Board Recommits To Remote-Only School

Seems like 76% of teachers in the NHPS system understand that remote learning for kids is trash.

This is a well-reasoned and thoughtful email. Thank you Dr. Tracey for your continued leadership despite the tumult going on around you!

The pandemic will be around for many years.

If schools can't reopen now, given the low levels of virus, they may never be able to reopen.

One of the pro-remote-only letters stated that virus levels must be at zero before schools can reopen. If that is the case, be prepared to wait 15 to 30 years before schools reopen. Privileged families may be able to keep their kids home, or with private tutors, for 15 years.

On the flip side, teachers, staff, and parents need resources to feel prepared. Teachers are off during the summer. So preparing may require a few weeks of extra training, additional deployment of resources, etc. Governor Lamont needs to give the districts what they need to make that happen as soon as possible. And if it's not possible, or if virus levels rise, open schools for grades K-3 only. Online education doesn't work at all for that group, and falling behind carries massive harms. Perhaps this was the intent of some of the people who voted to not have any classes in-person this month and next.

First impression is that the school system appears to finally be in very good hands under the leadership of Dr. Tracey. Safety should always come first. But it does seem to me that CT has done a good job and New Haven is in the position to ease back into regular learning through a hybrid model. I think this is especially true during the good weather with the option of holding outdoor classes. Even Fauci said that CT was in a good place for a careful school reopening.

Dr. Tracey has reached out to all constituencies in the district. I respect that she's open to supporting perhaps an unpopular position -- but as beaverhills points out -- there are a lot of loud voices out there. Dr. Tracey points out that often the "loud voices" aren't representative of the parents and families less familiar with participating in these discussions. Of course we're all concerned. Even in a single household, there are differing opinions. I'm not giving my opinion because I have no idea what the right thing to do is! Reading the papers, everyone's thoughts are bound to change minute by minute. But let's keep in mind those families who do not have the resources to keep their children at home.

New Haven teachers want to go back, but the figure presented by Dr. Tracey is misleading. Per the union-

AFT National's survey included a powerful statement indicating that 76% of teachers
surveyed want to return to the classroom BUT NOT UNTIL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS ARE PROPERLY ADDRESSED.

As shown at last week's BoE meeting, theses health and safety concerns have not yet been properly addressed nor planned for! They're not buying masks for teachers or students, no plans to monitor buses, no meaningful contact tracing, no information or training teachers on safety protocols, etc.

Also, we still know almost nothing about the long term effects of this virus in both those who are symptomatic & asymptomatic. So citing studies that show the fatality rate do little to ease my mind. This is a virus and will live in infected people much the way the chicken pox virus does- and we don't know if and how it will pop up later in life.

Thank you Dr. Tracey. I appreciate your ability to remain calm and competent during this time.

I agree that we are in the best position possible to go back to school now, not in November.

I appealed to the State Commissioner to deny the request of 100% remote, and I am optimistic that they will. I advise all other supporters of in person learning to email as well. Our voices should be heard.

I noticed that there was no plan for 4th or 8th graders in the hybrid plan presented to the Board of Education at the recent meeting. My concern as a grandparent of New Haven students and parent of New Haven teachers: if the planning is this sloppy how will they keep my family safe if they are required to go back to school?

Year after year, the "powers that be" of the district dilly-dally away July and August, making no decisions and moving on nothing, which means every year NHPS effectively starts two months behind. And one wonders why our kids are always behind?? And now, the same behavior with a deadly global pandemic. It's baffling. The Board saw an undercooked, dangerous plan and voted AGAINST it more than they voted FOR remote learning. One would hope the higher-ups would get to work planning for the most effective remote learning possible but no - more politicking, more dilly-dallying, leaving teachers and families in limbo and NO ONE preparing for remote OR hybrid learning. So now, no matter what happens, September will be a huge -- very very dangerous -- mess.

I forgot to add ... in the response I received from the State Commissioner's office, it was clearly stated the decision is that of the Superintendent. It makes no reference to local BOEs.

Frankly, I now want full in person just like Hartford and Bridgeport.

Flip-flop like a pancake! It's all about the dough! The hell with health and safety.

AFT poll said teachers want to go back IF IT IS SAFE. NHPS ARE NOT SAFE.

I feel like there is so much that hasn't been addressed about the logistics of making in person learning as safe as possible. I think if each school had the issues of ventilation, disinfection/sterilization methods and providing adequate cleaning supplies, and strategies for proper social distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment supplies addressed, then safe in person learning could be achieved for most.
I also feel that the remote learning need to be addressed to help both the teachers and the students get the most out of their lessons if they are unable to attend in person.
I had some suggestions for the necessary issues to be addressed in the other article about this topic in NHI.
Maybe the superintendent can have each principal meet remotely with their teachers and other school staff to work out the issues that need to be addressed for each individual school and the school staff make a list of the particular issues their school building needs to be addressed and suggestions the staff has for how to make it work?
Maybe as much as possible have elevated risk teachers needing to do remote teaching can be paired with elevated risk remote learning students to accommodate both groups? Have remote teachers produce remote lessons plans that the principal can review to make sure standards don't slip for remote teaching?
Have in person teachers live-streaming their in person classes to the remote learning students at the same time so each child is having a similar experience?
I'm sure with a lot of brainstorming and teamwork focused on how do we make this work as safely as we possibly can, and how do we reorganize our school's set up and our teaching to facilitate the safest, most positive and productive experience we possibly can, would make most people feel more comfortable with our current situation.

