twinmomma, rere, Our school district is in the process of using 5 flexible instruction days (FID), which had pre-planned material, in case we needed them for a snow day or two. The school decided to do them 2 days/week for these first two weeks that we were off. Students in grade 3 and above (who have chromebooks) have to fill out a form online by 10am for each FID. This material doesn't have to be turned in until we return to school. So far, DD has had about 3 hours worth of work to do (math, ELA, science, social studies, music, band). DS1 has packets to do which were distributed earlier in the year. These packets include math, reading, library, gym, and art and take about an hour to complete. Since the governor issued a stay-at-home order for some counties in our state, our anticipated return to school date was pushed back to April 14th. So starting next week, online learning begins. DD will still go online to get her material. I'm assuming we'll have to go to the school's website to get DS1's material.
The FIDs came in handy so the students could get used to the idea of online learning while the teachers iron out the online learning details. There were a few school districts in the area that had their online learning shut down because they didn't have alternate lessons for the special ed/IEP kids. Our schools said they were working with state officials to ensure everyone could participate in online learning.
Godpseed to DH. He'll be in charge of the online learning since I am WAH plus teaching my online class once a week.
Before/aftercare just emailed us and sent out paperwork to everyone to switch to "drop in" vs all inclusive so that we don't get charged for April, which is pretty awesome, but I hope it doesn't affect their teachers receiving pay. But that's $850/month savings at a time where I think everyone is very concerned about finances, which is nice.
I emailed our summer camp which starts the beginning of June. They are still planning to have it but depending on covid 19, might push back the start date. That was comforting to hear.
Our summer camp is still planning on holding camp but a friend's summer camp is canceling the whole summer. We'll see what ours does. I had booked in June b/c it gets so hot here. Now that feels like we're cutting things close.
Of course if they canceled we'd get our money back which would be great.
I’m on the board of a group that runs summer camps. We had a board meeting yesterday. We are hoping we can still have camp but are considering cutting the number of campers in half for overnighters, so there’s more space. Like our cabins hold 10 but maybe we only have 5 to a cabin instead.
mommyatty , me too. Our winters are so long, I live for summer. If you mess with my summer (coronavirus), then I am coming for you. I was talking about day camp not overnight. Our overnight is scheduled for the week after July 4th, so fingers crossed, but I can understand why that might be the first to go rather than day camp. Also, yes I was wondering if they would cut their numbers. We never have an issue with our camp getting a spot because they literally take as many that enroll and just add staff, but if social distancing is part of the equation (how can you social distance kids?) then we might all be fighting over spots or maybe I leave DS home since he is 9 all day long which I don't want to do and bring DD. I really need to be there when our building opens if only for that first week since I am leadership. Or DS stays home and DD goes to camp, which he would be mad about because he loves camp (swimming).
So beau's ex is going hardcore with self-isolation. He's currently battling with her about even being able to take his son on his days because she doesn't "think it's safe" for them to swap him back and forth between the two houses. I think part of the compromise is that he will totally quarantine himself on his off days so that he can still see him on his on days. She was pissed that he was still seeing me on his off days because it's too risky. (If we were officially living together, it's not like she'd have a choice in the matter, so I think it's a BS argument.) So I think we may not get to see each other until this is over now. I understand that she's coming from a place of fear and I would never tell him to see me if it meant he can't see his kid. But it really, really sucks if that's how this plays out.
twinmomma , Yes it does totally suck. But sometimes people use strange coping mechanisms...maybe this is hers?
I will be so incredibly sad if summer camp is cancelled. Those note I got from ours is that they aren't cancelling yet. That is helping me hold onto sanity.
twinmomma that sucks. But I have to say that if I were divorced and my ex was still out and about in the community right now or was going to work still, I would be really nervous. I wouldn't have any issue with him still seeing his girlfriend/partner though, assuming you guys are also being really careful.
twinmomma that sucks. But I have to say that if I were divorced and my ex was still out and about in the community right now or was going to work still, I would be really nervous. I wouldn't have any issue with him still seeing his girlfriend/partner though, assuming you guys are also being really careful.
