We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

THEN. DON'T. GO.

Honestly why is this so hard to understand? The proposal by a previous poster had a full DL option.

But you do realize how wrong and selfish it is to say "my family does not want to return. thus, no families can return.'

Spoiler alert: you are not the queen of england, and you shall not be treated as such

I'm the PP with the proposal, and actually my point was that the full DL option is also fully imaginary at this point. It's up to the state and Hogan, and I haven't noticed them proposing anything of the sort. Have you? Hogan is happy to use every opportunity to take swipes at Elrich, but he's not doing the things that would actually help kids get back to school.

To do DL and in person we'd need twice as many teachers/staff as we have now.

Somehow other districts are doing this without twice the number of teachers. Amazing, right?

Which other districts, specifically, and how, specifically, are they doing it?

Washington County, MD:
http://wcpsmd.com/news/wcps-announces-stage-3-start-october-12

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

THEN. DON'T. GO.

Honestly why is this so hard to understand? The proposal by a previous poster had a full DL option.

But you do realize how wrong and selfish it is to say "my family does not want to return. thus, no families can return.'

Spoiler alert: you are not the queen of england, and you shall not be treated as such

I'm the PP with the proposal, and actually my point was that the full DL option is also fully imaginary at this point. It's up to the state and Hogan, and I haven't noticed them proposing anything of the sort. Have you? Hogan is happy to use every opportunity to take swipes at Elrich, but he's not doing the things that would actually help kids get back to school.

To do DL and in person we'd need twice as many teachers/staff as we have now.

Somehow other districts are doing this without twice the number of teachers. Amazing, right?

Which other districts, specifically, and how, specifically, are they doing it?

Washington County, MD:
http://wcpsmd.com/news/wcps-announces-stage-3-start-october-12

Yeah, people keep telling us about Washington County. Maryland has 24 school districts, but yet we only keep hearing about Washington County, why is that?

They're not doing distance learning and in person, they're doing school for some grades and distance learning for other grades. That's easy to figure out, but it won't satisfy the DCUM Your Desire To Stay Home Doesn't Outweigh My Desire For My Kid To Be In School posters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

We haven't seen MCPS say at board meetings that: "We can make this work if we just have $X million more for teacher salaries". Maybe that's all it takes, but they haven't stated that is the hold-up for reopening.

Probably because it would be as realistic to ask for a slice of the moon. There isn't $X00 million more available, and there aren't teachers who can be quickly hired with that non-available $X00 million.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

THEN. DON'T. GO.

Honestly why is this so hard to understand? The proposal by a previous poster had a full DL option.

But you do realize how wrong and selfish it is to say "my family does not want to return. thus, no families can return.'

Spoiler alert: you are not the queen of england, and you shall not be treated as such

I'm the PP with the proposal, and actually my point was that the full DL option is also fully imaginary at this point. It's up to the state and Hogan, and I haven't noticed them proposing anything of the sort. Have you? Hogan is happy to use every opportunity to take swipes at Elrich, but he's not doing the things that would actually help kids get back to school.

To do DL and in person we'd need twice as many teachers/staff as we have now.

Somehow other districts are doing this without twice the number of teachers. Amazing, right?

Which other districts, specifically, and how, specifically, are they doing it?

Washington County, MD:
http://wcpsmd.com/news/wcps-announces-stage-3-start-october-12

Yeah, people keep telling us about Washington County. Maryland has 24 school districts, but yet we only keep hearing about Washington County, why is that?

They're not doing distance learning and in person, they're doing school for some grades and distance learning for other grades. That's easy to figure out, but it won't satisfy the DCUM Your Desire To Stay Home Doesn't Outweigh My Desire For My Kid To Be In School posters.

I absolutely think MCPS should prioritize in person for ES this year. That solves a lot of the logistical issues the naysayers keep brining up as roadblocks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Which is why the PP from many pages back who suggested a full F2F option and a full DL option was right.

You may feel comfortable with DL until the 22-23 school year. Many others do not. And your preference should not be given more weight than mine.

Really, the BOE needs to do another survey. But not a "how do you think its going" survey.

A very specific one. What school do you attend? Will you return? Can you provide your own transportation? Can you provide your own masks? Have your children agreed to comply with the safety measures? Do you acknowledge that violation of the safety measures may mean you are switched to DL? Etc, etc.

That's not a survey. MCPS would need to try to do a census to count each student in MCPS.

