Are you sending your kids to school next month?

[mom2rtk]

As much of an independent, personal responsibility person that I am, I am a bit surprised at the dog eat dog viewpoint of schooling that has really come about (and speaking outside of the DIS just as much on the DIS).

Same here. It's been sort of eye opening. I guess we all care about all the kids. Until we don't.

 

[Lilsia]

You are offering a false choice; education or death. The data doesn't support this. Yes, cases are being reported in schools, but those cases are originating OUTSIDE the schools. Once the case is identified the students and teachers who POTENTIALLY were exposed are sent home and advised to get tested. This is the way it is supposed to work. There are cases where the schools are re-closed due to COMMUNITY spread, but again, you are just as safe in the school than you are outside of it. Safer in fact, because you can do contact tracing and isolate groups. You can't do that after a trip to the grocery store or the hardware store.

My DD7 is going back (private school, waiver) in 1/21 and we are ecstatic! It was a very easy decision to make. We only wish our public HS would follow suit.

You are acting as if the ONLY people that could be affected are students and teachers. I posted this already but you probably did not see it. I work part time at a grocery store doing online shopping. The week before Thanksgiving, one of the HS kids came into work not knowing at the time that he had covid. He got it from school. Well that led to a couple of other people at work getting sick. This kind of thing snowballs. How is OK for your kid to expose others to it because they are in a situation that can not be controlled. He could not control that fact that a kid went to school sick and he sat by him at lunch. We are all doing our best to try to minimize our exposure but you are putting your trust in a bunch teenagers to do the right thing.

 

[Lumpy1106]

You are acting as if the ONLY people that could be affected are students and teachers. I posted this already but you probably did not see it. I work part time at a grocery store doing online shopping. The week before Thanksgiving, one of the HS kids came into work not knowing at the time that he had covid. He got it from school. Well that led to a couple of other people at work getting sick. This kind of thing snowballs. How is OK for your kid to expose others to it because they are in a situation that can not be controlled. He could not control that fact that a kid went to school sick and he sat by him at lunch. We are all doing our best to try to minimize our exposure but you are putting your trust in a bunch teenagers to do the right thing.

First of all, how do you know he go if from school? He works with you - could have gotten it there. Or really anywhere else he could have gone. To assume he got it at school is a stretch.

But OK, say you are right. I would rather that kids was in a routine, going to school, then having the school quarantine him and all of his cohorts (which should be you too, BTW), then what is going on now. If he was in school there would at least be an attempt to maintain 6' distancing, hand washing etc. Sure it's inconvenient, but after 14 days everyone is back in school. Also, we would know who his cohorts are.

Right now, there is no such effort. let's say that kid plays club soccer. The school is closed, he's got time, but he can't play in CA, so the team heads to AZ to play - often times the same team they would have played in CA. That is happening and that is TEXTBOOK how COVID is spreading. The only youth I know that has gotten COVID got it that way, during a trip to play club lacrosse in UT.

I hear you though, he shouldn't be travelling to play sports, that's his fault. Well, OK, but right now everyone BUT him who is following the rules is essentially quarantining indefinitely with no end in sight. NO WONDER he is breaking the rules!

Which is just a long way of saying, you can either give people a semblance of normalcy and establish some safety protocols for them to follow, or you can lock everyone away and they will find some semblance of normalcy on their own - no rules. Your choice, or I guess in our case in CA, we don't get a choice. Look at the numbers; it's not working.

 

[VandVsmama]

First of all, how do you know he go if from school? He works with you - could have gotten it there. Or really anywhere else he could have gone. To assume he got it at school is a stretch.

But OK, say you are right. I would rather that kids was in a routine, going to school, then having the school quarantine him and all of his cohorts (which should be you too, BTW), then what is going on now. If he was in school there would at least be an attempt to maintain 6' distancing, hand washing etc. Sure it's inconvenient, but after 14 days everyone is back in school. Also, we would know who his cohorts are.

Right now, there is no such effort. let's say that kid plays club soccer. The school is closed, he's got time, but he can't play in CA, so the team heads to AZ to play - often times the same team they would have played in CA. That is happening and that is TEXTBOOK how COVID is spreading. The only youth I know that has gotten COVID got it that way, during a trip to play club lacrosse in UT.

I hear you though, he shouldn't be travelling to play sports, that's his fault. Well, OK, but right now everyone BUT him who is following the rules is essentially quarantining indefinitely with no end in sight. NO WONDER he is breaking the rules!

