APS School Board meeting last night - who watched?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Our monitors are all extended day staff. We will need them back working their regular hours. There will be no shifts. Mary and Miranda’s platforms are both obsolete now.

Miranda’s platform was obsolete the minute it was clear five days per week would happen in the fall. Mary’s was never about opening schools or not. Look at her webpage from day 1 - she was and is focused on all the other issues facing APS and our students. She addressed the school closing/opening issue eventually, but wasn’t campaigning on it because it’s moot by the time Jan 1 2022 rolls around. By contrast, Miranda had nothing else in her quiver when this all started. She has no track record of engaging in APS or APS issues, and pulled her child from the system went she wasn’t happy. This is not a candidate invested in the long term of APS. Despite ALL CAPS screaming by some on AEM, the caucus is not a referendum on opening schools.

[Anonymous]

Anyone watch the SB candidates panel last night?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Yes but now there is plenty of time for the backlash to mobilize. Just wait for OneAPS 2.0. Kadera already is raising school shifts as a way to comply w sb1303 and maintain distancing. Of course we can’t hire that many teachers for shifts, but I could see us utilizing our robust monitor force to supervise school hours w asynchronous work.

OneAPS hasn't been in anyone's mouth for almost a year. It's not coming back. It seems to have morphed into SR. There is definitely more to complain about now that SR isn't getting their way, but they do not have the best spokespeople, IMO. They accuse APE of doing underhanded tactics that they do themselves.

I think there is room to improve the virtual school, particularly for the option schools, who sounds like they are upset that their model won't be followed until their children can return back to in-person school. I'm not an option school parent, but I understand their viewpoint and hope that they can get APS to figure out how those virtual kids can get the same education as those in the in person school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Yes but now there is plenty of time for the backlash to mobilize. Just wait for OneAPS 2.0. Kadera already is raising school shifts as a way to comply w sb1303 and maintain distancing. Of course we can’t hire that many teachers for shifts, but I could see us utilizing our robust monitor force to supervise school hours w asynchronous work.

Schools shifts would no doubt be a "monumental logistical challenge" - it will never happen!! (thank goodness)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Yes but now there is plenty of time for the backlash to mobilize. Just wait for OneAPS 2.0. Kadera already is raising school shifts as a way to comply w sb1303 and maintain distancing. Of course we can’t hire that many teachers for shifts, but I could see us utilizing our robust monitor force to supervise school hours w asynchronous work.

OneAPS hasn't been in anyone's mouth for almost a year. It's not coming back. It seems to have morphed into SR. There is definitely more to complain about now that SR isn't getting their way, but they do not have the best spokespeople, IMO. They accuse APE of doing underhanded tactics that they do themselves.

I think there is room to improve the virtual school, particularly for the option schools, who sounds like they are upset that their model won't be followed until their children can return back to in-person school. I'm not an option school parent, but I understand their viewpoint and hope that they can get APS to figure out how those virtual kids can get the same education as those in the in person school.

Aren't other school systems refusing kids for remote / virtual unless they have medical reasons?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's really a huge turnoff for voting for Miranda. This kind of divisiveness should be nowhere near the school board.

I don't think the person who said they've been inspired by TT to vote for the other candidate is joking. I feel the same way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Yes but now there is plenty of time for the backlash to mobilize. Just wait for OneAPS 2.0. Kadera already is raising school shifts as a way to comply w sb1303 and maintain distancing. Of course we can’t hire that many teachers for shifts, but I could see us utilizing our robust monitor force to supervise school hours w asynchronous work.

Oh God. I don’t think we could take another year of this nonsense. If the kids are masked and the case counts are low (thanks to high vaccination rates in this area), then that should be reasonably safe. Anyone who wants to wait until COVID zero is free to enroll in virtual school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Yes but now there is plenty of time for the backlash to mobilize. Just wait for OneAPS 2.0. Kadera already is raising school shifts as a way to comply w sb1303 and maintain distancing. Of course we can’t hire that many teachers for shifts, but I could see us utilizing our robust monitor force to supervise school hours w asynchronous work.

Oh God. I don’t think we could take another year of this nonsense. If the kids are masked and the case counts are low (thanks to high vaccination rates in this area), then that should be reasonably safe. Anyone who wants to wait until COVID zero is free to enroll in virtual school.

She threw it out there as a theoretical idea. Trying to think about different ways to get the kids back in the classroom, as opposed to MT just yelling to open the doors. It doesn't seem like part of her "platform" and, now that APS has decided to re-open without any distancing, it seems like a moot idea. But at least she was trying. Same cannot be said of her opponent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Our monitors are all extended day staff. We will need them back working their regular hours. There will be no shifts. Mary and Miranda’s platforms are both obsolete now.