Also, MCPS/BoE does not make decisions by majority vote of the parents, nor should they.

(I'm going to conclude that anybody who thinks "parents should just drive their kids!" is a viable alternative, has never been anywhere near a school during drop-off or pick-up. It's hazardous chaos even during normal times when most kids who arrive by motor vehicle arrive by school bus. If you want more kids to walk, then you can't have more parents driving. If you want more parents driving, then it's just not going to happen for more kids to walk.)

Sure. You raise valid criticisms.

But the time of "this is too difficult to solve. lets give up" has passed.

We are doing more damage to our kids by keeping them home. So instead of saying "this is too complicated" we need to have ideas.

Fabulous. SUGGEST THEM. ADVOCATE FOR THEM IN REAL LIFE. Instead of just indulging in this forum's favorite hobby of complaining about MCPS for anything and everything.

Well, FWIW, I was the PP that suggested the two options for ES: F2F 4-5 days a week, and county wide DL. Go back a few pages to see the recommendations; there are some details to them.

I still believe that would work. Especially if parents electing F2F acknowledged the risk and waived their rights to sue, etc.

I would 100% send my kids back full time. The risk to them is so low. The impacts to community spread are no different than other activities we've deemed acceptable. So, with limited precautions like masks, one way hallways, lunch in classroom, etc., I would feel very comfortable.

And in regards to yelling at me to advocate in real life, I'm happy to tell that you that I've testified at the last 6 board meetings, and have been quoted in the Post and WTOP regarding re-opening.

Specifically, at the last board meeting, I recommend that option for ES, and went into more detail on how it is safer than the hybrid approach and takes a more responsible approach to overall student health.

Honestly, for someone yelling at me to do more in real life, I'm surprised you didn't realize this was also discussed at the last board meeting.

Don't just assume that because we're here on DCUM that we're also not contacting the board. Or submitting testimony. Or contacting Superintendent Salmon and Governor Hogan. Or creating petitions. We most certainly are.

Its only the ones that are happy with the status quo that are doing nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We haven't seen MCPS say at board meetings that: "We can make this work if we just have $X million more for teacher salaries". Maybe that's all it takes, but they haven't stated that is the hold-up for reopening.

Probably because it would be as realistic to ask for a slice of the moon. There isn't $X00 million more available, and there aren't teachers who can be quickly hired with that non-available $X00 million.

Well, to be fair, Dixon has said "the money is there. We have millions in money from the CARES Act, so don't tell me the money isn't there."

She was specifically talking about more money for technology to enable DL, but she has said it. The money is there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

THEN. DON'T. GO.

Honestly why is this so hard to understand? The proposal by a previous poster had a full DL option.

But you do realize how wrong and selfish it is to say "my family does not want to return. thus, no families can return.'

Spoiler alert: you are not the queen of england, and you shall not be treated as such

I'm the PP with the proposal, and actually my point was that the full DL option is also fully imaginary at this point. It's up to the state and Hogan, and I haven't noticed them proposing anything of the sort. Have you? Hogan is happy to use every opportunity to take swipes at Elrich, but he's not doing the things that would actually help kids get back to school.

To do DL and in person we'd need twice as many teachers/staff as we have now.

Somehow other districts are doing this without twice the number of teachers. Amazing, right?

Which other districts, specifically, and how, specifically, are they doing it?

Washington County, MD:
http://wcpsmd.com/news/wcps-announces-stage-3-start-october-12

Yeah, people keep telling us about Washington County. Maryland has 24 school districts, but yet we only keep hearing about Washington County, why is that?

They're not doing distance learning and in person, they're doing school for some grades and distance learning for other grades. That's easy to figure out, but it won't satisfy the DCUM Your Desire To Stay Home Doesn't Outweigh My Desire For My Kid To Be In School posters.

Returning to in-person learning is optional, not required:

"If your student was previously invited to return in stage 2, but you chose to continue distance learning, your child may also return when stage 3 begins. These families must make arrangements with the school in advance. If this applies to you, please contact your child's principal. "

http://wcpsmd.com/news/school-staff-exploring-student-interest-stage-3-return

I think it's a good example because they are in the same state as MCPS, and about an hour away. Using examples from Tennessee or Florida aren't that strong. They have different infection rates, climate, requirements, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We haven't seen MCPS say at board meetings that: "We can make this work if we just have $X million more for teacher salaries". Maybe that's all it takes, but they haven't stated that is the hold-up for reopening.