Which is just a long way of saying, you can either give people a semblance of normalcy and establish some safety protocols for them to follow, or you can lock everyone away and they will find some semblance of normalcy on their own - no rules. Your choice, or I guess in our case in CA, we don't get a choice. Look at the numbers; it's not working.

And when those CA youth soccer teams come here to AZ, I've seen the soccer players and their parents walking into restaurants....NOT WEARING A MASK! Drives me bananas. I just want to shout at them, "GO THE HECK HOME AND DON'T BRING YOUR COOTIES HERE IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW OUR RULES!"

</getting off soap box now>

 

[Lilsia]

First of all, how do you know he go if from school? He works with you - could have gotten it there. Or really anywhere else he could have gone. To assume he got it at school is a stretch.

But OK, say you are right. I would rather that kids was in a routine, going to school, then having the school quarantine him and all of his cohorts (which should be you too, BTW), then what is going on now. If he was in school there would at least be an attempt to maintain 6' distancing, hand washing etc. Sure it's inconvenient, but after 14 days everyone is back in school. Also, we would know who his cohorts are.

Right now, there is no such effort. let's say that kid plays club soccer. The school is closed, he's got time, but he can't play in CA, so the team heads to AZ to play - often times the same team they would have played in CA. That is happening and that is TEXTBOOK how COVID is spreading. The only youth I know that has gotten COVID got it that way, during a trip to play club lacrosse in UT.

I hear you though, he shouldn't be travelling to play sports, that's his fault. Well, OK, but right now everyone BUT him who is following the rules is essentially quarantining indefinitely with no end in sight. NO WONDER he is breaking the rules!

Which is just a long way of saying, you can either give people a semblance of normalcy and establish some safety protocols for them to follow, or you can lock everyone away and they will find some semblance of normalcy on their own - no rules. Your choice, or I guess in our case in CA, we don't get a choice. Look at the numbers; it's not working.

I know he got it at school because he told us. He only went to school and work and there was a kid that sat by him at lunch that had it. I can't take you seriously if you can excuse people for breaking the rules just to play sports.

 

[bcla]

Our schools have been out since March. All low income kids have been able to pick up free breakfast and lunch every day at the school closest to them.

I'm just looking over this after a search for any mention of school lunches. My kid's school district is doing a special program even though there are no in-person classes. In lieu of school lunches, anyone (regardless of income level) with a student under 18 in the district is eligible for a single box of food per student at several school locations. And they've got lots of it. I went for the first time just to save a little since expenses are tight for us right now. Our box had fresh produce, single-serve milk, dry pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, a bag of ketchup (I kid you not), and frozen/cooked meatballs. As far as I can tell, the stuff is somewhat random including a lot of donated items (the dry past was past its use by date, but I wouldn't worry about pasta) and really can feed a family of 4 for a couple of days given how much they include in each box. I just pulled up (had to have a mask on), they asked how many students, and then dropped the box in my open window, although the procedure I thought they were doing was dropped in an opened trunk. I was going to feel bad about it, but the car ahead of me was a fairly new BMW SUV.

They had this program over the summer, but I didn't quite understand how it worked. I thought that they would be asking a lot of questions, including name/student ID number. They didn't even care. I think someone off the street could have gone in without being quizzed on anything. It might have saved me a bit of cash and reduced my need to go shopping for groceries. I don't know what I'm going to do with that much ketchup though.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I know he got it at school because he told us. He only went to school and work and there was a kid that sat by him at lunch that had it. I can't take you seriously if you can excuse people for breaking the rules just to play sports.

Mind boggling and irresponsible. Our kids eat in their rooms NOT in the cafeteria.

 

[Kestryl]

I'm just looking over this after a search for any mention of school lunches. My kid's school district is doing a special program even though there are no in-person classes. In lieu of school lunches, anyone (regardless of income level) with a student under 18 in the district is eligible for a single box of food per student at several school locations. And they've got lots of it. I went for the first time just to save a little since expenses are tight for us right now. Our box had fresh produce, single-serve milk, dry pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, a bag of ketchup (I kid you not), and frozen/cooked meatballs. As far as I can tell, the stuff is somewhat random including a lot of donated items (the dry past was past its use by date, but I wouldn't worry about pasta) and really can feed a family of 4 for a couple of days given how much they include in each box. I just pulled up (had to have a mask on), they asked how many students, and then dropped the box in my open window, although the procedure I thought they were doing was dropped in an opened trunk. I was going to feel bad about it, but the car ahead of me was a fairly new BMW SUV.

They had this program over the summer, but I didn't quite understand how it worked. I thought that they would be asking a lot of questions, including name/student ID number. They didn't even care. I think someone off the street could have gone in without being quizzed on anything. It might have saved me a bit of cash and reduced my need to go shopping for groceries. I don't know what I'm going to do with that much ketchup though.

