Why do so many parents want DL forever?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Notice how they say START with the vaccine? What else could they possibly demand beyond a vaccine in the name of safety? I am honestly asking this question.

I honestly wonder that too. With adults as well as children. There’s so many vocal people who say they don’t “feel safe” even with the vaccine. Well what else are we supposed to do? The vaccine IS the end game. Masks and distancing are just stopgap measures.

I'm not that PP, but honestly, I think the next phase of the pandemic is going to be all of the people who have had the tremendous privilege of isolating at home this whole time come to terms with what level of risk they're comfortable with. For some, once they themselves are vaccinated, they will do whatever they want to/are permitted to do (eat in restaurants, travel, etc). For others, the anxiety over doing even the smallest activity will be a huge hurdle. I have had people tell me they cannot imagine walking back into a grocery store or getting a haircut. This is going to take a lot of time. And of course, there are tons of people who have not been able to shield themselves to that level so may feel more comfortable with the levels of mitigation being taken in schools, even when kids aren't vaccinated.

Oh good gravy. I'm plenty privileged, but I still had to go into the office starting in April. Layered mitigation really does work, as the majority of America that has stepped outside their houses knows.

DP. You know that. I know that. But people who have stayed in their homes for more than a year have not yet discovered that. For many, the disciplined isolation they have engaged in throughout the pandemic is grounded in a need for control and anxiety over risk of harm from the virus. That's not going to go away immediately. Those extremist and their children might find themselves terrified to venture back out into a world which has largely enabled them in demanding a school system free from all COVID risk.

Damn that’s heavy. The mental health issues are going to take longer to resolve than the physical health issues .....

Do we really think it's that many people? Honestly, it's all anxiety of their own making....

It’s not that many people who have had the ability to isolate a lot during Covid, but they have outsized influence. They’re comfortably middle class or upper middle class. They portray themselves as more virtuous and the most cautious, compared to working class people who have generally always had to work in person, or rich people who could disregard a lot of aspects of social distancing. And there’s a lot of them in this area in particular. It’s going to be a mess.

I really do think a lot of it is segregationist tendencies.

I don’t know, I think that’s some of it but some of the most vocal “it’s not saaaaafe, I don’t feel safe” people are working class Hispanics who have chosen DL in huge numbers. I don’t know how you get those people back into the schools, I really don’t.

No. The "it's not saaaaafe, I don't feel safe" are always, ALWAYS wealthy white people. Always. The minority families choosing DL aren't blathering on about it on FB and assorted school groups. They're also not choosing DL to the overwhelming degree the wealthy white DL forever crowd likes to claim: 56% in MCPS, which is not "huge numbers" by any stretch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Notice how they say START with the vaccine? What else could they possibly demand beyond a vaccine in the name of safety? I am honestly asking this question.

I honestly wonder that too. With adults as well as children. There’s so many vocal people who say they don’t “feel safe” even with the vaccine. Well what else are we supposed to do? The vaccine IS the end game. Masks and distancing are just stopgap measures.

I'm not that PP, but honestly, I think the next phase of the pandemic is going to be all of the people who have had the tremendous privilege of isolating at home this whole time come to terms with what level of risk they're comfortable with. For some, once they themselves are vaccinated, they will do whatever they want to/are permitted to do (eat in restaurants, travel, etc). For others, the anxiety over doing even the smallest activity will be a huge hurdle. I have had people tell me they cannot imagine walking back into a grocery store or getting a haircut. This is going to take a lot of time. And of course, there are tons of people who have not been able to shield themselves to that level so may feel more comfortable with the levels of mitigation being taken in schools, even when kids aren't vaccinated.

Oh good gravy. I'm plenty privileged, but I still had to go into the office starting in April. Layered mitigation really does work, as the majority of America that has stepped outside their houses knows.