Oh ya, to clarify - we are at home. When we don't have the kids either I stay at his place or he stays at mine. The only "date" we've been on is the drive to the beach and back last weekend. So it seems like Overkill that she won't allow him to see his kid if I'm entering the orbit at all.
Soo.. schools around here are closed until at least 5/4, but likely for the year.
Daycare sent out an announcement that they plan to open 4/8. On the off chance that it does.. we won’t be sending DS. Even if we have to pay and not go.
But how do you handle when things do start going back to normalish? Because presumably, if they open, they’ll have had kids NOT isolating, and that seems like a recipe for disaster. Or am I overthinking?
k3am- I live in Texas, which to put it mildly is full of idiots. I had to go pick up a nebulizer today from my allergist because going to get allergy shots and sitting in a germy waiting room for 30 minutes to make sure I don’t have a reaction just ain’t happening. On the way I passed an auto parts store. There were literally 2 available spaces in the parking lot of this tiny store. No way people in there were even 3 feet apart.
And our lieutenant governor thinks old people (and I guess people like me with underlying conditions) should just choose to die so the economy isn’t hurt. He’s a “good Christian.” So we don’t have a statewide shutdown. And there’s going to be tremendous pressure on elected officials to follow Trump and open up in time for Easter. My employer may well follow suit. Our schools may too. I’m flipping terrified. I’m just hopeful that other parents at our private school will put up enough of a fuss that we stay closed. I always wish I lived in a blue state, but now more than ever.
teacher perspective: please try to keep this in mind. We are doing the best we can. We are having to change literally everything about our jobs on no notice, and with no training in online platforms and no in-person support. Many of us are trying to do this with our own young kids at home, thus we're in the same boat you are. Some parents are demanding MORE WORK to keep their kids busy and out of their hair so they can work, hence the links until we can develop better programming. Other parents are demanding NO WORK, because they aren't teachers and can't help kids. It's a no-win situation, and we're all doing the best we can.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
erbear - I hope there are also parents taking a middle road! I’ve been in communication with my kids’ teachers that I appreciate their efforts, and could they please communicate with the powers that be that some parents will not be able to help kids if the kids’ school work changes from optional to required.
erbear, I hope it’s clear that my complaints are NOT about her teacher. They are 100% aimed at our district that has bordered on negligence with how they’ve handled this outbreak from day one.
Soo.. schools around here are closed until at least 5/4, but likely for the year.
Daycare sent out an announcement that they plan to open 4/8. On the off chance that it does.. we won’t be sending DS. Even if we have to pay and not go.
But how do you handle when things do start going back to normalish? Because presumably, if they open, they’ll have had kids NOT isolating, and that seems like a recipe for disaster. Or am I overthinking?
You are not overthinking it. With lack of national leadership most of this is falling on governors to make the call. This pandemic is at least 2-3 months. I was thinking 2, now I am thinking 3 for the first wave. We are planning to reopen when cases go down let’s say no new cases in a week or something equivalent. That is going to take awhile. Once that happens we are planning on smaller programs - less than 10 people maybe more frequently and take home kits rather than doing crafts and stem onsite. Schools are likely not going back this year. Summer camps are likely going to delay their start. If summer camps do open then maybe they take less kids or only essential workers, who knows the criteria. We can hope this passes by September. The healthcare field is worried about a second wave. I suppose that’s possible and will mean a second closure. However, I need to make it through the first wave before I worry about a second wave. I’m watching China carefully as they are the ones ahead of us time wise in the epidemic, and they are trying to open things but are hesitant. For example they opened movie theaters and shut them again. It’s not going to be just open, it’s going to be slow and staggered at least in those states not run by idiots. The problem also by watching China is that it is becoming more clear that their numbers are probably not accurate.
erbear - I really feel for the teachers in this awful situation. We are in a different situation than many - at a small Catholic school that is largely in charge of how they teach and interact. The principal is driving the teachers hard. This is not easy for them, like you said. They’re learning the LMS on the fly. They are not required to “teach” every day via video, but there are zoom calls during the week and they must be online to answer questions from 9-2 every day. It’s a lot for everyone.
