COVID-19

I know there's a thread on AMT, but I think putting it in the forum for political discussion has brought out all the problems you might imagine.

My hope is that this thread can be focused on discussion of vaccine and treatment progress, apolitical analysis of case/mortality trends, good faith discussions about difficult decisions like when to reopen schools, etc. If you want to bicker about red states and blue states, mask wearing, Governors, our President, etc., the thread in AMT would be more appropriate.

My motivation to kick things off was a couple articles that caught my eye recently:

Despite some anecdotes, it looks very unlikely for someone to get reinfected:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/health/covid-antibodies-herd-immunity.html#click=https://t.co/cTiRddiIZm

It hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, but these are potentially the best treatment results we've seen so far. A well-designed study, although I wonder if it's a large enough sample.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-53467022?__twitter_impression=true

And hopefully many people have already seen the encouraging results from Oxford's Phase 1 studies published in The Lancet:
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-induces-strong-immune-response-early-trial-results-n1234191
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Comments

  • deadendpdeadendp Northeast Ohio Posts: 10,434
    I hope that people keep your thread as you wish. 

    The parent of a 16 year old who is looking to start her junior year here in a few weeks, we are concerned. 

    They offer two choices - In-school instruction with attendance in or out dependent on the color coding system our state has. You also have the choice of on-line. These choices are by contract each semester. 

    We chose in-school. 

    We're caught in a weird spot. Our daughter is to start her culinary arts career program this year. It's a two-year program. 

    There are two paths to graduation in Ohio. You have college prep + passing the state mandated graduation test. 

    My kid is not college prep nor is she a pass-the-big-ass-test kind of kid. (Test anxiety is horrible.) What they do with these kids is to require: 120 hours of volunteer work, pass English 9 & 10, Math 9 & 10 and participate in a 2-year career program that ends with them having earned certification in their program. She has everything ticked from the list except for the career program. 

    A revision to the restart plan was sent yesterday. I need to read over it to see what they have tweaked. 
    2014: Cincinnati
    2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
  • pjl44pjl44 Posts: 7,958
    deadendp said:
    I hope that people keep your thread as you wish. 

    The parent of a 16 year old who is looking to start her junior year here in a few weeks, we are concerned. 

    They offer two choices - In-school instruction with attendance in or out dependent on the color coding system our state has. You also have the choice of on-line. These choices are by contract each semester. 

    We chose in-school. 

    We're caught in a weird spot. Our daughter is to start her culinary arts career program this year. It's a two-year program. 

    There are two paths to graduation in Ohio. You have college prep + passing the state mandated graduation test. 

    My kid is not college prep nor is she a pass-the-big-ass-test kind of kid. (Test anxiety is horrible.) What they do with these kids is to require: 120 hours of volunteer work, pass English 9 & 10, Math 9 & 10 and participate in a 2-year career program that ends with them having earned certification in their program. She has everything ticked from the list except for the career program. 

    A revision to the restart plan was sent yesterday. I need to read over it to see what they have tweaked. 
    That sounds really tricky. A remote culinary arts program seems nearly impossible. Do you feel like they have good safety protocols in place? From what I've read, transmission amongst teenagers is fairly similar to adults.
  • bbiggsbbiggs Posts: 6,926
    pjl44 said:
    I know there's a thread on AMT, but I think putting it in the forum for political discussion has brought out all the problems you might imagine.

    My hope is that this thread can be focused on discussion of vaccine and treatment progress, apolitical analysis of case/mortality trends, good faith discussions about difficult decisions like when to reopen schools, etc. If you want to bicker about red states and blue states, mask wearing, Governors, our President, etc., the thread in AMT would be more appropriate.

    My motivation to kick things off was a couple articles that caught my eye recently:

    Despite some anecdotes, it looks very unlikely for someone to get reinfected:
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/health/covid-antibodies-herd-immunity.html#click=https://t.co/cTiRddiIZm

    It hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, but these are potentially the best treatment results we've seen so far. A well-designed study, although I wonder if it's a large enough sample.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-53467022?__twitter_impression=true

    And hopefully many people have already seen the encouraging results from Oxford's Phase 1 studies published in The Lancet:
    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-induces-strong-immune-response-early-trial-results-n1234191
    I applaud your efforts.  I'll be interested to see how far this goes until the "T" word is brought up.  In any case, there seems to be serious momentum on the vaccine front.  I have not followed other countries as closely in this regard, but the U.S. has put in orders for billions of dollars worth of the vaccines that look like real candidates.  Enough to vaccinate hundreds of millions of people.  If any of these turn out to be "the one" that will help expedite the back end process I would imagine.  Clinical trials are under way, so let's hope the momentum continues in the right direction.  2020 is still a long shot, but not out of the realm of possibility.

