OT: NJ schools can start the year virtually

[Mikemarc]

There isn’t ; and who’s going to enforce that ? You normally have like 8-10 lunch aids at best . They are going to keep 10-11 year olds contained in a certain area when they all want to run around and push and shove each other. This is what goes on at recess for this age group , especially the boys

well my town released their plan yesterday with recess option..so they feel it’s certainly possible to do so safely.

Whole thing is crazy .

 

[Shell21]

The student return rate to public schools for our private is under 2%. This is the same rate for all the elite Princeton area privates. Just doesn't happen much. The grass is greener over here.

You are using Princeton area privates as your barometer. There are plenty of other privates out there that probably don’t meet those standards .

 

[Shell21]

well my town released their plan yesterday with recess option..so they feel it’s certainly possible to do so safely.

Whole thing is crazy .

You guys are the only one I heard of doing recess then

 

[RuBird]

There isn’t ; and who’s going to enforce that ? You normally have like 8-10 lunch aids at best . They are going to keep 10-11 year olds contained in a certain area when they all want to run around and push and shove each other. This is what goes on at recess for this age group , especially the boys

I also worry about the mornings with these student. My school has grades 3-6. There will be 4 doors so each grade level will enter thru a different door. So far so good with trying to keep control. Here is the problem when it rains normally all our kids who get dropped off early go to the cafeteria. That is going to be a huge issue.

 

[tico brown]

Sports and camps have been going on in this state for over a month. We’ve somehow managed to stay alive. Schools have had months to come up with plans.

Trust me... Staff, teachers, students, parents really want to get back to school. But it's the admin on the 5th floor of central office who makes the big bucks with the big perks are the ones who have been half assing on preparing for the return. They're the reasons that everything is being done at the last minute and that the actual school staff, teachers, students, and parents are hesitant to go back. Hell, some basic custodian supplies like soap and paper towels havent been filled since April but they're expected to disinfect the schools by pulling bleach and sanitizer out their arses.

 

[Shell21]

I also worry about the mornings with these student. My school has grades 3-6. There will be 4 doors so each grade level will enter thru a different door. So far so good with trying to keep control. Here is the problem when it rains normally all our kids who get dropped off early go to the cafeteria. That is going to be a huge issue.

We are going to have a bunch of entrances too. We usually had 1 for security reasons ; now security takes a back seat to health .

 

[tico brown]

You guys are the only one I heard of doing recess then

Yeah... specials, gym, and lunch are in class.

 

[[email protected]]

Yet my good friend who works with ICU Covid patients everyday at work is sending all 3 of his kids back to school. I'm going to trust my good friends advice.

Father and son doctors die from Covid-19
Father and son physicians hospitalized on Father's day die weeks apart.

As I;ve mentioned several times on this board, a close relative is managing pharmaceutical trials, reviewing data / interfacing with a multi- hospital consortium :Her advice....follow the advice from Dr. Fauci!

Mo

 

[Mikemarc]

Father and son doctors die from Covid-19
Father and son physicians hospitalized on Father's day die weeks apart.

As I;ve mentioned several times on this board, a close relative is managing pharmaceutical trials, reviewing data / interfacing with a multi- hospital consortium :Her advice....follow the advice from Dr. Fauci!

Mo

My advice..let people do whatever the F they want. This is the beauty of America

 

[Shell21]

Just reason #4,598 to go private.

Our daughter's school:
5 days a week in person, live streaming of all classrooms with interactive sound enabled displays so those at home won't miss a thing. Can move between in person and at home as needed. It can easily and safely be done. All it takes is some common sense and leadership.

We are actually doing this in the PUBLIC school I teach in . 5 days a week up until lunch and all classes are streamed for those at home

 

[TdogRU]

Father and son doctors die from Covid-19
Father and son physicians hospitalized on Father's day die weeks apart.

As I;ve mentioned several times on this board, a close relative is managing pharmaceutical trials, reviewing data / interfacing with a multi- hospital consortium :Her advice....follow the advice from Dr. Fauci!

Mo

1 week ago Fauci said that schools can reopen with safeguards in areas that are not hot spots. I doubt NJ classifies as a hot spot.

People use southern states reopening schools with major outbreaks occuring statewide as evidence that schools shouldn’t be open. If I lived in Georgia or Texas I wouldn’t be sending my kids to school right now either. In NJ the schools should be open at least for young children as they are less contagious.