Miranda’s platform was obsolete the minute it was clear five days per week would happen in the fall. Mary’s was never about opening schools or not. Look at her webpage from day 1 - she was and is focused on all the other issues facing APS and our students. She addressed the school closing/opening issue eventually, but wasn’t campaigning on it because it’s moot by the time Jan 1 2022 rolls around. By contrast, Miranda had nothing else in her quiver when this all started. She has no track record of engaging in APS or APS issues, and pulled her child from the system went she wasn’t happy. This is not a candidate invested in the long term of APS. Despite ALL CAPS screaming by some on AEM, the caucus is not a referendum on opening schools.

From my perspective, I do view the caucus as a referendum on the school board and APS. The school board sat on the side lines while APS decided to not teach any new material last spring. And they refuse to add more days now even for K-2 and level 1 kids. And they ahve allowed ipad/screens to be used in the classroom in inappropriate ways. I do think electing Miranda would send shock waves through APS , and the County quite frankly. We need a different perspective on the School Board. We are not served well by having all like-minded members on the board. And if they aren't like minded, I surely can't tell that since they don't vote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so I read everything. I still fail to understand how letting k-2 go 4 days a week 'hurts' low income students.
I have heard it said that it is to difficult for low income students to access due to APS changes to transportation, shortened day, and lack of extended day. But isn't that the same barrier for VPI? (which they announced was in fact going back 4 days next week). Isn't that the same barrier for 2 days?
I 100% agree its a major barrier- and in fact think the onworkability of the schedule is a reason that many parents (of all income levels) opted to stay virtual. But getting 4 days instead of two doesn't make this harder- it makes it more 'worth it.'
They already redid the classes- so kids who are virtual k-2 are in virtual only classes, they wouldn't be impacted.

I read the statements to be saying that these populations are less able to make new transportation and after school arrangements in a short period of time. They have work schedules that go to 5pm and so can't necessarily change either those schedules, their child's transportation needs, or after school arrangements, in the time needed to allow kids who are currently 2-day hybrid to switch to 4-day in person. They could have really struggled to move schedules to make bus or school pickup before work ended for 2 days a week, but be absolutely unable to make that happen 4 days a week.

Whatever the VPI schedules turned out to be, they warned parents about that a month ago and parents have made those arrangements now and no one is trying to switch them again before the end of the year. Here, parents were also warned about what options were available about a month ago, parents made the best arrangements that worked for their families, and now all of a sudden if low-income families can't make new child care and possibly even transportation arrangements for another two days a week, their kid loses their chance at 2 days of school in person. It's not as much of a problem for parents who are working from home to be around for pickup or dropoff from school, but it is for these parents.

People keep saying well then just have these kids move from half in person to fully virtual, but they didn't choose virtual, they chose hybrid, and frankly may really need that in person contact for those two days more than other kids need the extra two days of in person.

Also, these families in hybrid may feel they can deal with the risk of 2 days in person right now but not want the additional risk of 4 days in person.

That being said, I'm sure that there are also families from these communities that would make 4 day return to school work. I'm not speaking with these families and I don't know. I'm just reading the statements of the latino ladies that talked at the board meeting and several of them said that they thought what was being offered now was what they could deal with and they did not want to change to a full return to school. And that the options of the vocal parents were not more important in the long run than the options of these sections of the community that were being hit hard by the virus.

I’m a K-2 parent and I do hear all this. I really do. But I’m also concerned APS is using equity as an excuse for inaction. Why is it that lower income populations in FCPS (of which there are many) are not having similar issues getting their kids to school? Is FCPS doing a better job of providing transportation for them? Has Fairfax County better facilitated vaccinations in these neighborhoods. Or conversely is Fairfax just ignoring their struggles in which case APS is doing a better job of listening to these voices? Shouldn’t we be trying to figure this out?

I don’t think parents should shout over people at meetings. But I also do think people should be able to press the SB and Dr. Duran for answers without being dismissed as privileged. At this point I’ve given up on more days this year, but I want to know what about the existing logistical challenges will be different by the fall? I’m concerned they’re simply hoping CDC guidance will change so they don’t have to figure this all out. How will bussing be different next year, especially as (likely) even more kids opt to return? What is preventing APS from offering aftercare this year to these communities who are citing this as a barrier to getting their children in class more days? Does APS realistically expect to be able to offer aftercare next year?

I mean, I hear these parents saying they can’t get their kids to school more days because of XYZ issues and there is a subset of parents out there saying “see, we shouldn’t do anything because equity!” as if they are such activists for these families. And I guess I just wish we had a school district that actually had a fire under its butt to at least get the youngest kids back and decided to at least solve XYZ issues for the youngest learners. Even just expanding for the K crowd who have never even had a normal school year EVER would be some improvement.