I’ve seen some really great and creative ways for meal distributions. My old district (as in where I went to school) drove the bus routes and dropped off meals to any kid who was there, regardless of income. I thought that was super neat- kept bus drivers employed, provided food to those who couldn’t get to school to pick it up, gave a check-in moment on the kids.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

And when those CA youth soccer teams come here to AZ, I've seen the soccer players and their parents walking into restaurants....NOT WEARING A MASK! Drives me bananas. I just want to shout at them, "GO THE HECK HOME AND DON'T BRING YOUR COOTIES HERE IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW OUR RULES!"

</getting off soap box now>

Well good news there - under the new sports order in CA, teams are not allowed competitions or to travel out of state for them until at least January 25th (with reevaluation on Jan 4th).

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I'm just looking over this after a search for any mention of school lunches. My kid's school district is doing a special program even though there are no in-person classes. In lieu of school lunches, anyone (regardless of income level) with a student under 18 in the district is eligible for a single box of food per student at several school locations. And they've got lots of it. I went for the first time just to save a little since expenses are tight for us right now. Our box had fresh produce, single-serve milk, dry pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, a bag of ketchup (I kid you not), and frozen/cooked meatballs. As far as I can tell, the stuff is somewhat random including a lot of donated items (the dry past was past its use by date, but I wouldn't worry about pasta) and really can feed a family of 4 for a couple of days given how much they include in each box. I just pulled up (had to have a mask on), they asked how many students, and then dropped the box in my open window, although the procedure I thought they were doing was dropped in an opened trunk. I was going to feel bad about it, but the car ahead of me was a fairly new BMW SUV.

They had this program over the summer, but I didn't quite understand how it worked. I thought that they would be asking a lot of questions, including name/student ID number. They didn't even care. I think someone off the street could have gone in without being quizzed on anything. It might have saved me a bit of cash and reduced my need to go shopping for groceries. I don't know what I'm going to do with that much ketchup though.

Our school district is doing something similar. Lunch (and maybe breakfast?) can be picked up 5 days a week, free of charge. I think now it’s for those at the school, but in the spring it was for any child under the age of 18.

And every Tuesday they do a food pantry, similar to what you describe and it is open to anybody in the community. They don’t ask for any information, income verification, etc. I know from their Twitter page, they often have boxes left over at the end of the distribution period, so they must get a ton.

 

[bcla]

I’ve seen some really great and creative ways for meal distributions. My old district (as in where I went to school) drove the bus routes and dropped off meals to any kid who was there, regardless of income. I thought that was super neat- kept bus drivers employed, provided food to those who couldn’t get to school to pick it up, gave a check-in moment on the kids.

I’m not sure if any school employees are doing this. I found out this from regular district emails and recorded phone calls. Some include a call for volunteers to help with distribution, so at least it’s some volunteers.

 

[bcla]

Our school district is doing something similar. Lunch (and maybe breakfast?) can be picked up 5 days a week, free of charge. I think now it’s for those at the school, but in the spring it was for any child under the age of 18.

And every Tuesday they do a food pantry, similar to what you describe and it is open to anybody in the community. They don’t ask for any information, income verification, etc. I know from their Twitter page, they often have boxes left over at the end of the distribution period, so they must get a ton.

The messages I get (sent to all parents in the district) include references to other food banks. I was shopping when I saw a long line for food distribution. I’ve also seen the lines at the Salvation Army. However, I have the feeling that those unfortunately run out.

 

[eMoneyBug]

Well good news there - under the new sports order in CA, teams are not allowed competitions or to travel out of state for them until at least January 25th (with reevaluation on Jan 4th).

govenator CA and team made this color coded chart which is impossible to allow for contact sports and Disneyland to open really, so while other states have relatively lower or same % of covid going on with WDW open or with HS and sports going on. CA mind as well wait until to the final 1/4 of the school year like 4/1 to open up.

 

[piglet1979]

Well, this is the hybrid model that our district is using so they can provide some in person instruction. There are 6 periods. Two cohorts of students who alternate days in person. So, Monday is "office hours day" where all students stay home. Tuesday is odd periods, cohort A. Cohort B does their independent study work that day. Then, on Wednesday they switch. Thursday is even periods, cohort A. Friday is cohort B in person, the other cohort does independent study. So, each class has 2 weekly meetings, but the second meeting on the independent day is just a short one to take attendance and then the home students log off and do independent work. There is no opportunity to ask questions on the at home day outside of the Monday office hours.

