Ferebee email re adding school days because of snow

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Love that they kept the Wellness Day, but scrapped PTCs. (Eyeroll....) Way to keep accountability to an absolute minimum, DC teachers' union.

Can't wait until my DC heads to her older siblings' charter...

Ha, our charters doesnt. even have PTCs at all

Yep, they are going to be in for a rude awakening when they realize charter schools don’t just bend over and cater to parent’s every whim.

DP. We chose DCPS over charters but it is very weird to characterize two PTC a year, for a total of 30 minutes of face-to-face communication, as "bending over and catering to parents' every whim."

Even thought they are short, my spouse and I always feel like we get good information from PTC and it has really helped us understand things about our child and their experience at school that helps as do a better job supporting her at home. It doesnt' feel like there is any downside? I don't get it.

My kid is at a selective HS and I’m upset about the loss of PTC. It’s ridiculously hard to get teacher response other times for the kids — much less their parents. My kid struggles with inattentive ADHD and the PTC twice a year go a long way toward effectively supporting her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think this is acceptable at all. My kids get “excellent” report cards (elementary) but it really tells me nothing. Since we don’t have any major issues we receive zero individual communication from the school and don’t have any chance to ask questions or speak to the teacher. The only time is during the 2 x a year conferences. What school system thinks it’s acceptable to do cancel parent teacher conferences like this?

And didn’t the kids only miss two days of school and trudge through the snow with all those late start times so there wouldn’t be snow make up days?

Why are you looking for issues if there don't seem to be any issues? DC parents, I swear. Try to find a hobby or something...or I don't know, get a life?

What? I’m a dcps teacher and can’t believe they cancelled PTCs. Did you know in some districts there is a PTC per quarter? Imagine that, lazy colleague.

Has DCPS always had more than one conference day? As a kid I remember teachers offering one every quarter if you requested it on the report card envelope. In DPCS teachers are expected to get 100% attendance for conference to meet the district’s family engagement goals. So it could be a question of what are we doing for compliance vs best practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think this is acceptable at all. My kids get “excellent” report cards (elementary) but it really tells me nothing. Since we don’t have any major issues we receive zero individual communication from the school and don’t have any chance to ask questions or speak to the teacher. The only time is during the 2 x a year conferences. What school system thinks it’s acceptable to do cancel parent teacher conferences like this?

And didn’t the kids only miss two days of school and trudge through the snow with all those late start times so there wouldn’t be snow make up days?

Why are you looking for issues if there don't seem to be any issues? DC parents, I swear. Try to find a hobby or something...or I don't know, get a life?

What? I’m a dcps teacher and can’t believe they cancelled PTCs. Did you know in some districts there is a PTC per quarter? Imagine that, lazy colleague.

Has DCPS always had more than one conference day? As a kid I remember teachers offering one every quarter if you requested it on the report card envelope. In DPCS teachers are expected to get 100% attendance for conference to meet the district’s family engagement goals. So it could be a question of what are we doing for compliance vs best practice.

I have been around over a decade and I haven’t seen more than 2, I always thought it was odd.

DCPS expects you to meet parents on your own time that they don’t always give.

DCPS does not care what parents or teachers want or even students -they care about their donors.

I’m also certain Ferebee is biding is time because if JLG wins for mayor he will be out the door. I really want changes for DCPS. We can do better for our students AND teachers.

I am meeting a few parents today for PTC but most can’t make it (understandably).

Just as a side note, I am confused why that pp called that other teacher lazy? Perhaps they are able to give comprehensive overviews without that day? Wish that could be me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think this is acceptable at all. My kids get “excellent” report cards (elementary) but it really tells me nothing. Since we don’t have any major issues we receive zero individual communication from the school and don’t have any chance to ask questions or speak to the teacher. The only time is during the 2 x a year conferences. What school system thinks it’s acceptable to do cancel parent teacher conferences like this?

And didn’t the kids only miss two days of school and trudge through the snow with all those late start times so there wouldn’t be snow make up days?