If we can just vote again until we get the results we want, may I please suggest the 2016 election for consideration? I don't think that everyone fully appreciated the ramifications of their votes.

>>> "The current health data does not justify a complete remote plan."

In some ways, the state government setting threshold values for determining school reopening policy is like deciding that the cutoff for a healthy weight is 10 pounds more than whatever you already weigh. They decide on the path they want to take and then set the cutoffs to justify it.

The state's threshold values are taken from this document by the Harvard Global Health Institute (https://tinyurl.com/yy33ow4d) which has nothing to do with school reopening.

In that white paper, the cutoff values are given as guides to public health interventions, not school reopenings. The yellow range 2 - 10 says nothing about in-person schooling. Instead, it says, "strategic choices must be made about which package of interventions to use for control." The orange range 11-25, which the governor's plan equates to hybrid schooling, says, "stay-at-home orders are advised, unless viral testing and contact tracing capacity are implementable at levels meeting surge indicator standards." That doesn't sound like a situation where hybrid schooling would be advisable.

In fact, the paper says "in contexts that have pursued mitigation rather than suppression, it will be hard to open schools, churches and other congregate contexts without experiencing outbreaks within those organizations."

Suppression (or containment) is an attempt to fully stamp out transmission of the virus. Mitigation is an attempt to moderate its effects, given that suppression is hopeless. Dr. Fauci told Connecticut that we have hope of containment.

The Harvard guide contains a level not included in the governor's plan: a rate below 1, where suppression is possible. Since CT's score of 2 is so close that suppression of the virus is almost within reach, shouldn't we be throwing all of our efforts at it instead of blithely accepting a second wave?

I deeply respect and appreciate Dr. Tracey. Yet I am not aware of data to support the claim that 76% of New Haven Public Schools teachers want to go back to school. I believe the survey referenced here reads as follows: "At this time, do you intend to return to provide in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year?" There were two possible responses: "1. With safety protocols in place OR 2. With a vaccine." 76% of teachers selected #1. This reply tells us who will return only with a vaccine. It doesn't tell us what teachers want or what safety protocols are acceptable to them.

Further: what of the preferences of paraprofessionals, custodial, cafeteria, administrators, and other staff? Some of these staff would be wiping runny notes, changing diapers and soiled clothing, cleaning vomit etc. What will help them feel safe and how much risk is reasonable for them? 

As to the parent survey: this was conducted months ago, before the release of detailed reopening plans. It was also not clearly worded. Based on what we have seen thus far, our family would change our preference.

Dr. Tracey again shows that she exemplifies the definition of the consummate educator and leader. HVN & NHPS are most fortunate to have her, and it is sad that so much time, resources, and educational value have been lost while political eyes were focused elsewhere. Do not be surprised if Dr. Tracy gets multiple offers from other cities.

As to what Dr. Cordona & Mr Lamont will approve, that is a moot point. AFT & CEA have already decided the teachers will not return until the schools are 'safe'....by their respective definitions of 'safe'.

Education in CT, and especially CT major cities, has not had an altruistic focus in 50 years...if it ever had so. It is no longer about education, rather, it is about union power.

The unions have abdicated. We should acknowledge that, change the laws that allow them, and especially in our distressed cities, allow local government to reconstitute educational systems into organizations that actually deliver the desired result of a well-rounded, 21st Century education for EVERY student that parents and tax payers have been clamoring for these last 50 years.

Give the Edu $$ directly to the parents and let them decide which schools to hire to educate their children.

Just tell me what the protocols are for, say, a Hillhouse or Cross hallway between class periods. How will social distancing be possible? How will you ensure that every student, teacher, and staff member has a mask and wears it (and wears it properly)? Does the ventilation system even work properly, and what kind of filters are in place? How will you ensure distancing and hygiene in the bathrooms? How will you keep the soap dispensers filled and on the wall? If a student has virus symptoms, how soon will you identify and notify every student, teacher, and staff member who has been in proximity to that student? How will you notify their families? How will you notify the sick student's bus driver and all the kids who were on that bus, and their families? Has anyone really, truly thought through these and many, many other questions?

Reopening at this point might be possible IF there were careful, well-thought-out plans in place and stringent enforcement. There aren't. I hope this huge experiment goes well, but I wouldn't want anyone I care about in that Petri dish.

Thank you so much to Dr Tracey for this. The NHPS Advocates group have largely created this situation, pushing hard for this sudden u-turn by the Board. They are seasoned local political actors and know how to whip up the emotions of high school teachers in particular. In some ways I can understand it; high school teachers are probably the group running the largest risks in this scenario, as teenagers tend to spread Covid like adults rather than like children (although the evidence is ambiguous even with teenagers). But it's also clear that this decision was not prompted by actual public health concerns. As Dr Tracey implies, a group saw a chance to politicize the issue, and they took it and ran with it. Our own local school principal has been harassed and abused both online and even in person, because she is in favor of a hybrid reopening rather than fully remote learning. And yet a majority of both teachers and parents want to go back. According to the public health threshold metrics released by the CDC, the American Federation of Teachers, and Connecticut's Department of Health (to name just a few), New Haven is well below the remote-only threshold. It's in fact even in the zone that would allow a full reopening and it's only because of Dr Tracey's caution that we're doing the hybrid option in New Haven. Perhaps we should stick with that rather than listen to those who can shout the loudest?