The only other option given to us was 100% distance learning via some virtual academy base in Florida, with teachers and a curriculum different than the one offered by our district.

Neither option is great, but my kid needs some in person opportunities.

I still think this is a failure on the school district. I would have chosen the same as you though.

In August our district said the if you choose the full remote that it was all going to be independent work or with a third party for 6-12th. Pk-5 would have teachers dedicated to on line students. Also since the school year started fully on line that our kids would start with live instruction with our district teachers and then get moved to being independent/3rd party. With lots of out cry (because this is not what the original plan was) the plan was changed. Now the kids (6-12th) kept the same teachers and schedules. The teachers live stream their classes. When the school opened to hybrid group A goes Monday and Wednesday to school and are online with a teacher Tuesday and Thursday. Then they switch. Friday was a day that students could reach out to teachers, have one on one help, teachers can do meetings with parents for various things. All kids had 1 class. It was 30 minutes with their team time teacher. This was just a check in to make sure kids were doing ok mentally and physically. The days that the students are home and the fully remote students (my kids) are logged on with their teacher for the whole class getting live instruction with their teacher.

Right now the school is back to fully remote because there were too many teachers that we either with COVID or quarantined. They didn't have enough subs or staff to continue with being in school. They has also gone to full instruction on Friday with their team time after their last class.

 

[sk!mom]

Move South. Wide open down here. Some mask wearing (Costco , etc), but public schools are completely open. We have a senior also. Our school district says they are following the science and that the death rate is less than with the flu, so they are OPEN. They email letters every time someone tests positive. Probably 2-3 people a week in a high school of 3000. No one hospitalized. They work for you. Make sure you tell them you want them open. We went to a school board meeting over the summer and told them to open the school. Most parents were saying the same thing. They didn’t have much of a choice. It’s completely ludicrous for schools to be remote. They are open face to face in Europe.

I'd be looking for a new school if mine followed such shaky science. And for the record, schools here are open. I've been teaching in person since August. Our biggest hurdle is subs. Due to no subs our high schools have been virtual on Fridays all month.

If people would do their own research, and it gets harder and harder to find the information, instead of listening to the insane media and many government officials who are trying to scare the lights out of people (I think so that they eventually get bailed out by the federal government for running their cities into the ground long before Covid), they would be comforted by the actual information.

Can I ask where you are doing this research, and what your qualifications are to make these broad statements?

 

[mom2rtk]

Our biggest hurdle is subs. Due to no subs our high schools have been virtual on Fridays all month.

Our local district sent out a notice that they are hiring college students learning remotely. If my daughter wasn't heading back to campus in a few weeks, she said she would have signed up.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Now people can make better choices for their families, thank goodness.

Caregivers can do it themselves
https://people.com/health/fda-approves-at-home-covid-19-test-without-a-prescription/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/22/well/family/coronavirus-symptoms-kids-children-long-hauler.html

 

[goodeats]

Well good news there - under the new sports order in CA, teams are not allowed competitions or to travel out of state for them until at least January 25th (with reevaluation on Jan 4th).

As if anyone actually listened to or enforced the order.

 

[Lilsia]

Mind boggling and irresponsible. Our kids eat in their rooms NOT in the cafeteria.

And that is really the issue. There is not enough space to distance these kids who are back in school. Nobody wants to get sick, but in these situations, it is going to happen. In my city, there are plenty of covid transmissions in schools, regardless of where the person first got it. My SIL gets the emails almost on a daily basis saying how many students and teachers are out with it. I think what people are saying here is they are fine with taking their chances. But the problem with that is, you are not just risking your kid or your family.

 

[lanejudy]

I work part time at a grocery store doing online shopping. The week before Thanksgiving, one of the HS kids came into work not knowing at the time that he had covid. He got it from school. Well that led to a couple of other people at work getting sick. This kind of thing snowballs. How is OK for your kid to expose others to it because they are in a situation that can not be controlled. He could not control that fact that a kid went to school sick and he sat by him at lunch. We are all doing our best to try to minimize our exposure but you are putting your trust in a bunch teenagers to do the right thing.

You are putting all blame on the school, and yet this person spread the virus at his place of work. Did he sit too close to a co-worker in the breakroom during dinner break or how did that spread occur? The work environment is apparently just as much "uncontrolled" as you claim the school environment. If his dad had been exposed at work and then unwittingly exposed the family, would you be so outraged at the student? Schools are not necessarily any bigger vectors for spreading the virus; many schools have figured out how to hold in-person classes safely. I'm sorry if your local school hasn't.