DP. You know that. I know that. But people who have stayed in their homes for more than a year have not yet discovered that. For many, the disciplined isolation they have engaged in throughout the pandemic is grounded in a need for control and anxiety over risk of harm from the virus. That's not going to go away immediately. Those extremist and their children might find themselves terrified to venture back out into a world which has largely enabled them in demanding a school system free from all COVID risk.

Damn that’s heavy. The mental health issues are going to take longer to resolve than the physical health issues .....

Do we really think it's that many people? Honestly, it's all anxiety of their own making....

It’s not that many people who have had the ability to isolate a lot during Covid, but they have outsized influence. They’re comfortably middle class or upper middle class. They portray themselves as more virtuous and the most cautious, compared to working class people who have generally always had to work in person, or rich people who could disregard a lot of aspects of social distancing. And there’s a lot of them in this area in particular. It’s going to be a mess.

I really do think a lot of it is segregationist tendencies.

I don’t know, I think that’s some of it but some of the most vocal “it’s not saaaaafe, I don’t feel safe” people are working class Hispanics who have chosen DL in huge numbers. I don’t know how you get those people back into the schools, I really don’t.

No. The "it's not saaaaafe, I don't feel safe" are always, ALWAYS wealthy white people. Always. The minority families choosing DL aren't blathering on about it on FB and assorted school groups. They're also not choosing DL to the overwhelming degree the wealthy white DL forever crowd likes to claim: 56% in MCPS, which is not "huge numbers" by any stretch.

The numbers/percentages vary a lot by area. I’m in FCPS and at some of the majority-Hispanic schools along Route 1 in Alexandria, there are barely 30% of the kids back - and that’s at elementary school, according to my friend who is a teacher there. Some of the HS’s have 1 or 2 kids in a class. And I see people who are clearly members of racial/ethnic minority groups complaining on Facebook every time there is a loosening of restrictions, or in any news article about schools. They are VERY reluctant to go back and it could be a big problem in the near future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and absences have been increasing. They don’t appear to be because anyone is concerned over Covid. Especially near spring break, parents seem to enjoy the virtual option to pull their kids and travel. I had a lot tell me they would be signing in instead of coming the week before or after spring break, plus other random weeks coming up. I think people are enjoying the flexibility this offers. It’s an attendance nightmare in the high school.

This isn't being talked about enough. A lot of families, especially those with means, just like being able to spend a few weeks at a beach house or do a 2-week spring break in Montana instead of 1. This isn't us (we haven't been on vacation since October 2019), but it's obviously the case with lots of people on this board and in my broader social circle.

School is a commitment. It's a schedule, there are lots of rules. Some people like not having to abide by someone else's rules. Virtual school is much easier than homeschooling your kids, but way more flexible than having to make sure they are in a classroom with all the right supplies by 8am every morning.

DL has been a nightmare for working parents who can't afford childcare. But for parents who can? It's been great. I know a family who can't wait until it gets a little warmer so that they can spend the last two months of the school year at a family vacation house with a pool. Another family that spent two solid months in Florida over the holidays. The pandemic has been a nice opportunity for people who don't actually rely on public schools for childcare. How nice for them!

Same at our school. And the same parents who decry the learning loss are also talking about all the travel they will do next year when school is in session.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and absences have been increasing. They don’t appear to be because anyone is concerned over Covid. Especially near spring break, parents seem to enjoy the virtual option to pull their kids and travel. I had a lot tell me they would be signing in instead of coming the week before or after spring break, plus other random weeks coming up. I think people are enjoying the flexibility this offers. It’s an attendance nightmare in the high school.

This isn't being talked about enough. A lot of families, especially those with means, just like being able to spend a few weeks at a beach house or do a 2-week spring break in Montana instead of 1. This isn't us (we haven't been on vacation since October 2019), but it's obviously the case with lots of people on this board and in my broader social circle.

School is a commitment. It's a schedule, there are lots of rules. Some people like not having to abide by someone else's rules. Virtual school is much easier than homeschooling your kids, but way more flexible than having to make sure they are in a classroom with all the right supplies by 8am every morning.

