DCPS Employee Return to In Person Work Guidance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This agreement was very concerning... not to mention the opacity in their statements including “ desks will be separated and forward facing” ummm. No guarantee on how far apart, eh? It’s that kind of fuzziness that inspires a vote of no confidence in my opinion.

There was sent urgently with a very fast turnaround requirement, followed by a union letter and text imploring us not to sign. OP. Do not sign this yet![/quote

So, its finally out in the Public EYE. Its all about unions.

What was it Michelle Rhee said that was dead on, " schools are for educating kids, not providing a pay check to adults"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think a big problem is that teachers don't trust DCPS admin and that makes us reluctant to return to work when we feel like they probably won't take adequate steps to protect us. I would love to teach in person and see my students again but I don't have much faith that DCPS will do much to keep me safe. Most teachers I know feel the same. Nobody thinks that central office is going to help us because they never have up to now. IMPACT has seriously eroded trust in admin. There is a gotcha culture towards teachers. So now we don't feel safe. But we love our students and want to come back. It's not unreasonable to feel scared about it and nervous.

+1

To close out for this school year the teachers at my school were promised that there would be temperature checks at the door. There was no one at my school taking temps. My classroom had not been cleaned that entire distant learning time.

+1

When individual schools were closed for a deep cleaning in March, nothing was cleaned. Then central office staff came and lied to teachers saying cleaning crews came through. Nothing was moved on desks, kids' desks still dirty, etc. They really don't care.

+1
I went on leave before schools closed and went back in June to clean up. Everything was left the exact same way I left it. Even down to the sheets up paper that I left in my trashcan. So yea, there was no "deep cleaning". I packed up my room in plastic containers, lysol'd down my desk and chair, and am hoping for the best when I get to return when the building opens again. I do not have any faith in DCPS providing a safe working environment for me when I return.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:.... and self assessment? Really? You think parents who send their kids in with fevers, ringworm and lice are going to tell the truth? You’ve got to be kidding

The self-assessment is for teachers at least per the OP.

My bad. I just reread it. I hope they don’t ask parents to assess their kids though I kind of think they will!

OK, PP how about you take all the kids temp at the door.... WHAT?? suddenly its OK the parents do it ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think DCPS is going to have a real problem with teachers who have PK and lower elementary school students taking off three days a week to care for their child in this hybrid method. They can do so using the CARES act? until December 31. Who is going to cover these classes? And if several teachers a day have a cold the self assessment will say to stay home because they don't know if it's COVID. Where are they going to get subs for these classes? Currently in most high schools teachers are forced to cover on their planning periods. That is not going to fly.

The sub situation is going to be a problem, covering and working in your own school during Covid at least you know the set-up where something is, etc! Can you imagine a sub coming in and out different schools they would need to be like Naomi Campbell, completely covered, gloves, goggles and masks! They don't have a classroom, where are they gong to wait between classes or put their things or aides and paras? They have not thought this through, also many of the nurses rooms are tiny so kids are going to be lined up in hallways during flu season. Is the nurse or someone else going to sanitize the room after each visit! I get that schools have to return but the logistics, IDK!

So, PP, why do you think the European schools have all re-opened even those with higher deaths per capita than NY had.

DC has had about 520 deaths total and more than 130 of them were over 80 in a Nursing home. Most people who died, got sick in March before everyone was masking up

We also have learned a LOT about how to treat covid since high death rates in March/ April:
* Remdisivir and Steroids greatly reduce hospital days and well as ICU stay
* CPAP can be used instead of vents

Nothing is perfect, but this Virus is here to stay, it will always be circling back to us from someone getting off of an airplane and we cannot hide under the covers forever

Go ahead if you want to, but kids have their life to live and they deserve an education

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teachers do care about education. We don't trust the district or the parents to keep us safe. Parents are saying their kids should not be required to wear masks, but they want schools to open full time. Give me a break.

I don't think that's parents in DC. I would bet all DCPS parents are fine with masks.

I am 100% not only fine with but also an advocate for masks at all times. However, I also know there is zero chance my prek4 and K children who will be in a JKLM school this Fall will wear one the entire day- here and there, yes, but mostly off. And yes, we practice every single day for over a month now. It’s just a reality of that age

First of all, please read the studies out that show young children do not transmit.

