 |
| Internet photo Yesterday, Governor Inslee ordered by 4/19 middle and high schools open for full or partial in-person learning at least two days each week. Seattle Times, 3/29/2021 |
My wife and I watched two LW School District Board meetings this month; we were heartsick during the public comment period when students and parents told their sad stories. The pain and suffering they experience from remote learning is severe. We almost cried.
Most students and parents directed their comments to Superintendent Jon Holmen. They pleaded to open the schools ASAP. Some studies show remote learning is 75% of normal. A significant problem is deteriorating mental health. Anxiety, sadness, depression, anorexia, substance abuse and suicide have escalated. Abuse at home goes unchecked. There's a dearth of socialization and emotional support.
On March 25th we finally received some good news from Governor Inslee. The State Department of Health approved 3-foot distancing with masks. Superintendent Jon Holmen should be stoked. Six-foot distancing with masks is still required for teachers and staff and in eating and drinking places. Small classrooms will have more capacity though.
Our children will be affected by this closure in some way for all their life. The District needs to open ASAP. The administration has had months to plan for this moment. Confronting the teachers union is a necessary. Today, I asked Superintendent Holmen if he will implement the Governor's distancing order soon. He said his team is actively working on it. (See his letter below.) LWSD moves with the momentum of a huge tanker turning ever so slowly. However, Dr. Holmen has 5 associate superintendents and over 31 executive directors to help him navigate. There's little excuse not to move forward expeditiously.
I wish Dr. Holmen and his team the best of luck.
-- Bob Yoder, Updated, 3/29/2021
Hello Bob,
Here is the information that I sent out to staff and community yesterday.
As you can see, we are developing our plans in consideration of both the Governor’s Emergency Order and the change in K-12 guidance related to classroom distancing. As with all guidance changes, we must take the information and determine the scope and magnitude of opportunity immediately and in the long-term. We are actively working on this.
Thank you for following up on our email exchange from earlier with a request for updated information. With these rapidly changing times updated information is important for all our communities.
Thank you,
Jon
My son is among those who can't learn effectively via remote school. I am excited that he will be in the classroom with his new teacher come Monday, though currently he will receive 2 half days of teaching a week. If you add all that up, for the rest of the school year, that equals 10 regular school days of classroom time. I know my student will not be prepared for the next grade. He will have missed 1 1/2 years of school. I do hope they open schools for quality education for the rest of the year.
ReplyDelete