Reply to DCPS Employee Return to In Person Work Guidance

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think a big problem is that teachers don't trust DCPS admin and that makes us reluctant to return to work when we feel like they probably won't take adequate steps to protect us. I would love to teach in person and see my students again but I don't have much faith that DCPS will do much to keep me safe. Most teachers I know feel the same. Nobody thinks that central office is going to help us because they never have up to now. IMPACT has seriously eroded trust in admin. There is a gotcha culture towards teachers. So now we don't feel safe. But we love our students and want to come back. It's not unreasonable to feel scared about it and nervous.  [/quote]

Agreed. Though I hated teaching through a computer, I’m hesitant to return to the building because DCPS has failed to properly plan for our return. I’m worried for all stakeholders who will spend time in schools and the people with whom they’ll come in contact. DCPS has failed to maintain our buildings and provide necessary supplies for years. I don’t trust that will change and the stakes are much higher now. There are schools with unreliable/ broken HVAC systems, windows that don’t open, custodians who don’t actually clean anything, broken soap dispensers, inconsistent access to soap and paper towels, not enough staff to monitor smaller groups of students at lunch and recess, etc. The list goes on and on. Until DCPS “leadership” fix these and many other issues, none of us are safe in school buildings. 
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Masks and other PPE - critical (I'd put teachers in shields instead personally). Hand-sanitizer - critical. Physical distancing -- for young kids PK-5 that means 3 feet. For older kids - 6.

As scientists have learned more the whole surfaces/enhanced cleaning has turned out to be not very important or a source of infection. It's become health theatre. Focus on the big stuff. [/quote]

Thanks! I agree with the statements regarding shields and distancing. I’m still careful about surfaces because the guidance there has changed more than once. I’m also concerned about the poor ventilation because studies have shown improper ventilation can increase chances of infection.  Soap is a commodity for washing hands after recess, before lunch and after using the bathroom. We were told to stop providing hand sanitizer to students because it isn’t as effective as washing with soap and water. Parents also expressed concerns it dries out their child’s skin. Based on my experiences in DCPS schools, all the things are “big” to me, particularly since I’m required to be in the building five days a week for 7.5-8 hours each day.

I’m ready to go back and want buildings to be as safe as possible. 
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