Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unless my kid is exhibiting symptoms, my kid going to school. At this point, it's no worse than the flu, and we should treat it as such.
It is no worse than influenza except for when it is worse than influenza.
For the vast vast majority of people, it is not worse than the flu.
If you didn't quarantine for 5 days after being exposed to the flu but had no symptoms, then you don't need to with covid.
Every year, some people die from complications from the flu, yet we didn't force kids to quarantine for just being exposed.
I get that we needed to quarantine when covid first hit because we didn't know enough about the virus, and also we did not have a vax, but we do now, and it's no worse than the flu.
Way more people die of covid than flu. Stop parroting unhelpful talking points
Look at the recent covid death rate and compare it to influenza deaths in winter months.
Before covid, did you lock yourself down in the winter? Wear masks? Or did you instead go Christmas shopping and attend holiday parties?
1. More people die of covid than influenza
2. Influenza is seasonal covid is not yet seasonal
3. Who said anything about locking down? We are discussing staying home when ill. And yes I was cautious in flu months. That’s what a double lung transplant due to LAM does to you
The US has been at or below 100 covid deaths/day for several months now. Influenza killed about 28,000 during the 2018-19 flu season, which wasn't a particularly bad year. Nearly all of those deaths are over a 3 month period in the winter. That comes out to about 300 influenza deaths per day.
Influenza is more deadly in a typical winter than covid is right now.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unless my kid is exhibiting symptoms, my kid going to school. At this point, it's no worse than the flu, and we should treat it as such.
It is no worse than influenza except for when it is worse than influenza.
For the vast vast majority of people, it is not worse than the flu.
If you didn't quarantine for 5 days after being exposed to the flu but had no symptoms, then you don't need to with covid.
Every year, some people die from complications from the flu, yet we didn't force kids to quarantine for just being exposed.
I get that we needed to quarantine when covid first hit because we didn't know enough about the virus, and also we did not have a vax, but we do now, and it's no worse than the flu.
Except for the people for whom it is worse than influenza.
C’mon. You know we’re talking about the vast vast majority of people. Why do you keep saying that?
I guess you don’t drive either. Because driving is relatively safe - most people don’t die in an accident. I know I know - except for the people who have died in a car accident![]()
Do you use seatbelts? Airbags? Drive the speed limit? Obey traffic lights? Use car seats? Layered mitigation does wonders. We are g doing the same for covid
Part of layered mitigation, for covid, is staying home when you're sick, to reduce the possibilities of infecting other people with an infectious disease. Masks are another part of layered mitigation, especially in health care settings.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unless my kid is exhibiting symptoms, my kid going to school. At this point, it's no worse than the flu, and we should treat it as such.
It is no worse than influenza except for when it is worse than influenza.
For the vast vast majority of people, it is not worse than the flu.
If you didn't quarantine for 5 days after being exposed to the flu but had no symptoms, then you don't need to with covid.
Every year, some people die from complications from the flu, yet we didn't force kids to quarantine for just being exposed.
I get that we needed to quarantine when covid first hit because we didn't know enough about the virus, and also we did not have a vax, but we do now, and it's no worse than the flu.
Way more people die of covid than flu. Stop parroting unhelpful talking points
Look at the recent covid death rate and compare it to influenza deaths in winter months.
Before covid, did you lock yourself down in the winter? Wear masks? Or did you instead go Christmas shopping and attend holiday parties?
1. More people die of covid than influenza
2. Influenza is seasonal covid is not yet seasonal
3. Who said anything about locking down? We are discussing staying home when ill. And yes I was cautious in flu months. That’s what a double lung transplant due to LAM does to you
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unless my kid is exhibiting symptoms, my kid going to school. At this point, it's no worse than the flu, and we should treat it as such.
It is no worse than influenza except for when it is worse than influenza.
For the vast vast majority of people, it is not worse than the flu.
If you didn't quarantine for 5 days after being exposed to the flu but had no symptoms, then you don't need to with covid.
Every year, some people die from complications from the flu, yet we didn't force kids to quarantine for just being exposed.
I get that we needed to quarantine when covid first hit because we didn't know enough about the virus, and also we did not have a vax, but we do now, and it's no worse than the flu.
Except for the people for whom it is worse than influenza.
C’mon. You know we’re talking about the vast vast majority of people. Why do you keep saying that?
