DCPS exodus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's unlikely schools won't be completely open this fall. Coronavirus rates, which are already low, are going to plummet once a large number of people are vaccinated.

Sorry, WTU trolls. Your extended vacation will be ending soon.

This. People who think we'll still be in hybrid this fall are dreaming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It does seem like DC could give a shit about retaining families.

Its not their business model so yes they don't care about retaining you.

I'm getting that the DC business model caters to the young, childless, and mobile. Obviously even before the pandemic DC sucked at education, so that supports this theory. I'm sure DC would be happy if the rich people with kids would all send their kids to privates or move out of DC. They obviously are fine with providing crap education to the poor, and I guess the poor don't have the resources to agitate for better. The middle class with kids? I guess f*ck them too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love it when the Ward 3 parents threaten to quit DCPS and think this is some sort of effective bargaining tool. I'm sure the reaction downtown is: Great! This solves our overcrowding problems and opens up seats for other families who want them.

I'm one of those Ward 3 parents and I really want schools to open for full instruction, but seems clear that the advocates leading this charge may be just shooting us all in the foot.

I am a member of that Facebook group (not an organizer), and I follow the discussions. The people leading the charge on this are NOT using threats of leaving the system as part of their advocacy. They are not that stupid. It’s only anonymous vents here on DCUM that are doing that, which is what DCUM is for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's unlikely schools won't be completely open this fall. Coronavirus rates, which are already low, are going to plummet once a large number of people are vaccinated.

Sorry, WTU trolls. Your extended vacation will be ending soon.

This. People who think we'll still be in hybrid this fall are dreaming.

I consider it more a waking nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love it when the Ward 3 parents threaten to quit DCPS and think this is some sort of effective bargaining tool. I'm sure the reaction downtown is: Great! This solves our overcrowding problems and opens up seats for other families who want them.

I'm one of those Ward 3 parents and I really want schools to open for full instruction, but seems clear that the advocates leading this charge may be just shooting us all in the foot.

I am a member of that Facebook group (not an organizer), and I follow the discussions. The people leading the charge on this are NOT using threats of leaving the system as part of their advocacy. They are not that stupid. It’s only anonymous vents here on DCUM that are doing that, which is what DCUM is for.

Are they saying trash the teachers or being constructive?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS is in fact looking for reopening, WTU is mirroring the views of its members and the parents of the bulk of the schools (not those of Ward 3) and the equilibrium is not rapid reopening. Most of us do engage in law, politics, rhetoric, communications, or logical thinking, right?

The huffy "do what I want or I'm taking my business elsewhere line" just doesn't seem inclined to win arguments or allies.

I can appreciate an anonymous rant but really, think about the way out of this. A lot of you seem like the lady screaming at the counter worker at the DMV, and have you seen that work?

+1 and nicely written.

There was another thread about how DC parents are weak and stupid because they haven't banded together to advocate for reopening. And you look at the way some people rant and rave about this stuff, and insult and denigrate anyone who disagrees, and think...maybe it's because they aren't effective advocates? There seems to be no interest in building any kind of coalition -- let alone the ability. It's a bunch of super-entitled people who take inconvenience as a personal affront, and think that throwing their weight around is the way to get somewhere. They're just the flip side of the "you want to kill teachers" and "you are just sick of having to be a parent" people, who are also irritating and ineffective.

I mean, personally, I think we'll be back in person in the fall, based on vaccination rates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's unlikely schools won't be completely open this fall. Coronavirus rates, which are already low, are going to plummet once a large number of people are vaccinated.

Sorry, WTU trolls. Your extended vacation will be ending soon.

This. People who think we'll still be in hybrid this fall are dreaming.

