|
Fairfax has released a plan for 2020-2021
https://fairfaxcountysepta.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/reopening-school-presentation.pdf Thought it would be good to start a discussion place on what our thoughts are on this. TL;DR -- Families must choose online only or 2 days in-person with online learning on other 2 days. And they must decide by July 10th. Quote from p.41 of the PowerPoint: "Understand that FCPS cannot guarantee availability of all programs and course offerings (e.g. immersion, magnet, IB, AP. specialized electives); program/course offerings may be limited due to teacher availability and scheduling constraints." How are families supposed to make a decision with such a big unknown? I don't know how I could make that decision if we are given it here in MCPS. |
I think its better than the giant ball of nada we have. I like the idea that they are trying to get everyone to pick and then they can staff accordingly. |
| I’m curious how the limitations on buses will impact MCPS families’ choices about attending far away schools for special programs. Driving a kid from Potomac to TPMS and back will impact a parent’s ability to work 40 hours a week. |
Hard agree! I'm lucky enough that my HS student can walk to the special program they are in and I can drive my MS student to and from the special program they are in (5 minute drive away). Most people are NOT in our situation. |
OP, thanks for posting this. On another MCPS thread I posted that the 2 day in-person option was happening in NoVA based on what I heard from a friend, who was involved in the decision process. I know this is petty, but this is my chance to post I told you so to the poster who said I didn't know what I was talking about and that FCPS was going back to normal in-person classes in the fall. |
FCPS parent here -- they are having families and parents pick at the same time. So we are picking without having any idea of what the staffing will look like. Kids who opt to go in person may not even be going to their regular school if the numbers don't support it. So, yes, we are choosing but the choice is a blind choice between two horrible options. And, the hybrid option is actually going to be less safe once you realize that three days a week, kids will be in daycares or hanging out with friends that aren't at their school/class, so you are exposed to more germs than if everyone went in 5 days a week. |
|
Former MCPS and current FCPS parent here.
Our options are slightly different from the first post. 1. 100% distance learning. Live instruction four days/week. High School may have reduced course selection (AP/IB not guaranteed)/few electives will be offered (only what is required for graduation). 2. Two days/week in person instruction. Social distancing in classroom. Other days are ALL asynchronous. No live zoom classes, etc. So option 1 is 4 days of live instruction via internet and option 2 is 2 days of live instruction in person. Good luck navigating through the online “resources” and assignments on the other days. Parents seem to be split. Decisions for the entire year must be made by July 10 - no take-backsies. |
|
MCPS just sent out the parental survey on Sunday. They are behind, as usual.
The topic will be discussed at the 7/14 board of ed meeting, including their preliminary plan. Tune in to that for sure. |
|
Wow, this is a huge failure on the part of FCPS, one which I hope MCPS will know to avoid. This is my biggest fear with remote learning in MCPS - that if I choose remote learning for my kids, it won't be the CES or the APEX programs my kids are in for next year. |
They're not behind if they come up with a plan that makes most people happy by the start of school, PP. FCPS has dropped the ball massively. I don't want their plan. Hopefully MCPS will have more time to think and prepare something better! |
|
Get kids in schools. incorporate sanitation breaks. Live stream classes for kids that choose to be at home. set up desks in rows. kids wear masks. if they cant comply, they stay home. we transitioned our biggest conference to a virtual event and it worked very well. presentations were converted to lecture format with no breakout sessions but it was better than nothing and many liked it better.
|
Your DC in APEX is mature enough to follow the rules. Send him or her. What is the maturity level of your CES kid? |
|
Decide by July 10??
What if you change your mind after? Can’t expect parents to decide until at least August, IMO to see what the stats look like. |
I agree with this approach. I think the biggest concern is teachers who don't want to come back in the classroom. I have been really unhappy with distance learning, but, I also don't want mcps to make hasty decisions. I wonder what the "default" in fairfax will be? There has to be some default option for kids who move into the system and don't register until after july 10, or for the clueless. |
I know - yikes. I don't envy the parents making this decision. Of course MCPS might do something similar |