Why are you looking for issues if there don't seem to be any issues? DC parents, I swear. Try to find a hobby or something...or I don't know, get a life?

What? I’m a dcps teacher and can’t believe they cancelled PTCs. Did you know in some districts there is a PTC per quarter? Imagine that, lazy colleague.

Has DCPS always had more than one conference day? As a kid I remember teachers offering one every quarter if you requested it on the report card envelope. In DPCS teachers are expected to get 100% attendance for conference to meet the district’s family engagement goals. So it could be a question of what are we doing for compliance vs best practice.

I have been around over a decade and I haven’t seen more than 2, I always thought it was odd.

DCPS expects you to meet parents on your own time that they don’t always give.

DCPS does not care what parents or teachers want or even students -they care about their donors.

I’m also certain Ferebee is biding is time because if JLG wins for mayor he will be out the door. I really want changes for DCPS. We can do better for our students AND teachers.

I am meeting a few parents today for PTC but most can’t make it (understandably).

Just as a side note, I am confused why that pp called that other teacher lazy? Perhaps they are able to give comprehensive overviews without that day? Wish that could be me!

What donors? I can't imagine donors care about whether DCPS makes up a snow day by taking away at PTC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think this is acceptable at all. My kids get “excellent” report cards (elementary) but it really tells me nothing. Since we don’t have any major issues we receive zero individual communication from the school and don’t have any chance to ask questions or speak to the teacher. The only time is during the 2 x a year conferences. What school system thinks it’s acceptable to do cancel parent teacher conferences like this?

And didn’t the kids only miss two days of school and trudge through the snow with all those late start times so there wouldn’t be snow make up days?

Why are you looking for issues if there don't seem to be any issues? DC parents, I swear. Try to find a hobby or something...or I don't know, get a life?

What? I’m a dcps teacher and can’t believe they cancelled PTCs. Did you know in some districts there is a PTC per quarter? Imagine that, lazy colleague.

Has DCPS always had more than one conference day? As a kid I remember teachers offering one every quarter if you requested it on the report card envelope. In DPCS teachers are expected to get 100% attendance for conference to meet the district’s family engagement goals. So it could be a question of what are we doing for compliance vs best practice.

I have been around over a decade and I haven’t seen more than 2, I always thought it was odd.

DCPS expects you to meet parents on your own time that they don’t always give.

DCPS does not care what parents or teachers want or even students -they care about their donors.

I’m also certain Ferebee is biding is time because if JLG wins for mayor he will be out the door. I really want changes for DCPS. We can do better for our students AND teachers.

I am meeting a few parents today for PTC but most can’t make it (understandably).

Just as a side note, I am confused why that pp called that other teacher lazy? Perhaps they are able to give comprehensive overviews without that day? Wish that could be me!

What donors? I can't imagine donors care about whether DCPS makes up a snow day by taking away at PTC.

So you think there is no corruption? What other incentive is there to do the things DCPS does? I am seriously asking, it’s not simply mismanagement, they are doing things they know harm students and teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Or you can do the “group conferences” and then get the day off! I don’t begrudge the teachers this but I think it is funny. Not mad because I have found teachers to be extremely responsive over email and even phone calls.

OTOH I have a non-standard-issue kid so I get a lot more communication than most from the school. parents should be happier at never hearing anything from the school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Or you can do the “group conferences” and then get the day off! I don’t begrudge the teachers this but I think it is funny. Not mad because I have found teachers to be extremely responsive over email and even phone calls.

OTOH I have a non-standard-issue kid so I get a lot more communication than most from the school. parents should be happier at never hearing anything from the school!

I’ve been at a school that did those! They have a place and in an ideal world we would do the quarterly too! Unfortunately they quickly devolve into “do the bare minimum to check a compliance box” and aren’t helpful. But what if we really could show you where your child is compared to others (anonymously!) and provide practical ways you could support your child’s learning at home? It would be fantastic! But there’s no time to plan and no time to do them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Who requires you to meet with 100% of families? That certainly isn’t a district wide requirement. And I think 1.5 days would be excessive. Some teachers barely have any parents show up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Who requires you to meet with 100% of families? That certainly isn’t a district wide requirement. And I think 1.5 days would be excessive. Some teachers barely have any parents show up.