Right, but as a PP noted, we have to prepare for the worst case scenario, which seems to be what DCPS always defaults to. The WTU does NOT want to go back full time; this is a way for them to protect their slacker teachers from the IMPACT system. It's a real tragedy for DCPS teachers (like ours) who are working their asses off to try and pull this year off. That being said, the anger is building, and I think you will see lawsuits, protests, what have you if DCPS doesn't at least offer five days a week in person to those who want it. And, one other thing, if "equity" is the reason to keep us closed we're out - equity is offering it to those who want it and providing an alternative to those who don't. I'm also not racist for wanting my kids back in a physical building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:and this is how the arguments goes

March 2020 - omg teachers are saints; how do teachers do this; this will be fun 2 weeks at home (although I heard a fair amount from people freaked out about the first weekend home with their kids)

April 2020 - this sucks, but wow I love our teachers; can't wait for this to be over; a few folks freaking out about being with their kids

May 2020 - OMG no, but I get it; things will be better soon

June 2020 - did we just do that; well we have the summer; OMG no camps

July and August 2020 - I HAVE TO GET AWAY; I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING - BEACH WEEKS; FLIGHTS; ETC.

September 2020 - Wait what about the poor BIPOC kids; they are losing the most (no one seemed to care a few months ago; no one making plans for just THEM to get extra help or back in the building) - then the data comes out that BIPOC parents don't want to send their kids back (wait what; that can't be right); private schools are open - i'm going to go private (doesn't realize privates have different rules and regulations and a business model built on having kids in seats; also getting into a private by snapping fingers doesn't happen)

October 2020 - This is insane; what about the poor BIPOC kids and when no one bought that argument anymore it became what about my SEP kids (don't hear about them anymore); you don't get how hard this is on my SEP kids; and what are these teachers doing (you literally can see what these teachers are doing but you keep saying they aren't doing anything); teachers are trash; paid too much; just want a paid vacation (apparently can't look at child's screen to see teacher so....); private schools are open; catholic schools are open

November 2020 - Teachers are trash; arguments about the poor BIPOC kids who are suffering so have ceases; teachers are having fun at bars and dance clubs mask less at 3 am and not doing lesson plans; don't need a break and they have made my life hard (insert many screams against WTU)

December 2020 - I MUST MUST MUST travel because this is hard; no mention of poor BIPOC people dying in droves; not getting access to healthcare; this is hurting women; not opening schools is hurting women (no mention of these delinquent fathers)

January 2020 - vaccines!!! WTU and teachers are trash; I had a lovely vacation; Teachers shouldn't get vaccines until they swear they will return to a classful of children (no mention that lots of families DON'T WANT to go back); no understanding that all DCPS schools aren't like yours; teachers are trash; DCPS gives vaccine to teachers but no time for it to take effect (could literally calm everyone down if we wait 2-3 weeks); learning loss - learning loss - learning loss (a term created by educational vendors, but yes keep screaming it)

Feb 2020 - my kid is back but its like a prison; teachers are trash (even the ones in person?); you are WTU troll if you make any argument for not going back in person; life is literally better anywhere but DCPS; I'm rich; I sent an email; I didn't get my way; where is PARCC - PARCC will save us all because it will show learning loss



Look, I want my kids back in school. DL is horrible and not as good as in person. DCPS could have made accommodations early (one day IPL outside; tented fields similar to privates). But they didn't. I don't see why we can't have more kids back in Term 4 or in March with more teachers vaccinated (outside of 11 person cohorts and space issues). I don't see why we can't have full school back in the fall without major cohorts etc (we need to vaccinate kids 12/16 and up).

But I'm not going to trash teachers as the reason these things aren't happening.

I grew up in upper NW (private 12 years - there was a time when people like me wouldn't walk near Wilson let alone think of it as a place to send our kids); I have a lot of family in upper NW; I live in Ward 4; my SIL teachers in an upper NW school.

get a better hobby, dude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love it when the Ward 3 parents threaten to quit DCPS and think this is some sort of effective bargaining tool. I'm sure the reaction downtown is: Great! This solves our overcrowding problems and opens up seats for other families who want them.

I'm one of those Ward 3 parents and I really want schools to open for full instruction, but seems clear that the advocates leading this charge may be just shooting us all in the foot.

