My colleague Carolyn Weems and I have created an alternative proposal for VB Schools reopening (letter below). We disagree with the recommendation made by the Superintendent and have presented an alternative proposal to our Colleagues on the School Board. So far, one other Board member has signed on for support. This decision was reached after receiving expert medical opinions from local physicians as well as recommendations from the CDC and AAP. If you support our proposal, please e-mail the Board and let them know: vbcpsschoolboard@googlegroups.com A vote is scheduled for tomorrow evening. A group is also organizing a rally in support of choice, here is a link to their event: http://evite.me/JDJbdXGa84
20 Comments
Kendra Edwards
7/27/2020 09:18:13 am
This would be wonderful!!
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Flo Heilig
7/27/2020 10:49:00 am
I am very disappointed with the callus disregard for student and staff health.
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Aaron
7/28/2020 09:37:28 am
No one is forcing anyone to go out. So I fail to see how this would be a callous disregard for health and safety. I’ll tell you what a callous disregard for mental health and well-being is not providing parents the opportunity to make decisions that are in the best interests of their children. If you want to give into the fear of the pandemic just choose to stay at home.
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Philip Correia
7/27/2020 12:16:24 pm
This is NOT a plan. This is a position statement. "We believe" there will be fewer students, therefore social distancing will be possible is just not good enough.
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Summer
7/27/2020 12:34:01 pm
I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can have this choice. Thank you for signing this Carolyn Weems, Victoria Manning, and Laura Hughes.
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Heather Wade
7/27/2020 12:56:45 pm
What I find interesting is that you are using data from questions where there really wasn't a choice. For example, in the staff survey, it was worded "if we did this, would you..." Many of the questions for staff were put in a way that made us feel as if we were choosing between the decision and our career.
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Amanda Rimler
7/27/2020 02:30:56 pm
My child's ESY school was exposed to an infected staff member over the summer. Families and someother staff were not even notified of the possible exposure until two weeks had passed.
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Gina Pacheco-Forehand
7/27/2020 03:02:00 pm
As a parent of a rising sixth grader and rising ninth grader, I struggled with the questionnaire for a few reasons. The way I remember the survey, it stated the question like this: "If VBCPS goes face to face will you A: Send your student to school, B: Opt for virtual, C: leave VBCPS.
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Amy
7/27/2020 03:14:04 pm
Outstanding Vicky!! I think it’s a GREAT idea!! Let the parents decide what’s best for their own children!!
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Frances Richardson
7/27/2020 03:28:40 pm
I support Manning’s proposal 100%. Parents need to be have the choice between in person and virtual for their children. Teachers need to be provided medical grade PPE for in person the same as doctors, nurses, etc. Our children are our future.
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Courtney McReynolds
7/27/2020 04:51:47 pm
Your letter is beyond disturbing as it suggests that you are willfully misinformed on matters that are of paramount importance. Of course everyone wants schools to open. Unfortunately, VB is not in a position to do so safely. Furthermore, you've provided zero evidence to support your claims that 62% of parents and 75% of teachers support your position. Show us the proof. As one who has been monitoring this issue all summer long, I find it very difficult to believe. Furthermore, is it true that teachers were unable to respond to your questionnaire anonymously and therefore, without fear of reprisal? If so, said questionnaire is worthless.
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Allison
7/27/2020 06:06:50 pm
Courtney, I am literally cheering.
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Brandy
7/27/2020 08:04:21 pm
Which survey was this where 62% of parents prefer in-person learning? The only survey I saw, which was placed on Parent Portal - had absolutely no place to indicate preference.
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Aaron
7/28/2020 04:29:23 pm
Brandy, you nailed it. Only partial results, without the associated questions, have been posted on this blog. Similarly, teachers when asked if they would return to work under Scenario 1, had results of 84% saying they would return - but what other choice do they have? That number went up to 90% under scenario 2 and 92% under scenario 3 which actually indicates quite the opposite "preference".
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Kev Watson
7/27/2020 08:59:24 pm
What has the school system learned from the previous year with In regards to virtual learning? The experience we had as a parents were no good. I support having my child’ go back to school atleast 2 x a week.
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Michelle Mondichak
7/28/2020 03:51:25 am
Virtual is not an option for special need students.
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Jen
7/28/2020 04:50:31 am
This isn't a satisfactory plan. Further, I'm offended by the statement, "We also advocate for meaningful learning for those who choose that option." Was that necessary? How are teachers supposed to take that statement? Why wouldn't teachers provide meaningful learning in every situation? Just about everything you write has a caustic and condescending tone towards teachers and administrators.
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Tonya
7/28/2020 04:58:14 am
If you want your kids home, keep them there -- but that means keep them away from other kids who elect to play for sports teams, beach trips, social clubs, etc.
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jenniifer finger
7/28/2020 08:07:36 am
Our teachers are not babysitters. We all want normalcy and school for our kids but it is simply not feasible or safe for our community.
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Veronica Tisdale Wrubel, LPC
7/28/2020 11:08:21 am
Please consider both in school learning options with COVID safety parameters along with virtual learning for students. Many countries have been successful at this and many other states have this as their future plan for the upcoming school year.
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