I guess you don’t drive either. Because driving is relatively safe - most people don’t die in an accident. I know I know - except for the people who have died in a car accident![]()
Do you use seatbelts? Airbags? Drive the speed limit? Obey traffic lights? Use car seats? Layered mitigation does wonders. We are g doing the same for covid
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My contract time doesn’t end until 3:15 but I’m required to do certain after school activities until 4:15. Good luck getting to a doctor’s appointment on time from one end of the county to another let alone getting on the doctor’s schedule for a time that works. Many doctors have specific times of day they do certain appointments. New patients only before 10, skin cancer screenings only before 2, sick visits this time, etc. you clearly aren’t someone that has to see multiple doctors or take multiple family members to the doctor.
This is on you. You knew this was the case when you took the job. This is not new information
New teacher responding here - yes, I knew this was the case when I took the job. I get 10 sick days per year. I try to schedule all possible doctors appointments for myself and my family in the summer or during holidays (we don't leave town for any vacations) but still end up using most of my sick leave for drs appointments. I do go to work sick unless feverish. I expect most workers do!
+1. What some of these posters (or maybe just 1?) fail to comprehend is that sick leave policies were not designed for 5 day isolation periods for an illness regardless of symptom severity (and even then it wasn’t enough for other things). That’s why many employers were offering Covid leave early on (when isolation and quarantine periods were even worse). When the special Covid leave went away, so did many families ability to take that kind of time off. So if you want teachers (or parents in other fields) to take that kind of time off for what may be a minor cold, you need to focus on policies to bring it back.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2023-2024/Community-message-20230906.html
This is a nice sentiment, but we can’t all stay home when we are sick. I am an MCPS employee and I need my sick days for doctor’s visits for myself and children.
Our society only supports certain professions staying home when we don’t feel well. Do they really think all of the teachers and kids with a stuffy nose and cough are going to stay home for over a week until they feel better? Lots of people COVID Meg but walking around sick.
This is a little dramatic. If you are a 10 month employee, you could schedule many of those appointments during summer break. Even if you’re not, school gets out earlier in the afternoon than many other jobs, and you can schedule appointments in the late afternoon. Or you children’s other parent, if there is one, could take them to some of their appointments. I get that sometimes it’s unavoidable to schedule outside school hours, but if you’re organized, you can minimize the impact to your sick day allocation.
You are assuming I’m in perfect health and only need to see a doctor once a year. I am in my 40’s with a history of skin cancer and arthritis. I see a dermatologist as often as my dentist, a Rheumetologist and podiatrist every 3 months. my kids also have specialists they need to see more than once a year. And I’m at the whim of these providers having a schedule that matches mine. Many offices are now closed on Fridays or federal holidays. Doctors can cancel appointments last minute like it’s no big deal. Heaven forbid I need to call a medical office during the school year! No cell service and no time during the day except lunch when most medical offices are closed for at least an hour. Keep shaming teachers and see where it gets you!
Your kids Dad can handle that or your spouse can handle calls for you. Never seen a doctors office closed Friday and they should be closed Federal Holidays. Dentists closed one day a week, yes, but never doctors.
Maybe you should just MYOB and send your kids with masks if you’re afraid of Covid (or any other virus). Just a thought, I doubt anonymously shaming anonymous teachers in DCUM will do anything for your cause.
If you are sending in your kids sick or the teacher is sick and it impacts my family, then yes, it is my business. So, you don't want to miss a week of work or school, yet you are ok subjecting other families to missing a week of school and work without any concern to others. It's sad that people are parenting their kids this way. Kids cannot count on their parents to be there when they need them nor are taught proper behavior for the community good. And, yes, we still mask. But, one person masking only helps so much especially when colds and flu are on surfaces.
It sounds like public school isn’t a good fit for your family.
And, what would be a better option?
Virtual academy? Or private schools with Covid policies that align with your preferences?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2023-2024/Community-message-20230906.html
This is a nice sentiment, but we can’t all stay home when we are sick. I am an MCPS employee and I need my sick days for doctor’s visits for myself and children.
Our society only supports certain professions staying home when we don’t feel well. Do they really think all of the teachers and kids with a stuffy nose and cough are going to stay home for over a week until they feel better? Lots of people COVID Meg but walking around sick.
