Smart Restart APS- ventilation studies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we will into yellow before MS/HS starts.

I think Duran will stick to the current plan.

+1. I agree. Only 22 new cases in Arlington today according to VDH. Such great news!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I don't believe this is an accurate characterization of the CDC guidelines for MS and HS. The guidelines say that if there is no screening testing in place, MS and HS can reopen if they strictly implement all mitigation strategies and have low case numbers. Since our schools aren't open we don't have school case numbers, but we can look at the other mitigation strategies they should implement per CDC guidelines:

Universal and correct use of masks
Physical distancing
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette
Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities
Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the health department

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html

From what I can see on the APS website, they are planning to implement all of those mitigation strategies. I have no opposition to a screening testing program as part of reopening, but anyone who insists that it must be part of the reopening plan is going beyond the CDC guidelines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we will into yellow before MS/HS starts.

I think Duran will stick to the current plan.

+1. I agree. Only 22 new cases in Arlington today according to VDH. Such great news!

Small win!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

You could say that, but it would be disingenuous. APS is not planning lunch as usual, they are implementing mitigation strategies. They may not be enough for your comfort, but that doesn't mean they're not doing anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

I guess I was assuming that you 'knew' the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom was not true. APS has said repeatedly that lunch would be eaten in classrooms. Classrooms, which are spaced 6 feet apart and have 1/2 the students who are in person in them- so like between 6-12 students.
https://www.apsva.us/post/how-will-lunch-be-handled-during-in-person-instruction/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

The problem is that the extremists that want every possible mitigation in place before school opens have the option to stay remote. Those that are comfortable with current mitigations and will accept the small amount of risk, have not had the option to return in-person until recently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

I guess I was assuming that you 'knew' the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom was not true. APS has said repeatedly that lunch would be eaten in classrooms. Classrooms, which are spaced 6 feet apart and have 1/2 the students who are in person in them- so like between 6-12 students.
https://www.apsva.us/post/how-will-lunch-be-handled-during-in-person-instruction/

That is outdated information from October. Here is the info sheet for MS/Hs that says students will eat lunch in the cafeteria/gym or outside, with physical distancing:

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/A-Day-in-Hybrid-SECONDARY-icons.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

The problem is that the extremists that want every possible mitigation in place before school opens have the option to stay remote. Those that are comfortable with current mitigations and will accept the small amount of risk, have not had the option to return in-person until recently.

I never said otherwise. I am comfortable with the current mitigation plan and will be sending my kids back for hybrid. We have to acknowledge, though, that there are people who have been advocating for five-day in-person schooling regardless of conditions or mitigation since the beginning. Those people are extremists, and they are not helping the cause.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

I guess I was assuming that you 'knew' the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom was not true. APS has said repeatedly that lunch would be eaten in classrooms. Classrooms, which are spaced 6 feet apart and have 1/2 the students who are in person in them- so like between 6-12 students.
https://www.apsva.us/post/how-will-lunch-be-handled-during-in-person-instruction/

That is outdated information from October. Here is the info sheet for MS/Hs that says students will eat lunch in the cafeteria/gym or outside, with physical distancing:

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/A-Day-in-Hybrid-SECONDARY-icons.pdf

okay- lets take the largest population HS- wakefield, at 2138 students. Lets recognize that only 50% choose hybrid- so 1070 students. Let's recognize that only have the students attend on any given day- so 545 students. Let's recognize that there are at least 3 lunch periods at a high school, so 182 students. Then they said they would spreading them around larger spaces like 'Students will eat breakfast and lunch in larger spaces
(eg. cafeteria, auxiliary gym) or outside, weather
permitting, maintaining physical distancing.' So students individually spaced 6 feet apart in various different large spaces- what is the problem??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

I guess I was assuming that you 'knew' the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom was not true. APS has said repeatedly that lunch would be eaten in classrooms. Classrooms, which are spaced 6 feet apart and have 1/2 the students who are in person in them- so like between 6-12 students.
https://www.apsva.us/post/how-will-lunch-be-handled-during-in-person-instruction/

That is outdated information from October. Here is the info sheet for MS/Hs that says students will eat lunch in the cafeteria/gym or outside, with physical distancing:

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/A-Day-in-Hybrid-SECONDARY-icons.pdf

okay- lets take the largest population HS- wakefield, at 2138 students. Lets recognize that only 50% choose hybrid- so 1070 students. Let's recognize that only have the students attend on any given day- so 545 students. Let's recognize that there are at least 3 lunch periods at a high school, so 182 students. Then they said they would spreading them around larger spaces like 'Students will eat breakfast and lunch in larger spaces
(eg. cafeteria, auxiliary gym) or outside, weather
permitting, maintaining physical distancing.' So students individually spaced 6 feet apart in various different large spaces- what is the problem??

