Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what exactly is going to change between monday and Tuesday. Did reid work with vdot to clear the sidewalks? How can they open school ever again without addressing the sidewalks? Maybe she should use one of her 10 body guards?

For the thousandth time, VDOT doesn’t clear sidewalks. You and your neighbors have to get out there and shovel them. No one is coming to save you. You have to have some responsibility for your community.

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Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

I am an employment lawyer. I certainly have a grip on this reality. So you can stop your lecture.

You can focus on the contract. Or you can focus on the practical reality. The most successful workplaces generally have employers and employees that take the latter approach.

Here, there is a problem (need to clear school walkways and lots). There is also a large workforce that can be part of the solution. The answer seems obvious.

An example: I went to a smaller private day school (not in this area). After big snowstorms, the faculty and the principal (even nearby parents/students) always pitched in to help our maintenance department clear the school grounds. The school would give everyone a free pizza lunch. It was fun and effective. The result: we always reopened quickly after storms. It was a win-win for everyone.

That’s the reality — you can either focus on what everyone can do to help schools be open or try and push the problem off to someone else. FCPS and its defenders too often take the second path.

Ok lawyer. Let me know how cool you think it is when your client gets upset with you so your firm has you go clean the toilets.

Anonymous wrote:So what exactly is going to change between monday and Tuesday. Did reid work with vdot to clear the sidewalks? How can they open school ever again without addressing the sidewalks? Maybe she should use one of her 10 body guards?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

Abuse! lol. You sound like a lazybones

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

I am an employment lawyer. I certainly have a grip on this reality. So you can stop your lecture.

You can focus on the contract. Or you can focus on the practical reality. The most successful workplaces generally have employers and employees that take the latter approach.

Here, there is a problem (need to clear school walkways and lots). There is also a large workforce that can be part of the solution. The answer seems obvious.

An example: I went to a smaller private day school (not in this area). After big snowstorms, the faculty and the principal (even nearby parents/students) always pitched in to help our maintenance department clear the school grounds. The school would give everyone a free pizza lunch. It was fun and effective. The result: we always reopened quickly after storms. It was a win-win for everyone.

That’s the reality — you can either focus on what everyone can do to help schools be open or try and push the problem off to someone else. FCPS and its defenders too often take the second path.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The schools are likely fine. It is the neighborhood streets, bus stops and sidewalks.

With that attitude it won’t be “fine” for weeks. When did it become necessary for every piece of snow or ice to be cleared. This is weak and soft.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

Anonymous wrote:The schools are likely fine. It is the neighborhood streets, bus stops and sidewalks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

You can cry all you want- contracts are legally binding documents that prevent employers from being able to abuse you by doing things like forcing you to shovel snow on school property when you were hired to teach. You need to get a grip on reality.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood is about a 20 minute walk to the high school. The majority of the sidewalks, that line roads to the school have not been plowed. We do not have bus service (that pesky 1 mile radius rule). There is no way the kids can make it to the high school. The sidewalk area next to the main crosswalk to cross a major road, is full of ice. We drove past the high school this morning. The parking spots are cleared, but the sidewalks leading into the school are packed with ice. Do you expect the kids to walk on the aslphalt, along with a bunch if new drivers? Also, what is up with people assuming teachers would have to help clear the ice/snow!? That is ridiculous!

Reid expects the parents will do it. Why not the teachers?

It is not their job! Period, end of story. My kid has a teacher that walks with a cane. Should he go out, cut through the ice and shovel it?! Should that job be only for the younger healthier teachers? Did they go to college for 5+ years to end up being forced to clean up the snow? They didn’t sign up for that job! You signed up to have kids.

It’s not the parents job either, but that didn’t stop Reid from telling them to get out and shovel.

Teachers can go out and break up the ice/snowcrete on sidewalks/at bus stops in their own neighborhoods--if the community spirit moves them--just like accountants, software engineers, grocery cashiers, retail managers, lawyers, realtors, doctors, waitstaff, chefs, dentists, SAHM, landscape company owners, florists and mechanics can.

FCPS's email specified that they would like people to take care of the areas outside of its area of responsibility, which is school grounds. I don't care for Gatehouse either, but let's not misrepresent their communications. They suck enough in reality.

Is everything in FCPS responsibility done? Including public sidewalks leading to schools? I don’t see how Reid can tell parents they should shovel out public bus stops but not expect the FCPS staff who work for her to put in a few hours on a day they’re being paid.

No, in fact, the faculty are professionals who have contracts that outline their roles and duties and “shoveling sidewalks for angry parents” is not among them. They’re not indentured servants who can be assigned any task that dumb people on message boards dream up in frustration.

This response exemplifies the problem with FCPS and its defenders.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m very surprised. And there is a lot of anger!

You seriously cannot be surprised by the anger. No matter what was decided for Monday, people were going to rage. This was a no-win situation for any local superintendent.

Ms. Reid,

I am writing to formally state my anger and frustration over the continued failure of FCPS to provide education during recent snow closures. This situation is unacceptable and reflects a serious lack of planning and leadership.

FCPS previously implemented online learning successfully under Dr. Brabrand. The infrastructure already exists. There is no reasonable explanation for why instruction completely stops now whenever there is snow on the ground. Closing schools without offering online learning is a choice — not a necessity — and it is harming students.

The majority of families and teachers want schools open. Most students want to be in class. Decisions should not be driven by a small minority who dislike school or are unwilling to work during weather events. Other districts manage this. FCPS should be capable of doing the same.

My second grader has already begun forgetting basic skills, including telling time and spelling, after nearly two weeks of missed instruction. That is not a weather issue — that is a leadership failure. Children are losing learning time that cannot simply be “made up.”

Seven inches of snow does not justify prolonged closures. FCPS remained open longer during the 2010 storms when snowfall totals were significantly higher. The current response is excessive and indefensible.

If schools cannot safely reopen in person, then online instruction must immediately resume. Continuing to provide no education at all is not acceptable. If you believe FCPS is incapable of operating either in person or online under these conditions, then you should step aside for leadership that can.

Parents expect solutions, not excuses. Our children deserve better than this.

— A Frustrated FCPS Parent