DCPS parents: if you’re worried about the return plan, contact the mayor and council members

[Anonymous]

Myself and many of our parent friends at our school have written to our principal.

But I’ve recently realized the teachers and principals have no say in this. They’re just doing what the chancellor wants, and for principals they’re at risk of getting fired if they don’t fall in line.

So there’s only one point of accountability here: the Chancellor. And the Chancellor does what the Mayor wants.

But the mayor is accountable to us, the public; the voters.
Call the mayor.

Here is contact info;
Office of the Mayor
Connect With Us
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: [phone]
TTY: 711
Email: [e-mail]

Also, the council exerts oversight over the mayor. Call and write your council members if you’re upset.

At large members represent everyone in DC: Silverman, Bonds, White, Grosso, Mendelson.
And every Ward has its own council member.

[Anonymous]

If others have information about the best way to contact the mayor and the council, please list it here.

Are there any apps that allow you to email all your council members at the same time?

[Anonymous]

If this doesn't happen we are going to get nothing all year but DL. If that is what you want, then write.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this doesn't happen we are going to get nothing all year but DL. If that is what you want, then write.

Pp here to add an idea from another thread. if you want to be back 2021-2022, you might want this to go forward. IF there are no major outbreaks, then it will be clear re-opening at least hybrid in fall 2021 is safe. If we are DL all year, it will be harder to make that case - and numbers next fall likely will be similar to now in DC because the vaccine, as many many have noted, isn't going to be terribly effective or taken by enough people.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

First, I meant loose any change of in person instruction for this year and possible next year
Second, you can keep your kids home and DL while others go to in person school
Third, not all kids are your kids and the worst that can happen from DLing at home isn't being a first grader not reading on grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

Are you even familiar with the reopening plan? Most students are going to continue distance learning but they found a way to make it worse -by taking away our teachers. And teachers don’t even know if they are going back in person yet, but “reopening” is only weeks away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

Then keep your kids at home. Others want in person learning and they should have that option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

Are you even familiar with the reopening plan? Most students are going to continue distance learning but they found a way to make it worse -by taking away our teachers. And teachers don’t even know if they are going back in person yet, but “reopening” is only weeks away.

But according to the poster you are replying too, "there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss." I imagine this includes loss that which comes with DLing with a new teacher. Look, if you are OK with no one going to school in person all year and possibly next year than, yes, try to get these plan shot down. I don't like the plan either (wanted hybrid) but I feel it gets us closer to in person school next year and am glad some really vulnerable kids will be in school.

I just don't think there will be a plan B this year unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

I am writing to demand for hybrid for Term 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am writing to demand for hybrid for Term 3.

That would be great! I got an in-person seat but think it is terrible that so few students are getting in-person teaching and would be willing to wait another term for a hybrid option for all instead of move forward with this. I don't think it's an option though.

I do feel like falling down on my knees and thanking god for the spot. It is so huge that my son, already years behind in school and in social skills, has this opportunity. I cried last night when I got the email.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

Are you even familiar with the reopening plan? Most students are going to continue distance learning but they found a way to make it worse -by taking away our teachers. And teachers don’t even know if they are going back in person yet, but “reopening” is only weeks away.

But according to the poster you are replying too, "there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss." I imagine this includes loss that which comes with DLing with a new teacher. Look, if you are OK with no one going to school in person all year and possibly next year than, yes, try to get these plan shot down. I don't like the plan either (wanted hybrid) but I feel it gets us closer to in person school next year and am glad some really vulnerable kids will be in school.

I just don't think there will be a plan B this year unfortunately.

You saying we need to go back for vunerable kids means nothing as you don't know what it means and are using it as an excuse to get your needs met. Or, something is going on in your house where your kids are safer at school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the current GOALS are terrible.
The problem is the PLAN, which is poor and late. And that’s the mayor and chancellor’s fault.

I think the right thing to do is to push the council to get involved. This mayor doesn’t have the ability to run this properly.

OK, but if this goes down we'll lost anything for this year and next year is in jeopardy too because we won't have any track record that we can open with these low numbers.

This makes no sense - lost what? Do you really think a first grader not reading on grade level by the end of the school year is a loss? This will be true for all children - so everyone takes a step back and resets. Its not a competition. Just like with walking - some kids walked at 10 months and some at 18 but they are all walking.

And yes some children have "issues" "delays" etc. And there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss.

I have 3 a neurotypical children in my extended family, one in my home. She won't be okay if she gets covid. She won't be okay if she gives it to grandma. Does it suck - it suuuuuuuuucks. But demanding a reopening so I can be a good worker and not a good mom isn't my option. I am job insecure. I am working until 12 pm at night and on weekends to make up when the kids are asleep. Do I get to watch movies and chill out not as often as I like but I also don't worry about my kid or my mom on a ventilator.

DCPS has no Plan B - agree 100%

DCPS also had no Plan A until 48 hours ago either.

I do think that the most vulnerable should get to go in a very special way - let a homeless child have a smaller teacher/student ratio and manage just that. Let the parents live in the school for that matter. But my kid has an IEP (all kids have IEPs) - I tend to wonder if the kid doesn't have a real need but the parent does. People aren't saying that their child is 8 and non verbal and has downs. They are saying my kid has an IEP they need to be back in - so I'm questioning their real need.

My neighbor is a sped teacher of 12 (k-12). Only one child got an in-school placement. So does she abandon (her word) 11 kids to serve only one child; and then if she says I won't go back will they rearrange all the other kids so she doesn't even have the 11. She's not pro-going back per se but wants to go back for these 12 high need kids. DCPS f@@ked this up for everyone.

Also remember for all of this - DL or in person we have no substitutes. So your in person/DL teacher could call in sick with covid or food poisoning and then nothing.

It is a shit show.

Are you even familiar with the reopening plan? Most students are going to continue distance learning but they found a way to make it worse -by taking away our teachers. And teachers don’t even know if they are going back in person yet, but “reopening” is only weeks away.

But according to the poster you are replying too, "there are a million things parents can do at home when they aren't working to help ameliorate the loss." I imagine this includes loss that which comes with DLing with a new teacher. Look, if you are OK with no one going to school in person all year and possibly next year than, yes, try to get these plan shot down. I don't like the plan either (wanted hybrid) but I feel it gets us closer to in person school next year and am glad some really vulnerable kids will be in school.

I just don't think there will be a plan B this year unfortunately.