I am a member of that Facebook group (not an organizer), and I follow the discussions. The people leading the charge on this are NOT using threats of leaving the system as part of their advocacy. They are not that stupid. It’s only anonymous vents here on DCUM that are doing that, which is what DCUM is for.

Are they saying trash the teachers or being constructive?

NP; that group definitely does NOT trash teachers. Maybe there are gripes against WTU, but WTU and teachers are seen as overlapping but not identical groups. I think the group is exploring options to how to push forward. In that sense it is constructive and not just the DCUM ranting.

For example, the group is currently advocating to get all teachers (in person or not) vaccinated, because there seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem in some schools with allowing more kids into schools in term 4, based on teacher vaccination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCPS is in fact looking for reopening, WTU is mirroring the views of its members and the parents of the bulk of the schools (not those of Ward 3) and the equilibrium is not rapid reopening. Most of us do engage in law, politics, rhetoric, communications, or logical thinking, right?

The huffy "do what I want or I'm taking my business elsewhere line" just doesn't seem inclined to win arguments or allies.

I can appreciate an anonymous rant but really, think about the way out of this. A lot of you seem like the lady screaming at the counter worker at the DMV, and have you seen that work?

+1 and nicely written.

There was another thread about how DC parents are weak and stupid because they haven't banded together to advocate for reopening. And you look at the way some people rant and rave about this stuff, and insult and denigrate anyone who disagrees, and think...maybe it's because they aren't effective advocates? There seems to be no interest in building any kind of coalition -- let alone the ability. It's a bunch of super-entitled people who take inconvenience as a personal affront, and think that throwing their weight around is the way to get somewhere. They're just the flip side of the "you want to kill teachers" and "you are just sick of having to be a parent" people, who are also irritating and ineffective.

I mean, personally, I think we'll be back in person in the fall, based on vaccination rates.

Honestly, though, I think this is just DCUM. There's a significant number of horrible people here, of all types. I mean, I read people saying they are teachers who claim we all hate our kids. I don't think that those people really represent all teachers. I know that because I know a bunch of teachers.

[Anonymous]

To all the parents who plan to just move to a different city for a year, or send their daughter to live with her grandmother in NY for a year of school, how do your kids feel about that? Will the transition to fitting in with a whole new group of kids for just a year be worth it, particularly for MS students? If I am going to move to a different school because DCPS is not opening, I would want to do it permanently so my kids could feel invested in finding a place for themselves in this new setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love it when the Ward 3 parents threaten to quit DCPS and think this is some sort of effective bargaining tool. I'm sure the reaction downtown is: Great! This solves our overcrowding problems and opens up seats for other families who want them.

I'm one of those Ward 3 parents and I really want schools to open for full instruction, but seems clear that the advocates leading this charge may be just shooting us all in the foot.

I am a member of that Facebook group (not an organizer), and I follow the discussions. The people leading the charge on this are NOT using threats of leaving the system as part of their advocacy. They are not that stupid. It’s only anonymous vents here on DCUM that are doing that, which is what DCUM is for.

Are they saying trash the teachers or being constructive?

They are being constructive and not trashing teachers. Teacher trashing is explicitly discouraged by the moderators and will be deleted.

Why don't you come join, instead of assuming? If you want schools to open, that is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To all the parents who plan to just move to a different city for a year, or send their daughter to live with her grandmother in NY for a year of school, how do your kids feel about that? Will the transition to fitting in with a whole new group of kids for just a year be worth it, particularly for MS students? If I am going to move to a different school because DCPS is not opening, I would want to do it permanently so my kids could feel invested in finding a place for themselves in this new setting.

I think in some cases this is the solution to serious mental health issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:and this is how the arguments goes

March 2020 - omg teachers are saints; how do teachers do this; this will be fun 2 weeks at home (although I heard a fair amount from people freaked out about the first weekend home with their kids)

April 2020 - this sucks, but wow I love our teachers; can't wait for this to be over; a few folks freaking out about being with their kids

May 2020 - OMG no, but I get it; things will be better soon

June 2020 - did we just do that; well we have the summer; OMG no camps

July and August 2020 - I HAVE TO GET AWAY; I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING - BEACH WEEKS; FLIGHTS; ETC.

