And it’s a trigger to consider other mitigation strategies, not necessarily a full shutdown

First grade may be go back in person f/t at only 5 ft—only a few potential contacts if a positive test w/5 ft distance

This is a great point, and something the panel can help with: The district set Nov 16 as the switch date between the two models, but it would make a LOT of sense to let hybrid families who love the remote SWITCH to remote, BEFORE starting hybrid….

They’re worried about RLA switching to hybrid. BUT, there’s no reason for the deadline the other way...

and the first survey in early August was misreported to the public—majority wanted f/t in person

Yes, but as Ben said, a LOT of families are finding they’re loving it, in the older grade

To their surprise… Might be worth a chat with Marini, to make the opt from hybrid to RLA BEFORE hybrid starts… Miminize cohort mixing!

“First grade may be go back in person f/t at only 5 ft—only a few potential contacts if a positive test w/5 ft distance”…SC said K-* distancing at 6’ at last night’s meeting, I believe.

**K-8

Refusal to go from 6 to 5 at 1st grade means these kids at this age are denied full accessible education. And to say “a lot” of parents of older kids “love” remote is a bit strong

This was my own takeaway from last night’s meeting too - a LOT of older grades parents and teachers saying older grades working REALLY well with remote full time synchronous, and terrified of switching, and we KNOW first and second grade parents are desperate for in person time...

This COULD be a win-win…

That is my sense too.

right - this is why getting more data would be really good!

Weren’t the ventilation recommendations based on 6’ distancing? If distancing were to be reduced, would ventilation benchmarks have to be adjusted (increase hourly air exchanges/filter levels)?

Having to field another survey is time consuming, but flying blind on these decisions is worse.

Sounds like two things can be done about this: (1) A survey to older grades (3+?) currently in hybrid, asking if now that they know the “at home” week will be mostly asynchronous, would they prefer to move to hybrid? We can guess all we want, but only those families know… And (2) Make is possible to switch to RLA from hybrid (one way only) BEFORE hybrid begins (for K-8).

((Should have been - “prefer to move to RLA)

1st grade more likely than older grades to be in diff’t cohort/pod/daycare on remote days,vs just being w/cohort 5 days a week

especially schools where extended day on site not reopening

so sticking to your guns on 6 ft because teachers cannot understand relative risk means that this district FAILS first graders.

I have to leave now - thank you everybody. I’ll aim to have PSB specific metrics for next week’s meeting.

pierce—why not use large library meeting rooms and unused meeting rooms at town hall for lunch??

although those could possibly be used for 1st grades too

I hear you! I know outside easier said than done, but it is a real treasure to have an outside with fresh air (and not smoke and ash like some places). We should use it as much as possible.

Thank you to the expert panelists helping PSB make the better judgements about improving the school environment!