APS superintendent email

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This parent is not pissed. I would like for the teachers to be vaccinated, they are front line to me.

this has nothing to do with vaccinations. they are required to report to work before vaccinations come out. Duran has no say on when they are getting the vaccine

So far it sounds as if they are required to teach from the classroom, without students present. Doesn't sound so unreasonable to me.

but why? what is the point of making them come in to do exactly what they've been doing for the last 4 months, just in masks and around other adults? they could wait a few more weeks and be vaccinated and have them in the room with kids

Probably so that they can make sure their classrooms are set up appropriately for their needs (including things like bins of student materials) and get in-person training on the new protocols they'll need for in-person learning.

And make sure childcare arrangements are solid

[Anonymous]

I think Duran has been better than any other superintendent in the area thus far. Really slow and smart about it, and none of this stop and start nonsense. By February, we will really have data to know of this will work out by more similar districts that have tried hybrid (‘cause I’m sorry, private schools and backwoods, WVA does not count). We can watch what happens in NYC. If it’s going well, he can pause. If it is… then it is time to move forward. I’m a teacher. I think he cares about the kids (we all do), and is genuinely trying to weigh the health risks with the fact that some kids are really struggling. He has earned my trust so far. At this point, I just want to do what is best for the community- whether that’s staying virtual or going in. And damn am I glad that I don’t have to make that decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think Duran has been better than any other superintendent in the area thus far. Really slow and smart about it, and none of this stop and start nonsense. By February, we will really have data to know of this will work out by more similar districts that have tried hybrid (‘cause I’m sorry, private schools and backwoods, WVA does not count). We can watch what happens in NYC. If it’s going well, he can pause. If it is… then it is time to move forward. I’m a teacher. I think he cares about the kids (we all do), and is genuinely trying to weigh the health risks with the fact that some kids are really struggling. He has earned my trust so far. At this point, I just want to do what is best for the community- whether that’s staying virtual or going in. And damn am I glad that I don’t have to make that decision.

I meant “IF” this will work out!

[Anonymous]

If they want teachers in person, then SB should start meeting in person. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Duran has been better than any other superintendent in the area thus far. Really slow and smart about it, and none of this stop and start nonsense. By February, we will really have data to know of this will work out by more similar districts that have tried hybrid (‘cause I’m sorry, private schools and backwoods, WVA does not count). We can watch what happens in NYC. If it’s going well, he can pause. If it is… then it is time to move forward. I’m a teacher. I think he cares about the kids (we all do), and is genuinely trying to weigh the health risks with the fact that some kids are really struggling. He has earned my trust so far. At this point, I just want to do what is best for the community- whether that’s staying virtual or going in. And damn am I glad that I don’t have to make that decision.

I meant “IF” this will work out!

Also want to add that as an APS PARENT, I would totally choose virtual for kids if I could. They are doing ok with it, and I don’t really feel that there will be any benefit to going in for this concurrent teaching stuff and risking illness to boot. But I need child care- like everyone in the DMV area, and the two days will help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they want teachers in person, then SB should start meeting in person. Period.

they said they will start the week after secondary teachers go in

[Anonymous]

My biggest fear is that our middle and high school teachers will quit under this demand they go into classrooms without students there. They won’t be able to find subs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they want teachers in person, then SB should start meeting in person. Period.

That’s totally fair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they want teachers in person, then SB should start meeting in person. Period.

The other thread already hashed through why this is a moronic position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My biggest fear is that our middle and high school teachers will quit under this demand they go into classrooms without students there. They won’t be able to find subs. [/quot

Hybrid will suck. It’s like changing jobs again, when we just had to do that. But very few will quit. Who can afford to? We’ll suck it up. Soon, we can roll up our sleeves abs get a vaccine. This won’t last forever.

I do hate all the anti-teacher rhetoric going around. It’s really unfair. I work my ass off. Really, I do. At home, at school...

[Anonymous]

My prediction: the secondary starting 2/1 is the bargaining chip/ part of the plan designed to be given up. It will result in less instructional time and more exposure for both students and teachers. The board has to appear to fight on something and it has to look like a negotation. They will keep with the elementary dates for now but may ultimately push them back slightly.
--Someone who watches a lot of school board meetings and work sessions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My biggest fear is that our middle and high school teachers will quit under this demand they go into classrooms without students there. They won’t be able to find subs.

Wow, I am glad I teach at FCPS, right now. I was regretting not having applied to APS schools; now, not so much.

I am really surprised MS and HS kids will be going back since studies have shown they transmit the virus as easily as adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My biggest fear is that our middle and high school teachers will quit under this demand they go into classrooms without students there. They won’t be able to find subs.

Hybrid will suck. It’s like changing jobs again, when we just had to do that. But very few will quit. Who can afford to? We’ll suck it up. Soon, we can roll up our sleeves abs get a vaccine. This won’t last forever.

I do hate all the anti-teacher rhetoric going around. It’s really unfair. I work my ass off. Really, I do. At home, at school...

I hear you. I imagine it feels as lousy as all of the anti-parent rhetoric going around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My biggest fear is that our middle and high school teachers will quit under this demand they go into classrooms without students there. They won’t be able to find subs. [/quot

Hybrid will suck. It’s like changing jobs again, when we just had to do that. But very few will quit. Who can afford to? We’ll suck it up. Soon, we can roll up our sleeves abs get a vaccine. This won’t last forever.

I do hate all the anti-teacher rhetoric going around. It’s really unfair. I work my ass off. Really, I do. At home, at school...

I know. Same here. I used to work 12 hour days. Visiting this forum has made me realize it’s not worth it, so now I try not to work more than over 10 hours a week above contract time, if that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My prediction: the secondary starting 2/1 is the bargaining chip/ part of the plan designed to be given up. It will result in less instructional time and more exposure for both students and teachers. The board has to appear to fight on something and it has to look like a negotation. They will keep with the elementary dates for now but may ultimately push them back slightly.
--Someone who watches a lot of school board meetings and work sessions

I hope you are right. The Arlington SB has done a lot of rubber stamping. I fear they won’t push back for teachers. But agree MS and HS are at the biggest risk. Too much exposure to too many kids since APS didn’t even attempt to cohort them.