schools

“A family looking for an experienced teacher WITH an education degree for $24/hour in the middle of the day to give 2 children personalized instruction (and in the future, watch an infant child) is both insulting and a total disregard of a teacher’s worth.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by slatifolia

“Dear PoPville,

While I don’t blame parents for looking for help in this tough time & there are plenty of postings that are giving fair offers and fair expectations, I feel like folks out there posting ridiculous ads like this one need to be called out.

A family looking for an experienced ECE teacher WITH an eduation degree for $24/hour in the middle of the day to give 2 children personalized instruction (and in the future, watch an infant child) is both insulting and a total disregard of a teacher’s worth. (more…)

“are there ways the community can help keep students engaged? Likewise, are there things we can do – especially those of us without kids – to support teachers?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PleasantMountain

“Dear PoPville,

With the announcement that DC schools will be virtual this fall, are there ways the community can help keep students engaged? Volunteer tutors? Organizations that are directing resources (computers, tablets, etc.) to those in need? Food banks focused on student needs? If it “takes a village” in good times, it will take much more in These Times. Likewise, are there things we can do – especially those of us without kids – to support teachers?”

Dave Grohl: “I wouldn’t trust the U.S. secretary of percussion to tell me how to play “Smells Like Teen Spirit” if they had never sat behind a drum set, so why should any teacher trust Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to tell them how to teach, without her ever having sat at the head of a class?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Victoria Pickering

Last week we had a hot debate over “Should I return to school and teach on August 31st or not?”. Thanks to all who passed on this powerful article from The Atlantic:

“America’s teachers are caught in a trap, set by indecisive and conflicting sectors of failed leadership that have never been in their position and can’t possibly relate to the unique challenges they face. I wouldn’t trust the U.S. secretary of percussion to tell me how to play “Smells Like Teen Spirit” if they had never sat behind a drum set, so why should any teacher trust Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to tell them how to teach, without her ever having sat at the head of a class? (more…)

“Should I return to school and teach on August 31st or not?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by
Shamila Chaudhary

“Dear PoPville,

I am faced with a looming question and I need help. Should I return to school and teach on August 31st or not? Today, there are about 5,000 public school teachers in Washington, DC facing that same question. Countless families are also hoping it is safe, but no one can be sure.

Teachers scour for reliable information as decisions take place above our heads. Important school-related news is released to the public before we are made aware. It feels like, by design, we are the last to know. This keeps us on guard, searching feverishly for the full story about what we are facing in the fall.

My wife and I are expecting a daughter on October 29th, but I am expected to return to school to start teaching on August 31st. I call that date the point of no return as I talk with family and friends. My gallows humor hardly disguises that I am afraid. I fear for students, for colleagues, for my family and myself. (more…)

“Horton’s Kids, works with k-12 kids in one of the most under resourced areas of DC, is doing operation Backpack for fall supplies”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Horton’s Kids works with k-12 kids in one of the most under resourced areas of DC, is doing operation Backpack for fall supplies. Since it’s hard to collect all the items with COVID-19, they’re pairing up with Sprout Supplies for easy donations. $25 gets a kid a backpack with all the things they need.

Please make your donation by Tuesday, July 14.”

“The 2020-2021 (DC Public) school year will begin, either in-person or at home, on August 31, 2020”

By Prince Of Petworth

From Mayor Bowser’s press conference today:

“-Summer School will be June 22-July 24 and will include a K-8 enrichment program, as well as programming for English language learners and students with disabilities

-If DC enters Phase 2 of reopening, there will be an in-person summer bridge program for grades 3, 6, and 9 beginning in August

–The 2020-2021 school year will begin, either in-person or at home, on August 31, 2020

-The DC Deputy Mayor for Education will launch a family engagement survey to gather feedback”

From a press release: (more…)

“While we have been working hard to connect families with available resources, some need more immediate and direct assistance.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email: “Garfield Elementary School is a vibrant school community located in Ward 8. With the decision by DCPS to extend distance learning and end the school year early, some of Garfield’s families are struggling with issues such as food insecurity, childcare, and healthcare needs. While we have been working hard to connect families with available resources, some need more immediate and direct assistance. One of Garfield’s community partners has started a GoFundMe to help the families during this incredibly difficult time. As a volunteer at Garfield for many years, I can tell you that these children come to school every day excited and ready to learn! They are doing a great job adapting to the new normal, but some are in need of their neighbors to step in and give them a helping hand at this time. Please consider donating here.”

DC Public and Charter Schools will not reopen. Sticking with “virtual learning the rest of the school year.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Oh dear. Knew it was coming but still. Thought I was all set bu gonna have to buy some more gin after all.

The mayor has announced: “Learning at home will continue for the rest of the school year. We will close our school year early, and we’ll be able to say more about summer and the start of the next school year by May 15th.” (more…)

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