Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

You say this on every thread about teachers (or theres more than one incredibly braggadocious teacher) and you still haven’t quit. It may be worth considering what impression you’re making about teachers with all these self-aggrandizing pity parties.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Unfortunately some of your fellow teachers who have no such interest in doing the things you described and are instead publicly advocating and celebrating schools being closed as long as possible, and antagonizing parents on here. Unfortunately many of us are subject to negative assumptions and generalizations about our profession based on people who represent it poorly. They tend to stand out more than the ones putting their heads down and doing the right things. Teachers have the added problem of being the public face of the district to most parents, while the incompetent people in charge get to be relatively anonymous. Thanks for being one of the good ones and try not to let this place get you down.

What have teachers done on here to antagonize the parents? Say that it’s not their job to shovel the snow?

Rehashing the tired “school is not childcare!” when it was suggested they teach students who could come to school.

Do you think individual teachers make the call to close school?

The teacher hate on this forum is nuts (I am not a teacher). But the reality is I know it's just a few loud grumblers. My fellow parents are frustrated by the circumstances but no one's mad at the teachers. Because it's nuts. They aren't the ones plowing the roads or making the calls.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Unfortunately some of your fellow teachers who have no such interest in doing the things you described and are instead publicly advocating and celebrating schools being closed as long as possible, and antagonizing parents on here. Unfortunately many of us are subject to negative assumptions and generalizations about our profession based on people who represent it poorly. They tend to stand out more than the ones putting their heads down and doing the right things. Teachers have the added problem of being the public face of the district to most parents, while the incompetent people in charge get to be relatively anonymous. Thanks for being one of the good ones and try not to let this place get you down.

What have teachers done on here to antagonize the parents? Say that it’s not their job to shovel the snow?

Rehashing the tired “school is not childcare!” when it was suggested they teach students who could come to school.

Do you think individual teachers make the call to close school?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Unfortunately some of your fellow teachers who have no such interest in doing the things you described and are instead publicly advocating and celebrating schools being closed as long as possible, and antagonizing parents on here. Unfortunately many of us are subject to negative assumptions and generalizations about our profession based on people who represent it poorly. They tend to stand out more than the ones putting their heads down and doing the right things. Teachers have the added problem of being the public face of the district to most parents, while the incompetent people in charge get to be relatively anonymous. Thanks for being one of the good ones and try not to let this place get you down.

What have teachers done on here to antagonize the parents? Say that it’s not their job to shovel the snow?

Rehashing the tired “school is not childcare!” when it was suggested they teach students who could come to school.

Do you think individual teachers make the call to close school?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Unfortunately some of your fellow teachers who have no such interest in doing the things you described and are instead publicly advocating and celebrating schools being closed as long as possible, and antagonizing parents on here. Unfortunately many of us are subject to negative assumptions and generalizations about our profession based on people who represent it poorly. They tend to stand out more than the ones putting their heads down and doing the right things. Teachers have the added problem of being the public face of the district to most parents, while the incompetent people in charge get to be relatively anonymous. Thanks for being one of the good ones and try not to let this place get you down.

What have teachers done on here to antagonize the parents? Say that it’s not their job to shovel the snow?

Rehashing the tired “school is not childcare!” when it was suggested they teach students who could come to school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Unfortunately some of your fellow teachers who have no such interest in doing the things you described and are instead publicly advocating and celebrating schools being closed as long as possible, and antagonizing parents on here. Unfortunately many of us are subject to negative assumptions and generalizations about our profession based on people who represent it poorly. They tend to stand out more than the ones putting their heads down and doing the right things. Teachers have the added problem of being the public face of the district to most parents, while the incompetent people in charge get to be relatively anonymous. Thanks for being one of the good ones and try not to let this place get you down.

What have teachers done on here to antagonize the parents? Say that it’s not their job to shovel the snow?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Unfortunately some of your fellow teachers who have no such interest in doing the things you described and are instead publicly advocating and celebrating schools being closed as long as possible, and antagonizing parents on here. Unfortunately many of us are subject to negative assumptions and generalizations about our profession based on people who represent it poorly. They tend to stand out more than the ones putting their heads down and doing the right things. Teachers have the added problem of being the public face of the district to most parents, while the incompetent people in charge get to be relatively anonymous. Thanks for being one of the good ones and try not to let this place get you down.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

You say this on every thread about teachers (or theres more than one incredibly braggadocious teacher) and you still haven’t quit. It may be worth considering what impression you’re making about teachers with all these self-aggrandizing pity parties.

I haven’t said this on other threads. Is it possible, perhaps, that there are multiple teachers who feel deeply insulted by the way people talk about teachers on this site?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

You say this on every thread about teachers (or theres more than one incredibly braggadocious teacher) and you still haven’t quit. It may be worth considering what impression you’re making about teachers with all these self-aggrandizing pity parties.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The problem I see here, is that teachers are expected to go above and beyond their contracts for the benefit of the community, however, many parents and admin will admonish them if they do not respond to emails within the 48 hour rule, or post grades on time. Teachers cannot win. The community wants grace from the teachers, but are not willing to give them any grace.

This is not a week to talk about teachers going “above and beyond”. They’re celebrating the closure of schools a week after the snow event, while the parents who have been expected to work scramble for coverage. It’s eroding what support they had.

I’m that hardworking teacher who was regularly reaching out to my students this past week. I’ve already rewritten my plans to accommodate, focusing on what my students need most. I’ll be holding after-school sessions. I took the time to leave additional feedback on writing because the snow gave me the gift of additional work time. I’ve been online and communicative all week.

In short, I’m the teacher you want for your children. You ask admin to transfer your child into my class. I take my job seriously and I give this job A LOT MORE than it gives me. And I’ve done it diligently and quietly for 20 years.

This thread makes me want to quit TODAY. If this is how the community feels about me (that I don’t do enough, that I’m lazy, that I’m not community minded), then my desire to work so hard for your children is quickly diminishing.

I doubt posters here care, but it may be worth considering who you are hurting with all these blanket comments about teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

VDOT should remove the 8ft pile of ice slabs that they plowed into the corners of the school intersection until the sidewalks and crosswalks.

This is the property owner’s responsibility almost everywhere. DOT’s job is to clear snow from the street. If their plowing blocks access to your property, you need to move it.

there are no requirements for anyone to clean the sidewalks but it seems that its fcps requirement to open school. so it would seem that fcps needs to coordinate a way to clear the sidewalks.