DC charters - which ones are open? hybrid model? plans of reopening?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ITS is bringing back 20 kids for CARES type classrooms. No chance of in person school for anyone for 6-8 weeks at least.

We have been told IF they bring kids back things like specials, IEP services will stay virtual. It kind of makes since due to those teachers and service providers having too many interactions and opportunities for virus spread between groups. But also those are some of the most important services to have in-person not offering them in-person is not a equitable arrangement.
If ITDS is DL in the fall I imagine there will be more families leaving for DCPs, private or moving. I like the school but another year of this wouldn't be the best for our children. We would be better off having hiring tutor's or at dcps.

I am pretty conservative about in-person and support them having been distance learning thus far. I love ITDS. I think they are doing DL well, at least for my kid. But I. WILL. LOSE. IT. if they do not fully open in person for fall. There is NO REASON this can't be done. There is a vaccine, there is more than enough time to plan, and school in other states are managing to be open without spread even now. IT IS TIME. Kids can't be subjected to this indefinitely.

I am in a similar boat. I'm not pushing fo a fast re-opening. But it is hard to see so many schools rolling out their plans and ITS not even sending us an email with any sort of information at all. It feels like the HOS is just running out the clock. The lack of communication makes me question the entire board and magement of the school.

Not an ITS family but at another charter that has no plan. Who do charters answer to? Where is the PCSB? These schools can't stay closed next year.

no one knows what the restrictions will be for numbers of people allowed for indoor gatherings in the fall. I hope these schools are planning for all contingencies but no one can say for sure what it will look like

The PCSB will do nothing for you. They prioritize "flexibility", including the flexibility to suck and the flexibility to perform worse than DCPS, above actually serving children and families.

If you sent your kid to a charter and didn't understand the roles and responsibilities between the charter board and the DCPCSB then you are a bad parent. Ho on earth did you decide to send your kid to a charter without understanding the org structure. Own your ignorance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ITS is bringing back 20 kids for CARES type classrooms. No chance of in person school for anyone for 6-8 weeks at least.

We have been told IF they bring kids back things like specials, IEP services will stay virtual. It kind of makes since due to those teachers and service providers having too many interactions and opportunities for virus spread between groups. But also those are some of the most important services to have in-person not offering them in-person is not a equitable arrangement.
If ITDS is DL in the fall I imagine there will be more families leaving for DCPs, private or moving. I like the school but another year of this wouldn't be the best for our children. We would be better off having hiring tutor's or at dcps.

I am pretty conservative about in-person and support them having been distance learning thus far. I love ITDS. I think they are doing DL well, at least for my kid. But I. WILL. LOSE. IT. if they do not fully open in person for fall. There is NO REASON this can't be done. There is a vaccine, there is more than enough time to plan, and school in other states are managing to be open without spread even now. IT IS TIME. Kids can't be subjected to this indefinitely.

I am in a similar boat. I'm not pushing fo a fast re-opening. But it is hard to see so many schools rolling out their plans and ITS not even sending us an email with any sort of information at all. It feels like the HOS is just running out the clock. The lack of communication makes me question the entire board and magement of the school.

Not an ITS family but at another charter that has no plan. Who do charters answer to? Where is the PCSB? These schools can't stay closed next year.

no one knows what the restrictions will be for numbers of people allowed for indoor gatherings in the fall. I hope these schools are planning for all contingencies but no one can say for sure what it will look like

The PCSB will do nothing for you. They prioritize "flexibility", including the flexibility to suck and the flexibility to perform worse than DCPS, above actually serving children and families.

If you sent your kid to a charter and didn't understand the roles and responsibilities between the charter board and the DCPCSB then you are a bad parent. Ho on earth did you decide to send your kid to a charter without understanding the org structure. Own your ignorance.

DCUM's gonna DCUM!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

This. I have been emailing admins all week trying to learn anything at all about reopening. So yay for you with your spot, but the rest of us are 100% in the dark about it. They DGAF about parent communication and it could not be more clear. Today I learned they haven't told the teachers anything either. No wonder so many teachers have quit this school.

I am hearing that the reopening will be super slow and big kids won't be in the classroom at all this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

This. I have been emailing admins all week trying to learn anything at all about reopening. So yay for you with your spot, but the rest of us are 100% in the dark about it. They DGAF about parent communication and it could not be more clear. Today I learned they haven't told the teachers anything either. No wonder so many teachers have quit this school.

I am hearing that the reopening will be super slow and big kids won't be in the classroom at all this year.

