Well, the world is certainly upside down right now, to say the least. We wear masks, can dine indoors at 25%, we know what RT stands for and watch its ebbs and flows and then there’s school. The debate of brick and mortar and virtual has been ongoing, especially in Deptford. It’s not safe, why are other schools back? You can most certainly see this discussion almost daily on social media.As a candidate for the school board, I feel I should weigh in and maybe give some insight.
There isn’t an easy answer, and as I stated at the last BOE meeting, I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision right now. Here is what I can say…. I have been back to school 5 days a week since the beginning of the school year.My district is hybrid and believe me the grass isn’t always greener. Hybrid is just as tough. I have my son fully virtual and my district has both hybrid and virtual students. I think my district has done an excellent job and my teachers are ROCKSTARS but it’s far from easy. It’s sometimes even a little scary. Since going back to school, I made the conscious decision to not visit my father in law because he had heart and lung issues and due to my exposure to hundreds of people a day, it wasn’t safe for me to be around him. Well, the day after the last frustrating BOE meeting he passed away. I am sad that I missed time with him I will never get back. So, I understand the staffs’ fear of returning. A recent article of research from Princeton University found children are super spreaders. It is really no joke. But should it be a choice? I have spoken to teachers that want to continue remotely and those that want to return; the opinions range just as the parents’ do. There is no say answer and we still haven’t gotten the definitive reason why we are staying remote. What we were told at the last meeting: rate of transmission is being watched, HVAC was a concern/discussion, CARES act can leave a teacher shortage. So, based on those reasons the BOE is firm with being virtual for the unforeseen future. (there has been chatter of a phased in opening in Oct/Nov but so far just a rumor)
So, let’s talk about what we can do as parents. We can hold the BOE and administration accountable to the one and only plan that has been shared with the community. We know that for many, what is happening now has a lot of room for improvement. What parents brought to the board were concerns for social emotional health, trauma based issues, lack of socialization, insufficient live instruction, inconsistency, and lack of communication and transparency. I rad through the district’s reopening plan AGAIN and even though it was based on hybrid, virtual only instruction is addressed. I have highlighted the points that seemed relevant to the concerns raised at the meeting and the district needs to be reminded of what seemed like a really good plan. The words stakeholders, engagement, social emotional learning, multi-tiered supports and communication is mentioned at great length and frequency. I have attached it to this post. If you have time, read through it and address it in your comments at the BOE meeting Tuesday.
What really concerns me most is the lack of communication and updates. I am also very disappointed in seeing that out of 4,000+ students there were 3 parents on the Return to School Committee. What’s worse is all 3 are actually teachers in the district! I understand they may be parents too but there were staff members selected and parents that are staff have different concerns and information. Why not choose parents that are not staff? I’m not digging that vibe at all. It really sends a message that parents are “outsiders”. Essentially, all stakeholders were not part of the decisions and conversation. Ugh.I promise, if elected, to make sure parents ARE a part of the process, always in all ways possible. Please read through the document and bring your concerns to the meeting on Tuesday, Oct.6 @ 6:30 in the high school cafeteria.
Stacy Gray For Board Of Education 