Thread by @smartrestartaps

1/ When faced w/ uncertainty in a crisis, assuming best outcome can be a mistake. As @dgurdasani1 noted: "It's not alarmist to be cautious. In the face of uncertainty, when the losses can be large, the best strategy is to reduce risk as far as possible."
threadreaderapp.com/thread/1384778…

2/ This is @APSVaSchoolBd's plan for fall: Normal. Full buses. Normal lunch. (Full cafeterias indoors?) APS hopes that CDC drops its 3' guidance so there won't be any distancing, even among unvaccinated younger kids. (Contingency is 3' distance.)

Or anyone can choose virtual.

3/ This is @FCPSSupt's plan: force most to in-person. Limit access to virtual accommodations. But have "large-scale" testing and purchase tents to take class activities outdoors — plan now to reduce risk until kids vaccinated. (Critics: not enough done.)

washingtonpost.com/local/educatio…

4/ Which approach is better?

APS needs to strengthen mitigation as % of kids vaccinated by fall is uncertain. Gotta prepare now, or they will not be ready — again. Whatever the CDC does, schools would be less risky with 3 ft., testing, moving lunch outdoors, and more clean air.

5/ But at least APS families have some choice about waiting until children and parents are vaccinated to send them back, unlike Fairfax families. Fairfax, however, seems like doing more preparations for fall in this news report than APS. Different mindset, faced with uncertainty.