The administration in my town has not dealt with this whole situation well at all. We were initially told schools were closed for 3 weeks. After 1 week off the governor announced we were closed for 7. It appears that the administration did nothing during that week to prepare because the state DOE said no new learning. I 100% blame the administration and the DOE for putting the teachers in a terrible situation.
All I can say is elections matter. Our previous governor was a complete nutjob who didn't believe in vaccination. Our new governor has been amazing. Daily briefings. He closed schools, restaurants, daycares way before most other states. All but life essential business is closed, which happens to he Dh and I. If the feds open up with this still not safe, I have no doubt he will keep our state restrictive until safe.
I feel like our school has gotten the right balance. The headmaster sent out an email saying the kids would get assignments, but if at any point we felt overwhelmed to feel free not to do them. We have a daily Zoom meeting for each kid. The teachers are generally available by FaceTime if the kids need help. Or, in my case, if the parents need help. The teachers comment on their assignments as they’re uploaded (Great job, Albert, but check numbers 4 and 7 and send back” or “please correct the spelling of the word straight in your cursive practice and don’t forget to dot your i “) Something cute DS’s teachers for kindergarten have done is label activities with a mustard bottle for “must do” and a mayo jar for “may do.” So about a third of the activities need to be completed and the rest take up time for parents who want more.
What I wish is that they would all decide what platform they want to use and be consistent. DS gets an update to a Google folder every night. DD gets her To Do in Announcements in Seesaw. Then DD has assignments in Scholastic, Bloomz, and Seesaw. DS at least has his checklist saying “first read this book in Scholastic, then draw a picture of a flower that was in the book and upload it.” I feel like we are constantly running from one program to the next and with DD there isn’t a great roadmap.
I’m sending regular thank yous to my kids’ teachers. Neither has small kids at home, but they’re both still in this crisis, just like the rest of us. One has a mom and dad in a memory care facility, which I’m sure is terrifying right now.
Post by erinshelley21 on Mar 28, 2020 12:07:40 GMT -5
We've known for a couple of weeks that we are closed until May at least. I'm setting the expectation that DS won't be going back this year. DH is less accepting of that and is worried about surviving. He gets to leave for 78ish hours per week so I dont know what he's complaining about.
Last week was spring break and next week is too, so I have another week of filling time with random shit. Very much looking forward to getting assignments lol.
We've known for a couple of weeks that we are closed until May at least. I'm setting the expectation that DS won't be going back this year. DH is less accepting of that and is worried about surviving. He gets to leave for 78ish hours per week so I dont know what he's complaining about.
Last week was spring break and next week is too, so I have another week of filling time with random shit. Very much looking forward to getting assignments lol.
We are starting spring break next week. I’ll be happy not to do elearning since it’s been 2 weeks of that already, but what am I going to do with them? I am still working although I try to work less than my usual 8 hours- there are things I still want to accomplish at work.
erbear - I hope there are also parents taking a middle road! I’ve been in communication with my kids’ teachers that I appreciate their efforts, and could they please communicate with the powers that be that some parents will not be able to help kids if the kids’ school work changes from optional to required.
