Thread by @smartrestartaps

1/ It would be easy to call out some of the schools that have done little for #APSOutdoorLunch, because they have a "can't do" attitude. But today, we're going to call out some of the bright points. Hope to see more of the "can do" attitude across APS, like these examples:

2/ Kenmore 2020-21: Cafeteria staff noted that #APSOutdoorLunch has turned out to be more organized, more relaxed, quieter, less stressful, and less restricted for them and for students. Thanks @apskenmore for keeping our kids safe!

3/ Barcroft 2020-21: The community @BarcroftEagles came together to keep students safe: donated yoga mats, sit-upons, and stumps made #APSOutdoorLunch a fun part of the day last spring.

4/ Yorktown 2020-21: Thanks @yorktownhs for encouraging students to eat outside in the courtyard at tables, on steps, in the sun or shade. Hope to see all the kids enjoying #APSOutdoorLunch this year (and close the cafeteria because of #DeltaVariant. 😉)

5/ Campbell 2020-21: In spring, @campbellaps mastered the art of the simple #APSOutdoorLunch: no transporting, rearranging, or custom-built sanitizing outdoor spaces are required to add safety to students' day. Just go outside!

6/ Glebe 2020-21: Kids at @GlebeAPS went outside every day and took advantage of the boulder seating outside library, or just sat on towels. Parents at school made sure all kids have hats, gloves, and outer wear for when it's cool. Overhangs provided shelter in light rain.

7/ Jamestown 2020-21: Custodians put up and took down small canopies every day to provide shelter for #APSOutdoorLunch. And just moved desks outside for students to eat. (This year, will #PassOnThePlexi; know more now!) Also outdoor areas used extensively for music and preschool.

8/ The CCPTA, thanks to the leaders like @MaryKaderaAPS, is working to help our schools with staffing #APSOutdoorLunch. We need to do our part by signing up to volunteer with APS, even at schools other than where our children attend.

apsva.us/volunteers-par…

9/ Here are some great resources for planning #APSOutdoorLunch:

greenschoolyards.org/planning-meals

10/ Here's a cost estimator/planner for #APSOutdoorLunch equipment:

drive.google.com/file/d/1yMocDV…

11/ Here are some ideas about how to manage food waste for #APSOutdoorLunch:

greenschoolyards.org/managing-food-…

12/ And some ideas about how to set up hand sanitizing stations, staffing, physical distancing, and location planning for #APSOutdoorLunch:

greenschoolyards.org/meal-implement…

13/ Connect with people working on these issues in Arlington, at the Arlington Living Schoolyards Initiative:

facebook.com/ArlingtonLivin…

14/ Advice expert in our group who has been helping schools organize #APSOutdoorLunch is "keep it simple." For example: Students wash hands, go to the cafeteria to pick up a bagged lunch, take it outside to eat picnic style, throw it into a trash can, then run off to play.

15/ The risks of doing an activity like lunch with "old #COVID19" indoors is at least 19x greater. #Delta increases risks!! Outdoors, with some distance, is safer than indoors. Schools, let's make #APSOutdoorLunch happen, so we can #KeepSchoolsOpen. Take COVID-19 off the menu!

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