part that no one else can review and evaluate. Peer-review is the gold standard of scientific research, so when researchers refuse to allow peer review, their data is considered inherently suspect. The same is true here.

+1. The same is true in law where either side needs an expert witness (e.g. tort law, product liability, patent infringement, medical malpractice claims, etc.). Any expert who refuses to disclose their underlying data would be disqualified from testifying. Thus, to many parents, because SmartRestart won’t disclose their conclusions are simply not credible. I don’t even understand why this issue is debatable.

So what makes APE qualified to say it is safe to go in person to school? What they are saying is not in line with the new CDC guidance. We should take their word for it? Just like we shouldn’t take her word for it? It can’t go both ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

Honestly. People are in difficult circumstances. Everyone knows that. Unfortunately, empathy won’t keep my kids safe from the virus. I’d like them to go to school. But 300-400 kids in a middle and a high school at one time requires a lot of safety planning APS isn’t doing. I can be empathetic but that doesn’t change the need for best safety practices. APE and the like have never understood this. They or their kids need to go to school NOW so anyone advOcating for safety measures is a crazy person getting in their way. Insert anecdotal story about cousin in GA or FL or TX. Nope. It doesn’t work that way. We have CDC guidance and best practices. Serious people take that seriously. Decision makers responsible fir the health and safety of 30,000 need to take that seriously. Even if you don’t. Safety trumps empathy. So very tired of people advocating for their current individual need vs. actual best practices. Thank gid for Smart Restart.

x1000 We are other parents who feel exactly the same way.

In some situations safety trumps empathy. But unattainable safety and absolute zero risk do not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

I don’t think Smart Restart would be to blame if school dates get pushed back. APS is not in compliance with some part of the CDC guidelines. That’s what could push the dates back, at least for MS and HS.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

I don’t think Smart Restart would be to blame if school dates get pushed back. APS is not in compliance with some part of the CDC guidelines. That’s what could push the dates back, at least for MS and HS.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school.

Didn’t post it correctly. If dates are pushed back, it has more to do with APS not complying with the new CDC guidelines, at least for MS and HS, more than advocacy of any one group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does no one question this bully? Her only credentials seem to be that she is loud, long-winded and creates colorful charts. She is a graphic artist and appears to have not been in the workforce for years, except for her invitation-making business.

^^ speaking of bullies

Her qualifications are on her LinkedIn. Sorry if public facts seem like bullying, but I am sick of her shutting down discussion. The way she refused to even entertain sharing how she came to her conclusions was weird. She makes broad, sweeping claims with pretty graphics (because she is a graphic artist) that are designed to make the reader believe the information is backed by solid science. It is not. She is well-intentioned, but a hack. And so many clueless sycophants encourage her to keep producing. She has a history of bullying on other topics in the past - in real life, not saying on social media.

I am not APE, but I don’t care for how she squelches discussion and sows fear.

What does her profession have to do with anything?

Feel free to challenge her points or question the data, but trying to tear her down because of her job is straight-up bullying.

Seems like you’re trying to silence her instead of addressing her points.

No one can challenge her analysis because she refuses to share it, and admit it involves certain assumptions on her part that no one else can review and evaluate. Peer-review is the gold standard of scientific research, so when researchers refuse to allow peer review, their data is considered inherently suspect. The same is true here.

+1. The same is true in law where either side needs an expert witness (e.g. tort law, product liability, patent infringement, medical malpractice claims, etc.). Any expert who refuses to disclose their underlying data would be disqualified from testifying. Thus, to many parents, because SmartRestart won’t disclose their conclusions are simply not credible. I don’t even understand why this issue is debatable.

So what makes APE qualified to say it is safe to go in person to school? What they are saying is not in line with the new CDC guidance. We should take their word for it? Just like we shouldn’t take her word for it? It can’t go both ways.

I’m PP you are responding to, and I doubt anyone in APE is qualified to opine on the science either. It just surprises me that reasonably intelligent and professional people in Arlington have blind faith in the factual assertions of any group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

I don’t think Smart Restart would be to blame if school dates get pushed back. APS is not in compliance with some part of the CDC guidelines. That’s what could push the dates back, at least for MS and HS.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school.

Didn’t post it correctly. If dates are pushed back, it has more to do with APS not complying with the new CDC guidelines, at least for MS and HS, more than advocacy of any one group.

I’m am PP, and I doubt it. APS ALWAYS caves to the loudest and richest among us. Just go back to any boundary process, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does no one question this bully? Her only credentials seem to be that she is loud, long-winded and creates colorful charts. She is a graphic artist and appears to have not been in the workforce for years, except for her invitation-making business.