As far as rate of infection in kids goes, here is a link to a European study published in Lancet: www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30177-2/fulltext

Note, that the 500 or so cases of kids under 18 with covid in Europe are from all countries ( total pop about 300 million ) DC has only about 50,000 kids in DCPS

Of the 500 kids ( age 18 or less ) in Europe who got covid , 25 % were immune suppresed or had a high risk medical condition:


Results
585 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported from 77 health-care institutions located in 21 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK (figure 1). Three cases did not meet the inclusion criteria (one 21-year-old individual and two individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 based on serological testing, but PCR negative). Five participating units in the Netherlands, Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia reported not having encountered any cases.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

Not everyone who is 65 or older with a preexisting health condition automatically qualifies for paid leave. Also, young people get sick and die from COVID-19, too. Even if they don’t die, the long-term effects on the organs are detrimental to quality of life and may hinder future employment options. It’s a myth that it only affects older adults. I am in my 30s and three of my friends who are my age, in near perfect health with no preexisting conditions were hospitalized for at least one month due to COVID-19. None have fully “recovered” so far. If teachers are to return buildings, they should be considered essential employees and receive hazard pay and access to childcare. All workers deemed essential should receive hazard pay and access to childcare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

Not everyone who is 65 or older with a preexisting health condition automatically qualifies for paid leave. Also, young people get sick and die from COVID-19, too. Even if they don’t die, the long-term effects on the organs are detrimental to quality of life and may hinder future employment options. It’s a myth that it only affects older adults. I am in my 30s and three of my friends who are my age, in near perfect health with no preexisting conditions were hospitalized for at least one month due to COVID-19. None have fully “recovered” so far. If teachers are to return buildings, they should be considered essential employees and receive hazard pay and access to childcare. All workers deemed essential should receive hazard pay and access to childcare.

PP. Excuse me. That should say, “If teachers are to return *to buildings...”

[Anonymous]

Of the 500 or so kids 18 and younger who contracted covid ( out of 300 million population in Europe) , there were 4 fatalities:

Four patients, all older than 10 years, had a fatal outcome (CFR 0·69%, 95% CI 0·20–1·82), with death occurring at 3, 9, 11, and 17 days after symptom onset. Two patients had no known pre-existing medical conditions; one had a cardiorespiratory arrest before arrival at the hospital and resuscitation was unsuccessful and the other died while being mechanically ventilated in ICU. The third patient had undergone human stem cell transplant 15 months earlier. The fourth patient was managed palliatively (without intubation), due to the severity of their pre-existing medical conditions. The remaining 578 patients were alive when the study closed. 93 (16%) individuals never developed clinical symptoms. In 460 (80%) individuals, all symptoms had resolved without apparent sequelae, whereas 25 (4%) were still symptomatic or were requiring respiratory support when the study closed.

So , if your kid has had recent chemo or is on active immune supressants for bone marrow or organ transplant or has severe lung or cardiac disease , keep them home and they will get DL support. Its the law.

[Anonymous]

When I returned to my classroom in late May to clear up my room I also noticed there was no evidence of cleaning at all. As per usual, my carpet was not vacuumed, my sink had the same grime, the floors and walls dirty, the table tops still dusty and marked. The same papers were on the back tables, just as I’d left them. No soap in paper towels in the broken dispensers (haven’t had those in 8 years).

There is no way our school will be deep cleaned daily. That task will be on me.

[Anonymous]

I am a specials teacher. If the district is going by the DC Health Guidelines, that means I will not be teaching all the students in my school (500). The guidelines state that groups of students and their teacher will not mix with other teachers or students and that students can not share supplies between themselves or classes. Specialists use books, art supplies and musical instruments.

So I need to know that they will abide by those guidelines before I agree to return. I am happy to play another role as a classroom teacher or support staff; at home or in person. I am trying to be a team player here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This agreement was very concerning... not to mention the opacity in their statements including “ desks will be separated and forward facing” ummm. No guarantee on how far apart, eh? It’s that kind of fuzziness that inspires a vote of no confidence in my opinion.

There was sent urgently with a very fast turnaround requirement, followed by a union letter and text imploring us not to sign. OP. Do not sign this yet![/quote

So, its finally out in the Public EYE. Its all about unions.