This is a little dramatic. If you are a 10 month employee, you could schedule many of those appointments during summer break. Even if you’re not, school gets out earlier in the afternoon than many other jobs, and you can schedule appointments in the late afternoon. Or you children’s other parent, if there is one, could take them to some of their appointments. I get that sometimes it’s unavoidable to schedule outside school hours, but if you’re organized, you can minimize the impact to your sick day allocation.
You are assuming I’m in perfect health and only need to see a doctor once a year. I am in my 40’s with a history of skin cancer and arthritis. I see a dermatologist as often as my dentist, a Rheumetologist and podiatrist every 3 months. my kids also have specialists they need to see more than once a year. And I’m at the whim of these providers having a schedule that matches mine. Many offices are now closed on Fridays or federal holidays. Doctors can cancel appointments last minute like it’s no big deal. Heaven forbid I need to call a medical office during the school year! No cell service and no time during the day except lunch when most medical offices are closed for at least an hour. Keep shaming teachers and see where it gets you!
Your kids Dad can handle that or your spouse can handle calls for you. Never seen a doctors office closed Friday and they should be closed Federal Holidays. Dentists closed one day a week, yes, but never doctors.
Maybe you should just MYOB and send your kids with masks if you’re afraid of Covid (or any other virus). Just a thought, I doubt anonymously shaming anonymous teachers in DCUM will do anything for your cause.
If you are sending in your kids sick or the teacher is sick and it impacts my family, then yes, it is my business. So, you don't want to miss a week of work or school, yet you are ok subjecting other families to missing a week of school and work without any concern to others. It's sad that people are parenting their kids this way. Kids cannot count on their parents to be there when they need them nor are taught proper behavior for the community good. And, yes, we still mask. But, one person masking only helps so much especially when colds and flu are on surfaces.
It sounds like public school isn’t a good fit for your family.
And, what would be a better option?
Virtual academy? Or private schools with Covid policies that align with your preferences?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unless my kid is exhibiting symptoms, my kid going to school. At this point, it's no worse than the flu, and we should treat it as such.
It is no worse than influenza except for when it is worse than influenza.
For the vast vast majority of people, it is not worse than the flu.
If you didn't quarantine for 5 days after being exposed to the flu but had no symptoms, then you don't need to with covid.
Every year, some people die from complications from the flu, yet we didn't force kids to quarantine for just being exposed.
I get that we needed to quarantine when covid first hit because we didn't know enough about the virus, and also we did not have a vax, but we do now, and it's no worse than the flu.
Way more people die of covid than flu. Stop parroting unhelpful talking points
We'll see what the winter surge brings, but I'm not sure this is the case anymore. The weekly death total over the last 4 months is lower than an average flu year. Now granted we are talking about summer, but the weekly covid death rate summer 2022 was 7-10x higher than it was this summer and covid has surged in the summer because of travel, gatherings etc
https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20230407/covid19-associated-with-higher-risk-of-death-compared-with-seasonal-influenza
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2023-2024/Community-message-20230906.html
This is a nice sentiment, but we can’t all stay home when we are sick. I am an MCPS employee and I need my sick days for doctor’s visits for myself and children.
Our society only supports certain professions staying home when we don’t feel well. Do they really think all of the teachers and kids with a stuffy nose and cough are going to stay home for over a week until they feel better? Lots of people COVID Meg but walking around sick.
This is a little dramatic. If you are a 10 month employee, you could schedule many of those appointments during summer break. Even if you’re not, school gets out earlier in the afternoon than many other jobs, and you can schedule appointments in the late afternoon. Or you children’s other parent, if there is one, could take them to some of their appointments. I get that sometimes it’s unavoidable to schedule outside school hours, but if you’re organized, you can minimize the impact to your sick day allocation.
You are assuming I’m in perfect health and only need to see a doctor once a year. I am in my 40’s with a history of skin cancer and arthritis. I see a dermatologist as often as my dentist, a Rheumetologist and podiatrist every 3 months. my kids also have specialists they need to see more than once a year. And I’m at the whim of these providers having a schedule that matches mine. Many offices are now closed on Fridays or federal holidays. Doctors can cancel appointments last minute like it’s no big deal. Heaven forbid I need to call a medical office during the school year! No cell service and no time during the day except lunch when most medical offices are closed for at least an hour. Keep shaming teachers and see where it gets you!