My wife went out to dinner with a few friends over a week ago. A couple elementary school teachers were there and basically stated that there was no way they would go back to the classroom this fall. They’re in their mid 30’s but they were too nervous about covid. After dinner one of the teachers was pushing everyone to go to the outdoor bars to get a bunch of drinks. Apparently bars are ok but schools are dangerous.

 

[vkj91]

Trust me... Staff, teachers, students, parents really want to get back to school. But it's the admin on the 5th floor of central office who makes the big bucks with the big perks are the ones who have been half assing on preparing for the return. They're the reasons that everything is being done at the last minute and that the actual school staff, teachers, students, and parents are hesitant to go back. Hell, some basic custodian supplies like soap and paper towels havent been filled since April but they're expected to disinfect the schools by pulling bleach and sanitizer out their arses.

Maybe teachers should vote in better leaders. Maybe they shouldn’t have allowed them to become so powerful.

 

[TGonzRU_rivals]

What about them? Sucks they shut down. But we are only talking about the few that did. Most schools that have already opened have not had to quarantine.

The point being that those schools had to shut down within days of re-opening. This will continue to happen so what are the alternatives when students and staff have to quarantine? This is the infamous Georgia hallway photo: This looks safe social distancing to anyone? Is it any wonder they had to shut down again?

 

[RUevolution36]

Out here in Tennessee the schools are opening. I hear very little complaints. The blue states are whiny and soft. Glad I’m out of that dump. TN is like NJ was in the 70s and 80s. I was proud to be from NJ back then

Another old curmudgeon...

 

[RUevolution36]

What about in economically depressed areas across the country where kids don't have internet access much less computers?

Since when did you start caring about the poor?

 

[TGonzRU_rivals]

Maybe the unions should have been on top of that instead of just saying can’t work. Too dangerous

The unions are not saying “can’t work.” They are saying make it safe so teachers and staff can safely work. What’s wrong with that? As a matter of fact, there was an A and B half-day hybrid schedule proposed initially but that was not going to work I suppose. Even if that went ahead, how would that solve the other issues? Students home at 12:30, off on days they’re not in school (2 days) and Wednesday’s everyone stays home for deep cleaning.

 

[vkj91]

The unions are not saying “can’t work.” They are saying make it safe so teachers and staff can safely work. What’s wrong with that? As a matter of fact, there was an A and B half-day hybrid schedule proposed initially but that was not going to work I suppose. Even if that went ahead, how would that solve the other issues? Students home at 12:30, off on days they’re not in school (2 days) and Wednesday’s everyone stays home for deep cleaning.[/QUOTE
The unions are saying things like it won’t be safe until the virus is irradiated. That’s not make it safe. That’s pie in the sky
We know how to make it safe, follow the guidelines and get to work. Teachers who are worried or unhealthy can be furloughed or do FLMA

The unions are saying things like it won’t be safe until the virus is irradiated. That’s not make it safe. That’s pie in the sky
We know how to make it safe, follow the guidelines and get to work. Teachers who are worried or unhealthy can be furloughed or do FLMA

 

[TGonzRU_rivals]

Trust me... Staff, teachers, students, parents really want to get back to school. But it's the admin on the 5th floor of central office who makes the big bucks with the big perks are the ones who have been half assing on preparing for the return. They're the reasons that everything is being done at the last minute and that the actual school staff, teachers, students, and parents are hesitant to go back. Hell, some basic custodian supplies like soap and paper towels havent been filled since April but they're expected to disinfect the schools by pulling bleach and sanitizer out their arses.

Yup. My wife has stated (pre COVID-19) custodial supplies were limited. Classrooms barely swept clean yet teachers are supposed to put their faith and trust in custodians who can barely provide hand soap and paper towels on a daily to deep clean and disinfect? Yea, right.

 

[Caliknight]

Since when did you start caring about the poor?

If you saw my donation levels and scholarship endowments, you’d know. How many poor minorities are you paying for to go to private school? I’ll bet $5,000, they number is zero.

 

[Caliknight]

Euro kids in places with worse rates than the US are back in school. Why are American liberals so against this?

 

[vkj91]

Yup. My wife has stated (pre COVID-19) custodial supplies were limited. Classrooms barely swept clean yet teachers are supposed to put their faith and trust in custodians who can barely provide hand soap and paper towels on a daily to deep clean and disinfect? Yea, right.

