Vicki, I see that I made a major typo in one of my posts yesterday. I said “no indoor events with more than 5 people.” I meant to say “25 people.” I apologize for that confusion.
While I don’t quite forecast 300,000 deaths by December, I am afraid that 250,000 is a reasonable estimate. I believe that in the next couple of weeks we’ll descend to a long plateau of 700-750 deaths/day. We’re currently around 1,050/day, and we’ve had 162,800 deaths in aggregate. Suppose that over the next 120 days we have an average of 700-750 deaths/day that will get us to ~250,000.
Silly me. I should have known that. Even then 25.., the kids will have Mack breaks in groups. The groups are supposed to stay six feet apart but the administrations know they will not. Just a fools errand imo
For schools, I learned from a couple of reliable sources that in home means high need kids will be in school. I’m glad to hear this is part of the plan. I’m sorry that this is not made clear. Also, in home means no sports which is why some are fighting hard for hybrid. I understand sports are important as are band and art, etc. We have already seen how poorly the adults are doing in sports.
Vicki, not certain I understand your first sentence regarding “in home”. I would think in home learning means no classroom instruction for all. Can you explain further on that?
If anything I am hearing more and more districts deciding on “at home” learning for at least the first half of the upcoming school year, if anything. I believe Boston is doing hybrid.
Sorry Philip. In home is fully remote. But what is barely being mentioned it is still in school for high need students. I have been in favor of that. But many teachers are not as high need students Aldo require high touch. I’m interested in comments from some teachers.
Also Philip many towns are going to full in home because they have too many students to meet the safety requirements
Requirements set by DESE. Although school committees has the final say over everyone except baker
Have
Hard to disagree with
Let’s be honest. If you’re not a teacher, an administrator, or someone who has actually worked in a classroom, then your opinion on what schools SHOULD do is really just what you WANT schools to do. You have no expertise, no training, and no practical experience.
And when you retort that your taxes make your opinion valid, let’s try these scenarios…
You pay for an airline ticket. I guess that means that the pilot is YOUR employee since you pay his salary. Are you going to demand that he fly the plane the way YOU would do it? Does everyone on the airplane get a say? I mean, they ALL have a vested interest in arriving at their destination safely.
You hire a plumber. You’re paying him, so he should do things the way you would. You’re just as qualified, right? I mean, you’ve been using bathrooms your whole life.
You drive a car every day. So when there’s a problem and you bring it to the mechanic, you know exactly how it should be fixed. After all, you’re paying. You should have a say.
The cry for teachers to “get back to work,” is obnoxious and condescending. It’s also inaccurate. Teachers didn’t stop working when the buildings closed. They did not choose for schools to be closed in March, and they have no say in whether they reopen in September. Most of them WANT to return to school because they love their jobs, and more importantly, love their kids. However, they DO have a right to express their concerns. They DO have a right to feel safe in the workplace. And they DO know more than anyone else about the feasibility of the suggested guidelines and whether instruction will be effective when implementing them.
If your only experience with education is that you went to school or have a child in school, then at least be honest. You don’t know what’s best.
As a local administrator, former elementary teacher, and parent of a typically developing middle schooler and high needs elementary student I can see all sides of this. There is an argument to be made for in-person learning, as challenging as it may be. It will not be the same, no doubt, but kids are resilient and will adapt to the changes, and the benefits of the in person socialization with peers and relationship building with teachers is superior to what can be achieved online. AND most schools are not equipped to have all students back safely. There isn’t a “right” answer to this.
There needs to be an at home option (preferably with different teachers than those teaching in person) not only for kids who have or live with those at high risk, but also for those who cannot mask and distance effectively. With adequate ventilation/airflow, masks, and distancing, in-person learning can happen and will be meaningful even if it’s different than what we are used to. Of course this can only happen when community infection rates are low enough (not sure what the metrics should be exactly—not my field)
We were typing at the same time. Thank you
Proper ventilation even in newer schools is inadequate. That I know having two who know the systems in the family. Masks are ok except most adults can’t leave them on without touching and pulling down Let alone kids.
I am curious as to different teachers. Do you mean from same schools or outsourced?
Another school closed days ago. So one very key question to you is if we focus on too much will in home full time learning once again be insufficient because we didn’t spend the time developing it
Not having schools safe for kids isn’t an answer? You got my attention. How is having kids back when it isn’t safe an answer?
To be clear, the reason is that many schools do not have the space to safely distance. Most schools do not have proper ventilation systems.
I’m curious to know what your district is planning for kids who are just starting and stand at the door crying. Parents cannot go in. Teachers cannot touch.