DP, it’s a requirement at many schools. My school requires you to meet with 100% of families or it’s an automatic 3 (or less) for that CSC portion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Who requires you to meet with 100% of families? That certainly isn’t a district wide requirement. And I think 1.5 days would be excessive. Some teachers barely have any parents show up.

DP, it’s a requirement at many schools. My school requires you to meet with 100% of families or it’s an automatic 3 (or less) for that CSC portion.

Yes, I’ve worked at 3 different schools and all required 100%. This year we even had to submit parent sign in sheets to the instructional superintendent because they didn’t believe we met with everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Who requires you to meet with 100% of families? That certainly isn’t a district wide requirement. And I think 1.5 days would be excessive. Some teachers barely have any parents show up.

DP, it’s a requirement at many schools. My school requires you to meet with 100% of families or it’s an automatic 3 (or less) for that CSC portion.

Is this part of the Flamboyan grant? I think Flamboyan encourages the group conferences (APTT) but also seems to require time consuming things like home visits.

[Anonymous]

Question for the teachers of DCUM: would you be willing to work an extra 2 weeks of the year (or maybe the equivalent of 1-2 hours a week) fully compensated specifically for parent communication and planning (including IEP/504 meetings)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post-pandemic, DCPS teachers will get upset about the smallest bit of change if it only slightly inconveniences them because they have the backing of the most toxic union in the nation- the WTU.

Check out the WTU instagram page-- clamoring for more school closures after the snow. They will ALWAYS put the best interest of the students LAST. Seems they have forgotten why they became teachers in the first place.

If you start taking away PTC days, we will not see them back. If they start going virtual only, they will never go back in person. They managed to keep schools closed for two years and never once apologized for holding a whole generation of kids back in what was seen, even back then, as over-reaction.

Such a chicken little. Parent teacher conferences should really only be for kids who are struggling. It was a massive waste of time for my kids in elementary school. They were great students, had high grades, good test scores. I don’t need a teacher to tell me how great my kids are, I already know it. I feel like the teacher has better things to do with her/his time. Teachers have enough on their plate teaching and managing the high maintenance helicopter parents that seem to be ubiquitous in DC.

I would love to do conferences more often but DCPS doesn’t understand time. I am required to meet with 100% of my families. I have 48 students. In a 7.5 hour day that is less than 10 minutes per family if I don’t take any breaks, bathroom, water, or lunch. If I take only a 30 minute lunch break it’s down to 8.75 minutes. What meaningful conversation happens in 8.75 minutes?

If I schedule other times to reduce the number in one day, (which I do) I’m eliminating my time to plan lessons, grade assignments, or get materials set up. Or I’m meeting after school on my own time. I love being able to meet with parents but it basically makes the week before and after hell and DCPS doesn’t care.

We should have a full day and a half at least for conferences (take one of the PD days!) once a year and then the rest of the conference days are only if needed or requested. But remember, another conference day off is another day longer for the school year.

Who requires you to meet with 100% of families? That certainly isn’t a district wide requirement. And I think 1.5 days would be excessive. Some teachers barely have any parents show up.

DP, it’s a requirement at many schools. My school requires you to meet with 100% of families or it’s an automatic 3 (or less) for that CSC portion.

Is this part of the Flamboyan grant? I think Flamboyan encourages the group conferences (APTT) but also seems to require time consuming things like home visits.

One school was, two were not. Home visits were required at the Flamboyan school but we were paid for them if they occurred outside contract hours. But still needed 100% for a 4 on CSC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question for the teachers of DCUM: would you be willing to work an extra 2 weeks of the year (or maybe the equivalent of 1-2 hours a week) fully compensated specifically for parent communication and planning (including IEP/504 meetings)?

Probably not? It depends what we are talking about. An extra day a quarter? Extra hour every Wednesday?