Would surveillance testing get us back full-time? (APS)

[Anonymous]

There are so many views/studies/groups, etc about what's needed to get the kids back full-time. Maybe a simple answer would be 3 feet distancing with surveillance testing of the staff and students. This seems like a realistic answer for those that want full-time. Ventilation and outdoor lunches are being addressed, masks will be worn - wouldn't this be a simple solution?

[Anonymous]

Maybe but I don’t think APS will move to 3 feet distancing this year so it’s moot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe but I don’t think APS will move to 3 feet distancing this year so it’s moot.

I've thrown in the towel for anything more than hybrid for this academic year. By the fall, every adult that wants a vaccine should have one. There should be no reason to mandate 6-foot distancing at that point. Surveillance testing would be a fairly simple measure for the kids to get back to a desperately needed, full-time schedule.

[Anonymous]

I’m hopeful for the fall. However this would take lots of logistical planning because the number of students in person vs hybrid would greatly increase and I don’t know that 3 ft distancing is possible with full schools as they are now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m hopeful for the fall. However this would take lots of logistical planning because the number of students in person vs hybrid would greatly increase and I don’t know that 3 ft distancing is possible with full schools as they are now.

I think in normal times, kids are able to stay 3-feet apart, no? (aside of lunch, which I'm assuming will normally be outside)

[Anonymous]

I really think that ventilation is more important. Let's keep it from spreading in schools. For the fall we should be prepared to open windows in classrooms that have them, have extra air filters in the classrooms that don't, and have all meals outside regardless of weather (i.e., we'll need tents).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really think that ventilation is more important. Let's keep it from spreading in schools. For the fall we should be prepared to open windows in classrooms that have them, have extra air filters in the classrooms that don't, and have all meals outside regardless of weather (i.e., we'll need tents).

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really think that ventilation is more important. Let's keep it from spreading in schools. For the fall we should be prepared to open windows in classrooms that have them, have extra air filters in the classrooms that don't, and have all meals outside regardless of weather (i.e., we'll need tents).

APS addressed ventilation, but yes, outdoor lunch, masks and 3 feet distancing with surveillance testing should get us back full time.

[Anonymous]

Where are they getting the money for tests?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really think that ventilation is more important. Let's keep it from spreading in schools. For the fall we should be prepared to open windows in classrooms that have them, have extra air filters in the classrooms that don't, and have all meals outside regardless of weather (i.e., we'll need tents).

APS addressed ventilation, but yes, outdoor lunch, masks and 3 feet distancing with surveillance testing should get us back full time.

According to those who are obsessed with the issue, ventilation is improved but not good enough for 3' distancing. We should continue to work on ventilation until it is uniformly good.

For surveillance testing I've heard of having everyone spit into a bucket (not literally, but using a safe system) and then collectively running a test on a bulk sample. This makes more sense to me than spot testing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are they getting the money for tests?

I imagine the $1.9T relief package will include funds/support for schools to open full-time.

[Anonymous]

It should be a goal for fall probably but there’s 3 months left this school year. They’re already planning for next year . At this point, riding out this school year is the best we can do. Nothing massive can change between now and June.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m hopeful for the fall. However this would take lots of logistical planning because the number of students in person vs hybrid would greatly increase and I don’t know that 3 ft distancing is possible with full schools as they are now.

I think in normal times, kids are able to stay 3-feet apart, no? (aside of lunch, which I'm assuming will normally be outside)

Not really. Put 23-28 kids in a class and it is TIGHT. Right now there’s space but they naturally gravitate to one another. So do the teachers . It’s not “not caring” or trying to defy rules... it’s just how people are built. We aren’t meant to consciously stay 3-6 feet or any feet apart really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m hopeful for the fall. However this would take lots of logistical planning because the number of students in person vs hybrid would greatly increase and I don’t know that 3 ft distancing is possible with full schools as they are now.

I think in normal times, kids are able to stay 3-feet apart, no? (aside of lunch, which I'm assuming will normally be outside)

No. Have you never been in a school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It should be a goal for fall probably but there’s 3 months left this school year. They’re already planning for next year . At this point, riding out this school year is the best we can do. Nothing massive can change between now and June.

Seeing as it took almost an entire year to figure out how to get the kids in-school 2 days/week, we need to start planning for the fall if anyone wants full-time. Pressure needs to be on to figure this out now.