Your kids Dad can handle that or your spouse can handle calls for you. Never seen a doctors office closed Friday and they should be closed Federal Holidays. Dentists closed one day a week, yes, but never doctors.
Maybe you should just MYOB and send your kids with masks if you’re afraid of Covid (or any other virus). Just a thought, I doubt anonymously shaming anonymous teachers in DCUM will do anything for your cause.
If you are sending in your kids sick or the teacher is sick and it impacts my family, then yes, it is my business. So, you don't want to miss a week of work or school, yet you are ok subjecting other families to missing a week of school and work without any concern to others. It's sad that people are parenting their kids this way. Kids cannot count on their parents to be there when they need them nor are taught proper behavior for the community good. And, yes, we still mask. But, one person masking only helps so much especially when colds and flu are on surfaces.
It sounds like public school isn’t a good fit for your family.
And, what would be a better option?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My contract time doesn’t end until 3:15 but I’m required to do certain after school activities until 4:15. Good luck getting to a doctor’s appointment on time from one end of the county to another let alone getting on the doctor’s schedule for a time that works. Many doctors have specific times of day they do certain appointments. New patients only before 10, skin cancer screenings only before 2, sick visits this time, etc. you clearly aren’t someone that has to see multiple doctors or take multiple family members to the doctor.
This is on you. You knew this was the case when you took the job. This is not new information
New teacher responding here - yes, I knew this was the case when I took the job. I get 10 sick days per year. I try to schedule all possible doctors appointments for myself and my family in the summer or during holidays (we don't leave town for any vacations) but still end up using most of my sick leave for drs appointments. I do go to work sick unless feverish. I expect most workers do!
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2023-2024/Community-message-20230906.html
This is a nice sentiment, but we can’t all stay home when we are sick. I am an MCPS employee and I need my sick days for doctor’s visits for myself and children.
Our society only supports certain professions staying home when we don’t feel well. Do they really think all of the teachers and kids with a stuffy nose and cough are going to stay home for over a week until they feel better? Lots of people COVID Meg but walking around sick.
This is a little dramatic. If you are a 10 month employee, you could schedule many of those appointments during summer break. Even if you’re not, school gets out earlier in the afternoon than many other jobs, and you can schedule appointments in the late afternoon. Or you children’s other parent, if there is one, could take them to some of their appointments. I get that sometimes it’s unavoidable to schedule outside school hours, but if you’re organized, you can minimize the impact to your sick day allocation.
You are assuming I’m in perfect health and only need to see a doctor once a year. I am in my 40’s with a history of skin cancer and arthritis. I see a dermatologist as often as my dentist, a Rheumetologist and podiatrist every 3 months. my kids also have specialists they need to see more than once a year. And I’m at the whim of these providers having a schedule that matches mine. Many offices are now closed on Fridays or federal holidays. Doctors can cancel appointments last minute like it’s no big deal. Heaven forbid I need to call a medical office during the school year! No cell service and no time during the day except lunch when most medical offices are closed for at least an hour. Keep shaming teachers and see where it gets you!
Your kids Dad can handle that or your spouse can handle calls for you. Never seen a doctors office closed Friday and they should be closed Federal Holidays. Dentists closed one day a week, yes, but never doctors.
Maybe you should just MYOB and send your kids with masks if you’re afraid of Covid (or any other virus). Just a thought, I doubt anonymously shaming anonymous teachers in DCUM will do anything for your cause.
If you are sending in your kids sick or the teacher is sick and it impacts my family, then yes, it is my business. So, you don't want to miss a week of work or school, yet you are ok subjecting other families to missing a week of school and work without any concern to others. It's sad that people are parenting their kids this way. Kids cannot count on their parents to be there when they need them nor are taught proper behavior for the community good. And, yes, we still mask. But, one person masking only helps so much especially when colds and flu are on surfaces.
It sounds like public school isn’t a good fit for your family.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2023-2024/Community-message-20230906.html
This is a nice sentiment, but we can’t all stay home when we are sick. I am an MCPS employee and I need my sick days for doctor’s visits for myself and children.
Our society only supports certain professions staying home when we don’t feel well. Do they really think all of the teachers and kids with a stuffy nose and cough are going to stay home for over a week until they feel better? Lots of people COVID Meg but walking around sick.