Hi again comments readers and moderators - I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a link to a petition that is relevant to the article? If yes, here it is: http://chng.it/kw2HB6RKVD

KayW4 Is correct about the NHPS Advocates group. They do harass teachers. They are professional organizers and do not speak for all families and teachers. I used to support them in the early days when they were focused on budgetary concerns and quality representation on the BOE. Not anymore, and I am not the only one. Too many hidden political agendas now.

At Jill the Pill. You are wrong that Harvard has not released guidelines for school reopenings. See this link: https://globalepidemics.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07 pandemic_resilient_schools_briefing_72020.pdf. The document states that any locale with case incidence less than 1 -- should open all schools fully as long as pandemic resilient practices are used at scale. . It goes on to state that in areas between 1 and 10 - which we are schools - should priortize reopening schools from lower to higher grades and follow practices to distance etc.

The state is not just picking and choosing guidelines for convenience. It is following public health authorities recommendation.

Moreover, I keep seeing that no life is worth any level of money. This is a wrong and false argument. Lives are worth some level of money since money can be used to save lives in other ways or improve them. If the district spent 1 billion dollars to save a single life we would be up in arms because that billion could have been used to help far more in the community.

If Hartford and Bridgeport can go to school we can. We are in danger of creating a lost generation or cohort of students. They will make less throughout their careers, have poorer health etc, all because we forced them to be educated on line. On line education, especially for younger students, is sub standard. Even schools that specialize in on line education provide lower quality. In spring what New Haven did was deschooling not education. This is what will happen again. Part of this is because teachers have not been properly trained and supported to offer quality on line courses. But, again, even if they were, the product would be inferior.

Listen to the professional - the superintendent. We pay her a lot of money to make decisions for the district. It is time for the BOE to stop micromanaging and allow leadership to actually lead.

KayW4, How can you say that it's "clear that this decision was not prompted by actual public health concerns" on the part of those advocating for a remote start? The group you seem to be talking about includes teachers, so you're actually insinuating that they'd rather make a political point than do the (already undercompensated) work they've gotten the degrees for and invested themselves in fully... so fully they find time to do their jobs well and participate in the public discourse around schooling far more frequently than, it seems, many weighing in so vehemently now. It's downright insulting to suggest what you're suggesting, and it's unnecessary. If you'd like to argue the evidence, go ahead; there is room for disagreement. But please don't speculate about the motives of others whose work you understand far less well than they do. It debases a discussion that is important to a lot of people, even if we may disagree on how to proceed.

Can someone post the questions to the survey? I remember that there were only two options Planning on returning or Not planning on returning (maybe something about a vaccine)...but there was NO GREY area for choice. I'd LIKE to plan on returning but know that there are inherent risks...and I'd like to return IF AND ONLY IF THE SCHOOL IS CDC COMPLIANT (and none of this "here's one mask for the whole year" bs).

I am confused about the process here. Does Dr. Tracey have to do all this on her own? Where are the principals in all this? And the teachers? Are they just waiting to hear the plan and reacting or is each unit getting creative and thinking about what will work for their local school? Why don't the high school principals and teachers say what they need to open safely given the broader guidelines for the district. The specific concerns are important, but instead of just cancelling school, why not try to address them and then have Dr. Tracey advocate for those or concur that for now some (but surely not all) schools may need to start remotely. If teachers want the district to supply PPE for all, then let's tell Hartford that is a condition for reopening. As a parent, I would appreciate more information from the schools we are enrolled in to hear about the specific plans there before making final decisions. Does it have to be all or nothing? The K kids can not learn remotely. So why not open for the younger ones only? 26 kids in a classroom is not acceptable, but 10 kid pods could work. Can we do that? The summer programs did. With all the schools closed, even scheduling 1 half day per week in person with the teachers would be beneficial. Tent the school yards. If 1 kid per seat on the bus and 300 bus monitors are needed then let's advocate for that. The plan outlined at the meeting included updated HVAC. Is it that people don't trust it will be done? The status quo of under funding that districts like New Haven have to deal with is egregious and I think we should use this process to lay out what we want in granular detail. Such as: new HVAC, windows that open, a tech support person full time for every school (maybe a team), full time nurse at every school, zoom webinar platforms (or whatever we will use), teaching online training modules, tents for outdoor spaces, etc. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Let's get imaginative! while staying safe.

I trust Dr. Tracey. She is in the lead. She is the professional. She is interested in the best outcome for all parties: students, teachers, staff, and families. Health concerns are one factor, yet - educational (and thus life chances) and monetary (what about not needed staff?) implications are others.

I firmly believe, that with a hybrid plan the health risks are manageable while a minimum of education is guaranteed. With complete homeschooling for many there will be no learning. There will be an achievement canyon opening. Is this what you want? Supporting the privileged? (The NYTimes on Sunday informed its readers about how to hire tutors!).

If the people that voted in favor of homeschooling (sine this is what remote learning effectively is) do not change their mind, I might propose furloughs of teachers, since there are enough online resources for free thanks to a vibrant homeschooling community in the US. My 2 highschoolers had a couple of subjects with only a weekly worksheet. Why pay any teacher for that kind of non-instruction?

Or since some of you (like Heather C.) always come with many, many questions: is there a guarantee that teachers are online "daily" = online schedule mirrors in-class instruction? Do students have to be present? Or just an avatar (which leads to a lack of engagement and participation). How do you get the 10 % of students back that were lost in spring? About 2 000 students went AWOL.

If Bridgeport and Hartford go back - why not New Haven?

Please write in support of Dr. Tracey to Commissioner Miguel Cardona and Gov. Lamont.