I actually don't have a problem with it (I should have specified I'm a DP). I was just correcting the record, because a debate based on faulty information isn't constructive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Smart Restart APS published a study which allegedly demonstrates that 60% of APS classrooms have woefully deficient air.
The 'T" in SMART is about transparency. 'integrity in data sharing.'
The Smart restart study was based on APS records that were FOIA'd.
APS spokesperson challenges the study stating that the it is being egregiously misinterpreted.
Smart restart is asked to share their underlying data, how they came up with the study.
The response is -" I suggest that you just put in a FOIA to APS for their data."
eg= we won't share.
WTF. Why on earth are you hiding the data SMART RESTART unless you know that your STUDY is FULL OF CRAP and DESIGNED TO SCARE PEOPLE.

oh and PS- new CDC guidance that came out today? Literally not one word about air changes etc- it says improve ventilation by opening windows when possible.

You are making it sound that Smart Restart is some official group. After reading the posts I realized that they are just a bunch of parents who are amateurs in interpreting data. This is hardly what I would call a study lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aren't people here saying elementary school shouldn't be going back either until CPC guidelines are met? I didn't think the complaining parents on here are limited to middle and high school because safety doesn't matter for their elementary kids, but maybe I misunderstood. It's a long thread and I haven't read all of it.

I certainly don't mean to gaslight. And I did not mean to suggest that, for example, elementary kids shouldn't go back until high schools met the required standards -- that was bad phrasing on my part and I apologize.

A lot of different thoughts in this thread. Here's my understanding of what it seems a lot of people are saying: elementary should go back in March because the CDC guidelines allow for it, even though Arlington is the "red" or highest level. But before going back in early March, it would be great if the correct number of air filters/purifiers could be properly placed in each APS classroom (some classrooms may need more than one to achieve the ideal 4-6 air exchanges per hour because of the size of those classrooms, although most classrooms are fine with just one). It also would be great if APS could implement a better lunch plan before early March , with no kids eating in the cafeteria. Personally, I think all lunch should be outside. For MS and HS, the CDC guidelines raise a bigger question because they recommend only virtual learning for MS and HS in the "red" or highest level, unless APS has in place a comprehensive screening test system in place. It doesn't seem APS does, so it *could* necessitate a delay in re-opening MS and HS. But the same thing re ventilation and lunch would apply to MS and HS when they open, but perhaps even more acutely for lunch because many of the current lunch plans involve a lot of kids eating in a cafeteria.

Of course, some are saying to go back at all levels now, regardless of ventilation, lunch plans, or CDC guidelines.

I agree with a lot of your summary, but you’ve ignored the significant contingent arguing that schools should not reopen at all until we’ve met metrics that go well beyond the CDC guidelines. There are extremists on both sides.

You keep saying that, but I have yet to see anyone on this thread expressing that opinion.

I also don't see anyone saying we should completely disregard ventilation, lunch plans or CDC guidelines. But there are differences of opinions on what's safe enough when it comes to ventilation and lunch plans.

Well whenever several of us have brought up the need to change the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom, the response from certain posters is for us to stay home. I would say that is disregarding safety concerns.

I guess I was assuming that you 'knew' the hundred plus kids in the lunchroom was not true. APS has said repeatedly that lunch would be eaten in classrooms. Classrooms, which are spaced 6 feet apart and have 1/2 the students who are in person in them- so like between 6-12 students.
https://www.apsva.us/post/how-will-lunch-be-handled-during-in-person-instruction/

That is outdated information from October. Here is the info sheet for MS/Hs that says students will eat lunch in the cafeteria/gym or outside, with physical distancing:

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/A-Day-in-Hybrid-SECONDARY-icons.pdf

Sigh. It is not outdated info from October. Williamsburg has confirmed they will do 100 student lunches in cafeteria. Last week. And 182 kids in cafeteria for lunch at Wakefield/Yorktown also sounds like a superspreader event to me. Parents shouldn’t have To keep kids home. APS should provide safe lunch options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think we will into yellow before MS/HS starts.

I think Duran will stick to the current plan.

Yellow? We’re not even close to orange yet. Doubtful.