I agree. I find it very strange that not only is the graphic artist is getting away with this but that so many are going along with it. There are a few in the group who are getting so much bizarre adulation from the others that it just feeds them to keep going, increasing their perceived self-importance and some people’s paralyzing fear about the pandemic. The whole situation is nuts. It’d make a good research project for a psychology class.

She has been advocating for good air quality/ventilation for months. A key factor for the transmission of this virus. I don’t get why this is an actual *problem* for some people.

WTF have you done - aside from bullying people?

Because it already exists. And it amazes me that educated people don't get that. People in some slightly older buildings with no upgrades have been working for months.
If the ventilation in modern buildings was an issue, then these workplaces would literally have been wiped out and had to close.
But that didn't happen.

What she wants is above and beyond the needed. And what does that translate to? Maybe a .0005% benefit? Who knows? She certainly doesn't know.

Exactly. All of this noise and mobilization to force APS to take unnecessary measures in the name of some minuscule benefit that has been WAY overstated is just highjacking time and resources that APS should be spending on actual meaningful mitigation efforts.

Paying for a consultation to translate air exchange language into a format that pushy laypeople can play with? SMH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does no one question this bully? Her only credentials seem to be that she is loud, long-winded and creates colorful charts. She is a graphic artist and appears to have not been in the workforce for years, except for her invitation-making business.

^^ speaking of bullies

Her qualifications are on her LinkedIn. Sorry if public facts seem like bullying, but I am sick of her shutting down discussion. The way she refused to even entertain sharing how she came to her conclusions was weird. She makes broad, sweeping claims with pretty graphics (because she is a graphic artist) that are designed to make the reader believe the information is backed by solid science. It is not. She is well-intentioned, but a hack. And so many clueless sycophants encourage her to keep producing. She has a history of bullying on other topics in the past - in real life, not saying on social media.

I am not APE, but I don’t care for how she squelches discussion and sows fear.

What does her profession have to do with anything?

Feel free to challenge her points or question the data, but trying to tear her down because of her job is straight-up bullying.

Seems like you’re trying to silence her instead of addressing her points.

No one can challenge her analysis because she refuses to share it, and admit it involves certain assumptions on her part that no one else can review and evaluate. Peer-review is the gold standard of scientific research, so when researchers refuse to allow peer review, their data is considered inherently suspect. The same is true here.

+1. The same is true in law where either side needs an expert witness (e.g. tort law, product liability, patent infringement, medical malpractice claims, etc.). Any expert who refuses to disclose their underlying data would be disqualified from testifying. Thus, to many parents, because SmartRestart won’t disclose their conclusions are simply not credible. I don’t even understand why this issue is debatable.

So what makes APE qualified to say it is safe to go in person to school? What they are saying is not in line with the new CDC guidance. We should take their word for it? Just like we shouldn’t take her word for it? It can’t go both ways.

I’m PP you are responding to, and I doubt anyone in APE is qualified to opine on the science either. It just surprises me that reasonably intelligent and professional people in Arlington have blind faith in the factual assertions of any group.

My feelings on APE: don’t piss on me and tell me it’s raining. I have never seen such twisting and manipulation in all of my life. As someone who is happy about our imminent safe return... some of my neighbors have absolutely disgusted me over this past eight months.

[Anonymous]

Some of the teachers have been extreme, too! It’s all been too much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school. [/quo

Another one. “I’m in a difficult situation, so it must be safe.” What your kid needs does not equal what is safe for 30,000 kids. It’s not about what your kid needs. It’s about what’s safe for the entire system. Follow the CDC. Open elementary and pause middle and high until you can comply with recommendations or rates come down. Easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

How about following CDC guidance on middle and high school testing. Does that trump empathy?

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

Honestly. People are in difficult circumstances. Everyone knows that. Unfortunately, empathy won’t keep my kids safe from the virus. I’d like them to go to school. But 300-400 kids in a middle and a high school at one time requires a lot of safety planning APS isn’t doing. I can be empathetic but that doesn’t change the need for best safety practices. APE and the like have never understood this. They or their kids need to go to school NOW so anyone advOcating for safety measures is a crazy person getting in their way. Insert anecdotal story about cousin in GA or FL or TX. Nope. It doesn’t work that way. We have CDC guidance and best practices. Serious people take that seriously. Decision makers responsible fir the health and safety of 30,000 need to take that seriously. Even if you don’t. Safety trumps empathy. So very tired of people advocating for their current individual need vs. actual best practices. Thank gid for Smart Restart.

x1000 We are other parents who feel exactly the same way.

