Thread by @theHillisHome

The fact that @charlesallen has seen first-hand how unprepared DCPS facilities are for the start of school ON MONDAY but there is still no virtual option, no matter how much CMs try to advocate for it, makes you wonder where our priorities as a city are.

And it’s great that teachers are working so hard but that’s what teachers do! Construction should really not be happening so close to the start of school. @jessicasutterW6 mentions that there are tickets that have gone unhandled by @DCDGS

@jessicasutterW6 encourages parents to ask for clarity re: HVAC and A/C. Also, both may be working but schools may have hot spots due to the extremely hot summer.

People have been testifying in large numbers at SBOE hearings bc it’s convenient (I.e. virtual) and no they feel unheard. SBOE reps put forth 7 points in letter sent to mayor.
1. Virtual option
2. Attendance leniency
3. Leniency toward families/siblings
4. Extended testing

5. Extended vaccine mandate for 16+
6. Mental health support/funding
7. Outdoor learning/space options

SBOE put forth a reasonable ask to the Mayor on behalf of all those who testified, and there are some cases in which @charlesallen has been able to advocate, but sheer volume of families in need to help means that more needs to change

@jessicasutterW6 emphasizes need to stay positive and excited on behalf of the children as they head back to school.

@Sew20003M is speaking on behalf of @W6PSPO, a volunteer org for all schools from W6. Anyone is welcome to attend 1x meetings.

Parents are concerned about repercussions of keeping children home. Other municipalities (e.g. PG) acknowledge problems, but our own gov refuses to acknowledge and it’s worrisome.

Families need more flexibility in cases where there may be immunocompromised members or other cases where members may be more vulnerable.

The hot topic: It’s hard to socially distance in a cafeteria — and that’s where masks come off. @Sew20003M says many families are upset at lack of outdoor lunch, but it is possible.

(If we can do a streatery, we can certainly do an outdoor lunch!)

Next panelist is Shannon Hodge of @DC_Charters to answer charter-focused questions, such as how they are working together. All charters respond to same @_DCHealth guidelines and are collaborating as much as possible

Re: asymptomatic testing at schools and charter differences
Encouraging parents to ask about policy but generally testing is based on a percentage of population, though some schools are testing everyone every week— depending on schools’ ability to pay for testing.

Charter schools were approved for some virtual programming but prog. could not be a response to the pandemic. There is a handful of schools currently offering virtual programming and insuring quality education, have to report to @dcpcsb

Q&A period is opening right now.
First question is re: @DDOTDC and Streateries (hey!! hive mind!)

@charlesallen thinks it’s a great idea and will follow up

Q: why school tours only happening so close to the end of school?
A: constantly talking to schools but visibility increases as crunch time comes around

Q: concerned for kids who have to travel outside are
A: latest guidance is encouraged but not required to quarantine but CA will check with staff to make sure to share most recent guideline

(Not tweeting all questions at this point— sorry)