Lafayette OPEN in a real way!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You do realize most of the country is doing this. It’s time to move on,

As are most of the private schools in this city.

Life is full of risk. We get in a car, we take a risk. Heck, we walk outside our house we take a risk.

In the United States:

1,663 children and teens die of gun violence every year.

In 2019-2020 flu season, 188 children died of the flu.

As of Dec. 17, 2020, 172 children had died of COVID.

We don't shut down schools because of gun violence. We don't shut down schools because of the flu. There are no virtual options because of gun violence or the flu. There is a risk associated with going to school in the time of COVID. There is a virtual option available for those who are not comfortable with this risk. But all children should not be denied the opportunity to attend school because some parents are not comfortable with the risk of COVID.

I have a kindergartener at Lafayette. 48% of kindergarteners at Lafayette are below grade level (twice the percentage compared to last year). If these are the stats at Lafayette, can you imagine what they are like elsewhere? I am so glad my child will be at school for a full day four days a week. And I wish this were the case for more children in this city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Don't ruin it for the rest of us

That is what I would like to yell at you with your YOLO travel and your YOLO classrooms of 22 kids and their maskless indoor lunch. Mass maskless unvacc'ed spring indoor lunch happens to also be known as COVID PARTY.

Who are you? Consider therapy, please.

Oh, you're the bully self-proclaimed psychiatrist!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Don't ruin it for the rest of us

That is what I would like to yell at you with your YOLO travel and your YOLO classrooms of 22 kids and their maskless indoor lunch. Mass maskless unvacc'ed spring indoor lunch happens to also be known as COVID PARTY.

Who are you? Consider therapy, please.

Oh, you're the bully self-proclaimed psychiatrist!

Sounds like Lafayette is planning Covid parties for lunch. Not a good look.

[Anonymous]

Seriously stop with the Covid parties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent here from one of the schools opening 4 days/wk.

First, I do not begrudge anyone an in person learning opportunity. For all those who have new or existing learning opportunities that they want--congratulations and I wish you the best of health and education. That said, spare me the rants that my differing opinion (which is not going to impact your kids' opportunity) is ruining your life.

Here's my issues: We filled out a term 4 survey (currently all virtual) and we, with some hesitation, elected to request in person seats for our kids for the 4th term. We did this with the understanding that the kids would be cohorted in small groups and with 6ft distancing between desks. Now we are offered something totally different that, in my assessment, throws caution to the wind as cases are rising again, testing practices have been ridiculously reduced in the schools, variants are spreading and 75% of the kids in my kids' classes are gleefully announcing their spring break travel plans during morning meetings.

So, I am happy for those for whom this is an answer to prayers and desires. This is not what our family signed up for and I'm not sure that with our family and life circumstances we can take on this risk.

I believe all schools should be open, but it is important to understand that some parents have a different risk tolerance and not alienate them. Above parent: i can only encourage you to take the plunge. If the variants start to change the dynamics in schools this will become apparent and you can adjust your plans. For now the data is showing us that the masks work really well, and that school is low risk even with three feet distancing. These spring breakers may be planning a socially distanced vacation. I wouldn't do it, but they may be doing it as safely as possible and hopefully will test when they get back. The point is that your child is not likely to get covid from them at school. The first time I put my kids in school during the pandemic (I have three) I was a little freaked out, but I got over it., and you will be amazed by the benefits and how little all the hygiene rules bother them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You do realize most of the country is doing this. It’s time to move on,

As are most of the private schools in this city.

Life is full of risk. We get in a car, we take a risk. Heck, we walk outside our house we take a risk.

In the United States:

1,663 children and teens die of gun violence every year.

In 2019-2020 flu season, 188 children died of the flu.

As of Dec. 17, 2020, 172 children had died of COVID.

We don't shut down schools because of gun violence. We don't shut down schools because of the flu. There are no virtual options because of gun violence or the flu. There is a risk associated with going to school in the time of COVID. There is a virtual option available for those who are not comfortable with this risk. But all children should not be denied the opportunity to attend school because some parents are not comfortable with the risk of COVID.

I have a kindergartener at Lafayette. 48% of kindergarteners at Lafayette are below grade level (twice the percentage compared to last year). If these are the stats at Lafayette, can you imagine what they are like elsewhere? I am so glad my child will be at school for a full day four days a week. And I wish this were the case for more children in this city.

I wish someone could knock some sense into our HRCS which is dragging its feet to reopen. It’s a diverse school in many ways and we’d all benefit from getting kids back in class for IPL. 😔 I wish we had leadership like Lafayette. Congrats to your Principal and community for getting back on track!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't get why those who don't want to go back care what others do. If you don't want to come back, stay virtual. Why are you even commenting?

Because with the way that our public education system is designed, the resource allocation to one area means less allocation to another. As was made abundantly clear in the council hearing today, the mayor is not designating funds to ensure that schools can cater to all of their needs, so they are forced to make choices. Separating the student population of the District of Columbia into two segments - In Person (majority white) and Distance Learning (majority non-white) - does not mean that the education provided to the two groups will be equal if the funding is not divided equitably.