We don’t need deep cleans. This is the crap that they want that isn’t necessary. It doesn’t live on surfaces for long periods of time. You think all these stores and restaurants are “deep cleaning”. You need a spray bottle, an approved chemical, and a rag. That’s it. Want to be extra safe, have the school by a steamer. At my job we use chemicals, steamer, UV light wands, and Whole room UV lights. It’s all smoke and mirrors to make people feel comfortable. Once the surfaces are sprayed and wiped down you are good to go.

 

[RUevolution36]

If you saw my donation levels and scholarship endowments, you’d know. How many poor minorities are you paying for to go to private school? I’ll bet $5,000, they number is zero.

I don't believe in private schools, so you can take that $5000 and put it towards a scholarship. I do donate to several scholarship endowments at my alma mater, however.

 

[T2Kplus10]

I don't believe in private schools, so you can take that $5000 and put it towards a scholarship. I do donate to several scholarship endowments at my alma mater, however.

Very sad. You just want those kids in failing districts to suffer and be left behind. The reason why the US higher ed system is the envy of the world is competition. Our K-12 system is a joke due to lack of competition. Pass legit school choice and let parents decide what is best for their kids - public, charter, religious, private, or homeschooling.

#empowerparents

 

[RUevolution36]

Very sad. You just want those kids in failing districts to suffer and be left behind. The reason why the US higher ed system is the envy of the world is competition. Our K-12 system is a joke due to lack of competition. Pass legit school choice and let parents decide what is best for their kids - public, charter, religious, private, or homeschooling.

#empowerparents

Where did you get that idea?

 

[ArminRU]

If you saw my donation levels and scholarship endowments, you’d know. How many poor minorities are you paying for to go to private school? I’ll bet $5,000, they number is zero.

*your parents donation levels

 

[Caliknight]

I don't believe in private schools, so you can take that $5000 and put it towards a scholarship. I do donate to several scholarship endowments at my alma mater, however.

How much?

 

[Caliknight]

*your parents donation levels

I’ve done better then they ever did. The way it’s supposed to be. Still living off your parents huh?

 

[RUevolution36]

How much?

Enough to make a difference in kids lives.

 

[fsg2_rivals]

My advice..let people do whatever the F they want. This is the beauty of America

No it isn't. It's not even possible.

I thought you were smarter than that. Sad.

 

[[email protected]]

1 week ago Fauci said that schools can reopen with safeguards in areas that are not hot spots. I doubt NJ classifies as a hot spot.

People use southern states reopening schools with major outbreaks occuring statewide as evidence that schools shouldn’t be open. If I lived in Georgia or Texas I wouldn’t be sending my kids to school right now either. In NJ the schools should be open at least for young children as they are less contagious.

My wife went out to dinner with a few friends over a week ago. A couple elementary school teachers were there and basically stated that there was no way they would go back to the classroom this fall. They’re in their mid 30’s but they were too nervous about covid. After dinner one of the teachers was pushing everyone to go to the outdoor bars to get a bunch of drinks. Apparently bars are ok but schools are dangerous.

That's because some of the kids have hit their old man's bar before coming to school!:Wink:

MO

 

[Caliknight]

Enough to make a difference in kids lives.

Sounds like wishful thinking. Why aren’t you endowing at public colleges?

 

[RUevolution36]

Sounds like wishful thinking. Why aren’t you endowing at public colleges?

I am.

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

Euro kids in places with worse rates than the US are back in school. Why are American liberals so against this?

Sweden never closed and they are in ideal shape

 

[Mikemarc]

No it isn't. It's not even possible.

I thought you were smarter than that. Sad.

What’s not possible?

 

[jreinsdorf]

I can see both sides of the argument very clearly here. After working in oncology, telemetry and SICU I'm now an RN in a school for children with special needs (best decision I ever made btw). A lot went into getting in person education going again behind the scenes... a lot. My school was committed to buying the necessary PPE, flow of traffic and distancing signage, infrared thermometers etc. IMO the question is not "can a return to full time, in person school be done safely?" Absolutely it can. But does every school have the resources to do it? Being back in person (with the remote option taken by about a third of our families) has been a blessing so far. The challenges of taking temps on all staff and students upon entry was but one of many that had to be met. I recognize that we are unique with four RNs on staff though. I would not want to be in a typical public school as the only nurse for a thousand people. As for the day to day education and the many therapies (OT, PT, ST) we provide it gets done safely with PPE. Can every school do what we have done so far? I'm not sure how without a financial commitment. Can returning to school for in person teaching and providing hands on therapy be done safely ? Yes. And the kids are better for it.

