Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:33
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
I'm in favor of full F2F now, but I just don't think the MCPS leadership has the leadership capacity to pull it off now/next year without interim steps. Their inaction is always excused away with "it's too hard because they're too big...so they shouldn't even try."
Agreed. In the BOE meeting a week ago, they said they will _start_ to look for funding to upgrade HVAC systems. It's amazing they are just thinking about this now. They've had months.
Meanwhile, the Elrich admin has tens of millions of federal grant money from the CARES act they need to spend by the end of this year, and haven't figured out what to do with it:
http://www.theseventhstate.com/?p=13978
Meanwhile, this is what FCPS is reporting on that topic:
"- Ensured all schools and offices have sufficient air ventilation
- Purchased initial allocation of MERV 13 filters (based on availability) and upgrading school HVAC systems where possible
- Purchased HEPA filters and air purifiers for use in select areas
- Continued review of the use of UV-C lighting in classrooms and ventilation systems and its best application
- Third-party health and safety verification for all building"
And FCPS is about the same size as MCPS.. but MCPS is unable to pull this off.
It's upper management. I bet all the building maintenance guys are sitting around itching for some projects like this, because they really do care and they'd love to get their buildings upgraded.. but they can't do anything without the supplies to do so.
Utter failure by MCPS. I'm voting against both BOE incumbents.
FCPS hasn't pulled it off either. Presently they're spending money on this but will likely achieve little at a high cost.
Don’t these things need to be done and/or in anticipation of next school year? These districts are setting their tables, waiting for one of them to break the ice for the others. When that happens, they can quickly pivot. Doing or buying nothing is not defensible.
DP, and I would say no, not necessarily. Certainly plenty of schools that are open in the US have not done these things.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:31
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
I'm in favor of full F2F now, but I just don't think the MCPS leadership has the leadership capacity to pull it off now/next year without interim steps. Their inaction is always excused away with "it's too hard because they're too big...so they shouldn't even try."
Agreed. In the BOE meeting a week ago, they said they will _start_ to look for funding to upgrade HVAC systems. It's amazing they are just thinking about this now. They've had months.
Meanwhile, the Elrich admin has tens of millions of federal grant money from the CARES act they need to spend by the end of this year, and haven't figured out what to do with it:
http://www.theseventhstate.com/?p=13978
Meanwhile, this is what FCPS is reporting on that topic:
"- Ensured all schools and offices have sufficient air ventilation
- Purchased initial allocation of MERV 13 filters (based on availability) and upgrading school HVAC systems where possible
- Purchased HEPA filters and air purifiers for use in select areas
- Continued review of the use of UV-C lighting in classrooms and ventilation systems and its best application
- Third-party health and safety verification for all building"
And FCPS is about the same size as MCPS.. but MCPS is unable to pull this off.
It's upper management. I bet all the building maintenance guys are sitting around itching for some projects like this, because they really do care and they'd love to get their buildings upgraded.. but they can't do anything without the supplies to do so.
Utter failure by MCPS. I'm voting against both BOE incumbents.
FCPS hasn't pulled it off either. Presently they're spending money on this but will likely achieve little at a high cost.
Don’t these things need to be done and/or in anticipation of next school year? These districts are setting their tables, waiting for one of them to break the ice for the others. When that happens, they can quickly pivot. Doing or buying nothing is not defensible.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:24
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
Now you're learning! That's the MCPS way.
I realize that all of you love to disparage MCPS, but many other districts are in the same boat. Howard County, a much smaller district, which actually did purchase upgraded HVAC filters and PPE over the summer, is not much closer to having a return to school plan than MCPS. They are bringing some small groups in for supervised distance learning (the teachers won't be there), but that's it. There is no plan for more. If they do come up with a plan, the return would be no earlier than February 1. Obviously, that seems like the worst possible time for in-person, during the winter and cold and flu season, so it probably won't happen. Board members have stated expressly that they prioritize health and safety (primarily of teachers and staff) over any other considerations and disparaged the only Board member who raised any concerns.
At least Howard is making progress. I think it would generally be agreed that HVAC systems need to be have some upgrades done. MCPS is still in the process of finding funding, and schools have been closed for 7 months now.
If I broke my leg so I can't drive my car, but I also know my car needs a new oil filter until I can drive it, should I wait until my leg is healed to get the oil filter changed, or get it done while I'm still in recovery?
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:22
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
Now you're learning! That's the MCPS way.
I realize that all of you love to disparage MCPS, but many other districts are in the same boat. Howard County, a much smaller district, which actually did purchase upgraded HVAC filters and PPE over the summer, is not much closer to having a return to school plan than MCPS. They are bringing some small groups in for supervised distance learning (the teachers won't be there), but that's it. There is no plan for more. If they do come up with a plan, the return would be no earlier than February 1. Obviously, that seems like the worst possible time for in-person, during the winter and cold and flu season, so it probably won't happen. Board members have stated expressly that they prioritize health and safety (primarily of teachers and staff) over any other considerations and disparaged the only Board member who raised any concerns.
Right? Frederick County Public Schools put together a very detailed plan (or so I've been told on DCUM), and they're going to stay closed through the end of the first semester, just like MCPS.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:21
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
I'm in favor of full F2F now, but I just don't think the MCPS leadership has the leadership capacity to pull it off now/next year without interim steps. Their inaction is always excused away with "it's too hard because they're too big...so they shouldn't even try."
