A huge problem with the conversation about virtual versus in-person in schools is that your feelings on this are going to be really different if you've had kids in this school for 6 years versus 2-3.

As a parent whose kid started school during the pandemic, I am very tired of virtual events because I feel SO disconnected from the school and I just want some semblance of normalcy. Unlike those of you who have been parenting school age kids for longer, I have such limited experience even just being inside the school, much less meeting teacher or admin, getting a sense of a feel for the school, etc. It sucks. I have a kid entering 1st grade this year and I still feel kind of lost in terms of how the school works. This last year was the first year we were even allowed in the building at all, and even then it was very curtailed.

Our PTA has had this conversation and you'll see this very clear divide -- ECE parents without older kids all want more in person. Parents of older kids don't care or don't want them. They don't need them! They already know what they need to know, have made their contacts, know who to call or talk to when there's an issue etc.

Schools need to think about new families. A new family needs some in person time at the school! Come on!

Anonymous wrote:I would be pissed if the back to school was virtual. You need to meet the teacher in person, get a chance to see the classroom and set up, ask all your questions about instruction, curriculum, etc…and be able to chat one on one with the teacher after if needed.

Virtual, most of the above is not happening or possible. I think it’s ridiculous that any school is doing virtual. And those that can’t make it or are not interested, no one is forcing you to come. The teachers at our school send all the families slides of their presentations.

Please do not be that parent. BTSN is not for one-on-one parent chats. Trust me on this.

Live is better if there is babysitting. But, if the school cannot offer that, virtual allows some parents to attend who might not otherwise.

I would be pissed if the back to school was virtual. You need to meet the teacher in person, get a chance to see the classroom and set up, ask all your questions about instruction, curriculum, etc…and be able to chat one on one with the teacher after if needed.

Virtual, most of the above is not happening or possible. I think it’s ridiculous that any school is doing virtual. And those that can’t make it or are not interested, no one is forcing you to come. The teachers at our school send all the families slides of their presentations.

I feel like parent teacher conferences should be virtual. Back to school night should be in person. It’s a chance to meet teacher(s), see the classroom(s), etc.

Anonymous wrote:Just received a newsletter from school principal. Back to school night is virtual, again. When will DCPS drop the covid theater antics?

Which school?

I wish ours was virtual.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DCPS had back to school night live last year, so this is very much a school-by-school thing.

I'm sure they just think it is easier.

As a parent, it's definitely NOT better.

I take it your school is not overcrowded, with no place to park, and you don't have multiple kids?

Virtual is way better.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our DCPS had back to school night live last year, so this is very much a school-by-school thing.

I'm sure they just think it is easier.

As a parent, it's definitely NOT better.

Maybe to you. I'd be happy to not have to get a sitter.

Anonymous wrote:Our DCPS had back to school night live last year, so this is very much a school-by-school thing.

I'm sure they just think it is easier.

As a parent, it's definitely NOT better.

Anonymous wrote:I doubt it has to do with covid. They just find that format easier or better.

Exactly.

Our DCPS had back to school night live last year, so this is very much a school-by-school thing.

I doubt it has to do with covid. They just find that format easier or better.

Frankly, virtual back to school night is pretty efficient (especially if you have more than one kid)

Just received a newsletter from school principal. Back to school night is virtual, again. When will DCPS drop the covid theater antics?