This is from Patch. Thanks to a reader for sending it. They covered the mayor's latest presser which I slept through. (This blog is an unpaid gig so I am entitled to not have to listen to de Blah Blah blather.)
"Schools will be opening in September," Mayor Bill de Blasio said, outlining plans for masks, staggered classes and other safety measures.
de Blasio stated that 75% of parents responded to a survey saying they wanted schools reopened. That was a push-poll if there ever was one but I digress. Back to Patch:
But returning to school requires public health measures to ensure it's safe, de Blasio said.
Each school will have a maximum number of students allowed in at a time for social distancing, de Blasio said. That means some schools likely will have staggered schedules, he said.
Inside schools, face coverings will be required and provided to students who don't have them, he said. There will be hand washing stations, hand sanitizer and regular "deep cleaning," he said.
Some schools will have staggered schedules? He should have said most schools.
We all predict the reality in buildings will not be anything like the plan.
Here is another not so bold prognostication: The Governor is going to say that it is his decision and not the Mayor's on reopening schools.
Update: Bloomberg has the story with reactions:
“We’re full steam ahead for September,” de Blasio said at a regular news briefing. The goal is to have “the maximum number of kids in our schools as we begin.”
De Blasio said he anticipates some schools will have enough space for all their students, even with the new guidelines. Those schools that can’t accommodate all their students will operate on a staggered schedule, which will be announced “well in advance,” he said.
The Governor's office predictably reacted:
After the mayor’s briefing, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s spokeswoman Dani Lever said the governor alone holds the authority to decide whether and when schools will reopen.
“All such decisions are made by state government and not local government,” Lever said in a statement. The state will consult the city’s parents, teachers, health officials and elected officials,” she said, without naming de Blasio. “But the governor has said any determination is premature at this point.”
Mulgrew's response:
“Schools will re-open in the fall -- even on a limited basis -- only when the safety of students, parents and staff is assured,” Mulgrew said in an email on Thursday.
Of course 75% of parents want schools to reopen. Who would want to take care of those kids all day long?
ReplyDeleteThe wording in the parent and teacher surveys were different. The latter broached the idea of going completely remote again.
ReplyDeleteI think this whole situation is going to be a complete repeat of March:
Mayor will insist on opening schools with a blended approach.
Cases of coronavirus rise over the summer, spread comes to NY.
Cuomo decides to keep schools remote, forces de Blasio's hand.
The DOE comes up with a cover story saying that they tried with the hybrid plans but it didn't work and the city has no money.
And that'll be that.
The governor's office all ready issued a statement that the city does not have the authority to reopen schools. Back to the de Blasio and Cuomo shit show.
ReplyDeleteThe chancellor needs to have his office in side a NYC school, walk around in the school constantly, and be in the classroom all day. If it would not be safe for him, then they need to stop with the BS.
Plans for dining indoors has been suspended indefinitely, theaters are closed til at least January, etc., yet schools will reopen? Nonsense.
ReplyDeleteAll the ills of society have been unleashed: food insecurity, over occupancy of dwellings, lack of properly funded medical services, stress, anxiety, depression, a population ill prepared to confront financial hardship, etc.
There are many that will be able to return to work with accommodations, but in a NYC public school building? Not a good idea. Deadly...
75% of parents surveyed wants their children to return to school. Seems like they want the babysitting service because they may feel pressured to return back to work.
Interesting how they said schools won't open until they are safe for staff and students to return, yet they are allowing teachers with certain conditions to be able to get a waiver to work at home, so technically they are not safe if the schools aren't safe for them.
ReplyDeleteStandby for a tidal wave of Phony doctor notes as teachers scramble for space on the remote learning gravy train
ReplyDeleteIt will not be safe. Cuomo, de Blasio, Carranza, TRUMP and Mulgrew need to have their offices and interact with the population in schools on a daily basis. Let's see how they like it. The 75% parents needs to be in schools as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's not safe!
Maybe a return to school could be traded for a better tier? This would unite the unions across titles and not cost the city/state money right now. It would also substantially improve the life of newer members.
ReplyDeleteDid the racist regular Trumpy supporter chime in yet about how the problem is too much testing and the virus will disappear?
ReplyDelete