School closed 1/19/24

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Or we could use the make-up days that were already identified in the calendar to address this exact situation while providing a full day of instruction. Why did you think they were there?

The problem is that MCPS always makes excuses NOT to use the make up days listed on the calendar. Instead they ask the state to waive the days, and when the state refuses, they must tack them on to the end of the school year. Those days are actually less meaningful, in my opinion, than a few virtual review days in the winter. By the time they are made up in June, the majority of students have mentally checked out and many have physically left for vacation. If MCPS would automatically implement the make-up days as they occur, that would also be a great option. For example, tomorrow is the first snow day that needs to be made up, so we could automatically make it up on Monday, 1/29, the next make-up day on the calendar. But this will not happen because MCPS will make an excuse as to why that's a problem.

Sounds like you shouldn't be voting for these school board members, like so many of us have been saying for years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was pretty much expecting a closure tomorrow, but do get a chuckle over the admin offices giving themselves a day off for a 1-2 inch snow forecast. Watch it go bust overnight and get even less.

That decision means that extended-day programs can't open as they normally would for snow. So irritating that they are doing this to give the principals/other admin the day off rather than actually thinking about what working families might need.

The central office had a very hard day today coming up with creative lies. They need a day off to prepare for their next round of communication with parents. Those lies aren't going to write themselves!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Or we could use the make-up days that were already identified in the calendar to address this exact situation while providing a full day of instruction. Why did you think they were there?

Wait till you find out other counties have asynchronous days built into the regular 180 day calendars. So many schools across the country have one half day a week. I really don’t understand how you think one make up days is going to be some magical thing that changes everything.

It's cute you think it would just be one day. If districts are allowed to do this, they're going to get rid of instructional days in their calendars knowing they can just count BS virtual days against the 180 day requirement.

Sorry, you're going to have to do your job.

Aww not as smart as you think you are… definitely not a teacher. Just a parent who doesn’t whine about everything and understands how reality works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Or we could use the make-up days that were already identified in the calendar to address this exact situation while providing a full day of instruction. Why did you think they were there?

Wait till you find out other counties have asynchronous days built into the regular 180 day calendars. So many schools across the country have one half day a week. I really don’t understand how you think one make up days is going to be some magical thing that changes everything.

It's cute you think it would just be one day. If districts are allowed to do this, they're going to get rid of instructional days in their calendars knowing they can just count BS virtual days against the 180 day requirement.

Sorry, you're going to have to do your job.

Aww not as smart as you think you are… definitely not a teacher. Just a parent who doesn’t whine about everything and understands how reality works.

Is there a virtual day tomorrow or not? You're the one trying to reject reality and substitute your own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Or we could use the make-up days that were already identified in the calendar to address this exact situation while providing a full day of instruction. Why did you think they were there?

Wait till you find out other counties have asynchronous days built into the regular 180 day calendars. So many schools across the country have one half day a week. I really don’t understand how you think one make up days is going to be some magical thing that changes everything.

It's cute you think it would just be one day. If districts are allowed to do this, they're going to get rid of instructional days in their calendars knowing they can just count BS virtual days against the 180 day requirement.

Sorry, you're going to have to do your job.

Aww not as smart as you think you are… definitely not a teacher. Just a parent who doesn’t whine about everything and understands how reality works.

Is there a virtual day tomorrow or not? You're the one trying to reject reality and substitute your own.

This reply makes absolutely no sense to the previous posts, but okay. Put down the bottle. Get off the Internet. Spend time with your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was pretty much expecting a closure tomorrow, but do get a chuckle over the admin offices giving themselves a day off for a 1-2 inch snow forecast. Watch it go bust overnight and get even less.

That decision means that extended-day programs can't open as they normally would for snow. So irritating that they are doing this to give the principals/other admin the day off rather than actually thinking about what working families might need.

