Why doesn't MCPS seem to have a covid plan for the fall?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OK! But realistically, they are choosing to use the guidelines as like a menu of options, rather than attempting to adhere to all or even most of the recommended mitigation measures. Example: Cdc recommends testing. We know they “can” do testing because they did in the spring. This year we know they are choosing not to test.

Did they actually do it in the spring, though? Both of my kids had a signed form allowing pooled testing, but they never turned them in, because they said they didn't know where to turn them in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh please, Hogan not the problem here. This falls squarely on MCPS. If they do have a plan, they need to communicate it. If they don’t, that’s even worse. -NP

This is MCPS fault for sure. Look at other counties in MD for comparison. For example Washington County posted their plan on 7/15/21:
http://wcpsmd.com/news/schol-reopening-plan-accelerate-learning-wcps

and it's based on state (MSDE) requirements. MCPS could have done the same if they were managed better.

What a load of hot BS that Washington County document is. Jargon on jargon on jargon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OK! But realistically, they are choosing to use the guidelines as like a menu of options, rather than attempting to adhere to all or even most of the recommended mitigation measures. Example: Cdc recommends testing. We know they “can” do testing because they did in the spring. This year we know they are choosing not to test.

Did they actually do it in the spring, though? Both of my kids had a signed form allowing pooled testing, but they never turned them in, because they said they didn't know where to turn them in.

At some schools they had voluntary testing but most schools only started at the very end of the year. They should require mandatory testing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

OK! But realistically, they are choosing to use the guidelines as like a menu of options, rather than attempting to adhere to all or even most of the recommended mitigation measures. Example: Cdc recommends testing. We know they “can” do testing because they did in the spring. This year we know they are choosing not to test.

Did they actually do it in the spring, though? Both of my kids had a signed form allowing pooled testing, but they never turned them in, because they said they didn't know where to turn them in.

Our school collected them electronically and sent out a thousand reminders about it. My kids were both pool tested weekly except their first week back. I was disappointed so few classmates opted in in one child’s class, rendering the results less useful. I’m a huge fan of surveillance testing in general and am bummed that a tool that can really inhibit transmission isn’t being used effectively in relevant settings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did I miss a meeting or announcement? What is the plan for testing? For lunch? For encouraging vaccinations? How will they handle travel and quarantine and informing people of positive cases? Shouldn't there be a comprehensive district wide plan for all these things?

MCPS has a plan.

A more accurate thread title would be, "Why doesn't MCPS's plan have the things I want in it?"

Link to their plan please? I'd like to read it.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2020-2021/Community-Update-20210526.html

That is not a plan. If my principal walked into my classroom and asked to see my plan for the day, I damn well better have more than “I will be here from 9-4. I will deliver instruction.”

I am certain (ok, I’m not, I’m hoping/praying) the board has more details hammered out and shares them on August 24 (a day after staff return). We are all feeling anxious right now.

[spudmqueen]

Anonymous wrote:I agree OP, school starts in 3 weeks. They need to share the plan.

I agree. How is MCPS not even providing updates. At the least they could announce they are working on alternatives. Very disappointing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did I miss a meeting or announcement? What is the plan for testing? For lunch? For encouraging vaccinations? How will they handle travel and quarantine and informing people of positive cases? Shouldn't there be a comprehensive district wide plan for all these things?

MCPS has a plan.

A more accurate thread title would be, "Why doesn't MCPS's plan have the things I want in it?"

Link to their plan please? I'd like to read it.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2020-2021/Community-Update-20210526.html

That is not a plan. If my principal walked into my classroom and asked to see my plan for the day, I damn well better have more than “I will be here from 9-4. I will deliver instruction.”

I am certain (ok, I’m not, I’m hoping/praying) the board has more details hammered out and shares them on August 24 (a day after staff return). We are all feeling anxious right now.

They probably have a plan or are waiting for permission or figuring it out exactly but it doesn't give a lot of confidence to many of us when it comes to sending our kids back. We are leaning toward not returning. I'd rather let others return, see what happens, then send mine when we know more.

[Anonymous]

spudmqueen wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree OP, school starts in 3 weeks. They need to share the plan.

I agree. How is MCPS not even providing updates. At the least they could announce they are working on alternatives. Very disappointing.

They have said their plan. Return to normal, just like pre-covid days with the only exception being masking. A decent teacher will keep the desks separated in ES and keep kids as best distanced as they can but the pictures MCPS has posted from summer school show no distancing of teachers or kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did I miss a meeting or announcement? What is the plan for testing? For lunch? For encouraging vaccinations? How will they handle travel and quarantine and informing people of positive cases? Shouldn't there be a comprehensive district wide plan for all these things?

They likely have several but since it's a moving target haven't committed.

[spudmqueen]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did I miss a meeting or announcement? What is the plan for testing? For lunch? For encouraging vaccinations? How will they handle travel and quarantine and informing people of positive cases? Shouldn't there be a comprehensive district wide plan for all these things?

They likely have several but since it's a moving target haven't committed.

I agree and really hope to get some updates this week--even if the update is that they are still working on plans.

[Anonymous]

A year and a half in, has MCPS made any investments in building ventilation?

[Anonymous]

spudmqueen wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did I miss a meeting or announcement? What is the plan for testing? For lunch? For encouraging vaccinations? How will they handle travel and quarantine and informing people of positive cases? Shouldn't there be a comprehensive district wide plan for all these things?

They likely have several but since it's a moving target haven't committed.

I agree and really hope to get some updates this week--even if the update is that they are still working on plans.

Good luck with that. I wouldn't count on it.

They ready said they are not having people travel quarantine. There is no testing except if they change it. This has been announced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

spudmqueen wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree OP, school starts in 3 weeks. They need to share the plan.

I agree. How is MCPS not even providing updates. At the least they could announce they are working on alternatives. Very disappointing.

They have said their plan. Return to normal, just like pre-covid days with the only exception being masking. A decent teacher will keep the desks separated in ES and keep kids as best distanced as they can but the pictures MCPS has posted from summer school show no distancing of teachers or kids.

There’s not even room in the classrooms to do this properly w 25+ kids. They need to come up with a better plan ASAP.

[Anonymous]

Today it's Delta.. in 4 tears it could be an different pandemic altogether. The fact is thatbwr have allowed moco leaders to over develop this area without building enough schools.
Even before the pandemic having 30 children in a classroom is insane. No child is.gettinf the help they need. Classes are run like college lectures vs an age appropriate learning environment. The spread of germs is horrendous. It's an unhealthy environment we are allowing by continuing to vote for the same numbskulls at the local level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

They probably have a plan or are waiting for permission or figuring it out exactly but it doesn't give a lot of confidence to many of us when it comes to sending our kids back. We are leaning toward not returning. I'd rather let others return, see what happens, then send mine when we know more.

OK, then don't send your kids back. Withdraw them, fill out the homeschool form, wait and see, then re-enroll them when MCPS meets your requirements.