Fact check: IPL students are majority of color reflecting the demographics of DCPS, but demand is higher among the minority of whites in DCPS. I just think it is worth correcting, because I think it has been overemphasize that pocs don't want IPL and whites do. The issue has just become more politicized than it should be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Stoddert parent here. Yes, there are less teachers in the classroom than at other schools and hybrid was only introduced in second and fourth grades. Instead it was decided to offer one classroom per grade level of 11 students only instead of including more children with a hybrid system. In term four there will be a second classroom of hybrid added to each grade level. Not the worst reopening in DCPS -- and to their credit they resisted the ridiculous option of adding cares classrooms (their is only one - the minimum) -- but when compared to Key for example Stoddert has been much less open. I believe that Key parents are much more involved, and this is part of the reason. I also think that as another poster said principals at schools that are open have helpe to motivate their teachers to understand the importance of in-person learning.

Do you expect to see an improvement to this in the fall. thanks!

I believe that for five full days per week in the fall the advocacy needs to continue. DCPS needs also to commit to simulcast. If there are DL only classrooms it may throw off the spacing. DCPS needs to not offer the ADA exemptions for the fall. It should be informing teachers and staff as of now that these will not be offered.

[Anonymous]

Did they achieve this by doing simulcast for kids who are still doing DL?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Awesome news. Our dcps school is not even close to reopening and it’s horrendous.

+1

I don't understand how some DCPS schools can open and others not. Ours is open for some classes, but not everyone who wants an in person seat can get one. Is it just a question of teachers at Lafayette aren't off on protected leave? Did the school have to explain to the district how they have room for kids with 3' distance, or did they just get to say, Okay we have a plan we are doing it. The vibe I get from our principal is that she needs the district to tell her how to open, so I am very interested in how this happened at Lafayette.

Excellent leadership.

I'm very happy for you guys, really. But I guess I was hoping for a bit more specifics for those of us trying to understand what obstacles are in place in other DCPS schools. Is it that your school is big enough that there was at least one teacher in every grade in person? Are all the teachers back in person (i.e., no one is on protected leave?) Was your principal able to find subs?

I'm going to be very candid. There are many variables, others please feel free to add:
- The principal has to want to reopen. This is the biggest factor IMO.
- The Principal has to set the tone with teachers and staff that reopening with IPL is critical. Education comes first.
- The Principal has to be comfortable managing the staff and not catering to them. Many teachers prefer to stay home. Unfortunately, many DCPS Principals don't really manage teachers. They let them coast on with poor performance because it's so much easier than dealing with a union issue. This is the core of why so many DCPS schools are terrible.
- The Principal has to hold staff to high standards all the time. The teachers have to know that poor performance will be dealt with now and always. DL is a disaster, and if teachers are concerned about the effect of the outcomes on their own careers, then they'll be more motivated to return to work.
- If the Principal ever supported WTU's obstruction, then it's going to be very hard for them to pivot and get their staff on board. See Principal Neal (although she's not really trying to reopen in a meaningful way).
- If you have too many of the old school, entrenched WTU teachers who have been with DCPS for a long time and not performing well, then it won't work. They'll find a way to stay home. The truth is that WOTP gets better teachers and many of the entrenched, poorly performing WTU teachers wouldn't feel comfortable WOTP because they would be held to higher standards.
- Families have to make it very clear that they want to return. None of this WTU supporting stuff. You can either support WTU OR put your children's education first by demanding IPL, but you can't do both.

Your best bet is to organize the families at your school to push the Principal to reopen. Get their DCPS superintendent involved. Make a stink in big numbers. It's not fair, but DCPS kicked this down to Principals so you're reliant on the other families in your school to push for IPL. Good luck and I hope you get a good plan!

That’s funny, my principal didn’t think it was coddling but respecting people...oh and the fact that we have too many old, sick, and sneaky teachers at my school. 90% of us qualified for ADA or COVID family leave.

So kinda just left with do DL or literally lose many of them and have no one for DL either.
Glad this school was able to open, I feel sorry for other parents. My admin STILL doesn’t want to talk about full IPL come fall because they know we have about 60% of our teachers who qualify for those ADA accommodations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Stoddert parent here. Yes, there are less teachers in the classroom than at other schools and hybrid was only introduced in second and fourth grades. Instead it was decided to offer one classroom per grade level of 11 students only instead of including more children with a hybrid system. In term four there will be a second classroom of hybrid added to each grade level. Not the worst reopening in DCPS -- and to their credit they resisted the ridiculous option of adding cares classrooms (their is only one - the minimum) -- but when compared to Key for example Stoddert has been much less open. I believe that Key parents are much more involved, and this is part of the reason. I also think that as another poster said principals at schools that are open have helpe to motivate their teachers to understand the importance of in-person learning.

Do you expect to see an improvement to this in the fall. thanks!

I believe that for five full days per week in the fall the advocacy needs to continue. DCPS needs also to commit to simulcast. If there are DL only classrooms it may throw off the spacing. DCPS needs to not offer the ADA exemptions for the fall. It should be informing teachers and staff as of now that these will not be offered.

