Anonymous wrote:Parent here from one of the schools opening 4 days/wk.

First, I do not begrudge anyone an in person learning opportunity. For all those who have new or existing learning opportunities that they want--congratulations and I wish you the best of health and education. That said, spare me the rants that my differing opinion (which is not going to impact your kids' opportunity) is ruining your life.

Here's my issues: We filled out a term 4 survey (currently all virtual) and we, with some hesitation, elected to request in person seats for our kids for the 4th term. We did this with the understanding that the kids would be cohorted in small groups and with 6ft distancing between desks. Now we are offered something totally different that, in my assessment, throws caution to the wind as cases are rising again, testing practices have been ridiculously reduced in the schools, variants are spreading and 75% of the kids in my kids' classes are gleefully announcing their spring break travel plans during morning meetings.

So, I am happy for those for whom this is an answer to prayers and desires. This is not what our family signed up for and I'm not sure that with our family and life circumstances we can take on this risk.

Can’t you stay virtual?

Anonymous wrote:Parent here from one of the schools opening 4 days/wk.

First, I do not begrudge anyone an in person learning opportunity. For all those who have new or existing learning opportunities that they want--congratulations and I wish you the best of health and education. That said, spare me the rants that my differing opinion (which is not going to impact your kids' opportunity) is ruining your life.

Here's my issues: We filled out a term 4 survey (currently all virtual) and we, with some hesitation, elected to request in person seats for our kids for the 4th term. We did this with the understanding that the kids would be cohorted in small groups and with 6ft distancing between desks. Now we are offered something totally different that, in my assessment, throws caution to the wind as cases are rising again, testing practices have been ridiculously reduced in the schools, variants are spreading and 75% of the kids in my kids' classes are gleefully announcing their spring break travel plans during morning meetings.

So, I am happy for those for whom this is an answer to prayers and desires. This is not what our family signed up for and I'm not sure that with our family and life circumstances we can take on this risk.

Great! Then do virtual. The entire school should not cater to your family.

Parent here from one of the schools opening 4 days/wk.

First, I do not begrudge anyone an in person learning opportunity. For all those who have new or existing learning opportunities that they want--congratulations and I wish you the best of health and education. That said, spare me the rants that my differing opinion (which is not going to impact your kids' opportunity) is ruining your life.

Here's my issues: We filled out a term 4 survey (currently all virtual) and we, with some hesitation, elected to request in person seats for our kids for the 4th term. We did this with the understanding that the kids would be cohorted in small groups and with 6ft distancing between desks. Now we are offered something totally different that, in my assessment, throws caution to the wind as cases are rising again, testing practices have been ridiculously reduced in the schools, variants are spreading and 75% of the kids in my kids' classes are gleefully announcing their spring break travel plans during morning meetings.

So, I am happy for those for whom this is an answer to prayers and desires. This is not what our family signed up for and I'm not sure that with our family and life circumstances we can take on this risk.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Stoddert parent here. Yes, there are less teachers in the classroom than at other schools and hybrid was only introduced in second and fourth grades. Instead it was decided to offer one classroom per grade level of 11 students only instead of including more children with a hybrid system. In term four there will be a second classroom of hybrid added to each grade level. Not the worst reopening in DCPS -- and to their credit they resisted the ridiculous option of adding cares classrooms (their is only one - the minimum) -- but when compared to Key for example Stoddert has been much less open. I believe that Key parents are much more involved, and this is part of the reason. I also think that as another poster said principals at schools that are open have helpe to motivate their teachers to understand the importance of in-person learning.

Do you expect to see an improvement to this in the fall. thanks!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am very pleased to hear this news. Will specials teachers be able to teach in person or is that part of the day on screens? The kids can eat outside as long as it is not raining. Having them occasionally eat unmasked in the classroom is not ideal but much better than keeping them home.

My understanding is that specials and special ed services would still be virtual because of cohorting rules.

We were told on the K-2 call last night that specials will be in person. Specials teachers will come to the classrooms. Kids will have the same special every day for a week, then switch every week.

Anonymous wrote:Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Stoddert parent here. Yes, there are less teachers in the classroom than at other schools and hybrid was only introduced in second and fourth grades. Instead it was decided to offer one classroom per grade level of 11 students only instead of including more children with a hybrid system. In term four there will be a second classroom of hybrid added to each grade level. Not the worst reopening in DCPS -- and to their credit they resisted the ridiculous option of adding cares classrooms (their is only one - the minimum) -- but when compared to Key for example Stoddert has been much less open. I believe that Key parents are much more involved, and this is part of the reason. I also think that as another poster said principals at schools that are open have helpe to motivate their teachers to understand the importance of in-person learning.

Anonymous wrote:Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Murch is accommodating all families that selected IPL.

Does this apply for ALL students who want to come back? Or just a lucky few? my understanding is some schools (Stoddert) can only accomodate some students- not all who want in person can get it.

