Has your school communicated a plan with teachers and families?

[Anonymous]

I can understand why many of you are upset, but I think there are just not enough of you to convince the powers that be to make a change. Our elementary charter school, which isn't unionized, just released its survey of parents, and barely a third said they would come back to in person learning if it was offered. Based in part on that, 100% virtual learning has been extended through term 2 in late January. I think that is the case with a lot of parents. If they can make DL work, they are fine with it because it's the safest choice and they don't think their kids will be unduly disadvantaged. That so many parents are OK with this keeps one less worry off the minds of the school leadership and the teachers union who are already dealing with health concerns and leave options available to the adults involved in this equation.

I just don't think that quite as many parents see this as quite the disaster that you do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can understand why many of you are upset, but I think there are just not enough of you to convince the powers that be to make a change. Our elementary charter school, which isn't unionized, just released its survey of parents, and barely a third said they would come back to in person learning if it was offered. Based in part on that, 100% virtual learning has been extended through term 2 in late January. I think that is the case with a lot of parents. If they can make DL work, they are fine with it because it's the safest choice and they don't think their kids will be unduly disadvantaged. That so many parents are OK with this keeps one less worry off the minds of the school leadership and the teachers union who are already dealing with health concerns and leave options available to the adults involved in this equation.

I just don't think that quite as many parents see this as quite the disaster that you do.

What school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can understand why many of you are upset, but I think there are just not enough of you to convince the powers that be to make a change. Our elementary charter school, which isn't unionized, just released its survey of parents, and barely a third said they would come back to in person learning if it was offered. Based in part on that, 100% virtual learning has been extended through term 2 in late January. I think that is the case with a lot of parents. If they can make DL work, they are fine with it because it's the safest choice and they don't think their kids will be unduly disadvantaged. That so many parents are OK with this keeps one less worry off the minds of the school leadership and the teachers union who are already dealing with health concerns and leave options available to the adults involved in this equation.

I just don't think that quite as many parents see this as quite the disaster that you do.

Why does it matter what parents want? Schooling is compulsory, and it's quite clear that DL does not work for many kids, and that schools can be reopened safely.

Also, I'd be curious to know exactly how the question was formulated, and the response rate to the survey, and why the school thinks that it can just abrogate its duty to the significant number of kids for whom DL is not working per their parents.

[Anonymous]

63% of 450 Two Rivers families expressed a preference for distance learning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:63% of 450 Two Rivers families expressed a preference for distance learning.

Perfect, then the other 47% can go hybrid in person. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:63% of 450 Two Rivers families expressed a preference for distance learning.

Also break that down by grade level

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Newsflash:

I'm a teacher who is expected to be brought back to teach as I have no accommodations. I selected the virtual option but I know that's unlikely.

If I'm forced to teach in person I'm going to quit. And I know that I'm not the only one. Mark my words.

That's why it's important for each principal to know in advance prior to making the final plan.

I'm a former teacher, so I sympathize with everyone still in the classroom. With that said, I think the unemployment rate is too high right now for there to be a mass exodus of teachers. It may push a lot of eligible retirees out of the classroom, but I don't see a lot of people quitting. It was already difficult to get out of teaching pre-Covid. During a pseudo-depression with tens of millions of people out of work and companies scaling down operations to stay afloat, I think a lot of people are saying that out of exasperation. Again, I sympathize because it's a terrible position to be in, but we won't lose a lot of teachers.

The National and local teacher shortage is a thing. We’d have no problems getting a job again next fall.
I am sped certified and have no doubt I could get a job next fall in this area.
But I do agree to go on FMLA. Read the criterion and see how you can qualify.
Why not buy some time for the schools to get their acts together?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:63% of 450 Two Rivers families expressed a preference for distance learning.

Perfect, then the other 47% can go hybrid in person. Problem solved.

First of all, 100 minus 63 is 37, not 47.

Second, the schools can't do both DL and hybrid at the same time. They don't have the staff. You have to pick one or the other. Our school (not Two Rivers) cited this problem of "you can't do two things well" as a reason why they went with DL in August, and are now sticking with it through next year, because it can be continually improved, is the safest option, and a most parents are OK with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:63% of 450 Two Rivers families expressed a preference for distance learning.

Perfect, then the other 47% can go hybrid in person. Problem solved.

The other *37%* are free to withdraw and go to their IB DCPS. Charters have the flexibility to do what they want, and families can take it or leave it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:63% of 450 Two Rivers families expressed a preference for distance learning.

Perfect, then the other 47% can go hybrid in person. Problem solved.

First of all, 100 minus 63 is 37, not 47.

Second, the schools can't do both DL and hybrid at the same time. They don't have the staff. You have to pick one or the other. Our school (not Two Rivers) cited this problem of "you can't do two things well" as a reason why they went with DL in August, and are now sticking with it through next year, because it can be continually improved, is the safest option, and a most parents are OK with it.

Not quite. Hybrid still means teaching kids at home - so the DL kids get taught at home 100% of the time, not just 50% of the time.

[Anonymous]

Looks like the WTU is holding a rally at Ft Reno this Saturday at 11 am.

I'll try to post the flyers.

Spread the word if you are interested in stopping this plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looks like the WTU is holding a rally at Ft Reno this Saturday at 11 am.

I'll try to post the flyers.

Spread the word if you are interested in stopping this plan.

Is WTU proposing a different plan? I am open to alternative plans but extremely frustrated by the treading water that has been occurring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looks like the WTU is holding a rally at Ft Reno this Saturday at 11 am.

I'll try to post the flyers.

Spread the word if you are interested in stopping this plan.

Is WTU proposing a different plan? I am open to alternative plans but extremely frustrated by the treading water that has been occurring.

This. The WTU's positions so far have been ridiculous. If they were to propose something reasonable (N95 masks, really?) I would be happy to support them. But they pretty much just have a head shaking response to everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looks like the WTU is holding a rally at Ft Reno this Saturday at 11 am.

I'll try to post the flyers.

Spread the word if you are interested in stopping this plan.

Is WTU proposing a different plan? I am open to alternative plans but extremely frustrated by the treading water that has been occurring.

This. The WTU's positions so far have been ridiculous. If they were to propose something reasonable (N95 masks, really?) I would be happy to support them. But they pretty much just have a head shaking response to everything.

Here’s what WTU wants. What’s unreasonable about wanting N95s??? DCPS won’t even provide masks for students!

https://www.wtulocal6.net/statement_on_in_person_learning

[Anonymous]

Yes our charter gave a power point presentation to all families with specific plans for Nov for the neediest kid for supervised DL and hybrid for all in Jan.

Presentation above included things happening now in regards to HVAC and filters, classroom restructuring, outside space restructuring. Plans also included specifics on school cleaning and process, bathroom logistics issues, sinks, fountains, etc... They also addressed flow of people in building (1 way), lunch logistics, classroom containment, student screening, process if staff/student contracted Covid, etc...

I thought it was a really well prepared plan and feel re-assured about it.