Discussion: K-12

So much harder when school = childcare for so many. I do not envy the policy-makers. Much easier decision for higher ed, although our undergrads are totally freaked out right now about having to leave campus.

Ya it definitely is harder when you have to think about childcare, although it seems like cancelling school has worked well as a preventative measure in other countries. Not that my school district will listen to that.
There seems to be a lot of stress for undergrads that are getting kicked off of campus everywhere. Can't say I blame them. It's quite scary, especially when you don't have a planned way to get home.

Yeah, I’m wondering how much will change as a result of this experience. We may all soon have a different perspective. Sigh.
Is the relaxed restriction on attendance helpful for you? Or not if you’re thinking about graduation? We’ve got kids pulled out in our district for health concerns, no idea how it will affect them, though.

We haven't had any information about relaxed restrictions, we've pretty much just been told: "The Arlington Schools will be open" and not much else...

Wow. I guess our superintendent is communicating effectively, then. With a mom who teaches, I’m guessing you’re aware of the state’s role in setting seat-hours and days in school requirements. Absences are at least tracked, if not part of graduation requirements - I know they’re part of school ratings that the commonwealth uses to determine failing/succeeding schools, not sure on impact on individual students. Anyway, Gov Baker announced that schools would run no later than June 30th, attendance and 180-day requirements were waived for this year.

In theory, that frees districts to allow families choice in sending kids to school (although with potential negative effects on completing work to graduate). It also allows the district to try other methods, like online instruction, or sending home books and work and submitting digitally. Our district called an emergency half day Fri to discuss options. We’ll see what they come up with...

Ya, I think that our district is saying that they won't do anything online because of people that don't have access to devices or Wifi, and they are also worried about people that get the free lunches/reduced pay lunches and how they would do if they were at home without that. I think that it is very unlikely my school will close without the government saying that they have too, and they seem to be keeping our attendance rules the same.

After saying all that, our school is now cancelled until at least the 27th...

Should that read "now"

Yep

I suspect a bunch of districts have been talking. Anna and Pete are out, too. Think I'm going to take tomorrow's last "in-person" class remotely...

There are some creative potential solutions to the free/reduced lunch issue (home deliveries), but that assumes people stay healthy to prepare and deliver. I bet they figure something out.