Dr. Tracey is usually a straight-shooter, so I'm incredibly disappointed that she mischaracterized the teachers' survey response. Please see Sarah Miller's comment for the two choices we were given. I replied that I'd go back with safety protocols in place. They aren't, so I'm not comfortable returning.

Please also note that last year, we did crisis learning. This year we will do remote learning if we aren't in the school buildings. Those are different. We learned so much last year, and while it was sadly through trial and error, that learning was real and significant. Most of us also spent time this summer learning how to be better distance learning educators. We're ready this time, because we know that even if we go back, there's likely to be another shut down at some point.

Further, I've started every school year of my career with promises that I'd have certain supplies, resources, or trainings, and those promises have rarely been fulfilled on time. As a teacher, I figure it out, since that's what teachers do. This time, though, there's no way around it. If my school's HVAC system isn't improved (please note that it's terrible, and I'm not confident it even can be improved), if the hand sanitizer isn't currently in the school (not "on order"), if there isn't a plan for the hallways and bathrooms (the only place students can wash their hands, yet an enclosed space with limited ventilation) that comes from someone more educated in epidemiology than the average principal, if there isn't a plan for the buses beyond "first on sits in the back and last on gets off first" (please explain how that works for a student picked up first on a route for multiple schools when that same student's school is the first drop off spot), if we haven't provided clear instructions about how to wear a mask for adults and students (I've seen far too many noses out), if we don't have child sized masks for the little ones, we simply AREN'T READY. But if we wait, we can do this right.

97000 children tested positive during the month of July. The science on the degree to which they are carriers is unsettled. Just sayin'

@NewHavenParent3 You asked:
Where are the principals in all this? And the teachers? Are they just waiting to hear the plan and reacting or is each unit getting creative and thinking about what will work for their local school?

Please know that a teacher/admin committee at FHS (and I'm sure we are a microcosm of the district) has had numerous meetings-several hours worth, with another one happening tomorrow- to be proactive, creative, and inventive in our efforts to prepare for our safe re-opening. We can plan for one-way hallways, socially distanced configurations of classrooms, student cohorts, minimal transitioning of classes, bathroom protocols, etc. What we cannot address are issues such as: being short staffed (we struggle to acquire substitutes on "good days"); lack of extra space to properly maintain distancing; inadequate ventilation and iffy A/C (and heat); funding for all "individual resources" for students (because, no sharing); staff's/students'/families' behaviors and levels of exposure outside of the building; etc.

So, as you can see, we are not disengaged and "just waiting to hear". We are all volunteering our time and efforts to do research, troubleshoot, and problem solve as best we can in order to plan for an "as yet undetermined plan" during this extremely stressful and ever-changing climate.

Teachers want to teach! We want to see our kids, their families, our colleagues, our community partners. We just want to be as safe as possible; and the number of variables that are beyond our control are daunting and alarming.

I just checked Khan Academy. Impressive. Free.

Remote learning for 10 weeks should be even better since the teachers are paid - shouldn't it? Accountability is needed. Not just for students. Also for teachers! (Our experience was a mixed bag: a few teachers were superb, others were trying, and a third group did the worksheet approach WITHOUT instruction or assigning Khan Academy WITHOUT instruction or any personal guidance ... while being paid).

Example for grade 3 - 5: https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/daily-schedule#3-5_1

>>> "You are wrong that Harvard has not released guidelines for school reopenings. "

Thank you, KNB. I had not found that document on their website. Did you read it, though? I very much appreciate their plan to prioritize getting younger grades into school safely spaced, even if it means not having older students in school at all. It also says "Invest in healthy buildings and healthy classrooms. In the absence of conditions for pandemic resilient teaching and learning spaces, schools continue with remote learning."

Their definition of pandemic-resilient includes "For all students, a healthy building with enhanced outdoor air ventilation and upgraded filtration is necessary, as are sanitation resources, hygiene practices, pandemic resilient bathrooms, physical and group distancing, and legibility of spaces (through signage and other spatial markers)." We lack many of those conditions.

And, as a member of NHPS Advocates, I can assure you we are interested in nothing but the health of our students, families, district staff individually, and of the community as a whole. What ulterior (politicall?) motive could we possibly have, I can't even imagine. There is nothing I want but for everyone to come out of this crisis alive and well.

Thank you so much to Dr. Tracy for trying to make classroom learning happen. Anything is better than nothing. I have some hope now.

Can someone post the email addresses for the people I should contact to express my thoughts?

I've never really spoken up about much or complained. This is the first time I've been really upset about education other than not being able to get my child reading help in the spring. My kids have good teachers who love my kids. Online in spring was really bad. We can't do that again and not for the whole pandemic. Maybe online is much better for older kids, I don't know. I just don't see how anyone is going to learn to read through the computer or worksheets. Tutoring worked well, but I paid by the hour and it was very expensive.

Who should I contact? I want to support the superintendent.

@NewHavenParent3, you sound like a great problem-solver. I would be comfortable with much of what you suggest, if we have the time and money to do it. It might take weeks to implement though, and no one should start until it's in place.

@ Claudia Bosch

"Accountability is needed." You're absolutely correct!! Accountability on all fronts! Parents must realize that even a hybrid model includes remote learning. Teachers need to plan engaging and rigorous lessons with necessary supports and meaningful feedback; parents must ensure that their child/ren are logging on and completing the lessons to the best of their abilities; administrators need to oversee the accountability. I taught grade 3 summer school this past July. I had 30 students on my roster. Of those 30: 15 "joined" my google classroom, approximately 8 (maybe 10) parents responded to my numerous correspondences and/or reached out for help; and 5 students consistently completed part/all of the daily assignments.