  • PoncierPoncier Posts: 16,169
    bbiggs said:
    pjl44 said:
    I know there's a thread on AMT, but I think putting it in the forum for political discussion has brought out all the problems you might imagine.

    My hope is that this thread can be focused on discussion of vaccine and treatment progress, apolitical analysis of case/mortality trends, good faith discussions about difficult decisions like when to reopen schools, etc. If you want to bicker about red states and blue states, mask wearing, Governors, our President, etc., the thread in AMT would be more appropriate.

    My motivation to kick things off was a couple articles that caught my eye recently:

    Despite some anecdotes, it looks very unlikely for someone to get reinfected:
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/health/covid-antibodies-herd-immunity.html#click=https://t.co/cTiRddiIZm

    It hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, but these are potentially the best treatment results we've seen so far. A well-designed study, although I wonder if it's a large enough sample.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-53467022?__twitter_impression=true

    And hopefully many people have already seen the encouraging results from Oxford's Phase 1 studies published in The Lancet:
    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-induces-strong-immune-response-early-trial-results-n1234191
    I applaud your efforts.  I'll be interested to see how far this goes until the "T" word is brought up.  

    Tacos?
    This weekend we rock Portland
  • dankinddankind I am not your foot. Posts: 20,827
    I was on the school district's conference call last night, and my wife is sending them our comments today. (I'm on their ignore list for making it my goal in life to replace their racist, homophobic/transphobic, inept skinflint of a superintendent with someone who might have a genuine interest in education.)

    The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary is going with three feet of distance, and there's absolutely no fucking way our children are returning to school if our district aligns with that guidance. And if remote learning is the absolute shitshow that it was in the spring, they aren't doing that either.

    We'll see what the district comes up with by August 10, but I'm expecting more incompetence.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • PoncierPoncier Posts: 16,169
    dankind said:
    I'm on their ignore list
    Color me shocked.
    This weekend we rock Portland
  • dankinddankind I am not your foot. Posts: 20,827
    Poncier said:
    dankind said:
    I'm on their ignore list
    Color me shocked.

    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • deadendpdeadendp Northeast Ohio Posts: 10,434
    dankind said:
    Poncier said:
    dankind said:
    I'm on their ignore list
    Color me shocked.

    DK, :hug: (Though I know you are more of a first bump kinda guy.) 
    2014: Cincinnati
    2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
  • GlowGirlGlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 9,689
    pjl44 said:


    Despite some anecdotes, it looks very unlikely for someone to get reinfected:
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/health/covid-antibodies-herd-immunity.html#click=https://t.co/cTiRddiIZm

    It hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, but these are potentially the best treatment results we've seen so far. A well-designed study, although I wonder if it's a large enough sample.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-53467022?__twitter_impression=true

    And hopefully many people have already seen the encouraging results from Oxford's Phase 1 studies published in The Lancet:
    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-induces-strong-immune-response-early-trial-results-n1234191
    I have been watching this very closely in terms of being able to get reinfected. I had Covid-19 in March. NYC was a mess then. I think I got it from either the gym or the subway since I work at home. I wasn't completely asymptomatic, but had fairly mild symptoms - no fever, no cough, no breathing issues. I did have fatigue, back pain, and loss of smell. The loss of smell was the weirdest thing. I was going around my house trying to smell things - garlic, scented candles, pepper, oranges, etc. - Nothing. It was so strange. That only lasted about 5 days though. I really just felt tired like when you have a bad cold - the whole thing lasted 10 days or so. I went to the doctor when my back started hurting, but they wouldn't test me back then since I didn't have the main symptoms. I tested positive for antibodies in May. I wish they would have more definitive data on reinfection or the ability to spread it. Since they don't, I am taking the same precautions as if I never had it. I really want to visit my family soon (haven't seen them since November) - so I am hoping they get more answers on this.

  • josevolutionjosevolution Posts: 28,258
    deadendp said:
    I hope that people keep your thread as you wish. 

    The parent of a 16 year old who is looking to start her junior year here in a few weeks, we are concerned. 

    They offer two choices - In-school instruction with attendance in or out dependent on the color coding system our state has. You also have the choice of on-line. These choices are by contract each semester. 

    We chose in-school. 

    We're caught in a weird spot. Our daughter is to start her culinary arts career program this year. It's a two-year program. 

    There are two paths to graduation in Ohio. You have college prep + passing the state mandated graduation test. 