DL has been a nightmare for working parents who can't afford childcare. But for parents who can? It's been great. I know a family who can't wait until it gets a little warmer so that they can spend the last two months of the school year at a family vacation house with a pool. Another family that spent two solid months in Florida over the holidays. The pandemic has been a nice opportunity for people who don't actually rely on public schools for childcare. How nice for them!

Same at our school. And the same parents who decry the learning loss are also talking about all the travel they will do next year when school is in session.

Shame on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't want my kids to "DL forever" but we aren't out of the Covid woods yet, and most parents haven't been able to get a vaccine. As well as some teachers.

See the new CDC directors message today. Too many mask freedum people, and too few vaccines, are leading to another potential surge. It usually takes a pandemic like this 3 years to burn thru the population (see 1918), hopefully with the vaccine that will be shortened, as long as people take it.

Send your kids back if you want.

Feel free to keep yours home, in DL if offered or homeschool if not. If you opt for DL, your kids should not be permitted to participate in any in person activities.

I’m so glad that whether they can participate will not be decided by you nasty, selfish keyboard warrior parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

Why do you care? Really, it does not impact you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

Why do you care? Really, it does not impact you.

DP. Yes, it does, especially if the DL academies become a way to segregate out some children (which is something that pro-DL posters are open about on DCUM). I don't want funding going to this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

Why do you care? Really, it does not impact you.

DP. Yes, it does, especially if the DL academies become a way to segregate out some children (which is something that pro-DL posters are open about on DCUM). I don't want funding going to this.

How would it segregate kids? Kids are segregated by income (which then leads to race) now so how would DL be any different? You are making it about your wishes, not others. You do what is best for your kids, which is in person as they have a rough home life and others of us will get the option when its safe to return on if we want to continue DL vs. in person or a hybrid depending on what is offered. Why are you threatened by families choosing DL? Because you can't make it work for your kids? Mine do well in both environments. I see a lot of opportunity in offering DL and hybrid including fixing the overcrowding issues and getting classes not offered at your home school. My child will have to be driven or bussed for 8th grade math. Much prefer DL then being a classroom of high schoolers who are a few years older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

Why do you care? Really, it does not impact you.

DP. Yes, it does, especially if the DL academies become a way to segregate out some children (which is something that pro-DL posters are open about on DCUM). I don't want funding going to this.

How would it segregate kids? Kids are segregated by income (which then leads to race) now so how would DL be any different? You are making it about your wishes, not others. You do what is best for your kids, which is in person as they have a rough home life and others of us will get the option when its safe to return on if we want to continue DL vs. in person or a hybrid depending on what is offered. Why are you threatened by families choosing DL? Because you can't make it work for your kids? Mine do well in both environments. I see a lot of opportunity in offering DL and hybrid including fixing the overcrowding issues and getting classes not offered at your home school. My child will have to be driven or bussed for 8th grade math. Much prefer DL then being a classroom of high schoolers who are a few years older.

You've lost all credibility with this hysterical lashing out. Get ahold of yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

Why do you care? Really, it does not impact you.

DP. Yes, it does, especially if the DL academies become a way to segregate out some children (which is something that pro-DL posters are open about on DCUM). I don't want funding going to this.

How would it segregate kids? Kids are segregated by income (which then leads to race) now so how would DL be any different? You are making it about your wishes, not others. You do what is best for your kids, which is in person as they have a rough home life and others of us will get the option when its safe to return on if we want to continue DL vs. in person or a hybrid depending on what is offered. Why are you threatened by families choosing DL? Because you can't make it work for your kids? Mine do well in both environments. I see a lot of opportunity in offering DL and hybrid including fixing the overcrowding issues and getting classes not offered at your home school. My child will have to be driven or bussed for 8th grade math. Much prefer DL then being a classroom of high schoolers who are a few years older.

You've lost all credibility with this hysterical lashing out. Get ahold of yourself.