 

[Sweet Pea's Corner]

Are you surrounded by 15 up to 23 people in one room in close quarters for 7-8 hours a day? How about pre-k teachers who work with young children who cough and sneeze on them a lot? How will these teachers social distance the students? What have schools done thus far to ensure the safety of staff and students besides providing hand sanitizer stations? Masks are not 100% virus-proof. Your 8 co-workers in a school setting would’ve sent the whole building into quarantine. Then what?

Young children have been sneezing and coughing in schools for years and years. There are alot of germs out there. Your body fights it. It's called an immune system. Unless you have been shut in since March it should work. Getting the virus is not an automatic death sentence.

 

[Knight Shift]

I can see both sides of the argument very clearly here. After working in oncology, telemetry and SICU I'm now an RN in a school for children with special needs (best decision I ever made btw). A lot went into getting in person education going again behind the scenes... a lot. My school was committed to buying the necessary PPE, flow of traffic and distancing signage, infrared thermometers etc. IMO the question is not "can a return to full time, in person school be done safely?" Absolutely it can. But does every school have the resources to do it? Being back in person (with the remote option taken by about a third of our families) has been a blessing so far. The challenges of taking temps on all staff and students upon entry was but one of many that had to be met. I recognize that we are unique with four RNs on staff though. I would not want to be in a typical public school as the only nurse for a thousand people. As for the day to day education and the many therapies (OT, PT, ST) we provide it gets done safely with PPE. Can every school do what we have done so far? I'm not sure how without a financial commitment. Can returning to school for in person teaching and providing hands on therapy be done safely ? Yes. And the kids are better for it.

Very thoughtful and informative post. The financial commitment issue is important. Wonder if parents of children pushing for in person instruction have been or are willing to step up in raising money for or donating PPE , hand sanitizer, wipes, etc. either directly through a PTO/PTA?

 

[RUDead]

I can see both sides of the argument very clearly here. After working in oncology, telemetry and SICU I'm now an RN in a school for children with special needs (best decision I ever made btw). A lot went into getting in person education going again behind the scenes... a lot. My school was committed to buying the necessary PPE, flow of traffic and distancing signage, infrared thermometers etc. IMO the question is not "can a return to full time, in person school be done safely?" Absolutely it can. But does every school have the resources to do it? Being back in person (with the remote option taken by about a third of our families) has been a blessing so far. The challenges of taking temps on all staff and students upon entry was but one of many that had to be met. I recognize that we are unique with four RNs on staff though. I would not want to be in a typical public school as the only nurse for a thousand people. As for the day to day education and the many therapies (OT, PT, ST) we provide it gets done safely with PPE. Can every school do what we have done so far? I'm not sure how without a financial commitment. Can returning to school for in person teaching and providing hands on therapy be done safely ? Yes. And the kids are better for it.

So the schools that can't afford to meet the guidelines will go online because they can't afford it. Those are probably the same districts where the kids don't have access to wifi so those kids are screwed either way. Great job by Murphy and the teacher's unions.

I heard of one district where 76% of the kids didn't have access to wifi in the spring and those kids did nothing for months.

 

[T2Kplus10]

Very thoughtful and informative post. The financial commitment issue is important. Wonder if parents of children pushing for in person instruction have been or are willing to step up in raising money for or donating PPE , hand sanitizer, wipes, etc. either directly through a PTO/PTA?

All provided by the school along with a million dollars in facility upgrades - HVAC, air filtration, outdoor air sources for every classroom, touchless doors in the hallways and bathrooms, creation of 10 outdoor classrooms, etc.

#goprivate

 

[T2Kplus10]

So the schools that can't afford to meet the guidelines will go online because they can't afford it. Those are probably the same districts where the kids don't have access to wifi so those kids are screwed either way. Great job by Murphy and the teacher's unions.

I heard of one district where 76% of the kids didn't have access to wifi in the spring and those kids did nothing for months.

Bingo. Good post.