This is a little dramatic. If you are a 10 month employee, you could schedule many of those appointments during summer break. Even if you’re not, school gets out earlier in the afternoon than many other jobs, and you can schedule appointments in the late afternoon. Or you children’s other parent, if there is one, could take them to some of their appointments. I get that sometimes it’s unavoidable to schedule outside school hours, but if you’re organized, you can minimize the impact to your sick day allocation.
You are assuming I’m in perfect health and only need to see a doctor once a year. I am in my 40’s with a history of skin cancer and arthritis. I see a dermatologist as often as my dentist, a Rheumetologist and podiatrist every 3 months. my kids also have specialists they need to see more than once a year. And I’m at the whim of these providers having a schedule that matches mine. Many offices are now closed on Fridays or federal holidays. Doctors can cancel appointments last minute like it’s no big deal. Heaven forbid I need to call a medical office during the school year! No cell service and no time during the day except lunch when most medical offices are closed for at least an hour. Keep shaming teachers and see where it gets you!
Your kids Dad can handle that or your spouse can handle calls for you. Never seen a doctors office closed Friday and they should be closed Federal Holidays. Dentists closed one day a week, yes, but never doctors.
Maybe you should just MYOB and send your kids with masks if you’re afraid of Covid (or any other virus). Just a thought, I doubt anonymously shaming anonymous teachers in DCUM will do anything for your cause.
If you are sending in your kids sick or the teacher is sick and it impacts my family, then yes, it is my business. So, you don't want to miss a week of work or school, yet you are ok subjecting other families to missing a week of school and work without any concern to others. It's sad that people are parenting their kids this way. Kids cannot count on their parents to be there when they need them nor are taught proper behavior for the community good. And, yes, we still mask. But, one person masking only helps so much especially when colds and flu are on surfaces.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I would have hoped that by now we would mention air ventilation, air filtration and masking as things that would actually help reduce transmission in the classrooms. Covid is Airborne, we fight it by concentrating on keeping it out of the air, diluting it, or removing it from the air.
If you want your kid to have more time in the classroom, think about masking at least some of the time during this uptick in cases, so it doesn't increase to a full surge.
Ask your schools to make sure their ventilation is bringing in fresh air. The CDC recommends 5 air changes an hour. Fans and open windows help. Air filters help when bringing in more fresh air is impossible.
We know the tools to keep kids healthy and in the classroom. We just need to use them
Oh sure.
I’m going to force my kids to wear those ridiculous masks “some of the time” (when, exactly, pp? Totally arbitrary?) because THAT alone will prevent a “full surge!”
PP, you’ve gone off the deep end. Do you even hear yourself?
I’m a DP.
The suggestions above seem perfectly reasonable. There’s nothing “deep end” about improving air filtration and *considering* a mask during a surge. Actually, this seems like the most reasonable and logical post I’ve seen on DCUM when it comes to Covid. It’s perfectly middle-of-the-road between being cautious and simply living life.
If reasonable is now “deep end,” then perhaps it’s time to reevaluate your own stance on this.
Making your child wear a mask from time to time, maybe just on a whim or every second Thursday, believing that this stupidity will prevent a “full surge,” is the very definition of unreasonable
I can’t reason with someone who jumps immediately to hyperbole and outrage. That’s not AT ALL what the PP said.
I don’t know how a simple mask managed to hurt you, but I do hope you find some peace.
Most kids don't mind. It’s the parents who are tantruming.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unless my kid is exhibiting symptoms, my kid going to school. At this point, it's no worse than the flu, and we should treat it as such.
It is no worse than influenza except for when it is worse than influenza.
For the vast vast majority of people, it is not worse than the flu.
If you didn't quarantine for 5 days after being exposed to the flu but had no symptoms, then you don't need to with covid.
Every year, some people die from complications from the flu, yet we didn't force kids to quarantine for just being exposed.
I get that we needed to quarantine when covid first hit because we didn't know enough about the virus, and also we did not have a vax, but we do now, and it's no worse than the flu.
Way more people die of covid than flu. Stop parroting unhelpful talking points
We'll see what the winter surge brings, but I'm not sure this is the case anymore. The weekly death total over the last 4 months is lower than an average flu year. Now granted we are talking about summer, but the weekly covid death rate summer 2022 was 7-10x higher than it was this summer and covid has surged in the summer because of travel, gatherings etc