There are, and I appreciate them. 99.9999% of my parents are being awesome. The other tiny percent is being predictably problematic. It's just getting old seeing the memes and reading the complaints.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Obviously, the government has failed big time here (we have heard nothing from Betsy DeVos, for example). None of this is simple. No one should have started teaching until plans were developed for special ed students (if we're teaching typical kids, we need to be teaching special ed too so we're not violating IDEA, but it's nearly impossible to have many of those services remotely). Should districts have had these plans ready to go? Maybe, but how many of your workplaces did? We're talking about millions of people across 50 states. Coordination is going to take some time. Mistakes are going to be made. And while teachers are really really not at fault, for hte most part, all of the complaints online and in person are directed toward "why isn't the school / teacher doing this?" It's frustrating,
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
I'm actually very frustrated with our district who told our teachers to do nothing over their 2 week break because they would go back to teaching like normal on the 31st. Well now we don't go back until maybe 4/28. The district threw some online enrichment up on to the website earlier this week and my 8 year old DD did day 1 and said "um mommy no teacher created this, do they not have a clue what we actual do in class". I looked and was like OMG but I've still had DD work on each day just to give her something to do. DD talked with her old 1st grade teacher and she said now the district is scrambling and wanting them to spend next week in virtual meetings figuring out how to contact families and what school will look like when we come back. They have no plans to do any distance learning at the this point and are being told to tell families to have your child read. This was straight from a teachers mouth. I can't ask DD to read anymore than she already is. She read 11 hours in the last 5 days and no clue how much she will read today at home. As a parent I was hoping for at least some guidance on what they were planning on doing in class so when I was frantically trying to figure out websites or pulling worksheets down that I was at least doing something similar to what would have been taught at school. k3am, I agree a ton of links to website isn't helpful because I'm finding DD needs more help with those than anything else.
waverly, Ya, it's going to suck. It means the only in-person adult interaction I would have during this is gone for the foreseeable future. When I don't have the kids I'll be on 5 day stretches alone.
erbear, I am frustrated with our school district and our superintendent. The teachers are just doing what they're told. He held his ground on not closing the schools until the governor forced his hand and basically got called out in a state wide press conference. He is not known for being an empathetic man and I strongly believe that part of why he's making our home schooling program so hard core is to show his power over the teachers and families. "Not in MY district!" is kind of his style. I know teachers in the district and they feel that way as well. I've seen some parents say that if their middle schooler didn't log in at the right time, they're getting phone calls for "skipping school." That is not the type of stress that families need to have added to their plates right now. I'm not against school work, but I am against the volume and strict way in which our work is being handed down.
I really can't say enough about our teachers and district. Teachers are available during the day for questions, and usually answer an email after hours. I dont know if they had plans in place, but they put together very good lessons. It helps that all of our work is basically online anyway and all work is turned in on Google classroom. Ds has only 1 textbook for history. They still meet virtually in some classes. They have been very accommodating on technology issues. The problem is the kids that they had to stay on to get worked turned in regularly, are probably doing nothing and may not have any guidance at home. I received an email from the principal that if no one has heard from you during this time, he was showing up at your house, safe distance away. 1700 kids, total, so he probably has a lot of visits.
Our school district and teachers have been amazing. They shut down before everyone else. They had elearning the very next day. The elearning was rigorous and probably better, but not sustainable, so they had to drop it down a level, still good but not as rigorous. Everything is optional. We don’t have to make up days per the state. The teacher does zoom meetings with the kids daily -3rd grade. First grade teacher sends us electronic and paper resources daily in addition to the plans and has opened up Seesaw for the kids to post- she was the only one that posted before because they are so young.
we are a 1:1 technology district. If you need a device you can pick one up, or they will deliver it. They are providing lunches. I didn’t want to move before because with DS having hearing aids, this district houses the deaf and hard of hearing co-op for most of the suburbs. But now I really don’t want to move. I don’t mean to make anyone feel bad by saying all this, I just wanted to point out a positive example.
twinmomma we were annoyed our district took so long to close. We were one of the earliest hot spots and had 3 confirmed cases at our school (that they flat out lied about).
We found out from our neighbor that’s a teacher that if the school has closed early on its own, teachers there’s no guarantee the teachers have been paid. If they closed early because they were forced to, teachers got paid.
So I fully understand and appreciate them waiting to close the district. But not our school - lying to parents so we’d continue to send our kids was a crock of bullshit.
On the other hand our dance studio decided to continue taking our tuition and offering stuff in google classroom. After facilitation elearning the last thing I want to do is facilitate dance class. I want to be supportive of local businesses and we are not paying that much per month, but I just don’t want to add one more thing to my plate.