Concerns/Hopes

I am hearing many, many concerns with the proposed reopening plan.  In addition to concerns I initially raised when the plan was released, there is now a new wrinkle: The proposed CARES classrooms will be staffed by secondary school staff. As I understand it, middle- and senior-highs will be losing up to 20+ staff. This seems likely to undermine the ability of secondary schools to adequately support students/staff in this already difficulty time. And, unsurprisingly, many elementary parents are not thrilled that their young children will be supervised by assistant principals, deans, receptionists, etc., who are well trained and experienced for their work with secondary students--but not with  young children. 
        I also know that many families and teachers would like to go back to in-person school, at least in some limited fashion, if it was safe and academically productive.  What would make that possible?

A better way?

       A group of Ward 3 teachers has organized a virtual town hall for tomorrow evening, where they hope to share what they know with parents and hear from parents about their needs and concerns.
       I will be attending and offering some comments, but mainly listening.  My own sense is that what will work as a reopening plan may vary from school to school and will depend greatly on school communities developing school-specific plans that take account of the needs and preferences of their specific kids and staff, the size of both and the facility itself, while also prioritizing those students with the greatest need. What would that look like at different schools? 

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Here is the joining information from the Ward 3/Wilson Feeder Education Network:  Also note that there is an email address where you can send questions.

      Teachers from Ward 3 schools are organizing a forum for teachers, parents, and community members on Wednesday (10/28) from 6:00-7:00 PM to discuss the current DCPS Term 2 reopening plan. They have organized this virtual event to elevate the voices of all relevant stakeholders to advocate for our students across the District.

       In less than 2 weeks, DCPS will be placing thousands of students into physical classrooms without having answered basic questions about their plan. Please feel free to share your questions and concerns by email to inform the teachers, your childrens’ teachers, of your real needs.  

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89327937039?pwd=enNDZXk5VVV5UWVjbmF1Rk0xZWdUUT09

Meeting ID: 893 2793 7039

Passcode: Sq2Vt9

_______________________________

Concerns/Hopes

I am hearing many, many concerns with the proposed reopening plan.  In addition to concerns I initially raised when the plan was released, there is now a new wrinkle: The proposed CARES classrooms will be staffed by secondary school staff. As I understand it, middle- and senior-highs will be losing many staff. This seems likely to undermine the ability of secondary schools to adequately support students/staff in this already difficulty time. And, unsurprisingly, many elementary parents are not thrilled that their young children will be supervised by assistant principals, deans, receptionists, etc., who are well trained and experienced for their work with secondary students--but not with  young children. 
        I also know that many families and teachers would like to go back to in-person school, at least in some limited fashion, if it was safe and academically productive.  What would make that possible?

A better way?

       A group of Ward 3 teachers has organized a virtual town hall for tomorrow evening, where they hope to share what they know with parents and hear from parents about their needs and concerns.
       I will be attending and offering some comments, but mainly listening.  My own sense is that what will work as a reopening plan may vary from school to school and will depend greatly on school communities developing school-specific plans that take account of the needs and preferences of their specific kids and staff, the size of both and the facility itself, while also prioritizing those students with the greatest need. What would that look like at different schools? 

____________________________________

Here is the joining information from the Ward 3/Wilson Feeder Education Network:  Also note that there is an email address where you can send questions.

      Teachers from Ward 3 schools are organizing a forum for teachers, parents, and community members on Wednesday (10/28) from 6:00-7:00 PM to discuss the current DCPS Term 2 reopening plan. They have organized this virtual event to elevate the voices of all relevant stakeholders to advocate for our students across the District.

       In less than 2 weeks, DCPS will be placing thousands of students into physical classrooms without having answered basic questions about their plan. Please feel free to share your questions and concerns by email to inform the teachers, your childrens’ teachers, of your real needs.  

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89327937039?pwd=enNDZXk5VVV5UWVjbmF1Rk0xZWdUUT09

Meeting ID: 893 2793 7039

Passcode: Sq2Vt9

_______________________________

Supporting Our City

     The DC Food Project works with some 20 partner schools to get food to families for the weekend. Its partner school staff also works closely with school families to make sure needs beyond food are also being met with other resources. It has helped over 2600 families since the spring and is now kicking off a partnership with DC Central Kitchen that will allow grocery distribution to additional families andpublic schools.
     If you're looking for a way to support our city during this very tough time, I highly recommend this. Donate here:

    

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