I'm in a county just outside of St. Louis and we haven't had a mask mandate (St. Louis city and county have one). We had really started to increase in July/Aug and have since "flattened" that curve, but our positive test rate is 11%. This is all for reference.
My elementary kids (3rd/5th) have been in school now for four weeks, full time. Each grade has a virtual teacher, so they're teachers are only worrying about them. They have normal 25ish class sizes and desks are NOT far apart at all due to that. They do have to wear masks 100% of the time, even at recess/gym. They used to have a different special each day, but now they're doing it in three week blocks (so art for three weeks, then music, then gym) which I think is a great idea.
Our district started a dashboard on week 2 for positive cases and quarantines. There are almost 17,000 students and over 2500 staff. The positive rates for the last 3 weeks have been 18, 17, 20, with quarantines being 278, 367, 237 respectively. Now, the last quarantine number was so low b/c they now break it out between being quarantined b/c of school and b/c of something else (community contact). They didn't do that the first 2 weeks. So we're hovering around .10% for cases and 1.5% for quarantine. This is over 3 HS's, 5 middle, 10 elementary, and 3 early childhood schools.
I feel really good about those numbers, to be honest. And my kids are LOVING it. They have not once complained that anything is too different or too restricted. They ride the bus both ways and have to sit together and wear masks.
We were one of very few districts in the Greater St. Louis area to go full time or in person at all. Many are now starting to plan for the lower grades to go back sometime in October (2nd quarter). We had p/t conferences via zoom last week and both teachers are pleasantly surprised at well everyone is adjusting and taking it all in stride.
I just wanted to update those that are worried about going back/how it'll be, that if it's done "right", it can be ok. There's no one answer to what "right" is of course and I'm sure it's an ever changing situation, but there is hope for sure.
I wonder if the rising cases (in general, not just your district) are a result of school starting even if school is virtual, due to kids going to a variety of group care situations? We are mostly virtual in my area but lots of kids are going to either childcare for essential workers through the school or Y or pods or whatever.
So the second school ends here, those masks are taken off. I’ve also noticed quite a few students are zooming from each other’s houses, so I’m not sure how many of them are actually still taking this seriously.
Large groups of teenagers hang out in my elementary school playground after school (which is still remote but set to open this week) completely unmasked or masks under their chins, huddled together in groups. I think it must be some rebellious teenage act for them because there are not normally teenagers at this playground and there is nothing there for them. But this is part of the reason why I thought only elementary should go back in person and high school and possibly middle school stay remote. These kids go out on their own and purposefully do stupid shit just to rebel and I’m worried it’s going to be a disaster.
So the second school ends here, those masks are taken off. I’ve also noticed quite a few students are zooming from each other’s houses, so I’m not sure how many of them are actually still taking this seriously.
Large groups of teenagers hang out in my elementary school playground after school (which is still remote but set to open this week) completely unmasked or masks under their chins, huddled together in groups. I think it must be some rebellious teenage act for them because there are not normally teenagers at this playground and there is nothing there for them. But this is part of the reason why I thought only elementary should go back in person and high school and possibly middle school stay remote. These kids go out on their own and purposefully do stupid shit just to rebel and I’m worried it’s going to be a disaster.
Yes exactly. Our numbers are beginning to rise, although really slowly, but hopefully it’s just a blip. But as soon as we have to shut our windows, I think it’ll go up fairly consistently.
Post by irishbride2 on Sept 28, 2020 7:43:53 GMT -5
I'm still optimistic about our school. We've had one case and we handled it very well (in my opinion). But now that our stupid Governor has opened everything up, we shall see. Our local government is fighting back so hopefully, our mask order stays in place.
Post by Velar Fricative on Sept 28, 2020 7:56:56 GMT -5
DD1's classroom building's emergency repairs are done. She could report on-site starting on Thursday but because of the rotational hybrid scheduling, her cohort's first day back won't be until next Tuesday.
The city is a mess. The principal's union is now trying to get NYC public schools under state control. The teacher's union is not making the same demands. Also, several neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens are seeing ~5% positivity rates despite the city overall still hovering around 1%. De Blasio said schools would close if the entire city reached 3%.
Per jlt19's response, I can't remember exactly where I saw it over the weekend, but basically public health officials are actually less concerned about transmission in places like schools. Why? Because schools and other institutions have formalized protocols and procedures in place (obviously there are exceptions). Where they are most concerned are those casual encounters people have where people are more apt to let their guard down - family gatherings, play dates, etc.
In case people are wondering about large high school hybrid plans, here are two photos. One is one of our lunch seating areas, where students will be assigned a desk and monitored throughout lunch to make sure they don't move. Like prison. We have space for about 500 students, when 1000 are expected on campus each day. They are asking teachers to "host" the rest of the students during their duty free lunch.
