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…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin
“Dear PoPville,
My daughter is a first grade student at a DCPS. Since it looks like it is going to be awhile before in person school resumes, I am wondering if your readers know of any resources where I can find a remote reading tutor? I’ve reached out to some teachers but they are all busy with remote learning. My daughter is on the cusp of reading independently and I don’t wan to lose the momentum before she starts second grade. I’ve seen a lot of posts about high school and college students willing to give their time for tutoring but I am looking for someone trained in phonics. Willing to pay of course.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin
“Dear PoPville,
We are using the current apocalypse as an excuse to clean out our apartment and we have two used but working laptops that we thought might be helpful to students in need given the move to online learning. Do you know of anyone arranging for these kinds of donations?”
“Dear PoPville,
Free Tutoring: We Want to Give Back
We are DC twins who are juniors in high school. We know that schooling is an issue right now, and since we have some extra time, we’re volunteering to tutor DMV area kids and/or provide homework assistance. Of course, we won’t be able to help every child, but we want to do our part during these crazy times. (more…)
Ed. Note: On March 20th the Mayor announced “All DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities, including playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields, will be closed to the public.”
Many readers report at various school playgrounds and parks around the District:
“I saw people using the field at Garrison School at R and Vermont in Logan Circle…despite the signs posted on the gates. This is a real disservice to the city which is trying to keep us safe. It’s also an astonishing act of entitled privilege as the field should be in use right now by the public school children of our community. I called 311 but they have bigger problems to solve right now. Maybe you can remind folks that there’s a public health emergency, and that’s why the fields are closed for now? Not to keep children away so they can keep their fitness routines intact?”
New sign posted by a resident at Garrison
And while Rock Creek Park is obviously open, the Exercise Trail equipment is closed: (more…)
via Change.org
Ed. Note: Earlier we learned that Howard University had also canceled their commencement.
Emily shares: “Petition · Reschedule GWU Class of 2020’s Graduation on the Mall”
The petition says:
“Hello! GW’s graduating class of 2020 just found out that graduation will most likely be virtual. While this isn’t unreasonable with the spread of the coronavirus, the national mall ceremony is something that all of us have been working towards for 4 years. Sign this petition to send GWU the message that we want them to commit to rescheduling a proper ceremony for the graduating class of 2020! While we most definitely need to be practicing social distancing at this time, we have worked too hard to miss out on getting to walk on the national mall! Let’s offer a reasonable alternative: we push the ceremony to late summer or fall. We deserve an in-person ceremony once it is safe to do so!”
There are currently over 5200 signatories.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
From Howard U:
“Dear Howard University Community,
I am writing to inform you of a need to escalate the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A guest who attended the Howard University Charter Day Dinner has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking all March 7 dinner participants to monitor and report to your doctor if you begin exhibiting flu-like symptoms. The DC Department of Health is investigating the case, locating and counseling relevant contacts in accordance with the latest national guidance and protocols. We are working closely with the department and have been advised that the chances of contracting the virus are low.
The individual has complied with DC Department of Health’s guidance to remain self-isolated. Our direct concern is the recovery and well-being of the affected individual and their loved ones. We will continue to prioritize the most vulnerable among us and do everything we can to safeguard the health and wellness of our university staff, students and surrounding communities.
We have consulted with medical and public-health experts and regrettably, our University leadership has arrived at the conclusion that a return to campus for face-to face instruction will not be possible for the Spring, 2020 semester. To be clear, we are taking the following steps: (more…)
Ed. Note: OSSE is Office of the State Superintendent of Education
“Dear PoPville,
My child’s school sent us this last night. I think it’s irresponsible we are not able to know who or what class this is from to assess our exposure risk. As they note the person has had actual contact with people in the school vs potential carry from a negative child is where the added fear is from. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user DCbmyers
From a press advisory from the Mayor’s Office:
“Mayor Muriel Bowser will adjust the District of Columbia Government’s operating status beginning Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Starting Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, the District of Columbia Government will operate under an agency-specific telework schedule, with the intent to continue to deliver essential services and to keep critical systems and services operating. Some government operations will be performed fully remotely, while other services will continue to be performed at public buildings, but under modified operations. Employees are invited to an Employee Telephone Townhall at 10 a.m. this morning to hear more about the District of Columbia’s operating status. The District of Columbia Government plans to resume normal operations on Wednesday, April 1.
Starting Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, DC Public Schools (DCPS) will implement distance learning. Students will not report to schools during that time. (more…)
Per our earlier talk – from DCPS:
“Good morning DCPS Community,
DC Public Schools (DCPS) continues to prioritize student and staff safety as the region addresses the coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of DCPS’ emergency response planning, there will be a shift in school schedules for the week of March 16. This announcement affects both teachers and students.
The scheduled Professional Development Day for teachers on Friday, March 20 will now take place on Monday, March 16.
Schools will be closed for students on Monday, March 16, with classes resuming for the rest of the week. Students will no longer have the day off on Friday, March 20.
DC Health continues to report no widespread community transmission of COVID-19, and prevention remains our priority. However, this situation remains dynamic, and preparation is critical every day. With this in mind, DCPS is accelerating our planning timeline with teachers and school leaders to ensure that our educators are fully equipped to support distance learning as needed. (more…)