SOMSD will start the school year all-virtual

I just found out an hour or so via text. The plan for a hybrid option is being pushed back at least until the end of the first marking period. 

https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/headlines/2020/08/14/somsd-shifts-to-all-virtual-learning-for-fall-2020-school-reopening/

ugh

tuxedo said:

ugh

 And I seriously doubt that COVID world will be under wraps in the height of winter at Thanksgiving. Buckle up, this is going to be a tough ride.

A special shout out of gratitude to the many doofuses who ignored social distancing and mask policies this summer that helped drive NJs transmission rate back up.

I know that this question is moot- but does anyone understand why the hybrid model was two days at school (half days I think) every week for K to 8, but only one day every two weeks for CHS? We couldn’t make sense if it. 

mrincredible said:

A special shout out of gratitude to the many doofuses who ignored social distancing and mask policies this summer that helped drive NJs transmission rate back up.

Well said Mr. Incredible! "but I feel great! I need to party. I need to feel free" Now, here's the freedom: lock down at home with your kids, try to hold down a job and support your kids education on line. And November? Please!

With respect to CHS: it's the same amount of time in person...I think?...at the end of the day as 2 half days for k-8 kids.

I feel for the District. What choice do they have? Even before Murphy made declarations on Wednesday, they had no business stating that they would be ready for any in person learning even after 2 weeks virtual. It's a massive overhaul in retrofitting:  HVAC, plexiglass everywhere, PPE, hand sanitizer stations every 6 feet, hiring people who want to work in all the schools. Times that by all NJ state schools and all states in the union. What a mess!

tuxedo said:

mrincredible said:

A special shout out of gratitude to the many doofuses who ignored social distancing and mask policies this summer that helped drive NJs transmission rate back up.

Well said Mr. Incredible! "but I feel great! I need to party. I need to feel free" Now, here's the freedom: lock down at home with your kids, try to hold down a job and support your kids education on line. And November? Please!

With respect to CHS: it's the same amount of time in person...I think?...at the end of the day as 2 half days for k-8 kids.

I feel for the District. What choice do they have? Even before Murphy made declarations on Wednesday, they had no business stating that they would be ready for any in person learning even after 2 weeks virtual. It's a massive overhaul in retrofitting:  HVAC, plexiglass everywhere, PPE, hand sanitizer stations every 6 feet, hiring people who want to work in all the schools. Times that by all NJ state schools and all states in the union. What a mess!

 4 hours is a good bit more than a half day.  School generally runs 8/8:30-ish to 3-ish, and that includes a lunch period.  4 hours with no lunch is about two-thirds of that.

birdwatcher said:

I know that this question is moot- but does anyone understand why the hybrid model was two days at school (half days I think) every week for K to 8, but only one day every two weeks for CHS? We couldn’t make sense if it. 

 Lots more students in one building.  And changing classes.

To sac - it has long been my understanding that in NJ, and probably elsewhere, four hours in school constitutes a “legal” day and counts towards the 180 required each year. 

birdwatcher said:

I know that this question is moot- but does anyone understand why the hybrid model was two days at school (half days I think) every week for K to 8, but only one day every two weeks for CHS? We couldn’t make sense if it. 

Probably because of the number of students at CHS and the resources and space it would take to handle potentially over 1000 kids each day.  

Heynj said:

To sac - it has long been my understanding that in NJ, and probably elsewhere, four hours in school constitutes a “legal” day and counts towards the 180 required each year. 

Exactly.  4 hours meets minimum requirement to have an official day of school.