Individual School Plans?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like nothing has been resolved since DCPS initially introduced this plan. We are still going to have in-person seats that will not go to those most in need with regards to certain IEPs, covid numbers are worse than they've ever been, many DL students will lose the teacher they've had for 5 months, DL classes will become even larger, and some teachers will have to simulcast. What exactly was addressed?

Also, what does this mean for Term 4? If teachers get vaccinated by then and covid numbers hopefully go down, more teachers will likely agree to do in-person, as will more parents. Do you then switch the kids back to their original teachers? Or are we assuming that the kids who get in-person are the only ones who will have it for the remainder of the year? It just feels like this is all so short-sighted. And please before you attack me for not wanting kids with needs and at-risk children to get a proper education, that is not what I'm saying at all. I 100% believe those kids should be in class, but I continue to believe this plan has so many flaws.

Other than this Hearst monstrosity, I think most schools are done for the year. Once they open with the cohorts there isn’t going to be any more coming back. There is no way a principal is going to redo classes a third time this year. So you are right, this is it.

It’s even more disgusting that they aren’t opening their self contained classes. There needs to be a serious discussion about why kids who are I. Self contained autism classes are not going back. That is exactly who should be returning.

You have no idea if all the the teachers there qualified for FMLA and ADA. I am a CES teacher myself and I am returning even though I qualified for FMLA. Not all self contained classrooms are not opening. I only feel comfortable because I only have 3 students returning. Now I'll just have to figure out how to teach the others online at the same time, keep the same energy and make their home materials.

All self contained classrooms at Hearst are not opening.

There are only 3 teachers and paraprofessionals cannot legally be in the classroom without a teacher, so they aren't included into the equation.

I mean you can ask why self-contained isn't opening or not very many of the classrooms for that matter. Since Hearst in a NW school I imagine the need for students to return from parents was much higher than my own. I understand being upset, if my school had a sensory room and its goal was to raise 150k (and it was realistic) for the betterment of my classroom and those like it I'd be over the moon to return in person. But again I am able to, those 3 teachers may not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the Hearst re-opening plan for real? I just looked at several other elementary school's plans on their websites (including my own kid's school) and they are bringing back a lot more students. Some elementary schools even have at least one in person class per grade. And Hearst's principal could only bring back 10 kids in K for in person learning, according to what was shared above? She completely prioritizes teachers over students and families. Virtual learning does not work for most elementary students, and she is bringing back 10 out of 330+ kids because one Hearst teacher agreed to go back. ONLY ONE! What happened to the Teacher's Union recalling teachers when more students wanted to go back?

Hearst parent here. We are so angry about this. Principal is having two townhalls next week and is going to hear it from my spouse and I. This is unbelievable. Where the hell is the leadership? Where is the teacher’s so-called devotion to teaching and students. Our support of the school is done. This is a huge betrayal.

You have every right to be angry. I'm not even a Hearst parent and I'm livid on your behalf.

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

Also are any CARES classrooms open? Many schools had to pull staff from other classrooms there. So your PK-K and self contained might not be able to open because legally they have paras. But they are also not allowed to close CARES rooms, it has put many admin in a tough spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

If they qualify for fmla, they don’t work at all. They are on leave.

Ada yes they could continue to teach virtually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

If they qualify for fmla, they don’t work at all. They are on leave.

Ada yes they could continue to teach virtually.

I think that was basically the essence of her communication - that she knew the profile of her teaching staff to understand that X number were likely to qualify for leave based on either FMLA or the extended CARE leave (which allows for leave if there are children at home who aren't attending school under 18.) She decided she would rather move forward continuing all the useless remote learning with existing teachers rather than have them go out on leave and double class sizes. It appears there is no mechanism, will or interest in getting long term subs at Hearst. That's why she framed it as "forced to take leave." She took the easiest way out (can't say I blame her), for sure. Our school has a bunch of teachers that would qualify for CARE benefits but are going back; it's an individual decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

If they qualify for fmla, they don’t work at all. They are on leave.

Ada yes they could continue to teach virtually.

I think that was basically the essence of her communication - that she knew the profile of her teaching staff to understand that X number were likely to qualify for leave based on either FMLA or the extended CARE leave (which allows for leave if there are children at home who aren't attending school under 18.) She decided she would rather move forward continuing all the useless remote learning with existing teachers rather than have them go out on leave and double class sizes. It appears there is no mechanism, will or interest in getting long term subs at Hearst. That's why she framed it as "forced to take leave." She took the easiest way out (can't say I blame her), for sure. Our school has a bunch of teachers that would qualify for CARE benefits but are going back; it's an individual decision.

You know they can’t just pull random subs from their bums. It’s one thing to use pta funds to HIRE someone but subs are from a Dcps pool and they choose your school or area. Lol there was a sub shortage before but now....it’s desolate.

So with CARES, ADA, and FMLA teachers are bound to fit in somewhere. I do feel sorry for the Hearst community though. My school has at least a teacher a grade returning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

If they qualify for fmla, they don’t work at all. They are on leave.

Ada yes they could continue to teach virtually.