In some situations safety trumps empathy. But unattainable safety and absolute zero risk do not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

How about following CDC guidance on middle and high school testing. Does that trump empathy?

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

Honestly. People are in difficult circumstances. Everyone knows that. Unfortunately, empathy won’t keep my kids safe from the virus. I’d like them to go to school. But 300-400 kids in a middle and a high school at one time requires a lot of safety planning APS isn’t doing. I can be empathetic but that doesn’t change the need for best safety practices. APE and the like have never understood this. They or their kids need to go to school NOW so anyone advOcating for safety measures is a crazy person getting in their way. Insert anecdotal story about cousin in GA or FL or TX. Nope. It doesn’t work that way. We have CDC guidance and best practices. Serious people take that seriously. Decision makers responsible fir the health and safety of 30,000 need to take that seriously. Even if you don’t. Safety trumps empathy. So very tired of people advocating for their current individual need vs. actual best practices. Thank gid for Smart Restart.

x1000 We are other parents who feel exactly the same way.

In some situations safety trumps empathy. But unattainable safety and absolute zero risk do not.

How about following CDC for testing in middle and high schools? Does that trump people’s “feelings”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school. [/quo

Another one. “I’m in a difficult situation, so it must be safe.” What your kid needs does not equal what is safe for 30,000 kids. It’s not about what your kid needs. It’s about what’s safe for the entire system. Follow the CDC. Open elementary and pause middle and high until you can comply with recommendations or rates come down. Easy.

I’m PP, and I never said it’s 100% safe. We have weighed the pros and cons and have determined it’s safe enough for us—just as millions of families across the country have done. it’s not safe enough for you and your family, stay virtual. Easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:APS needed a push from both APE and Smart Restart.

APS would never reopen if they kept relying on how teachers "feel" about safety rather than actual data. The pressure from APE gave APS a necessary kick in the butt.

APS also had vastly underprepared for how they were going to keep kids safe. APS's temperature scans and hand washing are fine, but only help at the margins. Better ventilation and outdoor lunch materially reduce risk. Smart Restart is only off the deep end in that they think that perfect ventilation is necessary for reopening (and that they are off-puttingly zealous in how they present themselves). I appreciate that we'll now have good air filters in the classroom for reopening and I support the notion that we should keep working to improve ventilation for a full reopening in the fall.

I also strongly disagree with people on this thread that APS is now suddenly an expert in pandemic safety mitigation. APS is run by educators, not scientists. The CDC and other government guidelines were basically useless for most of the pandemic. There is also a significant proportion of APS administration who don't believe that kids catch and transmit Covid, and another portion who are more focused on social issues than getting kids an education. APS needed all of the help they could get, and probably more.

Careful now, you're about to bring reason into this conversation. But I couldn't agree more.

+2. I really wish I could switch places with one of those Smart Restart parents for just a day. Of my three children, two are doing fine, one has even elected to remain DL. But one of my children is failing everything. His/her life will be forever impacted by this pause in education at a crucial time in life. Those SR parents obviously aren't facing this situation and have no empathy for those of us who are.

What an irresponsible comment. You don’t know what any of the members of any group are going through, unless they have spoken out about it. I have heard some members from that group speak at SB meetings and at office hours for SB members. Some of them have kids with special needs and various types of learning challenges. Some of their kids also are failing everything and having mental health issues. Some of them are sending their kids back in hybrid, while others kids are remaining virtual. They have a lot of different backgrounds, but their one commonality is they are trying to get as much safety as possible for whenever it is that students and staff get back into school.

Although I appreciate what you said, the bolded above is what makes me very, very scared and apprehensive of Smart Restart’s efforts. As a parent of an Autistic/ADHD child, I am desperate to have him back in face-to-face school. From my perspective, thank god APS has concrete back to school dates. I’m afraid Smart Restart’s efforts will push those dates back and keep my kid out of school. [/quo

Another one. “I’m in a difficult situation, so it must be safe.” What your kid needs does not equal what is safe for 30,000 kids. It’s not about what your kid needs. It’s about what’s safe for the entire system. Follow the CDC. Open elementary and pause middle and high until you can comply with recommendations or rates come down. Easy.

I’m PP, and I never said it’s 100% safe. We have weighed the pros and cons and have determined it’s safe enough for us—just as millions of families across the country have done. it’s not safe enough for you and your family, stay virtual. Easy.

Nope. Not that easy. APS must decide for 30,000 kids not for your kids. That means following CDC public health guidelines. Not your personal risk-benefit calculus. It’s not a matter of personal situation. It’s public health. You and the rest of the people pushing to open based on personal anecdotes do not get that. I know.