Reply to Sheer scale of new student covid cases (real data)

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I agree that this is likely something we will all (or most of us) catch and that other mitigating efforts (indoor eating, bars, etc) would do more to slow the spread than virtual learning.

That being said, I do have concerns about the mental health challenge the timing of this wave does to our teachers, staff, and students- not to mention society as a whole.  Everyone is in desperate need of a break, needs to see family/friends, needs to just rest. And now, a good portion of our teachers and staff will spend their holidays isolated and/or sick. That worries me. Schools were already dealing with staff shortages. Teachers and school staff rely on those breaks to recharge and rest... if a large quantity miss that time...

I fear that this wave will impact schools far worse in this regard- as compared to the actual sickness.[/quote]
But 
This is the point that most people seem to be missing.  I'm a teacher, and this week has been horrendously stressful.  Covid cases reported daily - students pulled out of classes when covid results from asymptomatic testing on Monday came in mid-day Tuesday.  Multiple teachers sent home in the middle of the day (by other teachers forcing the point - the principal "didn't think the symptoms were severe enough to require leave").  I've been on edge all week, and that comes out as less patience for students, and less ability to put together well-planned lessons.  It's hard to do ANY job well when you are in a constant state of stress.  It's even harder when you are trying to figure out how to support the students in the classroom and at home.  I'll keep going in, but I'm also sure that the quality of education that I'll be able to provide is declining.  You can all tell me to quit - I'm trying to push through, but definitely considering it - but that won't solve the issue of your child's education.  There is NO ONE to replace me, even if I gave a month's notice before I quit.  What is the solution?  If the goal is to just have kids in a building to see their friends and let their parents go to work (which is definitely a reasonable purpose for school), then the answer is easy - keep the schools open regardless of what happens.  If you want actual learning to happen for the next few months, however, the answer is much more difficult, because driving your teachers into the ground is not the way to go.[/quote]

See a therapist. They can help you cope with your burnout, fears, and anxiety— and it’s within your control to do so. That alone is a stress relief. [/quote]

I’m a different poster who’s a DCPS teacher, and I already have a therapist that I’ve worked with to see that I can have a fulfilling career supporting students that doesn’t involve working in the chaos that is a mismanaged district during covid. I put my notice in and won’t be returning after break. So yes, I encourage all of my colleagues to see a therapist too. The mental toll of working through the pandemic in a classroom is too much when your district doesn’t care about its staff. [/quote]

Thanks for leaving your students in the dust. [/quote]

Teaching is just a job and like other jobs they’re permitted to quit. The work they leave behind is not their responsibility once they leave. One thing I won’t miss is the manipulation insinuating that I’m expected to sacrifice my physical and mental health to do a job. My school had fewer than 60 students Wednesday, DCPS cancelled covid testing, cohorts were combined because of staffing shortages, and students were pulled out all day because they got positive test results or were close contacts. If you were the parent of one of my students I’d question why you’re willing to send your child to a place where safety is so disregarded. [/quote]

I agree with most of what you say. However, you need to understand that parents are dealing with a lack of transparency on the part of school admin. The situation you describe is basically unknown to most parents because the school system does not tell us what is going on. We have to pry it out of our kids. This is not your doing or your responsibility but at least you know what is happening which is more than can be said for parents. [/quote]

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