    My kid is not college prep nor is she a pass-the-big-ass-test kind of kid. (Test anxiety is horrible.) What they do with these kids is to require: 120 hours of volunteer work, pass English 9 & 10, Math 9 & 10 and participate in a 2-year career program that ends with them having earned certification in their program. She has everything ticked from the list except for the career program. 

    A revision to the restart plan was sent yesterday. I need to read over it to see what they have tweaked. 
    Wishing her & your family the best! I truly feel bad for all parents & students having to go through this epic crisis! 
    jesus greets me looks just like me ....
  • deadendpdeadendp Northeast Ohio Posts: 10,434
    edited July 2020
    GlowGirl said:
    pjl44 said:
    Despite some anecdotes, it looks very unlikely for someone to get reinfected:
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/health/covid-antibodies-herd-immunity.html#click=https://t.co/cTiRddiIZm

    It hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, but these are potentially the best treatment results we've seen so far. A well-designed study, although I wonder if it's a large enough sample.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-53467022?__twitter_impression=true

    And hopefully many people have already seen the encouraging results from Oxford's Phase 1 studies published in The Lancet:
    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-induces-strong-immune-response-early-trial-results-n1234191
    I have been watching this very closely in terms of being able to get reinfected. I had Covid-19 in March. NYC was a mess then. I think I got it from either the gym or the subway since I work at home. I wasn't completely asymptomatic, but had fairly mild symptoms - no fever, no cough, no breathing issues. I did have fatigue, back pain, and loss of smell. The loss of smell was the weirdest thing. I was going around my house trying to smell things - garlic, scented candles, pepper, oranges, etc. - Nothing. It was so strange. That only lasted about 5 days though. I really just felt tired like when you have a bad cold - the whole thing lasted 10 days or so. I went to the doctor when my back started hurting, but they wouldn't test me back then since I didn't have the main symptoms. I tested positive for antibodies in May. I wish they would have more definitive data on reinfection or the ability to spread it. Since they don't, I am taking the same precautions as if I never had it. I really want to visit my family soon (haven't seen them since November) - so I am hoping they get more answers on this.

    I am so happy that you came through it okay!   

    Just looked over the information released yesterday from the school.  They are following the county guidelines for going back.  The mask mandate for school set by the health department is that they need to wear them if they are moving through the halls, working one-on-one with a teacher or in a small group.  The mask can be single layer but can't have holes in them.  

    Um, :shakes head: .  Not thrilled with that.  

    Oh, the shocking news is that the school year start moved by two weeks.  Didn't know that.  Instead of starting on August 17th, my daughter starts on September 1st.  Would have been wonderful to have that highlighted.  If you don't click on the link, you don't get that information.  :weary:  

    @dankind would be interested to learn that the online learning in our adopted district sounds like it will not be the shit show of the spring.  If Ohio goes purple (which I don't know if that means lockdown again) each day they will have instruction with their teacher and it sounds as if it will be according to the given schedule of classes.  My daughter always did her coursework according to the time blocks of her schedule, but I know that a lot of people (including the boyfriend we don't care for) just didn't do anything at all.  

    I am still of the camp to say that just because they say this is how it will be doesn't mean it will pan out that way.  :i_dunno: 
    2014: Cincinnati
    2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
  • dankinddankind I am not your foot. Posts: 20,827
    Yeah, I have my doubts about decent remote learning because they're starting to offer workshops for parents to teach. You know, because we can easily pick up the necessary skills that generally require (at the very least) a four-year postsecondary degree as well as a lifetime of learning on the job and the requisite quarterly continuing ed courses in a two-hour workshop.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • GlowGirlGlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 9,689
    deadendp said:
    GlowGirl said:
    pjl44 said:
    Despite some anecdotes, it looks very unlikely for someone to get reinfected:
    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/health/covid-antibodies-herd-immunity.html#click=https://t.co/cTiRddiIZm

    It hasn't been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, but these are potentially the best treatment results we've seen so far. A well-designed study, although I wonder if it's a large enough sample.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/health-53467022?__twitter_impression=true

    And hopefully many people have already seen the encouraging results from Oxford's Phase 1 studies published in The Lancet:
    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-induces-strong-immune-response-early-trial-results-n1234191
    I have been watching this very closely in terms of being able to get reinfected. I had Covid-19 in March. NYC was a mess then. I think I got it from either the gym or the subway since I work at home. I wasn't completely asymptomatic, but had fairly mild symptoms - no fever, no cough, no breathing issues. I did have fatigue, back pain, and loss of smell. The loss of smell was the weirdest thing. I was going around my house trying to smell things - garlic, scented candles, pepper, oranges, etc. - Nothing. It was so strange. That only lasted about 5 days though. I really just felt tired like when you have a bad cold - the whole thing lasted 10 days or so. I went to the doctor when my back started hurting, but they wouldn't test me back then since I didn't have the main symptoms. I tested positive for antibodies in May. I wish they would have more definitive data on reinfection or the ability to spread it. Since they don't, I am taking the same precautions as if I never had it. I really want to visit my family soon (haven't seen them since November) - so I am hoping they get more answers on this.

