@KimWilsonDaniel Dr. Mike Robinson: How can schools practice social distancing when kids return to school?
Kimberly Daniel: At this time, I believe it would benefit the decision-makers and policy creators greatly to know whether the definition of social distancing will evolve over the next three months. If the definition stands as is, it would be very difficult to practice social distancing. For the learning experience to be effective, it will require close collaboration and interaction with teachers and peers—which is not in line with the current social distancing definition. Reduced class sizes, limited movement in the building, and other means of limiting interaction sound good on paper; but, would undoubtedly add another degree of planning to an already stretched set of operating guidelines.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is schooling with social distancing even possible?
Kimberly Daniel: Should the definition of social distancing evolve over the next few months, a modified version of schoolwide social distancing is indeed possible. However, there are many scenarios that come into play when making decisions for entire states and school districts. Some schools may be able to provide better opportunities for social distancing while others may not be able to. It is imperative for principals to be in constant communication with the decision-makers and openly communicate their individual schools’ pros and cons of reopening. This is the only way effective decisions can be made and funding can be allocated to overcome any foreseeable challenges.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts on staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; remote learning until further notice.
Kimberly Daniel: As conditions improve and the data suggests a continual decrease in the number of confirmed cases, implementation of a school schedule that allows for intermittent breaks throughout the school year may prove beneficial. For instance, setting the schedule to incorporate a week or two off every six weeks would allow for schools to receive a deep cleaning and it would also provide time for students and staff to be home for periods of time. Sort of like embedded 5-10 day quarantines throughout the school year. During this time period, remote learning could take place to lessen the chance of any achievement gaps occurring.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE?
Kimberly Daniel: Although masks and PPE are necessary during this time, I don’t see it being a realistic solution for long periods of time. The use of face masks will cause people to have to be closer together in order to be heard clearly when talking. I believe a better method will be parents taking personal responsibility and keeping children home who feel sick and schools implementing more preventive measures such as everyone having to take their temperature upon entering the building, extra hand sanitizing stations installed throughout buildings, marketing materials posted throughout schools reminding students about proper prevention methods and increasing the number of medical professionals in each building who can assist the school nurse, etc.
Dr. Mike Robinson: When schools are open, what signs would be visible that would suggest social distancing is working?
Kimberly Daniel: Signs that social distancing is working would come from the students taking the initiative to follow social distancing guidelines. The reinforcement students receive from home and at school will help this become the “new norm.” Also, the data the medical professionals collect within each school would be used to determine its effectiveness. Ultimately, the number of well students who continue to come to school each day, practice social distancing, and speak up about the importance of social distancing to their peers will be the biggest determining factor of its success.
Bio
Kimberly is a twelve-year veteran CTAE teacher. Prior to becoming a member of the aMaysing family at Mays High School, she served as the General Management Pathway teacher, College and Career Center Advisor and After-school At-risk Tutoring Program Coordinator at North Springs High, as well as, CTAE Business and Finance Pathway Specialist and Learning Architect for Fulton County Schools.
Click the link below to download her complete bio.
Kimberly Daniel: At this time, I believe it would benefit the decision-makers and policy creators greatly to know whether the definition of social distancing will evolve over the next three months. If the definition stands as is, it would be very difficult to practice social distancing. For the learning experience to be effective, it will require close collaboration and interaction with teachers and peers—which is not in line with the current social distancing definition. Reduced class sizes, limited movement in the building, and other means of limiting interaction sound good on paper; but, would undoubtedly add another degree of planning to an already stretched set of operating guidelines.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is schooling with social distancing even possible?
Kimberly Daniel: Should the definition of social distancing evolve over the next few months, a modified version of schoolwide social distancing is indeed possible. However, there are many scenarios that come into play when making decisions for entire states and school districts. Some schools may be able to provide better opportunities for social distancing while others may not be able to. It is imperative for principals to be in constant communication with the decision-makers and openly communicate their individual schools’ pros and cons of reopening. This is the only way effective decisions can be made and funding can be allocated to overcome any foreseeable challenges.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts on staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; remote learning until further notice.
Kimberly Daniel: As conditions improve and the data suggests a continual decrease in the number of confirmed cases, implementation of a school schedule that allows for intermittent breaks throughout the school year may prove beneficial. For instance, setting the schedule to incorporate a week or two off every six weeks would allow for schools to receive a deep cleaning and it would also provide time for students and staff to be home for periods of time. Sort of like embedded 5-10 day quarantines throughout the school year. During this time period, remote learning could take place to lessen the chance of any achievement gaps occurring.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE?
Kimberly Daniel: Although masks and PPE are necessary during this time, I don’t see it being a realistic solution for long periods of time. The use of face masks will cause people to have to be closer together in order to be heard clearly when talking. I believe a better method will be parents taking personal responsibility and keeping children home who feel sick and schools implementing more preventive measures such as everyone having to take their temperature upon entering the building, extra hand sanitizing stations installed throughout buildings, marketing materials posted throughout schools reminding students about proper prevention methods and increasing the number of medical professionals in each building who can assist the school nurse, etc.
Dr. Mike Robinson: When schools are open, what signs would be visible that would suggest social distancing is working?
Kimberly Daniel: Signs that social distancing is working would come from the students taking the initiative to follow social distancing guidelines. The reinforcement students receive from home and at school will help this become the “new norm.” Also, the data the medical professionals collect within each school would be used to determine its effectiveness. Ultimately, the number of well students who continue to come to school each day, practice social distancing, and speak up about the importance of social distancing to their peers will be the biggest determining factor of its success.
Bio
Kimberly is a twelve-year veteran CTAE teacher. Prior to becoming a member of the aMaysing family at Mays High School, she served as the General Management Pathway teacher, College and Career Center Advisor and After-school At-risk Tutoring Program Coordinator at North Springs High, as well as, CTAE Business and Finance Pathway Specialist and Learning Architect for Fulton County Schools.
Click the link below to download her complete bio.
| daniel_kimberly_bio.pdf |