The other is one of our locker bays. Looks super welcoming, no?
Hybrid is gonna be great though. Can't do group work, can't conference with students, kids have to face front and sit all period long, no drinks or snacks in class... no one will struggle at all, I'm sure.
In case people are wondering about large high school hybrid plans, here are two photos. One is one of our lunch seating areas, where students will be assigned a desk and monitored throughout lunch to make sure they don't move. Like prison. We have space for about 500 students, when 1000 are expected on campus each day. They are asking teachers to "host" the rest of the students during their duty free lunch.
The other is one of our locker bays. Looks super welcoming, no?
Hybrid is gonna be great though. Can't do group work, can't conference with students, kids have to face front and sit all period long, no drinks or snacks in class... no one will struggle at all, I'm sure.
In case people are wondering about large high school hybrid plans, here are two photos. One is one of our lunch seating areas, where students will be assigned a desk and monitored throughout lunch to make sure they don't move. Like prison. We have space for about 500 students, when 1000 are expected on campus each day. They are asking teachers to "host" the rest of the students during their duty free lunch.
The other is one of our locker bays. Looks super welcoming, no?
Hybrid is gonna be great though. Can't do group work, can't conference with students, kids have to face front and sit all period long, no drinks or snacks in class... no one will struggle at all, I'm sure.
I promise you it’s not that bad.
My own space won't be that bad, but it is absolutely heartbreaking for me to walk through the halls, knowing what is coming. I also think it's important for non-teachers to know that this is the reality of school. It's not even close to normal, and there are SO many people (not here) who don't understand this.
In case people are wondering about large high school hybrid plans, here are two photos. One is one of our lunch seating areas, where students will be assigned a desk and monitored throughout lunch to make sure they don't move. Like prison. We have space for about 500 students, when 1000 are expected on campus each day. They are asking teachers to "host" the rest of the students during their duty free lunch.
The other is one of our locker bays. Looks super welcoming, no?
Hybrid is gonna be great though. Can't do group work, can't conference with students, kids have to face front and sit all period long, no drinks or snacks in class... no one will struggle at all, I'm sure.
The hardest part is trying to not compare it to "normal." Yes compared to normal it SUCKS. It really does. The first 2-3 weeks were the worst because I was just sad that I was not teaching in a way that was pedagogically sound. However, at least for me, it has been so much better than when we were fully virtual. Even though it is much worse than normal, it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.
I'm also not trying to win the suffering olympics or anything, in case it sounds like I'm complaining. It's not that. I'm just bummed out. I've finally found a groove with the pacing and instruction with virtual, and I'm frustrated with having to change models again, and also add the layer of worry of health procedures.
I'm also not trying to win the suffering olympics or anything, in case it sounds like I'm complaining. It's not that. I'm just bummed out. I've finally found a groove with the pacing and instruction with virtual, and I'm frustrated with having to change models again, and also add the layer of worry of health procedures.
I'm not a teacher, but things in general do get easier with time. Back in march things were changing daily and weekly for us. Then, they would stabilize for a few weeks, then things would change again. But over time the ability to change and adapt really does feel "normal." Things are still changing. So it's definitely a challenging time, hang in there.
Post by fancynewbeesly on Sept 28, 2020 13:15:44 GMT -5
So our county has the highest cases in the state. Our state has a super low percentage (NJ), but our county is now the hot spot. We are virtual right now. However K-1 start school back (hybrid) in one week.
I truthfully don't see it lasting long. Right now the recommendation is if there are 2 unrelated positive cases in the same school, the school goes virtual for 2 weeks. 2-12th are supposed to start hybrid November 9. And our superintendent announced his retirement in September.
It hasn’t been that bad. It’s hard, and not pedagogically sound, but my kids (in person) are happy. They want to be in school and I have laughed more I. The last week than in the last month.
I can’t say that’s true for my remote kids. This hybrid is not working for them.
"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.”
My own space won't be that bad, but it is absolutely heartbreaking for me to walk through the halls, knowing what is coming. I also think it's important for non-teachers to know that this is the reality of school. It's not even close to normal, and there are SO many people (not here) who don't understand this.
You may be surprised at how much your classroom will start to feel like normal. My kids work in groups, they laugh and joke with each other, they answer questions, and honestly, it feels good to be back in the classroom. It’s so much better than virtual. My students are a thousand times happier being in school, even twice a week than being stuck at home.
You’ll never convince people of what teaching really is, you just won’t. And at this point in time, it’s not worth the heartbreak to try.