One of the ways that remote and in-person learning IS the same: Communication between school and home. I expressed concern for the disengaged students; and I would hope that if a parent was dissatisfied with my lessons, level of support, feedback, etc. they would reach out to me - or my administrator - so we could work together. Divisiveness is detrimental to all.

Ok, Let's also talk about testing for students and teachers and how about at LEAST taking temperatures on entry to school in the morning. Without those basics t's like sending everyone into a meatpacking plant.

@ThomMorris is absolutely correct: "Education in CT, and especially CT major cities, has not had an altruistic focus in 50 years…if it ever had so. It is no longer about education, rather, it is about union power."

Parents and students should remember this...that the teachers and specifically their union are the ones blocking even an attempt at return to school. Not the Superintendent, not the State, not the local health officials...the teachers union. Next time their is a union strike and the ratchet up the hyperbole about being "all about the students" remember the union has not once mentioned the students in these conversations. They have not spent any time planning to educate students online.

I realize the voices who don't want to go back and the union likely represent a minority, but those teachers need to speak up. One of my child's teachers has privately shared they don't mind going back because they worry about our kids, I have no clue if they share that in larger meetings. I wish more who feel that way would.

Updated infection rate just released for CT- .6% . NYC is opening up with the same rate. CT is open for all intents and purposes. Don't leave New Haven students behind.

It is helpful and reassuring to hear about FHS planning as example of what is happening all around the district at other local schools. And I get it that you know from experience that promised supports don't materialize. In that context, maybe holding out until all these safety components are delivered rather than just promised makes sense. I urge each school to get really specific about what they are working toward and communicate it to parents. Maybe the district advocates could develop a report card of best safety practices and have a committee of parents/teachers and staff rate their local school on how close to ready or not. Then as parents we could help you advocate for that. And can anything be done while we wait and advocate? If we are paying the bus contract regardless, let's require bus windows that open and consider using them during the remote phase for a much much smaller cohort of students to at least meet their teachers in these outdoor spaces in small learning groups. But also, lets think long term and big picture. Where do we want to be in 5 years? What steps can we take in this process to get us there? The political situation could change in November/January and 3-4x more funding for districts like New Haven could be in the table. Let's use this time to think and dream about how we can build back in a way that accentuates all that we do well and develops deeper expertise in areas that need it for the future. Outdoor teaching spaces will always be beneficial. Get the tents, let's create them. Small online virtual learning support pods with a dedicated advisor may always be useful. Dedicated Virtual study halls with 5 students learning pods and their school special Ed teacher for 30 minutes a day may really help kids with attention and dyslexia diagnoses stay connected and build community with similar learners. Gov. Lamont has an MBA, he took negotiations, give him the vision, the bucket list, and the timeline. Let's think big.

Thank you Dr. Tracey. I am one of your teachers and I am ready to go back. I want to go back. The union and the advocates are not speaking for me.

@ AK NH - who to contact to avoid homeschooling:
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona Commissioner of Education: [email protected]
Ned Lamont: Governor - I used the general email function via https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Contact/Mailing-Address-and-Phone-Numbers
(you might also try: [email protected])

@ Jill_the_Pill: The absence of parental engagement you mention is very sad. Am I surprised? No. This is New Haven. Some families do not speak English at home and the parents might be apprehensive, in others all adults are working many, many hours and do not have the time or energy to check in on their children. This split - on the one side parents with resources that are heavily involved, on the other parents with neither involvement or deep pockets will increase the differences of learning taking place. With hybrid schooling - at least some classroom interaction - I hope some of these discrepancies can be mitigated.

I heard from my daughter that hybrid schooling for Wilbur Cross would be 1 day a week. Is this sufficient? Better than nothing, and still low enough that mathematically about 300 children will be in a building that normally has more than 1500. This one day could be the anchor day that promotes and ensures a more engaged online learning for ALL during the other 4 days (please no more wellness days).

Why not complaining in spring? What if a teacher was really out of their comfort zone with no technological know-how? Then complaining is not helpful. Repercussions - maybe? The hope for a normal fall - for sure!

Sorry, I meant @ Kathy B.

Thank you Dr. Tracey for your wise and purposeful leadership.

Parents, Teachers—if you believe NHPS should offer the option of in-person learning, for families who wish to send their children in person this fall, please sign the petition below:

http://chng.it/z22cBn4QDv

The decision of the Board of Education is not final but needs the approval of the Governor. The Governor and the Commissioner of Education may take into account the opinions of a large number of public school parents who want in-person learning

@CatDude,

You're wrong. The teachers' union is blocking this return to school? Ha! Please provide any evidence that AFT Local 933 has done anything to Support the delay of in person learning. Please show me that evidence, please, enlighten the teachers who are part of that union. Because we do not even know their position. So dude.....

@claudiabosch as a former teacher of your kids who saw you as supportive, I'm shocked to hear you say that teachers should be furloughed. Accountability? Sure. Furloughed? Wow.

>>> "Updated infection rate just released for CT- .6% "

That is not the infection rate, it's the test positivity rate. That number says that the state is doing enough testing to trust its infection numbers, which stand at 505 cases for the week, about 72 a day or a rate of 2 new cases per day per 100,000 residents.