I feel like the SB has been watching the clock count down ever since Feb. when they clearly decided hybrid is all they would offer this year. I think they were counting on surrounding jurisdictions to also only stay 2 days and didn’t count on looking inferior for not being able to manage 4 days like the other Virginia districts.

100% agree with you, as a 1st grade parent

So you guys should probably feel comforted by Dr. Duran's announcement this afternoon that due to the enthusiastic response of parents to the return to school in person/virtual survey for next fall (overwhelming response for in person), APS was going to have to drop the 3 foot distancing between desks, where needed (possibly everywhere) in order to fit all the kids who wanted to attend into the schools. He said that he was extending the deadline to respond in case that made anyone change their mind about going, but that the numbers indicated that they would not be able to enforce those guidelines given the large number of kids intending to return.

I think this should comfort you for next year given that your priority is returning to school -- now APS is clearly stating that they will preference returning over this distancing guideline so that this guideline, which is part of the reason why returning kids was difficult this Spring, should not be standing in the way next Fall. It should show folks here that Dr. Duran is serious about return to school in the Fall.

I’m the K mom who posted and I do feel better. Because without dropping the distancing guideline, APS never could have delivered on what it was promising with 5 normal days.

Yes but now there is plenty of time for the backlash to mobilize. Just wait for OneAPS 2.0. Kadera already is raising school shifts as a way to comply w sb1303 and maintain distancing. Of course we can’t hire that many teachers for shifts, but I could see us utilizing our robust monitor force to supervise school hours w asynchronous work.

OneAPS hasn't been in anyone's mouth for almost a year. It's not coming back. It seems to have morphed into SR. There is definitely more to complain about now that SR isn't getting their way, but they do not have the best spokespeople, IMO. They accuse APE of doing underhanded tactics that they do themselves.

I think there is room to improve the virtual school, particularly for the option schools, who sounds like they are upset that their model won't be followed until their children can return back to in-person school. I'm not an option school parent, but I understand their viewpoint and hope that they can get APS to figure out how those virtual kids can get the same education as those in the in person school.

There are going to be so few people that choose virtual school next year. APS is so out of touch that they actually thought more than a tiny sliver of families woudl choose virtual. It's so dumb that they promised an APS virtual program before verifying the demand for it. It really demonstrates that they have no idea what families need or want.

[Anonymous]

OMG. STILL handwringing over RTS?

5 days in the fall. Done.

Time to move TF on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OMG. STILL handwringing over RTS?

5 days in the fall. Done.

Time to move TF on.

I'm entirely resigned, I promise, but it's obtuse to fail to recognize how much APS has undermined collective trust over the last year. Hybrid option for the fall? Nope! Trauma-informed teaching? Nope! Concurrent teaching limited to only high school kids? Nope! 1:1 interventions for kids who are failing? Nope! There are even silly things like they said in the fall they absolutely would not have parts of the school day outdoors (and then organized a huge task force for outdoor lunch logistics, 9 months later). Dr. Duran and Bridget Loft said MANY things in the fall that were undone or walked back. So it's hard to trust that they will in fact have a 5-day return in the fall, and even if they do, they've failed on so many fronts this year that I think it's hard for those of us still dealing with the mess of the current year to just move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG. STILL handwringing over RTS?

5 days in the fall. Done.

Time to move TF on.

I'm entirely resigned, I promise, but it's obtuse to fail to recognize how much APS has undermined collective trust over the last year. Hybrid option for the fall? Nope! Trauma-informed teaching? Nope! Concurrent teaching limited to only high school kids? Nope! 1:1 interventions for kids who are failing? Nope! There are even silly things like they said in the fall they absolutely would not have parts of the school day outdoors (and then organized a huge task force for outdoor lunch logistics, 9 months later). Dr. Duran and Bridget Loft said MANY things in the fall that were undone or walked back. So it's hard to trust that they will in fact have a 5-day return in the fall, and even if they do, they've failed on so many fronts this year that I think it's hard for those of us still dealing with the mess of the current year to just move on.

WTF? You’re being ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG. STILL handwringing over RTS?

5 days in the fall. Done.

Time to move TF on.

I'm entirely resigned, I promise, but it's obtuse to fail to recognize how much APS has undermined collective trust over the last year. Hybrid option for the fall? Nope! Trauma-informed teaching? Nope! Concurrent teaching limited to only high school kids? Nope! 1:1 interventions for kids who are failing? Nope! There are even silly things like they said in the fall they absolutely would not have parts of the school day outdoors (and then organized a huge task force for outdoor lunch logistics, 9 months later). Dr. Duran and Bridget Loft said MANY things in the fall that were undone or walked back. So it's hard to trust that they will in fact have a 5-day return in the fall, and even if they do, they've failed on so many fronts this year that I think it's hard for those of us still dealing with the mess of the current year to just move on.

WTF? You’re being ridiculous.

Ok. So, have they done the things they said they were going to do this year, or not?