@NJWrestlingmom Maybe I’m pessimistic but I highly doubt any high school is going back to school. This first wave of the virus looks like it takes us through May and then it’s expected to come back.
I tend to agree…but then I hear the call for packed churches on Easter! LOL What a mess!!!
The worst is that we are distancing…and many are not. Stinks to have the kid stuck home while everyone snap chats their get togethers!!!
@NJWrestlingmom wow really!!?? Doesn’t NJ have an order from the governor? No one is going to church on Easter. Every scientist has said absolutely not. Just stick with the doctors and you’ll get the real story.
NJ does have an order, everything is closed except essential services. But when Trump spoke the other day, he said by Easter he planned to have everything open and churches to be packed. Mixed messages…
We’re heading down to get the rest of S17’s books from college today. He wanted to go back this weekend for the start of online classes next week, but after a near nervous breakdown by grandma, he’s agreed to stay home a bit longer! (the fact that his girlfriend and friends are all staying home also helped, I’m sure!)
@NJWrestlingmom Do NOT listen to the President. I may need to sign off if we get into this but he lies all of the time. We all know that, right? He’s saying Easter just like he said “oh there are 15 people who have the virus and it will be down to zero soon” in early February. There are no “mixed” messages - just the truth and then Trump’s “spin” and it’s dangerous.
Everyone needs to be reading the truth and not the political spin. For the sake of the country, I beg everyone to stick with the scientists.
@homerdog - wow; I’m surprised that your district agreed to keep on learning. I think my kids would be really deflated. They want the break.
@burghdad - I have a niece who is graduating from Alabama this May who went on the Presidential Scholarship. She had a great four years. It’s on our list for sure. We should have been touring it next week, but instead we’ll settle for some virtual experiences next week. :neutral:
@3kids2dogs I think teachers and kids are both benefiting from having class. There’s nothing to do otherwise. Nothing! And getting out a week early when this might let up a little bit made sense.
Well…some of those teachers probably have young kids, so they do have a lot to do! Still shocked that the teachers and their union agreed to no spring break!
@Mwfan1921 doesn’t getting out early sound better, though, than taking the week break?
Here’s some of the wording. There’s more but it’s about grades, etc. This explains their reasoning:
Based on the reasons below, and the feedback we have received from student, staff and parent/guardian leaders (Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee, Principal-Student Advisory Council, XX Central Parent-Teacher Organization, XX Central and XX South Boosters and the XX High School Teachers Association), we have decided to forgo the break in favor of extending our e-learning instructional days to include the week of March 30 and dismissing school for the year one week early (last day would be May 21 instead of May 28).
Limited Travel and Activity
Governor Prtizker’s stay at home order, which is scheduled to be in effect until at least April 7 (two days after the conclusion of our spring break), severely limits any form of travel or activity. Outside of conducting essential activities (e.g., going to the doctor, buying groceries, etc.), people are required to stay at home or at their place of residence. All places of “public amusement” (e.g., aquariums, zoos, museums, playgrounds, movie theaters, etc.) are closed, and all in-person dining service at restaurants has been suspended. In addition, all travel by “automobile, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, train, plane or public transit” that is not allowed under the order (i.e., essential travel and/or activities) is prohibited. Given these stringent parameters and tight restrictions, we believe our community would prefer exchanging this week for an extended summer break that could potentially offer more recreational options and opportunities.
Routine, Connectedness and a Greater Sense of Normalcy
A number of individuals have told us that e-learning is providing our students with a strong feeling of connectedness and sense of normalcy in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Based on the strict limitations imposed by the order, and the social and emotional challenges many people are dealing with under the current conditions, we believe the structure, routine and relational aspects of e-learning will be more beneficial for our students than a week of at-home confinement with very few outlets for managing stress and anxiety or options for engaging in self-care.
We recognize that some families may have plans to do at-home activities together during spring break. In those cases, any absence that is called in by a parent/guardian will be excused. However, any work that is missed will need to be made up.
We also realize there are a number of issues (e.g., grading e-learning assignments, status of events and activities such as prom, graduation and summer school, the need to make up the emergency days used on March 12 and 16, etc.) that may be impacted by this decision and/or the crisis in general. Below is additional information about these issues. Please note that this information may change if the governor chooses to extend the closure or the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides new guidance on how to administer remote learning.
There’s a college counselor website I follow quite a bit. They have talked to a number of AOs and are reporting that schools might be announcing if they are online for fall by their decision deadlines for this year’s seniors. So, schools are feeling pressure to make that decision by May 1 or June 1. Yikes.
I hope they do make those announcements before the May 1 deadline. That could make a difference in D20’s decision.
@amsunshine If you don’t hear, I would call each of your D20’s schools and flat out ask.
@NJWrestlingmom We took the ACT February 25- nothing yet. I hate that they force the kids to do the writing. We could have had our scores weeks ago without it. D21 emailed the school to ask, but they said they know nothing and aren’t there to get the test results anyway.
Would it be possible for you to share the blog you are following? I will likely end up calling the schools as well but it sounds like what you are following is informative. Thx!
@amsunshine sure. It’s Road2college. They have a bunch of brand new videos regarding the virus and its effects.
Why would any answer in May have any value? Colleges can’t predict the future any more than we can. Regardless of their intentions in May, if the virus flares in early August, they will close, and if it does not, they will open. Your guess is as good as theirs.
@jeneric WOW! That’s a long wait! College board finally updated with the message that her score is pending. Her friend has her score. The fact that there’s no rhyme or reason is what is so frustrating!
@homerdog I’m with you. My sarcasm doesn’t translate well! But not a discussion for this board! : )
@amsunshine sure. It’s Road2college. They have a bunch of brand new videos regarding the virus and its effects.
@roycroftmom oh gosh I agree. I do NOT want S19’s school deciding on fall in May. I think a lot of 2020 parents are flooding the AOs mailboxes asking the question about fall plans. Maybe some schools will be able to at least give a date when they will make that decision and/or be able to explain their back up plan if kids cannot be on campus.
Updates from my neck of the woods in North Texas…our school district has extended school closings to April 17th, but I’m fairly certain it will extend for the remainder of the school year. Official online school starts March 30th. Our district has taken a very holistic/slow approach to online instruction. They have not bombarded parents nor students with assignments and lessons yet. It’s kind of nice yet stressful at the same time. I’ve been keeping my boys busy with AP prep books and getting S21 to jump start college app essay writing.
I’ve purposefully been staying away from Network/Cable news channels and most social media because my anxiety was reaching an all time high…my husband, a pilot with UA, is safe from furlough for now but that could change in a blink of an eye…he has schedules to NYC/LaGaurdia next week and I’m terrified.