Dr. Tracey you are so ,so wrong. The federal courts are not holding trials; state courts also and their ability to socially distance is far better than any school. City Hall does not have their employees all back yet and many of them have their own offices what is your issue in putting children and teachers in harms way? You know that schools such as HILLHOUSE have severe air quality issues yet you don't seem to care. Are you afraid of the Mayor; who should also know better ; are you afraid of the Gov? He should also know better.

@Jill the Pill-You are right, I misspoke (or mistyped). Still a very good place to be.

Reading between the lines of the response I received from Dr, Cardona's office, I do not think the remote plan will be approved for the one outlier in the entire state.

@JustBlameTeachers-why are you shocked at the suggestion of furlough? Wake up. People from all different industries and professions have been furloughed, laid off, terminated because of this virus. Are teachers some sort of protected class? Essential health care providers have had their jobs impacted. Why not teachers? Fully remote absolutely should be looked at as an aoopotinity for personnel savings across the board, just at Dr. Tracey said. Can't have your cake and eat it too.

Many teachers may not share my viewpoint, but as an educator, I see myself as an essential worker. I've been to supermarkets (with under-paid employees) throughout this pandemic. Personally, I would feel like a hypocrite to say I'm don't want to go back. Everyone's situation is different, but I am ready to go back and think most kids are too.

So contract was ok'd pending signatures so Furloughs are not of anyone's worry anymore

Either reopen schools or close them for the rest of the year and start again next year

Remote learning does not work and there is no hope that it can be saved before a vaccine is available. No hope. It doesnt work with K - 12 kids. College aged students, who are paying for their classes and trying to learn the degree they chose, can do it, but not 5 to 16 year olds from diverse backgrounds and home financial situations. The poorer kids will suffer most. Realistically, most teachers are not prepared to teach remotely for a full day, week, month, or year. The learning gap will widen.

I have worked in several NHPS schools, and most can't handle the logistics of refilling soap dispensers or keeping the copiers running. Even if the district had a plan for opening schools that considered all the important details, I would be skeptical of their ability to pull it off.

@ThomM - Your shop-worn right -wing anti-union voucher scheme is a bust. Many studies have shown vouchers to be be little more than a thinly-veiled attack on unions and public schools by turning students/parents into consumers instead of citizens. Educate yourself and stop exploiting a public health crisis to exacerbate the already-obscene wealth gap.

I have a neighbor who teaches severely challenged Special Needs kids at Hillhouse and my wife teaches introductory ESL at New Haven Adult Education. Neither population can be effectively served on-line. The Board of Ed. needs to do more to address the safety concerns of parents, teachers, and staff. But waiting until there is a widely available vaccine before in-classes resume is not a plausible option.

Dear NHPS Refugee: You are right on the mark about the simplest of functions in NHPS. I imagine that cities like Bridgeport and Hartford are in the same shape but they don't care.

SINCE WHEN DOES NHPS HAVE TO COPY OTHER DISTRICTS? IS THIS DEMOCRACY IF WE CAN'T PLOT OUR OWN COURSE FOR OUR OWN CITY AND OUR OWN STUDENTS??

Al lot of you have stated in the past well if sports can be played than why can't we all go back to in person learning but here is the kicker the CIAC will be moving it's HS sports to the late winter and football to the Spring. So that is a sure sign that people really want to play it safe here. If you watched the BOE meeting they said they could switch back to the hybrid learning model pretty quick once the protocols are in place and we get a glimpse of how CT is doing in regards to Covid 19.

timshortty- Thanks for addressing the hypocrisy. That is what makes this all so very hard to take. After so many years as an NHpS family, you get to know a lot of teachers and staff. We see you at the stores, restaurants and your vacation postings. We see the big graduation parties you held and attended.
I know so many teachers that see it as entirely safe to send their own kids to school to privates, parochial and neighboring towns, but are so vocal about their own safety.
The scales have fallen from my eyes, for sure.

@JustBlameTeachers - I wrote might and possibility with regards to furloughs (which is off the table due to the contract). Why?

Based on our experience of this spring, some teachers did not teach. The only thing these people did was posting worksheets or links to Khan academy. Both of these actions are not teaching. Yet, these people got their full pay. Pay for what?

If you - I do not know who you are - did much more, I guess that you are aware of these low performers among your colleagues. As I mentioned before, some teachers were superb. I mean AMAZING. Other teachers really tried (which is appreciated too). However, the people that relied/and will rely only on worksheets should face consequences. Will be there any oversight?

@NHTeacherPE - As of now some fall sports are still supposed to start in late September. Soccer for example. Only CIAC FOOTBALL recommended changed. However:
"Officially, the CIAC football season is still set to begin with practices in cohorts of 15 beginning August 17 and with a kickoff of a six-to-eight game season set for Sept. 24." https://www.gametimect.com/ciac-football-committee-recommends-push-to-spring-2021-sources/

The CIAC committee has voted to push the football season to the spring which in turn will move all other sports. Once the football domino falls all will fall in line.

@timshortty,

While I respect your solidarity with essential workers, most schools in NHPS are not Hooker School. Thank you Jessica Light for clarifying that the 76% percent of teachers who want to return to school was under the condition that schools were safe. Most NHPS schools are not safe. Respectfully @ timshortty teaches at Hooker. A tiny little school with many resources, no transient students, no buses, highly educated parents and extremely competent leadership. Not quite Roberto Clemente or Barnard. Would you feel comfortable going back in person if you were transferred to Wilbur Cross? I agree that teachers should go back, but only when it is safe to do so

@ TFA2013
I am not looking to convince anyone of anything here, but...