September 2020 - Wait what about the poor BIPOC kids; they are losing the most (no one seemed to care a few months ago; no one making plans for just THEM to get extra help or back in the building) - then the data comes out that BIPOC parents don't want to send their kids back (wait what; that can't be right); private schools are open - i'm going to go private (doesn't realize privates have different rules and regulations and a business model built on having kids in seats; also getting into a private by snapping fingers doesn't happen)

October 2020 - This is insane; what about the poor BIPOC kids and when no one bought that argument anymore it became what about my SEP kids (don't hear about them anymore); you don't get how hard this is on my SEP kids; and what are these teachers doing (you literally can see what these teachers are doing but you keep saying they aren't doing anything); teachers are trash; paid too much; just want a paid vacation (apparently can't look at child's screen to see teacher so....); private schools are open; catholic schools are open

November 2020 - Teachers are trash; arguments about the poor BIPOC kids who are suffering so have ceases; teachers are having fun at bars and dance clubs mask less at 3 am and not doing lesson plans; don't need a break and they have made my life hard (insert many screams against WTU)

December 2020 - I MUST MUST MUST travel because this is hard; no mention of poor BIPOC people dying in droves; not getting access to healthcare; this is hurting women; not opening schools is hurting women (no mention of these delinquent fathers)

January 2020 - vaccines!!! WTU and teachers are trash; I had a lovely vacation; Teachers shouldn't get vaccines until they swear they will return to a classful of children (no mention that lots of families DON'T WANT to go back); no understanding that all DCPS schools aren't like yours; teachers are trash; DCPS gives vaccine to teachers but no time for it to take effect (could literally calm everyone down if we wait 2-3 weeks); learning loss - learning loss - learning loss (a term created by educational vendors, but yes keep screaming it)

Feb 2020 - my kid is back but its like a prison; teachers are trash (even the ones in person?); you are WTU troll if you make any argument for not going back in person; life is literally better anywhere but DCPS; I'm rich; I sent an email; I didn't get my way; where is PARCC - PARCC will save us all because it will show learning loss



Look, I want my kids back in school. DL is horrible and not as good as in person. DCPS could have made accommodations early (one day IPL outside; tented fields similar to privates). But they didn't. I don't see why we can't have more kids back in Term 4 or in March with more teachers vaccinated (outside of 11 person cohorts and space issues). I don't see why we can't have full school back in the fall without major cohorts etc (we need to vaccinate kids 12/16 and up).

But I'm not going to trash teachers as the reason these things aren't happening.

I grew up in upper NW (private 12 years - there was a time when people like me wouldn't walk near Wilson let alone think of it as a place to send our kids); I have a lot of family in upper NW; I live in Ward 4; my SIL teachers in an upper NW school.

You mean racist white people? I am white and graduated from Wilson in 1996 after going full public all the way through and I was fine both walking by and GOING in and ATTENDING Deal and Wilson and we absolutely felt sorry for the people in privates who were clearly being raised by racists parents (esp the ones fine with doing Mann/ Murch etc for elementary where the schools were almost all white and then going to private for middle because heaven forbid their kids have classes with more than one or two black people). None of my elementary school classmates who went private ended up being particularly successful but I am sure they are all still judgy like you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To all the parents who plan to just move to a different city for a year, or send their daughter to live with her grandmother in NY for a year of school, how do your kids feel about that? Will the transition to fitting in with a whole new group of kids for just a year be worth it, particularly for MS students? If I am going to move to a different school because DCPS is not opening, I would want to do it permanently so my kids could feel invested in finding a place for themselves in this new setting.

It's definitely a concern. But at this point, getting into school seems more important than the transitioning issues. I don't think we'll be able to work out a permanent solution until we know our permanent telework situations.