What was it Michelle Rhee said that was dead on, " schools are for educating kids, not providing a pay check to adults"

I know it’s terrible my union is standing up for me. They are demanding soap and soap dispensers, working sinks, working HVAC (at my school we go days each month where there is no heat or air conditioning). They are demanding schools provide Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer (my school has never provided me any of these things, I must buy them myself). They are demanding that schools clean rooms (by cleaned I mean the trash is taken out. It gets taken out maybe twice a week in my room). The union is simply demanding that DCPS take cleaning and safety seriously for once. I’m sorry that bothers you. It actually benefits your child too. The school is always super shiny for back to school night and the first day. Try coming by randomly, you’d see how dirty the place actually is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

Not everyone who is 65 or older with a preexisting health condition automatically qualifies for paid leave. Also, young people get sick and die from COVID-19, too. Even if they don’t die, the long-term effects on the organs are detrimental to quality of life and may hinder future employment options. It’s a myth that it only affects older adults. I am in my 30s and three of my friends who are my age, in near perfect health with no preexisting conditions were hospitalized for at least one month due to COVID-19. None have fully “recovered” so far. If teachers are to return buildings, they should be considered essential employees and receive hazard pay and access to childcare. All workers deemed essential should receive hazard pay and access to childcare.

PP. Excuse me. That should say, “If teachers are to return *to buildings...”

Teachers: would hazard pay and access to child care do it?

It would be helpful if we had something to advocate for here. That we also want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This document was sent out today, with a form to share your intent by July 10. WTU quickly followed with an email to not submit yet. I have no idea what to do as I really want to be in person, but don’t trust any promises of PPE/supplies or enhanced cleaning. It’s not like once I show up and any of that isn’t happening I can just back out, I’ll have to use my own leave.

It’s a 4 1/2 page document so I’ll paste highlights:

DCPS will implement a hybrid learning model for the 2020-21 School Year (SY) that will include continued virtual instruction and in-person instruction for a portion of our students. DCPS will continue to ensurethe safety of school-based employees who report to work in-person.

All employees who report to work in-person will be provided with a daily supply of disposable face masksat no cost to the employee. Additionally, staff will be provided with a full supply of hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies to maintain their workspaces

Daily Health Screening
DCPS will implement a daily health screen for all students and staff entering DCPS buildings. Employees will complete this screening through a self-assessment that needs to occur before arrival daily. A team of screening facilitators will monitor screening results to ensure appropriate follow up occurs.
An individual with any of the following symptoms will be instructed to not enter DCPS buildings, to isolate immediately, and call their healthcare provider:
• Fever (defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit);
• Chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache; or
New loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.
If a student or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the school day, DCPS will have a designated physical location and a process in place that allows the individual to isolate until it is safe to go home and seek healthcare provider guidance.

Enhanced Cleaning Routines
Schools will undergo daily cleaning at the end of each day and deep cleaning based on a prescribed schedule.

This shouldn't be a surprise to you as a teacher . It is literally cut and paste from the DC Task force public plan released 6 WEEKS AGO

So what is your plan forward then ? There is no vaccine and children need to be educated.

If you are 65 or older,have a medical condition placing you in high risk or if you suffer from OCD , you get paid leave. Its the law

If you are just a whiner, maybe consider another profession

Yeah, I have to agree. I was ready to be outraged until I read the documents. Anyone 65+, with a condition, caring for someone with a condition or sick them selves gets paid leave. Healthy, young teachers without sick dependents need to go to work. This does NOT seem unreasonable to me in any way.

Not everyone who is 65 or older with a preexisting health condition automatically qualifies for paid leave. Also, young people get sick and die from COVID-19, too. Even if they don’t die, the long-term effects on the organs are detrimental to quality of life and may hinder future employment options. It’s a myth that it only affects older adults. I am in my 30s and three of my friends who are my age, in near perfect health with no preexisting conditions were hospitalized for at least one month due to COVID-19. None have fully “recovered” so far. If teachers are to return buildings, they should be considered essential employees and receive hazard pay and access to childcare. All workers deemed essential should receive hazard pay and access to childcare.

PP. Excuse me. That should say, “If teachers are to return *to buildings...”

Teachers: would hazard pay and access to child care do it?

It would be helpful if we had something to advocate for here. That we also want.

Speaking for myself. I don’t need hazard pay. I want safety protocols to be followed. I was DCPS held accountable for what they claim they are going to do. I want clean classrooms. I want them to provide Clorox wipes and sanitizer. I want them to provide soap in student and teacher bathrooms. I want them to do temp check and actually send people home when they are sick. I want them to follow their own rules.

[Anonymous]

If the parents on here are actually DCPS parents then you should know DCPS never follows through on what they say. This alone should outrage you. You should be fighting for DCPS to do what they say they are going to do. Your child’s health (even if just the flu) and education depend on it. You know they start programs and abandon them. This type of stuff should make you fighting mad.