Probably because it would be as realistic to ask for a slice of the moon. There isn't $X00 million more available, and there aren't teachers who can be quickly hired with that non-available $X00 million.

Well, to be fair, Dixon has said "the money is there. We have millions in money from the CARES Act, so don't tell me the money isn't there."

She was specifically talking about more money for technology to enable DL, but she has said it. The money is there.

I remember that. That's my issue. MCPS hasn't said "We're ready to open, but we just need $X to do it." which suggests to me they aren't even planning to reopen. Otherwise, they could just ask for $$ and point the finger at the county or state for not coming up with it. They can say: "Parents, we're ready to reopen, but Elrich and Hogan need to give us $X million. Contact them not us." But they haven't done that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We haven't seen MCPS say at board meetings that: "We can make this work if we just have $X million more for teacher salaries". Maybe that's all it takes, but they haven't stated that is the hold-up for reopening.

Probably because it would be as realistic to ask for a slice of the moon. There isn't $X00 million more available, and there aren't teachers who can be quickly hired with that non-available $X00 million.

Well, to be fair, Dixon has said "the money is there. We have millions in money from the CARES Act, so don't tell me the money isn't there."

She was specifically talking about more money for technology to enable DL, but she has said it. The money is there.

Why can’t they get the CARES money that the county apparently has no idea what to do with? Like what on earth is going on?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We haven't seen MCPS say at board meetings that: "We can make this work if we just have $X million more for teacher salaries". Maybe that's all it takes, but they haven't stated that is the hold-up for reopening.

Probably because it would be as realistic to ask for a slice of the moon. There isn't $X00 million more available, and there aren't teachers who can be quickly hired with that non-available $X00 million.

Well, to be fair, Dixon has said "the money is there. We have millions in money from the CARES Act, so don't tell me the money isn't there."

She was specifically talking about more money for technology to enable DL, but she has said it. The money is there.

Why can’t they get the CARES money that the county apparently has no idea what to do with? Like what on earth is going on?!

The issue with the CARES money is NOT that the county doesn't know what to do with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Returning to in-person learning is optional, not required:

"If your student was previously invited to return in stage 2, but you chose to continue distance learning, your child may also return when stage 3 begins. These families must make arrangements with the school in advance. If this applies to you, please contact your child's principal. "

http://wcpsmd.com/news/school-staff-exploring-student-interest-stage-3-return

I think it's a good example because they are in the same state as MCPS, and about an hour away. Using examples from Tennessee or Florida aren't that strong. They have different infection rates, climate, requirements, etc.

So what are those "arrangements"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

We haven't seen MCPS say at board meetings that: "We can make this work if we just have $X million more for teacher salaries". Maybe that's all it takes, but they haven't stated that is the hold-up for reopening.

Probably because it would be as realistic to ask for a slice of the moon. There isn't $X00 million more available, and there aren't teachers who can be quickly hired with that non-available $X00 million.

Well, to be fair, Dixon has said "the money is there. We have millions in money from the CARES Act, so don't tell me the money isn't there."

She was specifically talking about more money for technology to enable DL, but she has said it. The money is there.

Why can’t they get the CARES money that the county apparently has no idea what to do with? Like what on earth is going on?!

The issue with the CARES money is NOT that the county doesn't know what to do with it.

Ok, more that they don’t know HOW to spend it? I’m seriously confused and frustrated why they are on the verge of forfeiting all this aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Which is why the PP from many pages back who suggested a full F2F option and a full DL option was right.

You may feel comfortable with DL until the 22-23 school year. Many others do not. And your preference should not be given more weight than mine.

Really, the BOE needs to do another survey. But not a "how do you think its going" survey.

A very specific one. What school do you attend? Will you return? Can you provide your own transportation? Can you provide your own masks? Have your children agreed to comply with the safety measures? Do you acknowledge that violation of the safety measures may mean you are switched to DL? Etc, etc.

That's not a survey. MCPS would need to try to do a census to count each student in MCPS.

Also, MCPS/BoE does not make decisions by majority vote of the parents, nor should they.

(I'm going to conclude that anybody who thinks "parents should just drive their kids!" is a viable alternative, has never been anywhere near a school during drop-off or pick-up. It's hazardous chaos even during normal times when most kids who arrive by motor vehicle arrive by school bus. If you want more kids to walk, then you can't have more parents driving. If you want more parents driving, then it's just not going to happen for more kids to walk.)

Sure. You raise valid criticisms.