Yup. Lots of daycares follow the MCPS admin offices for closures too. Annoying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

Exactly my previous point. I feel like people are making too much of this. It's winter - it snows. We won't find the "perfect fix" and really just need to choose a workable solution. Because the state requires us to make up days beyond the two built-in days (which are now used up), we must choose from the options available. Because MCPS rarely, if ever, chooses to make up missed days at a time when they are most valuable (other than in June when everyone has checked out), the virtual option seems like a decent one. No need for name calling when we're just trying to identify the best workable option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

A full day on the 29th (preferably) or April 10th will work fine without going into spring break. If I was a teacher, I'd rather find time myself on the weekend to do grades than lose a day off during spring break. It seems like a win-win-win for teachers, students, and parents alike.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

Exactly my previous point. I feel like people are making too much of this. It's winter - it snows. We won't find the "perfect fix" and really just need to choose a workable solution. Because the state requires us to make up days beyond the two built-in days (which are now used up), we must choose from the options available. Because MCPS rarely, if ever, chooses to make up missed days at a time when they are most valuable (other than in June when everyone has checked out), the virtual option seems like a decent one. No need for name calling when we're just trying to identify the best workable option.

There are some obvious implications, though. For one, if MCPS is really incapable of opening on days like Wednesday, we need to go back to having 4 built-in days. Probably more, but at least 4.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

A full day on the 29th (preferably) or April 10th will work fine without going into spring break. If I was a teacher, I'd rather find time myself on the weekend to do grades than lose a day off during spring break. It seems like a win-win-win for teachers, students, and parents alike.

+1 if MCPS would actually follow their own make-up plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

A full day on the 29th (preferably) or April 10th will work fine without going into spring break. If I was a teacher, I'd rather find time myself on the weekend to do grades than lose a day off during spring break. It seems like a win-win-win for teachers, students, and parents alike.

Ideally but teachers also can need the day to cohort/department plan with each other. Or at least use the day to plan for the entire semester. Sometimes we are required to do this by department heads. I speak from previous experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS should correct today's decision not to go virtual by:

1) Making 1/29 an early release day for students. This counts as a full make-up day and provides 2.5 hours of grading/planning time for teachers.
2) Make an announcement that all inclement weather days going forward will be virtual in order to avoid the need to make up more snow days. Therefore, both students and teachers should be prepared by ensuring that necessary technology is taken home on a daily basis.

Remember, students who cannot log in or whose parents choose not to have them participate will have excused absences and work completed on virtual learning days will not be collected until a few days after returning to school to account for any difficulties.

Realistically, the vast majority of teachers are going to use the virtual learning option to review concepts already taught in class or to provide lessons that are both enriching and fun. Virtual learning is not meant to be the end all be all. It is simply meant to provide some continuity of learning while also avoiding the need to make up days missed due to snow. Teachers, parents, and students should simply embrace it for what it is and make it as simple as possible. If I were an elementary school teacher, I believe I would create a snow day packet of learning materials (review of key concepts) to be taken home early in the year. On virtual snow days, I would only reference that packet while meeting with them virtually. I'd go over the instructions for the day and then have them work on the paper packet. I would also give kids and parents advance warning in case they weren't able to log on. For example, kids would know that on Virtual Day 1, Lesson 1 in the packet should be completed and handed in no later than, say, one week after a return to school.

Who are you?! This is what leadership looks like.

I'm simply an MCPS teacher who believes that the Code Purple is a better option than the traditional snow day option being currently implemented.

Yes, it was obvious you're a teacher trying to get out of a day of work, rather than a parent with kids in elementary school. Your contract acknowledges there could be a need for make up days. And now we're going to use them.

What are you even going on about? You sound absolutely vile. It was a lovely compromise to keep the learning moving, especially for those who need it/want it.

Virtual doesn't keep "learning moving." And even that poster acknowledged they wouldn't attempt to teach anything new. It would be a worthless day. Sure, it might be worth it if it could be done *in addition to* an instructional day, but the nature of the contract with MCEA means we have to pick one or the other. An instructional day is better than an optional virtual review day.

If they do it during Spring Break, so many teachers will call out. Subs and/or other staff covering= not a "meaningful" day of instruction. End of year? For SURE won't be a "meaningful" day of instruction. The half day option for the 29th works. Teachers can get grades done, students will have school. Done. Yes, because you sound insufferable, you'll complain about that too, but I suspect you're the type to complain about anything and everything.

A full day on the 29th (preferably) or April 10th will work fine without going into spring break. If I was a teacher, I'd rather find time myself on the weekend to do grades than lose a day off during spring break. It seems like a win-win-win for teachers, students, and parents alike.

Some young teachers work weekend jobs to make ends meet.

[Anonymous]

Mcps should nix the professional days from the schedule. No point in having those days off if they’re going to close every time there are flurries