Agreed. In the BOE meeting a week ago, they said they will _start_ to look for funding to upgrade HVAC systems. It's amazing they are just thinking about this now. They've had months.
Meanwhile, the Elrich admin has tens of millions of federal grant money from the CARES act they need to spend by the end of this year, and haven't figured out what to do with it:
http://www.theseventhstate.com/?p=13978
Meanwhile, this is what FCPS is reporting on that topic:
"- Ensured all schools and offices have sufficient air ventilation
- Purchased initial allocation of MERV 13 filters (based on availability) and upgrading school HVAC systems where possible
- Purchased HEPA filters and air purifiers for use in select areas
- Continued review of the use of UV-C lighting in classrooms and ventilation systems and its best application
- Third-party health and safety verification for all building"
And FCPS is about the same size as MCPS.. but MCPS is unable to pull this off.
It's upper management. I bet all the building maintenance guys are sitting around itching for some projects like this, because they really do care and they'd love to get their buildings upgraded.. but they can't do anything without the supplies to do so.
Utter failure by MCPS. I'm voting against both BOE incumbents.
FCPS hasn't pulled it off either. Presently they're spending money on this but will likely achieve little at a high cost.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:18
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
Now you're learning! That's the MCPS way.
I realize that all of you love to disparage MCPS, but many other districts are in the same boat. Howard County, a much smaller district, which actually did purchase upgraded HVAC filters and PPE over the summer, is not much closer to having a return to school plan than MCPS. They are bringing some small groups in for supervised distance learning (the teachers won't be there), but that's it. There is no plan for more. If they do come up with a plan, the return would be no earlier than February 1. Obviously, that seems like the worst possible time for in-person, during the winter and cold and flu season, so it probably won't happen. Board members have stated expressly that they prioritize health and safety (primarily of teachers and staff) over any other considerations and disparaged the only Board member who raised any concerns.
If MCPS did this it would take massive infusion of $$$ that would come from increasing property taxes. I'm sure that would go over well here.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:11
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
Now you're learning! That's the MCPS way.
I realize that all of you love to disparage MCPS, but many other districts are in the same boat. Howard County, a much smaller district, which actually did purchase upgraded HVAC filters and PPE over the summer, is not much closer to having a return to school plan than MCPS. They are bringing some small groups in for supervised distance learning (the teachers won't be there), but that's it. There is no plan for more. If they do come up with a plan, the return would be no earlier than February 1. Obviously, that seems like the worst possible time for in-person, during the winter and cold and flu season, so it probably won't happen. Board members have stated expressly that they prioritize health and safety (primarily of teachers and staff) over any other considerations and disparaged the only Board member who raised any concerns.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:06
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
Now you're learning! That's the MCPS way.
Now I'm wondering what exactly they have and haven't done or purchased.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 13:03
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
Now you're learning! That's the MCPS way.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 12:49
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
No, I'm just saying that cloth masks aren't PPE. Cloth masks are PE (protective equipment) but not PPE (personal protective equipment).
Fair enough. PPE has just become a surrogate way of describing any protective gear associated with this virus. It just blows my mind how hard they've apparently been working. This must have been months in the making.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 12:48
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:
As I understood it, an appeal of hybrid was that there would be fewer kids going to school each day, which would enable better spacing on the buses, consistent with CDC guidance.
I think that the main issue is what one of the PPs (the one in Canada) said: You can't have spacing AND school. If you insist on spacing, you can't have school. And if you want to have school, you're going to have to let go of the spacing.
The BoE does not want to let go of the spacing, and/or believes that if they do let go of the spacing, there won't be any teachers. So here we are.
I, personally, would be satisfied if the transportation department bolted the bus windows open and told high school students who can take RideOn/Metrobus to take RideOn/Metrobus, but I am not on the BoE.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 12:40
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yes, other countries have school buses, including France and the UK, whose schools are open and buses are operating.
If busses are really the concern, it would be good to know that. Transportation is a tractable problem, but it would be good to know if that's where people think we should devote our resources. Elementary schools, in particular, have a relatively small catchment area, and a fairly large percentage of kids in a walkable distance.
Well, some elementary schools do. But some elementary schools don't. And many elementary-school students who live within a walkable distance get bused because it's not safe to walk. And many parents of students who live within a walkable distance (or get bus service) drive their students, which endangers the students who walk.
As I understood it, an appeal of hybrid was that there would be fewer kids going to school each day, which would enable better spacing on the buses, consistent with CDC guidance.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 12:38
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.
No, I'm just saying that cloth masks aren't PPE. Cloth masks are PE (protective equipment) but not PPE (personal protective equipment).
Anonymous
10/14/2020 12:37
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:
Yes, other countries have school buses, including France and the UK, whose schools are open and buses are operating.
If busses are really the concern, it would be good to know that. Transportation is a tractable problem, but it would be good to know if that's where people think we should devote our resources. Elementary schools, in particular, have a relatively small catchment area, and a fairly large percentage of kids in a walkable distance.
Well, some elementary schools do. But some elementary schools don't. And many elementary-school students who live within a walkable distance get bused because it's not safe to walk. And many parents of students who live within a walkable distance (or get bus service) drive their students, which endangers the students who walk.
Anonymous
10/14/2020 12:36
Subject: We are NEVER going back until covid is 100% gone - MCPS has no leadership
Anonymous wrote:Cloth masks aren't PPE. PPE protects me when I wear it. Whereas with cloth masks, my cloth mask protects you.
Okay, so MCPS should continue doing next to nothing.