But the time of "this is too difficult to solve. lets give up" has passed.

We are doing more damage to our kids by keeping them home. So instead of saying "this is too complicated" we need to have ideas.

Fabulous. SUGGEST THEM. ADVOCATE FOR THEM IN REAL LIFE. Instead of just indulging in this forum's favorite hobby of complaining about MCPS for anything and everything.

That's the advice I gave my kid before he testified at the B of E: don't just complain. Offer a plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Which is why the PP from many pages back who suggested a full F2F option and a full DL option was right.

You may feel comfortable with DL until the 22-23 school year. Many others do not. And your preference should not be given more weight than mine.

Really, the BOE needs to do another survey. But not a "how do you think its going" survey.

A very specific one. What school do you attend? Will you return? Can you provide your own transportation? Can you provide your own masks? Have your children agreed to comply with the safety measures? Do you acknowledge that violation of the safety measures may mean you are switched to DL? Etc, etc.

That's not a survey. MCPS would need to try to do a census to count each student in MCPS.

Also, MCPS/BoE does not make decisions by majority vote of the parents, nor should they.

(I'm going to conclude that anybody who thinks "parents should just drive their kids!" is a viable alternative, has never been anywhere near a school during drop-off or pick-up. It's hazardous chaos even during normal times when most kids who arrive by motor vehicle arrive by school bus. If you want more kids to walk, then you can't have more parents driving. If you want more parents driving, then it's just not going to happen for more kids to walk.)

Sure. You raise valid criticisms.

But the time of "this is too difficult to solve. lets give up" has passed.

We are doing more damage to our kids by keeping them home. So instead of saying "this is too complicated" we need to have ideas.

Fabulous. SUGGEST THEM. ADVOCATE FOR THEM IN REAL LIFE. Instead of just indulging in this forum's favorite hobby of complaining about MCPS for anything and everything.

That's the advice I gave my kid before he testified at the B of E: don't just complain. Offer a plan.

Off-topic, I am the PP that shared my plan and have testified at the last 6 board meetings.

I am always so impressed with the students that submit testimony and advocate on behalf of themselves and their peers. Especially the students that are brave enough to call out mistakes or bad behavior by the teachers (like the student that testified his teachers were skipping office hours, leaving him with open questions on his assignments).

As a teenager, I'm not sure I would have had the courage or conviction to testify to a government body. I admire your child's conviction and courage at such a young age.

Good work

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Which is why the PP from many pages back who suggested a full F2F option and a full DL option was right.

You may feel comfortable with DL until the 22-23 school year. Many others do not. And your preference should not be given more weight than mine.

Really, the BOE needs to do another survey. But not a "how do you think its going" survey.

A very specific one. What school do you attend? Will you return? Can you provide your own transportation? Can you provide your own masks? Have your children agreed to comply with the safety measures? Do you acknowledge that violation of the safety measures may mean you are switched to DL? Etc, etc.

That's not a survey. MCPS would need to try to do a census to count each student in MCPS.

Also, MCPS/BoE does not make decisions by majority vote of the parents, nor should they.

(I'm going to conclude that anybody who thinks "parents should just drive their kids!" is a viable alternative, has never been anywhere near a school during drop-off or pick-up. It's hazardous chaos even during normal times when most kids who arrive by motor vehicle arrive by school bus. If you want more kids to walk, then you can't have more parents driving. If you want more parents driving, then it's just not going to happen for more kids to walk.)

Sure. You raise valid criticisms.

But the time of "this is too difficult to solve. lets give up" has passed.

We are doing more damage to our kids by keeping them home. So instead of saying "this is too complicated" we need to have ideas.

Fabulous. SUGGEST THEM. ADVOCATE FOR THEM IN REAL LIFE. Instead of just indulging in this forum's favorite hobby of complaining about MCPS for anything and everything.

That's the advice I gave my kid before he testified at the B of E: don't just complain. Offer a plan.

Off-topic, I am the PP that shared my plan and have testified at the last 6 board meetings.

I am always so impressed with the students that submit testimony and advocate on behalf of themselves and their peers. Especially the students that are brave enough to call out mistakes or bad behavior by the teachers (like the student that testified his teachers were skipping office hours, leaving him with open questions on his assignments).

As a teenager, I'm not sure I would have had the courage or conviction to testify to a government body. I admire your child's conviction and courage at such a young age.

Good work

As Einstein probably didn't say, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Perhaps you need to propose a new plan!