The schools had previously planned for limited in-person classes starting on November 9.
The D.C. Public Schools have decided not to reopen in-person learning in most elementary schools in November.
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis Ferebee had posted a series of tweets on Monday, sharing the announcement on social media.
DCPS will not open elementary schools on November 9 as planned. We have heard feedback from many in our community about #ReopenStrong plans, and we will use this moment to adjust our timeline and staffing plans for reopening. Read more: https://t.co/qW2kdKbROu
— Chancellor Ferebee (@DCPSChancellor) November 2, 2020
This week’s calendar will not shift as previously announced. We apologize for any inconvenience.
— DC Public Schools (@dcpublicschools) November 2, 2020
11/2: Instruction
11/3: Election Day; no school for students & teachers
11/4: Instruction
11/5: Instruction
11/6: Records & PD Day for teachers; no school for students
In October, the school system decided to bring back 7,000 elementary students for in-person classes in the second quarter, starting in November. But the Washington Teachers Union is insisting that all teachers should be given the option to work from home as the coronavirus situation evolves.
“We commit to supporting our students, families, teachers, and staff in our urgent mission to safely reopen schools,” Ferebee said. “We will use this moment to adjust our timeline and staffing plans for reopening.”
While DCPS planned to offer in-person learning at the start of Term 2 for select elementary school students, this timeline will need to be adjusted. This means all students in grades PK-12 will now begin Term 2 on Monday, November 9 with learning at home.
— DC Public Schools (@dcpublicschools) November 2, 2020
The school officials had initially decided to prioritize in-class learning facilities for students facing challenges with virtual classes, especially students with disabilities or English language learners. But it was also unclear how DCPS would select 700 teachers for in-class learning and how the safety guidelines would be followed.
Many teachers were reportedly suffering from panic and anxiety, considering the uncertainty of in-person classes. On Monday, the Washington Teachers Union announced that they voted “No Confidence” in the district’s plans to reopen schools safely. The union also encouraged teachers to take a mental health day, providing many anxious educators a sense of relief.
Watch the teachers' reaction here:
DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser said at a news conference on Monday that the city had made “incredible” improvements to school buildings. Still, they need more staff to reopen safely for in-person classes.
We're still taking steps to reopen our @dcpublicschools this school year, and remain committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and families.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) November 2, 2020
To view a reopening plan for an elementary school or education campus, visit: https://t.co/w0fVxE210K
Ferebee said schools would plan to reopen as soon as the staff shortage issue gets resolved. Around 2,000 families had accepted seats for in-person classes before the chancellor had to cancel the plan of reopening.
What do you think of the situation? Let us know in the comments.