Honestly, this year appears to be a complete wash on so many levels at various charters around the city. Parents need to put the pressure on the leaders NOW to ensure that we have some in person learning in the Fall. Yes, advocate NOW to ensure something in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

This. I have been emailing admins all week trying to learn anything at all about reopening. So yay for you with your spot, but the rest of us are 100% in the dark about it. They DGAF about parent communication and it could not be more clear. Today I learned they haven't told the teachers anything either. No wonder so many teachers have quit this school.

I am hearing that the reopening will be super slow and big kids won't be in the classroom at all this year.

Honestly, this year appears to be a complete wash on so many levels at various charters around the city. Parents need to put the pressure on the leaders NOW to ensure that we have some in person learning in the Fall. Yes, advocate NOW to ensure something in the fall.

They so clearly DGAF what we think, it's hard to motivate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
They so clearly DGAF what we think, it's hard to motivate.

I'd be interested in understanding what parents at charters are doing to put pressure to offer some sort of in-person learning. I, for one, am so heartily disappointed in my school's approach that I certainly won't be giving to any PTO fundraisers for the foreseeable future. But I also doubt that the administrators and the board care about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
They so clearly DGAF what we think, it's hard to motivate.

I'd be interested in understanding what parents at charters are doing to put pressure to offer some sort of in-person learning. I, for one, am so heartily disappointed in my school's approach that I certainly won't be giving to any PTO fundraisers for the foreseeable future. But I also doubt that the administrators and the board care about that.

I am just trying to pressure them to communicate with us at all. At ITS they have told us literally nothing other than to pat themselves on the back for bringing back 20 kids. The teachers tell us nothing either. Actually reopening seems unlikely if they are not willing to show us any sort of plan whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

This. I have been emailing admins all week trying to learn anything at all about reopening. So yay for you with your spot, but the rest of us are 100% in the dark about it. They DGAF about parent communication and it could not be more clear. Today I learned they haven't told the teachers anything either. No wonder so many teachers have quit this school.

I am hearing that the reopening will be super slow and big kids won't be in the classroom at all this year.

Wow that’s insane. The 1st step after having a plan is getting input and buy in from teachers. Sounds to me like they are just starting to think about logistics and just starting a plan now. Doesn’t sound too promising then that many kids will be back this spring aside from the 20 experimental ones .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

Nope. I'm a parent. Not an admin, and it's my perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

Nope. I'm a parent. Not an admin, and it's my perspective.

So how come we haven't been told anything? Mundo has rolled out a detailed plan. DCPS kids have been back in CARES for a long time and had real school starting Monday. ITS is falling short and not even bothering to tell us anything. What's your perspective on that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
They so clearly DGAF what we think, it's hard to motivate.

I'd be interested in understanding what parents at charters are doing to put pressure to offer some sort of in-person learning. I, for one, am so heartily disappointed in my school's approach that I certainly won't be giving to any PTO fundraisers for the foreseeable future. But I also doubt that the administrators and the board care about that.

We clearly have no avenue for pressure at ours. We will enter the lottery and consider our inbounds if we don't see any school at all this year. (And DL has not been good enough to count as school.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One advantage that ITDS has is a newly renovated basement area which will eventually allow for expansion. Since that expansion hasn't happened yet, it should permit them to open with social distancing AND accommodate more students than they could otherwise accommodate.

We are one of the lucky ITDS families who is currently sending their kids to do virtual learning at the school. We families AND the school are working out the kinks in how to manage the logistics of masks, figuring out how to avoid parents entering the building, getting nap stuff into the school carried by preschoolers. I know it seems silly to open with such a small number of children, but opening with a larger number would have been rocky. Every aspect of school, from arrival to lunch to dismissal involves more work and staffing, so I believe them when they say it takes time to work it out and they will open to more students soon.

It's natural to feel impatient, and until my family got the call we were feeling the same way. We were figuring out contingency plans for the fall if the school couldn't get it together.

But I have always had a great experience with the administration of ITDS (even if their communication with parents involves few all-school communications and always has.)

It’s obvious that above post is ITDS admin. chiming in because ITDS doesn’t listen to parents. It’s all for show and they do what they want to do.

Nope. I'm a parent. Not an admin, and it's my perspective.

So how come we haven't been told anything? Mundo has rolled out a detailed plan. DCPS kids have been back in CARES for a long time and had real school starting Monday. ITS is falling short and not even bothering to tell us anything. What's your perspective on that?

+100

[Anonymous]

Enrolling in DCPS this fall unless something significant happens. They are the only ones making an effort to help the kids.

[Anonymous]

Amazingly, CMI just told families that they hope to open up in person learning for all students who want it starting April 1. We’ll see if it happens; they stressed that the plan could change if infection rates go up or more kids want to come back than can be accommodated.