I Work in a Cares Room AMA

[Anonymous]

Except, do not ask me anything that would reveal the identities of my students (location, date opened, specific grade level)

I will tell you that I was prepared to really dislike these rooms. I thought it would just be babysitting kids on laptops. And now I have to come to realize that these rooms are (likely) the best answer to maintaining instructional continuity and minimizing disruption.

I will answer during planning breaks!

[Anonymous]

Have there been any Covid cases, or transmissions, in your class? Have you been afraid or that and have your views changed?

If no transmission events, then why would you not advocate instead for teachers themselves to come back instead of your CARE room?

[Anonymous]

What do breakfast and lunch time look like? I’ve read several teachers comment here about being worried about being around 10-11 unmasked kids as they eat lunch/play etc.

[Anonymous]

Do you get within 6 feet of your students to help them on their laptops/check their work? Or do you remain distant as much as you can?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have there been any Covid cases, or transmissions, in your class? Have you been afraid or that and have your views changed?

If no transmission events, then why would you not advocate instead for teachers themselves to come back instead of your CARE room?

no covid cases, keep sending us good vibes! Yes, I was afraid. I am not afraid of dying from covid- I am youngish and healthy. I feel a deep sense of responsibility for possibly contributing to community spread. I also worry about the LT effects of having covid. They have not changed since returning.

Thankfully, DCPS policy is above my pay grade. I would like to see us all back- however my school can only have a limited number of classrooms open anyway (social distancing and HVAC) so this is the best way to not create online classes of 30 plus kids. IMO

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do breakfast and lunch time look like? I’ve read several teachers comment here about being worried about being around 10-11 unmasked kids as they eat lunch/play etc.

Eating times are tough. The kids are well versed in masks down to eat- fast, and then we go outside. There is simply no full proof way for 10-11 kids to eat in a classroom and have it not be risk. Kids are masked on the playground. And I am not as worried about outdoor spread as indoor. We wear masks and it is not risk free. But it is the eating that is worrisome

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you get within 6 feet of your students to help them on their laptops/check their work? Or do you remain distant as much as you can?

Ok, last one until lunch. Room is set up for 6 feet. The first few days was a lot of tech support so I would be lying if I said 6 feet was maintained on those occassions.

I teach my students, there are times when 6 feet is easy (at our desks) and times when it is hard. We try to minimize the 'hard' times. It is the best we can do

[Anonymous]

We have a strict policy on maintaining distance during outdoor recess (I'm in a CARE room too) and it's easily the hardest part about the day. How is your assigned school handling recess/social distancing?

[Anonymous]

I heard that Covid testing is optional for students. Is that true? If so, have you experienced any parents refusing to let their child get tested. And how do you respond to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I heard that Covid testing is optional for students. Is that true? If so, have you experienced any parents refusing to let their child get tested. And how do you respond to that.

It is optional. Yes, I have a student who is not being tested. I would not have known (as it is decision between admin and parent), but parent went out of their way to to tell me. I think it is unfortunate and I do not understand the reasoning. But I also know that once one of my students gets covid- they will all have covid. So it does not bother me too much.

Thankfully, it is not my situation to deal with. This is squarely an administrator problem.

[Anonymous]

Tell us why you think it's so important! I'm curious as to how it's not just babysitting. Thank you for doing this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a strict policy on maintaining distance during outdoor recess (I'm in a CARE room too) and it's easily the hardest part about the day. How is your assigned school handling recess/social distancing?

Recess is tough! Only 1 class outside at a time. I am watching and the students are good at saying '6 feet!'. but things happen. I focus on what I can control- masks up/tight, hand sanitizer ect.

I have thought about sectioning the playground in quads, and placing 2-3 kids per section. But at the end of the day I am just not sure if it would be worth it. I would love to hear about what your school does!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard that Covid testing is optional for students. Is that true? If so, have you experienced any parents refusing to let their child get tested. And how do you respond to that.

It is optional. Yes, I have a student who is not being tested. I would not have known (as it is decision between admin and parent), but parent went out of their way to to tell me. I think it is unfortunate and I do not understand the reasoning. But I also know that once one of my students gets covid- they will all have covid. So it does not bother me too much.

Thankfully, it is not my situation to deal with. This is squarely an administrator problem.

Scary to hear about lunch and your thoughts that if one kid gets covid all the kids will get it. Too bad they can’t eat outside

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell us why you think it's so important! I'm curious as to how it's not just babysitting. Thank you for doing this!

So, on the surface it IS kids in a room on laptops. I cannot argue that away.
However, I am in the virtual classroom, too. I use the whiteboard/smartboard to review what is being taught. The classroom teachers also send me the assignments/plans a head of time so I can have printed copies. During the independent work time the kids and I will work through problems and discuss new topics.

Is it the exact same as if their teacher was right in front of them? No way. However, the beauty of cares is that the actual teaching is not disrupted. We have not shifted kids around, changed teachers ect. And if our room has to close (ugh) the only change will be the students physical location.

Finally, the benefits of school are still being met- albeit with new protocols. The kids are beyond excited to see each other, chat during school break times, have a routine. Heck, I had a kid cry on the playground because they were so happy to be back.

These rooms are NOT perfect- but I like that they maintain instructional continuity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell us why you think it's so important! I'm curious as to how it's not just babysitting. Thank you for doing this!

So, on the surface it IS kids in a room on laptops. I cannot argue that away.
However, I am in the virtual classroom, too. I use the whiteboard/smartboard to review what is being taught. The classroom teachers also send me the assignments/plans a head of time so I can have printed copies. During the independent work time the kids and I will work through problems and discuss new topics.

Is it the exact same as if their teacher was right in front of them? No way. However, the beauty of cares is that the actual teaching is not disrupted. We have not shifted kids around, changed teachers ect. And if our room has to close (ugh) the only change will be the students physical location.

Finally, the benefits of school are still being met- albeit with new protocols. The kids are beyond excited to see each other, chat during school break times, have a routine. Heck, I had a kid cry on the playground because they were so happy to be back.

These rooms are NOT perfect- but I like that they maintain instructional continuity.

This is GREAT to hear! Thank you!