What on earth are you talking about? What are you afraid of if other families continue DL? Why are things so bad at home that your kids are better in person especially during a pandemic and they aren't vaccinated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not want a permanent DL option supported. I think that raises severe equity and segregation issues, and it routes funding to a population that needs it least.

Honestly, I don’t either. It’s not what the public schools are good at and it’s not consistent with their mission for the long term. I WOULD like to see lessons learned in virtual — where it has better served ASD and SN kids for example — taken back to the physical classroom. Long term, resources should be focused on making the in-school experience equitably optimal for all kinds of kids.

Except some SN families are saying DL is better. So, why do you feel the need to dismiss an educational plan that is working for them. If your kids return to school and others, choose not to, that helps kids in person as there is less overcrowding and more attention given to the in person students. The goal should be meeting all kids needs and in person one size fits all doesn't work for all kids and families. It takes nothing away from your kids going in person to set up a DL school for kids who are doing well at it. I would have loved DL for ES for my SN child. We could have focused more on private therapies and supplement and more importantly provide the needed support that school refused despite us trying.

Most posters have mentioned using DL for medical and special needs kids with specific needs served by DL (as well as home and hospital). The objection is to DL for anyone who wants it. Many of us question whether a parallel DL model is an appropriate use of resources that will benefit the students who need it most.

Why do you care? Really, it does not impact you.

DP. Yes, it does, especially if the DL academies become a way to segregate out some children (which is something that pro-DL posters are open about on DCUM). I don't want funding going to this.

How would it segregate kids? Kids are segregated by income (which then leads to race) now so how would DL be any different? You are making it about your wishes, not others. You do what is best for your kids, which is in person as they have a rough home life and others of us will get the option when its safe to return on if we want to continue DL vs. in person or a hybrid depending on what is offered. Why are you threatened by families choosing DL? Because you can't make it work for your kids? Mine do well in both environments. I see a lot of opportunity in offering DL and hybrid including fixing the overcrowding issues and getting classes not offered at your home school. My child will have to be driven or bussed for 8th grade math. Much prefer DL then being a classroom of high schoolers who are a few years older.

You've lost all credibility with this hysterical lashing out. Get ahold of yourself.

What on earth are you talking about? What are you afraid of if other families continue DL? Why are things so bad at home that your kids are better in person especially during a pandemic and they aren't vaccinated?

Again. Get a hold of yourself. You sound totally irrational.

[Anonymous]

Are you all aware there are already public online schools in many states? In Virginia it's Virginia Virtual Academy and in DC it's Friendship Online Academy. I'm not sure about Maryland; there is a Maryland Virtual Academy, but I am not sure it is a free online charter school. These options are already out there for parents who want long-term DL without individual schools or school districts reinventing the wheel. You are just not connected to your local school.

It's not just because of COVID - many athletes in sports like figure skating need a lot of schedule flexibility during the day and do these programs. Some kids are badly bullied at their local schools or learn better without classroom distractions. My kids are in Virginia Virtual Academy and will probably remain there for next year.

[Anonymous]

If you want your kids at hime forever, that’s fine. That option has always existed — it’s called homeschooling. The local school system should not have to continue to pour resources into online learning after this school year because some parents want to keep their kids home. There are virtual schools and many states have their own virtual public school. The local district should not have to spend money to keep providing this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you all aware there are already public online schools in many states? In Virginia it's Virginia Virtual Academy and in DC it's Friendship Online Academy. I'm not sure about Maryland; there is a Maryland Virtual Academy, but I am not sure it is a free online charter school. These options are already out there for parents who want long-term DL without individual schools or school districts reinventing the wheel. You are just not connected to your local school.

It's not just because of COVID - many athletes in sports like figure skating need a lot of schedule flexibility during the day and do these programs. Some kids are badly bullied at their local schools or learn better without classroom distractions. My kids are in Virginia Virtual Academy and will probably remain there for next year.

Yep, this, and there is no need to stay connected to your local school if you are never going to enter the classroom. You could have a teacher from Alaska and it wouldn’t matter.