BOE, Please commit to at least a hybrid plan for the fall. Last spring was a disaster and we're on track to repeat the experience. I'm flummoxed at your late decision which does not support the developmental, emotional, social, and mental health of children.

One minor case in point - when NH high school students are on Zoom, they are not allowed to have their cameras on. Which means the only person they can see is the teacher (and the teacher cannot see any of their students). Tell me how kids are going to bond, make connections, focus, etc.

how can economy even consider recovering if all the parents cant go to work because there isn't anything to do with the kids?? I love my kids more then the teachers and if im willing to send them to school you should be willing to do your job or you shouldn't have it. When exactly would you feel comfortable returning to school? what has to happen? I'm sure all the teachers beating the drum here have been to Walmart , home depot ect no problem , wearing a mask of course, so why cant you go teach?? masks work right? or don't they? cant have it both ways...I'm all for teachers being paid better so they actually care about their job but this isn't helping their cause at all , it is in fact hurting it very badly. If you wont go to work and teach why do I need to pay your salary? why can the person at stop and shop go to work and serve YOU and have 100's of random people 2 feet away from them everyday for minimal pay? you should be ashamed of yourselves its pitiful find another career it will never be safe enough for YOU.

I like what the the Black Coalition Against COVID has put on the table On School Reopening.

Guidance On School Reopening

July 23rd, We at the Black Coalition Against COVID (BCAC) understand that every community in our nation is struggling with the questions of whether, when and how to reopen school buildings. There are no easy answers. The physicians and health experts associated with the BCAC offer the following information to assist in the inclusive and collaborative conversations between parents, teachers, and policy makers as, together, they make the critical decisions relevant to the students in the District of Columbia.

Teachers! We all know that we have a tough job and that the vast majority of us work very, very hard for a pittance! And, if it were so easy, everyone would become a teacher.

Parents- your utter disrespect is disgusting. You, who can't find the time to attend an orientation (usually many times available or personalized exclusively for your BUSY schedule), return a teacher's phone call or message, sign or at least read a progress report, instill a modicum of respect in your children--be it to obey the school's uniform or phone policy, dumping of a morning breakfast on the floor, rampant vandalism of school property- or sadly, even flushing a toilet just to name a few items....and of course absolutely no consequences because if there were, the next step is playing the race card! BORING!
Maybe YOU should be furloughed from your job of being a parent?
Your kids bring in all this DISRESPECT and where did they learn it from? YOU! You want to play the blame game? Take a good, long look in the mirror!
It may "take a village" but in most places, those villagers include parents!

After reading Iline Tracey's plea to the Board where she's talking about $$$, I am just wondering how much her team's raises would amount to in terms of PPE? Tracey, who is so "Kids First" , should have offered NOT to accept her $25K as a gesture of good faith. Not on your life!
Seems like DOWNTOWN had an awful lot of free time since March to safely plan for a re-opening.
Maybe they should have left it up to the teachers. We would have done a better job.

The parents that represented hooker last night are an embarrassment to the school. They don't represent the 85% of families that believe our children need to be in school in the beginning of the year. You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

@concerned2020
People at stop n shop have plexiglass and PPE. We have been told by our Principals we are not getting that. People at Stop n Shop and Home Depot have AC and proper ventilation. We don't. People at Stop and Shop got hazard pay and Teachers just got a pay freeze on meager raises which were agreed to 3 years ago yet paras and administration got their raises. Be careful what you wish for because Home Depot, Stop n Shop, and Mc Donald's are looking like better options for teachers right now. And it's horrible for someone to bash people who not only advocate for your children but literally spend their own money on supplies that many New Haven parents don't provide.

@timshortty Thanks for speaking up and being fearless. This is all about education and it doesn't matter if your a poor brown kid or a rich white one. Every child in new haven deserves the same opportunity. You're a good example of the best that hooker has to offer.

@ TFA2013

Nothing will ever be safe enough for the teacher you mentioned. She publicly resisted online distant learning And is now advocating for the schools not to open. Teachers like her just don't want to teach in this environment. It's that simple.

Sad but true that many if not most commenters at the BOA meeting last night were Hooker parents, even though the district has 44 schools. I happen to agree with the few who argued for in-person, given the current near-zero infection rate in our county, at least for as long as it stays that way. Either way, it's a shame that parents from more of the district's schools did not make themselves heard. Perhaps they would agree with the Hooker parents who are speaking out, not for more options for the district's families, but for fewer--namely for one, which is none (because of course no family is forced to send their child). Or perhaps they are just too harried or busy to weigh in. As a commenter near the top noted, this virus might be around for years. If that happens, will these parents keep arguing against anyone in the district being able to go to school? How have European and Asian nations restarted school without a bloodbath? People are talking about HVAC systems or not enough plexiglass on the first day. With the infection rate we have currently, those are virtually irrelevant, because no one can catch the virus if no one's bringing it. This opportunity window won't stay open forever. To compare any New Haven County school right now with a meatpacking plant, or Georgia, or even Rhode Island, is hyperbolic, if not hysterical. We will never move forward if every decision we make has to be based on a Jenga tower of worst-case interpretations and assumptions.

Who knows what the best plan is? All the posters make good points --in any case by October 1st all of our schools throughout the state will be closed due to a large number of Covid cases--it is imbecilic to think otherwise--our BOE just had the sense not to be a part of an experiment which is doomed---mark my words and lets see where we are on October 1st---every teacher I know would prefer to be in school with their students (this online teaching is way more difficult)--hopefully I am wrong and we can figure out a way to get this done for the betterment of all--Tom Burns

"The Board of Education voted to stick with a plan to resume schools remotely in September — while beginning work on a checklist of state actions that could convince it to reopen the doors." While beginning work on...? What the heck has the BOE been working on for the past 4 months?