My own space won't be that bad, but it is absolutely heartbreaking for me to walk through the halls, knowing what is coming. I also think it's important for non-teachers to know that this is the reality of school. It's not even close to normal, and there are SO many people (not here) who don't understand this.
You may be surprised at how much your classroom will start to feel like normal. My kids work in groups, they laugh and joke with each other, they answer questions, and honestly, it feels good to be back in the classroom. It’s so much better than virtual. My students are a thousand times happier being in school, even twice a week than being stuck at home.
You’ll never convince people of what teaching really is, you just won’t. And at this point in time, it’s not worth the heartbreak to try.
"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.”
Post by RoxMonster on Sept 28, 2020 18:40:01 GMT -5
OK for something positive: I am actually enjoying remote learning for the most part.
Sure, it's not the same as being in the classroom, and that is obviously best. But I still get to hear the kids talk and discuss in breakout rooms, and I think this whole experience has made me a better teacher. I have learned so many new things in the last three months, it's kind of amazing. I've challenged myself and what I thought was possible for virtual learning. Since I only "see" them twice a week, I am forced to focus on the "need to know" and have streamlined the curriculum so we can go more in-depth on fewer things. I have found new ways to engage students - some things which I plan to use when we are back in person.
Our schedule has allowed us to actually participate in some best practices. I actually have time to plan and grade and meet 1:1 (virtually) with kids for enrichment and intervention. We have time to meet with our departments and other small teams within the faculty. I feel like I am part of a cohesive team for the first time possibly ever.
There are downsides to being remote, just like there are downsides to anything. But I wanted to shout out and focus on some of the positives that I hope stick around in some capacity even after we are back to normal.
Jalapeñomel, I'm so glad things are going okay for you! I know you were so nervous and had lots of doubts so it makes me truly happy to see that it's working out okay. I agree--even weird in person school is better than nothing. My kid is so happy and is thriving. I hope things continue to go well! Good luck to all of our teachers here getting ready to start in person.
RoxMonster, our boys are still LOVING virtual school! Both boys are thriving. They're loving the extra time to run and play and that helps them focus when it is time for school. My 4th grader is better about independent work and is motivated to do some additional learning. Their teachers are absolutely phenomenal. They have learned SO many different platforms in order to make school work. I have a 1st grader who is reading chapter books and can read all of the 1000 word list and is in a class with kids who are still working on letter recognition (stupid COVID), yet he is challenged and engaged!
I'm loving the additional time with them. My oldest has really gotten into making stop-motion videos and is getting really good at them. We can work them into different educational things later. (He's not great at summarizing things, so I'm thinking we will make "trailers" for movies on books that he reads.)
We found a new perk today. The 4th grade teacher was gone. Instead of having a sub to stumble their way through the day, she filmed a few lessons and assigned work for them to do. It wasn't as good as Zoom, but it was a great alternative.
I'm so stinking proud of our teachers. They are trailblazers for this virtual education stuff, and they're killing it! Learning every day, making changes on the fly, but I'm feeling reasonably confident that my kids will keep up with the core subjects. (I posted before about Science and SS, and they're working on those.)
Nothing is perfect. I did yell at my oldest today because it took him FOREVER to do the work from the teacher that should have taken about 2 hours, but it's a learning process. I expected him to just sit down and do it, forgetting that his biggest weakness right now is attention. Having all of those games right at your fingertips is just way too tempting. We still need to work on that.
Post by JayhawkGirl on Sept 28, 2020 19:08:35 GMT -5
Hybrid elementary here, first grade Chinese immersion students in fifth grade traditional student. We had a bumpy start, we have technology hit up Staley, but it’s all good. My kids go Monday and Tuesday in person, the whole class is virtual Wednesday, the other half is there a Thursday Friday well our kids are home doing at home learning. Three modes of learning and three modes of teaching is A lot. Our teachers, kids and parents are all superheroes. We set up a dedicated learning area in our basement, I let the kids decorate the walls on their sides as they wished. I do like having a place we go to and then we shut the door and we are done with it. School kind of took over the whole house last year.
My district is going back to a full in person elementary next week. It makes me nauseous to think about. My son’s class will have 26 students, their teacher, and two of the children have at least one para educator each with them at all times. So 26 kids and three or four adults at any time. Distancing won’t happen. They have added masks to recess after having to quarantine some students for exposure on the playground. Our young kids are handling safety steps wonderfully. Our fifth graders are more inclined to parrot anti-masking BS from home.
Jalapeñomel, I'm so glad things are going okay for you! I know you were so nervous and had lots of doubts so it makes me truly happy to see that it's working out okay. I agree--even weird in person school is better than nothing. My kid is so happy and is thriving. I hope things continue to go well! Good luck to all of our teachers here getting ready to start in person.