Heck no. I don’t support simulcast. As a self contained teacher doing exactly that it sucks! The child online just isn’t as engaged and it sucks having to try just because the parents don’t feel it’s safe...regardless if we haven’t had a single case...
It’s also so much extra work to create activities that will transfer to online AND in person.

And I bet you accommodations will be offered in the fall. I hope not though, DL shouldn’t be an option in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem for those who are concerned about the (undeniably less safe) changes to IPL is that the Lafayette principal refused to explain what the teacher changes would be for virtual students, so parents are asked to make a “binding” decision that involves a cost-benefit analysis based on incomplete information.

Lol.

Seriously. And considering what so many other kids have dealt with over the last year, having to switch teachers is not going to permanently harm your precious angel. Your sense of entitlement and privilege is disgusting. Really.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Stoddert parent here. Yes, there are less teachers in the classroom than at other schools and hybrid was only introduced in second and fourth grades. Instead it was decided to offer one classroom per grade level of 11 students only instead of including more children with a hybrid system. In term four there will be a second classroom of hybrid added to each grade level. Not the worst reopening in DCPS -- and to their credit they resisted the ridiculous option of adding cares classrooms (their is only one - the minimum) -- but when compared to Key for example Stoddert has been much less open. I believe that Key parents are much more involved, and this is part of the reason. I also think that as another poster said principals at schools that are open have helpe to motivate their teachers to understand the importance of in-person learning.

Do you expect to see an improvement to this in the fall. thanks!

I believe that for five full days per week in the fall the advocacy needs to continue. DCPS needs also to commit to simulcast. If there are DL only classrooms it may throw off the spacing. DCPS needs to not offer the ADA exemptions for the fall. It should be informing teachers and staff as of now that these will not be offered.

Heck no. I don’t support simulcast. As a self contained teacher doing exactly that it sucks! The child online just isn’t as engaged and it sucks having to try just because the parents don’t feel it’s safe...regardless if we haven’t had a single case...
It’s also so much extra work to create activities that will transfer to online AND in person.

And I bet you accommodations will be offered in the fall. I hope not though, DL shouldn’t be an option in the fall.

+1, not sure how much people realize how ineffective it is and how many additional resources it takes to maintain dual lessons for IPL/virtual and managing Canvas. If DCPS commits to simulcast/onilne it should only be with a separate online school, like Friendship. I am teaching hybrid now somewhere else, it's not sustainable and every student is losing. I'm not even sure if it's better than 100% virtual when everyone was getting the same instruction. Now hybrid, instruction is split 50/50ish or by thirds but the imbalance between IPL/virtual students and having to teach online inside a school with IPL kids (the majority) who are now conditioned and basically tethered to their computers means the kids going to school are losing hours (every day) of access to in person instruction.

I have kids at Deal and I know what's down the road on April 26th, at least I won't be disappointed or surprised when everyone else realizes how much of a disaster is headed their way.

This is probably why the Lafayette principal is forcing the issue, as she should. I get it, everyone's kid is the most important but this idea of clinging to a teacher where the personal relationship is almost always as long as the academic year (why the heck do people get so emotionally attached to teachers, it's not a reciprocal relationship at all) has always struck me as bizarre especially now when none of these kids have met their teacher in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent here from one of the schools opening 4 days/wk.

First, I do not begrudge anyone an in person learning opportunity. For all those who have new or existing learning opportunities that they want--congratulations and I wish you the best of health and education. That said, spare me the rants that my differing opinion (which is not going to impact your kids' opportunity) is ruining your life.

Here's my issues: We filled out a term 4 survey (currently all virtual) and we, with some hesitation, elected to request in person seats for our kids for the 4th term. We did this with the understanding that the kids would be cohorted in small groups and with 6ft distancing between desks. Now we are offered something totally different that, in my assessment, throws caution to the wind as cases are rising again, testing practices have been ridiculously reduced in the schools, variants are spreading and 75% of the kids in my kids' classes are gleefully announcing their spring break travel plans during morning meetings.

So, I am happy for those for whom this is an answer to prayers and desires. This is not what our family signed up for and I'm not sure that with our family and life circumstances we can take on this risk.

If you insist and protest that your kid's teacher should not change it does. You did not indicate you are but virtual families who are resisting and/or trying to disrupt the path Lafayette is on are affecting everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major excitement! We can’t wait. One thing is puzzling. Classes of 22 will eat lunch together in classrooms. Is that safe?

That's not safe.

Your opinion. Stay virtual. Don't ruin this for the rest of us.

This has been the most exhausting part of the reopening debate. So many parents don’t understand that schools don’t have more teachers magically appearing. Virtual learning is going to be worse as teachers are being asked to fill two roles at once. All of these loud parents pushing for IPL don’t realize that they are also resource hoarding teachers from the families that either A) don’t feel safe returning B) have to work and don’t have an aftercare provider to rely on so they can’t send their kids back.
It is DISGUSTING to hear the “don’t ruin it for the rest of us” crowd. This is exactly what that study was talking about. Who do you think the “them” is in this scenario?