Every parent of a New Haven Public School student should go back and read the hate filled comments from Elea. That's what a teacher thinks of you and your family.
Elea- Do you understand that there is a huge contingent of working families who are not allowed a voice at the table. Wow.

This will be a devastating state for impoverished single parent households if schools don't resume. This one-sided, irrational-fear approach has tunnel vision to other truly damaging effects.

Parents -- The decision to close the schools is not entirely final. This article does not capture additional discussion at the Board meeting that the Board and the Administration may seek a "compromise" on a hybrid plan. The state of CT has to approve any plan put forward by New Haven, and may not approve the remote-only school closure plan.

If you believe NHPS should offer the option of in-person learning, for families who wish to send their children in person this fall, please sign the petition below:

http://chng.it/z22cBn4QDv

The decision of the Board of Education is not final but needs the approval of the Governor. The Governor and the Commissioner of Education may take into account the opinions of a large number of public school parents who want in-person learning

NHTeacherPE: All CIAC fall sports, including football, will be played this fall.
https://www.gametimect.com/ciac-board-of-control-fall-sports-will-go-on-as-planned/?src=nhrhpcp&_ga=2.81288275.515834450.1597266921-589453876.1596562314

Stamford's plan overview:
https://www.stamfordpublicschools.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3841/f/uploads/sps_2020-2021_reopening_plan_08-10-2020.pdf
Branford's Plan:
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/853270/Reopening_Communication__4_-_August_12__2020.pdf

@1644 so you want me to post the link saying I won't get furloughed like you suggested before. That New Haven Teachers ok'd along with the BOE that we will not be fired or furloughed. So on the CIAC thing that the football committee voted 9-1 to play in the spring. How about if New Haven goes full remote the first marking period that unfortunately New Haven Athletes may not have a season because of remote learning. I will state again I want to go back but would ask for two weeks to make sure protocols and training is fully in order. I have a feeling that the health director in New Haven will say No Sports for the fall. This is unfair but to come at me when I all ready knew what the CIAC said is kind of childish. Unfortunately say late October , early November we all maybe home again with none of the above because people in this country can't abide by simple social distancing protocols and mask wearing. The proof is in the overall Covid numbers compared to other countries. If Colleges are postponing their seasons how do we expect high schools to play. Have you watched Hard Knocks with equipment being cleaned every play, daily testing, outdoor offices, separate built weight rooms for 15 at a time and this is done just to play a game at the highest level. Imagine kids who are 10-18 playing youth sports without a fraction of these protocols in place. Put hey thanks for heads up it was appreciated.

@NHPS family-What? The truth hurts? Too bad. It's all facts.
I'll invite you into school when it's safe. You can see for yourself. But you won't show up.
Look at all the hate mail directed at teachers. Oh , I forgot, that's okay for it is a one-way corridor for you. Well not quite.
You see, it still works both ways! Freedom of expression still exists here.
And just at what seat at what table are you complaining that you have no voice? Maybe you should actually make yourself present at one of the open- to -the -public meetings.. I am sure someone would give you the time of day.

A new peer-reviewed study from Australia indicates that the rate of in-school transmission of Covid-19, across age groups, is lower than the rate of transmission of other respiratory viruses.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2020/08/04/covid-19-study-confirms-low-transmission-in-educational-settings.html?tc=edm|sam-aug-2020|mc-university|||

NHTEACHERPE---- The new agreement says no furloughs or involuntary transfers for these 3 years. It DOES NOT say no terminations. That was never part of it.

elea-After 4 kids in 6 different NHPS schools, I can tell you that your "truth" exists only in your very angry and bitter mind. Thankfully, the teachers with the bad attitudes like you tend to weed themselves out. If you truthfully think that families you serve are all using a race card to excuse behavior, then go find a job in the suburbs. Bye now.

@newhavenfamily-Just listen to you! News flash-suburbs include a diversity of people.
"Go find a job in the suburbs" sounds rather racist to me. Again, instead of addressing the poor behaviors, attitudes, blame it all on someone else. Your 4 children in 6 different schools would perhaps benefit a slight bit. There still might be hope.

@CityYankee correct I was very tired when I wrote this but I don't plan on being fired and if my 18 years of service to New Haven is a precursor to my last 19 1/2 of service to New Haven than I should be good to go. Thank you for the correction.

Dear NHFamily & elea: So sorry to let you know that the sad race card game is played every day in NHPS and other places to cover for out of control students. Teachers are instructed to be "sensitive" to the diverse "cultural" behaviors that are racist and to "check their privilege".
Simple Ex. .. expecting kids to sit and not jump around is a cultural manifestation of the dominant white culture of America and should not be expected of others. So, standards of behavior and academic performance are "white" expectations and ,therefore, racist .
This is the most horrible disservice to students that I can imagine and will not serve them in their adult lives but those who claim to care the most are forcing this on them.

@1644 unfortunately the seasons still are in limbo based on this article.

https://www.wtnh.com/news/ct-dept-of-public-health-urges-very-cautious-approach-in-response-to-ciac-fall-sports-plan/

@CityYankee-I guess you are saying that my reality of what is going on regularly in NHPS is not a figment of my embittered imagination. Thank you ..I was beginning to think I was in the twilight zone.