Mostly, I’m interested in the argument for in person. That is a sincere interest. We know that there will be no socialization which is key for the early grades. We know that many kids At all grades will no longer attend with friends. But most worrisome is what happens when a teacher or child gets covid. Also I’m interested in how it will be safe for teachers
Again not a challenge. I am trying to see positives in in school that do not risk the health of kids and teachers. I’ve been hoping for a discussion. Thank you
Are you in natick? I can’t recall. Sorry
Obviously having well ventilated and spacious schools would be the answer—but that isn’t happening. And yes, investing in professional development for remote learning is a must. There isn’t anything to stop a teacher of very young children to be able to console a crying child assuming they are masked, and probably would use a face shield if a child is crying. There are lots of daycares/year round preschools doing just fine. I also understand that teachers didn’t sign on to be front line workers—I sure didn’t so I don’t blame teachers for preferring remote learning. I’m just saying—for those who are comfortable, I think there is great value I’m in-person learning, even if just for a few weeks.
Well said. On that we can definitely agree. As long as in home Kids have the same opportunities as in school. Anything less is irresponsible.
Ventilation is the problem and will be. It may be why we see schools opening and quickly closing.
I am sure some kids will do well. I am also sure some will be more than upset and I am sure many will be very confused.
Life will be different and I wonder how many that will negatively impact.
There is not a right answer is accurate. I understand in school for some as long as we Have a very strong focus On perfecting in home. I can’t believe we will not be all I home fairly quickly. That said I feel our teachers are being Put in a difficult situation.
Dave. Thank you for your Input. Thank you for what you do. I hate that you are all put in this position. Please be safe and be well.
Baker slowing down and cracking down. I wonder how many times people had to hear it to get it
I feel like back in elementary and junior high when the teacher makes the entire class stay after school or no recess because of the behavior of one or a few students.
In this case, due to too many gatherings (wild parties). Again, WHAT is there to celebrate in these trying times??
And if we don’t watch it, look for Baker to go back to Phase 2! I wouldn’t bet against him.
U.S. 160,000+ total deaths. 🙁
C-19 for 8-8 is up…
Comments are closed.
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Vicki, I see that I made a major typo in one of my posts yesterday. I said “no indoor events with more than 5 people.” I meant to say “25 people.” I apologize for that confusion.
While I don’t quite forecast 300,000 deaths by December, I am afraid that 250,000 is a reasonable estimate. I believe that in the next couple of weeks we’ll descend to a long plateau of 700-750 deaths/day. We’re currently around 1,050/day, and we’ve had 162,800 deaths in aggregate. Suppose that over the next 120 days we have an average of 700-750 deaths/day that will get us to ~250,000.
Silly me. I should have known that. Even then 25.., the kids will have Mack breaks in groups. The groups are supposed to stay six feet apart but the administrations know they will not. Just a fools errand imo
For schools, I learned from a couple of reliable sources that in home means high need kids will be in school. I’m glad to hear this is part of the plan. I’m sorry that this is not made clear. Also, in home means no sports which is why some are fighting hard for hybrid. I understand sports are important as are band and art, etc. We have already seen how poorly the adults are doing in sports.
Vicki, not certain I understand your first sentence regarding “in home”. I would think in home learning means no classroom instruction for all. Can you explain further on that?
If anything I am hearing more and more districts deciding on “at home” learning for at least the first half of the upcoming school year, if anything. I believe Boston is doing hybrid.
Sorry Philip. In home is fully remote. But what is barely being mentioned it is still in school for high need students. I have been in favor of that. But many teachers are not as high need students Aldo require high touch. I’m interested in comments from some teachers.
Also Philip many towns are going to full in home because they have too many students to meet the safety requirements
Requirements set by DESE. Although school committees has the final say over everyone except baker
Have
Hard to disagree with
Let’s be honest. If you’re not a teacher, an administrator, or someone who has actually worked in a classroom, then your opinion on what schools SHOULD do is really just what you WANT schools to do. You have no expertise, no training, and no practical experience.
And when you retort that your taxes make your opinion valid, let’s try these scenarios…
You pay for an airline ticket. I guess that means that the pilot is YOUR employee since you pay his salary. Are you going to demand that he fly the plane the way YOU would do it? Does everyone on the airplane get a say? I mean, they ALL have a vested interest in arriving at their destination safely.
You hire a plumber. You’re paying him, so he should do things the way you would. You’re just as qualified, right? I mean, you’ve been using bathrooms your whole life.