I think that was basically the essence of her communication - that she knew the profile of her teaching staff to understand that X number were likely to qualify for leave based on either FMLA or the extended CARE leave (which allows for leave if there are children at home who aren't attending school under 18.) She decided she would rather move forward continuing all the useless remote learning with existing teachers rather than have them go out on leave and double class sizes. It appears there is no mechanism, will or interest in getting long term subs at Hearst. That's why she framed it as "forced to take leave." She took the easiest way out (can't say I blame her), for sure. Our school has a bunch of teachers that would qualify for CARE benefits but are going back; it's an individual decision.

You know they can’t just pull random subs from their bums. It’s one thing to use pta funds to HIRE someone but subs are from a Dcps pool and they choose your school or area. Lol there was a sub shortage before but now....it’s desolate.

So with CARES, ADA, and FMLA teachers are bound to fit in somewhere. I do feel sorry for the Hearst community though. My school has at least a teacher a grade returning.

Their is an entire pool and online system recruiting subs right now for positions all over the system -virtual and in person. There isn't a shortage of out of work people. Hearst isn't even trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There are only two classrooms per grade. I can see how this would be a huge problem if one of the teachers in each grade qualified for ada/Fmla. The principal may have had no choice.

If one of the teachers qualifies for ADA/FMLA then they stay virtual with the 50% of the kids who want virtual and the other teacher returns for in-person. In a school of 330 students to only bring back 1 teacher and 3% of the population for in-person learning is ridiculous. I recommend people contact DCPS Reopen Strong at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/contact-us/ if you too have concerns with this plan.

If they qualify for fmla, they don’t work at all. They are on leave.

Ada yes they could continue to teach virtually.

I think that was basically the essence of her communication - that she knew the profile of her teaching staff to understand that X number were likely to qualify for leave based on either FMLA or the extended CARE leave (which allows for leave if there are children at home who aren't attending school under 18.) She decided she would rather move forward continuing all the useless remote learning with existing teachers rather than have them go out on leave and double class sizes. It appears there is no mechanism, will or interest in getting long term subs at Hearst. That's why she framed it as "forced to take leave." She took the easiest way out (can't say I blame her), for sure. Our school has a bunch of teachers that would qualify for CARE benefits but are going back; it's an individual decision.

You know they can’t just pull random subs from their bums. It’s one thing to use pta funds to HIRE someone but subs are from a Dcps pool and they choose your school or area. Lol there was a sub shortage before but now....it’s desolate.

So with CARES, ADA, and FMLA teachers are bound to fit in somewhere. I do feel sorry for the Hearst community though. My school has at least a teacher a grade returning.

Their is an entire pool and online system recruiting subs right now for positions all over the system -virtual and in person. There isn't a shortage of out of work people. Hearst isn't even trying.

Subs will get you more CARES rooms. Is that what you are asking for?

[Anonymous]

I’m disappointed with the Hearst plan, and will definitely be attending the Town Hall tomorrow, but I’m not ready to jump on the blame the teachers ship. Our teachers have gone above and beyond so far this year, which is consistent with what we’ve always experienced with the staff at the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel like nothing has been resolved since DCPS initially introduced this plan. We are still going to have in-person seats that will not go to those most in need with regards to certain IEPs, covid numbers are worse than they've ever been, many DL students will lose the teacher they've had for 5 months, DL classes will become even larger, and some teachers will have to simulcast. What exactly was addressed?

Also, what does this mean for Term 4? If teachers get vaccinated by then and covid numbers hopefully go down, more teachers will likely agree to do in-person, as will more parents. Do you then switch the kids back to their original teachers? Or are we assuming that the kids who get in-person are the only ones who will have it for the remainder of the year? It just feels like this is all so short-sighted. And please before you attack me for not wanting kids with needs and at-risk children to get a proper education, that is not what I'm saying at all. I 100% believe those kids should be in class, but I continue to believe this plan has so many flaws.

I agree. I don’t understand what has changed.

[Anonymous]

It’s truly appalling that so many of you expect teachers to sacrifice their own family’s health and well-being so they can teach YOUR kids in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s truly appalling that so many of you expect teachers to sacrifice their own family’s health and well-being so they can teach YOUR kids in person.

Or, we are just following science. If so many other schools and teachers can figure it out, why not Hearst?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s truly appalling that so many of you expect teachers to sacrifice their own family’s health and well-being so they can teach YOUR kids in person.

Sorry, that doesn't cut it anymore. Since the pandemic started people whose jobs didn't allow for remote work have continued to fill your kids' prescriptions, ring up your kids' groceries, prepare and deliver your kids' takeout meals, collect your kids' garbage, deliver your kids' mail and on and on and on. 9 months has shown us that teaching elementary school is another one of those jobs that is not a job that can be done remotely. Just like the millions of people who have continued to go to work and do their jobs with caution and care, it's time for teachers to do the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s truly appalling that so many of you expect teachers to sacrifice their own family’s health and well-being so they can teach YOUR kids in person.

Sorry, that doesn't cut it anymore. Since the pandemic started people whose jobs didn't allow for remote work have continued to fill your kids' prescriptions, ring up your kids' groceries, prepare and deliver your kids' takeout meals, collect your kids' garbage, deliver your kids' mail and on and on and on. 9 months has shown us that teaching elementary school is another one of those jobs that is not a job that can be done remotely. Just like the millions of people who have continued to go to work and do their jobs with caution and care, it's time for teachers to do the same.

Says the working-from-home Ward 3 mom!
There’s nothing you can do about teachers taking federally mandated FMLA or CARES leave, sweetie. Better luck next year.