Anonymous
Post 10/08/2020 08:48     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:ITS announced today that they will not be bringing anyone back in November, which they had previously said was the plan. Except maaaaybe some with special needs. No new date.


I’m disappointed about this but need to point out they always said they’d be reevaluating the November decision so it was never to be considered a firm plan. But I was really really hoping for it.
Anonymous
Post 10/08/2020 08:43     Subject: Re:term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:Two Rivers is announcing on October 14th.


Does anyone expect TR to try in-person learning before January or the spring? I’m losing hope.
Anonymous
Post 10/08/2020 07:04     Subject: Re:term 2 charter school updates
Two Rivers is announcing on October 14th.
Anonymous
Post 10/08/2020 01:22     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:The charter schools could at least do in-person PK. They could do mornings only/ afternoons only, to keep class size small, for example. Or 2 days/ week. Try it! But no, no one is. Sadly it's too late to try to lottery into Bridges.


Only for those that are actually the target of Head Start. Meaning at risk and low income as intended by the original program. Possibly essential workers as well.
Otherwise there is no requirement of Prk attendance and we know for non-at risk kids Prk doesn't really impact long term outcomes. Those classrooms and staffing should be directed towards k+ who are required to attend and will be greatly impacted by the learning lost.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 22:56     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
The initial plan (A/B/V hybrid) made sense. Charters that started to plan for it should pick back up there. The mayor can do her flexing with the union thing.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 21:47     Subject: Re:term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Dcps principals were not even informed of this plan until the press conference so there is no way charters could have seen it coming.


Really? I'm in a charter and we knew DCPS was trying to come back in person starting November 9. My school aligned the end of its quarter with DCPS to with the hope that more city services (transportation, nursing, etc) would be in place by November 9.


I think they mean the specifics of this plan and indeed whether they would stick to any part of the initial plan.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 21:36     Subject: Re:term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:Dcps principals were not even informed of this plan until the press conference so there is no way charters could have seen it coming.


Really? I'm in a charter and we knew DCPS was trying to come back in person starting November 9. My school aligned the end of its quarter with DCPS to with the hope that more city services (transportation, nursing, etc) would be in place by November 9.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 21:10     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
ITS announced today that they will not be bringing anyone back in November, which they had previously said was the plan. Except maaaaybe some with special needs. No new date.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 17:19     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:Charters still have to follow DC DOH guidelines regarding distancing.

Remember charters tend to have crappier and often smaller facilities. There are only so many kids you can stuff in a classroom and maintain 6 feet of distance.

Further, the surveys that have been done have found that many families, especially from Wards 7 and 8, are not comfortable with in-person learning yet. Those parts of the city have most of the charter enrollment.


Neither of these applies to our charter which is still not opening
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 16:39     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:The charter schools could at least do in-person PK. They could do mornings only/ afternoons only, to keep class size small, for example. Or 2 days/ week. Try it! But no, no one is. Sadly it's too late to try to lottery into Bridges.


We went to Bridges and had some concerns but it was clear they did early childhood well. This shows that they understand young kids can't learn online and parents can't replace specialists for students with disabilities and I'm glad they have the bravery for doing something about it.

Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 14:26     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Charters still have to follow DC DOH guidelines regarding distancing.

Remember charters tend to have crappier and often smaller facilities. There are only so many kids you can stuff in a classroom and maintain 6 feet of distance.

Further, the surveys that have been done have found that many families, especially from Wards 7 and 8, are not comfortable with in-person learning yet. Those parts of the city have most of the charter enrollment.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 14:25     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Bridges will begin in-person instruction November 9, starting with Pre-K, K, and high level Special Ed.


This is GREAT news.


It will still be hybrid, with either a M/T or TH/FR schedule, but it's a start.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 14:18     Subject: Re:term 2 charter school updates
Dcps principals were not even informed of this plan until the press conference so there is no way charters could have seen it coming.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 11:21     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
The charter schools could at least do in-person PK. They could do mornings only/ afternoons only, to keep class size small, for example. Or 2 days/ week. Try it! But no, no one is. Sadly it's too late to try to lottery into Bridges.
Anonymous
Post 10/07/2020 11:19     Subject: term 2 charter school updates
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I am 100% certain DCPS did not tell charters anything about the plan they announced yesterday. Hell, they didn't even tell their own teachers.

This is just like in the spring when DCPS announced they were going to close 3 weeks early and then charters had to scramble to decide if they would follow that lead or not.

And in the summer, when DCPS fully planned to open virtually before announcing at the end of July that they'd be in DL until the end of the first term, and a whole bunch of charters who were ready to open in a phased hybrid plan changed everything to adjust to that announcement.

It would be one thing if DCPS's plans seem well-reasoned and like they will be well-executed. But they don't, and it's frustrating that charters continue to put themselves in this reactive position.


Very much agree with the bolded. We are at a popular charter known for strong leadership and they keep being duped by DCPS. After the 3rd time, isn't it clear now is the time to take advantage of autonomy and make your own reasonable plan?! It's so disappointing. I was a strong proponent of the charter system until seeing how little most schools have done to use their independence during this time.


Exactly this! Why are charters following DCPS lead when instead they should be the ones showing alternatives? I'm so disappointed.