You drive a car every day. So when there’s a problem and you bring it to the mechanic, you know exactly how it should be fixed. After all, you’re paying. You should have a say.
The cry for teachers to “get back to work,” is obnoxious and condescending. It’s also inaccurate. Teachers didn’t stop working when the buildings closed. They did not choose for schools to be closed in March, and they have no say in whether they reopen in September. Most of them WANT to return to school because they love their jobs, and more importantly, love their kids. However, they DO have a right to express their concerns. They DO have a right to feel safe in the workplace. And they DO know more than anyone else about the feasibility of the suggested guidelines and whether instruction will be effective when implementing them.
If your only experience with education is that you went to school or have a child in school, then at least be honest. You don’t know what’s best.
As a local administrator, former elementary teacher, and parent of a typically developing middle schooler and high needs elementary student I can see all sides of this. There is an argument to be made for in-person learning, as challenging as it may be. It will not be the same, no doubt, but kids are resilient and will adapt to the changes, and the benefits of the in person socialization with peers and relationship building with teachers is superior to what can be achieved online. AND most schools are not equipped to have all students back safely. There isn’t a “right” answer to this.
There needs to be an at home option (preferably with different teachers than those teaching in person) not only for kids who have or live with those at high risk, but also for those who cannot mask and distance effectively. With adequate ventilation/airflow, masks, and distancing, in-person learning can happen and will be meaningful even if it’s different than what we are used to. Of course this can only happen when community infection rates are low enough (not sure what the metrics should be exactly—not my field)
We were typing at the same time. Thank you
Proper ventilation even in newer schools is inadequate. That I know having two who know the systems in the family. Masks are ok except most adults can’t leave them on without touching and pulling down Let alone kids.
I am curious as to different teachers. Do you mean from same schools or outsourced?
Another school closed days ago. So one very key question to you is if we focus on too much will in home full time learning once again be insufficient because we didn’t spend the time developing it
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/education/students-and-staff-quarantined-after-greenfield-student-tested-positive-for-covid-19-on-first-day/531-2bea3777-cdf3-4415-8f97-82fdfefac51c
Not having schools safe for kids isn’t an answer? You got my attention. How is having kids back when it isn’t safe an answer?
To be clear, the reason is that many schools do not have the space to safely distance. Most schools do not have proper ventilation systems.
I’m curious to know what your district is planning for kids who are just starting and stand at the door crying. Parents cannot go in. Teachers cannot touch.
Mostly, I’m interested in the argument for in person. That is a sincere interest. We know that there will be no socialization which is key for the early grades. We know that many kids At all grades will no longer attend with friends. But most worrisome is what happens when a teacher or child gets covid. Also I’m interested in how it will be safe for teachers
Again not a challenge. I am trying to see positives in in school that do not risk the health of kids and teachers. I’ve been hoping for a discussion. Thank you
Are you in natick? I can’t recall. Sorry
Obviously having well ventilated and spacious schools would be the answer—but that isn’t happening. And yes, investing in professional development for remote learning is a must. There isn’t anything to stop a teacher of very young children to be able to console a crying child assuming they are masked, and probably would use a face shield if a child is crying. There are lots of daycares/year round preschools doing just fine. I also understand that teachers didn’t sign on to be front line workers—I sure didn’t so I don’t blame teachers for preferring remote learning. I’m just saying—for those who are comfortable, I think there is great value I’m in-person learning, even if just for a few weeks.
Well said. On that we can definitely agree. As long as in home Kids have the same opportunities as in school. Anything less is irresponsible.
Ventilation is the problem and will be. It may be why we see schools opening and quickly closing.
I am sure some kids will do well. I am also sure some will be more than upset and I am sure many will be very confused.
Life will be different and I wonder how many that will negatively impact.
There is not a right answer is accurate. I understand in school for some as long as we Have a very strong focus On perfecting in home. I can’t believe we will not be all I home fairly quickly. That said I feel our teachers are being Put in a difficult situation.
Dave. Thank you for your Input. Thank you for what you do. I hate that you are all put in this position. Please be safe and be well.
Baker slowing down and cracking down. I wonder how many times people had to hear it to get it
I feel like back in elementary and junior high when the teacher makes the entire class stay after school or no recess because of the behavior of one or a few students.
In this case, due to too many gatherings (wild parties). Again, WHAT is there to celebrate in these trying times??
And if we don’t watch it, look for Baker to go back to Phase 2! I wouldn’t bet against him.
U.S. 160,000+ total deaths. 🙁
C-19 for 8-8 is up…