Thanks for any insight

Murch will be four days too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Awesome news. Our dcps school is not even close to reopening and it’s horrendous.

+1

I don't understand how some DCPS schools can open and others not. Ours is open for some classes, but not everyone who wants an in person seat can get one. Is it just a question of teachers at Lafayette aren't off on protected leave? Did the school have to explain to the district how they have room for kids with 3' distance, or did they just get to say, Okay we have a plan we are doing it. The vibe I get from our principal is that she needs the district to tell her how to open, so I am very interested in how this happened at Lafayette.

Excellent leadership.

I'm very happy for you guys, really. But I guess I was hoping for a bit more specifics for those of us trying to understand what obstacles are in place in other DCPS schools. Is it that your school is big enough that there was at least one teacher in every grade in person? Are all the teachers back in person (i.e., no one is on protected leave?) Was your principal able to find subs?

I'm going to be very candid. There are many variables, others please feel free to add:
- The principal has to want to reopen. This is the biggest factor IMO.
- The Principal has to set the tone with teachers and staff that reopening with IPL is critical. Education comes first.
- The Principal has to be comfortable managing the staff and not catering to them. Many teachers prefer to stay home. Unfortunately, many DCPS Principals don't really manage teachers. They let them coast on with poor performance because it's so much easier than dealing with a union issue. This is the core of why so many DCPS schools are terrible.
- The Principal has to hold staff to high standards all the time. The teachers have to know that poor performance will be dealt with now and always. DL is a disaster, and if teachers are concerned about the effect of the outcomes on their own careers, then they'll be more motivated to return to work.
- If the Principal ever supported WTU's obstruction, then it's going to be very hard for them to pivot and get their staff on board. See Principal Neal (although she's not really trying to reopen in a meaningful way).
- If you have too many of the old school, entrenched WTU teachers who have been with DCPS for a long time and not performing well, then it won't work. They'll find a way to stay home. The truth is that WOTP gets better teachers and many of the entrenched, poorly performing WTU teachers wouldn't feel comfortable WOTP because they would be held to higher standards.
- Families have to make it very clear that they want to return. None of this WTU supporting stuff. You can either support WTU OR put your children's education first by demanding IPL, but you can't do both.

Your best bet is to organize the families at your school to push the Principal to reopen. Get their DCPS superintendent involved. Make a stink in big numbers. It's not fair, but DCPS kicked this down to Principals so you're reliant on the other families in your school to push for IPL. Good luck and I hope you get a good plan!

sooooo jealous....

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Awesome news. Our dcps school is not even close to reopening and it’s horrendous.

+1

I don't understand how some DCPS schools can open and others not. Ours is open for some classes, but not everyone who wants an in person seat can get one. Is it just a question of teachers at Lafayette aren't off on protected leave? Did the school have to explain to the district how they have room for kids with 3' distance, or did they just get to say, Okay we have a plan we are doing it. The vibe I get from our principal is that she needs the district to tell her how to open, so I am very interested in how this happened at Lafayette.

Excellent leadership.

+1. It's truly the Principals driving this, which is sad for DCPS but lucky for Lafayette.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major excitement! We can’t wait. One thing is puzzling. Classes of 22 will eat lunch together in classrooms. Is that safe?

Not if one of them has Covid. Their masks will be off while eating. Is it indoors or outdoors? They should be having kids eat outdoors.

22 kids in one classroom. I’m not sure what your definition of safe is, but if you don’t want your kid to catch Covid, you are definitely taking a risk by sending your kids back to school just two or three months before they might be able to get a vaccine. I’m certainly not choosing that.

Great, then don't. Just don't mess this up for us.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People who don't like this plan should chose the virtual option. Not sure I see what the problem is.

Correct. You have been given an alternative option, go virtual. Don’t send your kids, if you don’t like it. Stop trying to take school away from the rest of our kids ok

+1000. In fact, the school has a great plan for this - they are creating all virtual classes with virtual teachers, so there are no more CARES classrooms scenarios and no simulcasting. It's about as close to normal school as you can possibly get. Of course, there are already a group of crazy parents who are trying to mess this up for everyone by complaining about this lunch situation and whining that their virtual kids will have to change teachers. There was one lunatic in particular on the Teams meeting last night making it all about herself. There is another vocal mom who could screw this up for everyone too who is ranting all over social media. Not everyone is going to be happy, but let's give Dr B major credit for putting this together. PLEASE DON'T RUIN THIS FOR ALL OF US!!!!!

+1. There's one mom who rants about every. little. thing all over social media. She (purposely?) doesn't get the facts straight to push her agenda, and she's so bitter and angry and loves constant conflict. I think this is her last year at Lafayette and I hope no one fills her shoes when she leaves. I won't miss her hostility.

This is a FABULOUS turn of events for MOST kids. While it's important to raise valid issues, I hope the whiners don't ruin this for the rest of us.

Key will open four days per week after Spring break too