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Fran Gelfand
Jul 14, 2020, 3:03:11 PM7/14/20
to Kurt Steinhaus, public....@laschools.net, Steve Boerigter, Ellen Ben-Naim, c.ber...@laschools.net, j.b...@laschools.net, d.ja...@laschools.net
Dr. Steinhaus and LAPS School Board,
Respectfully, I would like you to consider starting the LAPS Fall 2020 semester employing the online-only education model, and reserving in-person classroom time for families with demonstrated needs, such as special education or those who are unable to provide supervision for home-bound children.
Earlier this month, optimistically assuming best case scenarios, I registered my three daughters for the hybrid model.
Despite my sincere desire to return everyone to the classroom, and return life to normal, I no longer believe this was the correct choice. I don't believe this is right for my family or as the default option for most of the community.
If you proceed with the hybrid model, each of us will begin every day wondering if our children will be safe. We will worry all day long.
If you proceed with the hybrid model and the COVID-19 situation escalates, we will all have to make an extraordinary effort transitioning to the online model.
If you proceed with the hybrid model and we see community spread, illness, and death, many parents will blame themselves for the choice they made.
But ...
If you begin the fall semester online, we can all stop worrying and focus on the well-being and education of our children.
If you begin the fall semester online, LAPS staff and administration can focus on the LAPS Vision and Mission, rather than continuously re-evaluating the situation and routing human and financial resources to prevention, mitigation, and communication.
If you begin the fall semester online, none of us will have to worry about a difficult mid-year pivot to online learning.
If you begin the fall semester online, you relieve all parents of the burden and potential guilt of this difficult decision.
Earlier this month, optimistically assuming best case scenarios, I registered my three daughters for the hybrid model.
Despite my sincere desire to return everyone to the classroom, and return life to normal, I no longer believe this was the correct choice. I don't believe this is right for my family or as the default option for most of the community.
If you proceed with the hybrid model, each of us will begin every day wondering if our children will be safe. We will worry all day long.
If you proceed with the hybrid model and the COVID-19 situation escalates, we will all have to make an extraordinary effort transitioning to the online model.
If you proceed with the hybrid model and we see community spread, illness, and death, many parents will blame themselves for the choice they made.
But ...
If you begin the fall semester online, we can all stop worrying and focus on the well-being and education of our children.
If you begin the fall semester online, LAPS staff and administration can focus on the LAPS Vision and Mission, rather than continuously re-evaluating the situation and routing human and financial resources to prevention, mitigation, and communication.
If you begin the fall semester online, none of us will have to worry about a difficult mid-year pivot to online learning.
If you begin the fall semester online, you relieve all parents of the burden and potential guilt of this difficult decision.
I implore you to lead LAPS to be part of the solution to the COVID-19 crisis, by committing to the online model for the Fall 2020 semester. Please consider: What is the cost if we begin the year online and it turns out to be unnecessary? What is the cost if we begin the year in classrooms and that turns out to be a mistake?
Sincerely,
Fran Gelfand
Fran Gelfand
Jul 14, 2020, 5:18:16 PM7/14/20
to Kurt Steinhaus, public....@laschools.net, Steve Boerigter, Ellen Ben-Naim, c.ber...@laschools.net, j.b...@laschools.net, Dawn Jalbert
All,
I would like to add one final thought.
Last year, three White Rock students passed away unexpectedly. The tragedy was unbearable. One is too many.
Fran
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