My schedule is exhausting, teaching all day long Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but I can’t change it. I’ve decided not to wallow it in, because the only person I’m making miserable is me.
Post by cherryvalance on Sept 28, 2020 20:47:23 GMT -5
RoxMonster, same here! I was really touched that a bunch of parents sent amazing emails to the principal about our virtual BTS night and our classes (she then passed them on to us). They've been really happy with how we've jumped into virtual learning, and a few mentioned how we've assuaged their concerns.
We meet daily, from 8-1, with enrichment and remediation in the afternoon. My students have been great about participating and genuinely trying. I really love having the afternoons to meet with small groups or plan (for the first time, we're allowed to manage our own time). Two of my classes are senior electives with kids I taught last year and we are having a great time; it's not much different from being together physically since we know each other well.
Post by Velar Fricative on Sept 29, 2020 10:13:14 GMT -5
It's obviously not in school, but Jalapeñomel's post reminded me. When my staff (and I) started reporting back to work, we thought for sure it would be lonely and isolated because of the distancing. But, we realized quickly that people *can* still socialize - you're just a little further apart and wearing masks. They love being back around people even if they were anxious before returning.
Post by Velar Fricative on Sept 29, 2020 10:16:28 GMT -5
Also, to keep my spirits up, I think I need to leave the parents FB group for DD1's school. They are complaining about eeeeeeeeverything. One is still on the page and bragging about his kid's Catholic school, the others are questioning why the kids have these breaks, one believes her kid is ruined forever, etc. I'm resisting the urge to respond to anyone. I know it's hard for everyone, but these vocal people are miserable and I just can't deal. But they post a lot of updates too. Maybe I'll just stay in the classroom page which has less whining.
Post by Velar Fricative on Sept 29, 2020 10:45:32 GMT -5
Fuck. NYC's positivity rate has skyrocketed to 3.25%. It was 1.5% yesterday. Mostly caused by just a few communities in the city, so I'm not concerned for my own family right now since it can be contained, but if we see a 7-day rolling average of 3+% in the city, schools shut down automatically.
Fuck. NYC's positivity rate has skyrocketed to 3.25%. It was 1.5% yesterday. Mostly caused by just a few communities in the city, so I'm not concerned for my own family right now since it can be contained, but if we see a 7-day rolling average of 3+% in the city, schools shut down automatically.
I thought schools just couldn’t open at 3% and that the shut down rate was higher?
Well, Iowa just decided to go rogue on what is considered a “close contact”, and that solidifies that we will stay virtual for the year, I think. (Barring any new medical research that actually supports the change.) They had been quarantining any student that was within 6’ of a positive person for 15 min or longer. The new guidelines are that as long as everyone is wearing a mask, no one will be considered a close contact, regardless of space or duration.
I don’t know if that means they’ll no longer push social distancing in schools or not, but I’m SO thankful that our experience with virtual has been so good so far! My oldest even had his first extra meeting today for a “Reading Strength Group” (the new name for subject-specific Talented & Gifted).
I cannot believe our governor. She is beyond ridiculous! Our county is currently around 7% and some counties are 28%! I saw one graphic today that showed the state had a 36% increase in cases in the last week (I think that’s using the averages, but I’m not sure). It’s a MESS, and we’re failing miserably.
Fuck. NYC's positivity rate has skyrocketed to 3.25%. It was 1.5% yesterday. Mostly caused by just a few communities in the city, so I'm not concerned for my own family right now since it can be contained, but if we see a 7-day rolling average of 3+% in the city, schools shut down automatically.
I thought schools just couldn’t open at 3% and that the shut down rate was higher?
The shut down is triggered by a rolling average not a one day spike. If things fall tomorrow then schools are likely to remain open. However I would guess at day 6 days of similar rates would trigger a shut down give or take. If the spikes continue to grow would happen faster.
Fuck. NYC's positivity rate has skyrocketed to 3.25%. It was 1.5% yesterday. Mostly caused by just a few communities in the city, so I'm not concerned for my own family right now since it can be contained, but if we see a 7-day rolling average of 3+% in the city, schools shut down automatically.
Yeah was really hoping we'd be able to get a month or two of hybrid under our belts but I am skeptical. Since the outbreaks are tied to specific communities I hope outreach to both elected and community/religious leaders has the desired impact of reducing in person events and increasing mask usage and proper social distancing . There is a lot of distrust out there so I am not sure it will help.
Post by JayhawkGirl on Sept 29, 2020 18:22:56 GMT -5
Oh to see a jump to 3% being taken seriously...we are 12.3-12.7% and our districts are just deciding to throw away the health department gating criteria and make up their own that will let them attend.