    I am so happy that you came through it okay!   

    Just looked over the information released yesterday from the school.  They are following the county guidelines for going back.  The mask mandate for school set by the health department is that they need to wear them if they are moving through the halls, working one-on-one with a teacher or in a small group.  The mask can be single layer but can't have holes in them.  

    Um, :shakes head: .  Not thrilled with that.  

    Oh, the shocking news is that the school year start moved by two weeks.  Didn't know that.  Instead of starting on August 17th, my daughter starts on September 1st.  Would have been wonderful to have that highlighted.  If you don't click on the link, you don't get that information.  :weary:  

    @dankind would be interested to learn that the online learning in our adopted district sounds like it will not be the shit show of the spring.  If Ohio goes purple (which I don't know if that means lockdown again) each day they will have instruction with their teacher and it sounds as if it will be according to the given schedule of classes.  My daughter always did her coursework according to the time blocks of her schedule, but I know that a lot of people (including the boyfriend we don't care for) just didn't do anything at all.  

    I am still of the camp to say that just because they say this is how it will be doesn't mean it will pan out that way.  :i_dunno: 
    Thanks. It sounds like the school issue is really difficult for all of you parents. I don't have kids, but I feel for you all. My sister is dealing with this issue with her kids. Two are in high school and one is just starting middle school (I liked it better when it was called Jr. High). They live in Maryland. I guess their county decided not to start public school in person until after Winter Break. But my nieces and nephews go to private school, so they haven't decided yet. One of my nieces is starting her senior year. I feel bad that she is experiencing this. I remember how fun senior year was. I hope this school issue gets easier for you and your children.

  • pjl44pjl44 Posts: 7,958
    dankind said:
    I was on the school district's conference call last night, and my wife is sending them our comments today. (I'm on their ignore list for making it my goal in life to replace their racist, homophobic/transphobic, inept skinflint of a superintendent with someone who might have a genuine interest in education.)

    The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary is going with three feet of distance, and there's absolutely no fucking way our children are returning to school if our district aligns with that guidance. And if remote learning is the absolute shitshow that it was in the spring, they aren't doing that either.

    We'll see what the district comes up with by August 10, but I'm expecting more incompetence.
    Man oh man. Our daycare has been up and running a month and everything is cool so far. Granted it's much younger kids, but I'll take any good results at this point. If he was elementary school age I honestly have no idea what approach I'd be comfortable lobbying for.
  • oftenreadingoftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,821
    Ice cream sales are up and deodorant sales are down. 

    That really says everything you need to know about the pandemic. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • F Me In The BrainF Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 30,586
    I ran past a train station this morning and saw a very large lady walking with a smoke hanging from her lip as she headed wherever she was going.

    A strange way to note people now....
    "They should be ok"
    "I'd be surprised if that person had any issue with it"
    "I sure hope that person doesn't get it."

    Who knows.  

    So sick of this virus!

    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • pjl44pjl44 Posts: 7,958
    2 Phase 3 vaccine trials have started. Results could be available as early as late November. The study design and endpoints seem pretty straightforward. 

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/27/health/moderna-vaccine-covid.html
  • pjl44pjl44 Posts: 7,958
    An interesting comment by Dr. Fauci. I'd say that 60% is better than nothing, but it's not the sort of protection most people associate with getting vaccinated.


  • GlowGirlGlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 9,689
    pjl44 said:
    2 Phase 3 vaccine trials have started. Results could be available as early as late November. The study design and endpoints seem pretty straightforward. 

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/27/health/moderna-vaccine-covid.html
    My sister is a dietician in a doctors office. Their practice was approved to do vaccine trials there. So she said there was a lot of media coming by yesterday. My sister’s job is far removed from that part of the office but hopefully, she can give me periodic updates if she hears anything. 
  • dankinddankind I am not your foot. Posts: 20,827
    pjl44 said:
    An interesting comment by Dr. Fauci. I'd say that 60% is better than nothing, but it's not the sort of protection most people associate with getting vaccinated.


    How effective are most flu vaccines, which is what I imagine a Covid-19 vaccine would be more akin to than, say, an MMR shot?

    I think a good deal of us have been vaccinated for the flu but still got the flu in a any given flu season. I still get vaccinated because some protection is better than no protection.

    Personally, I'm not sure that 60% is good enough for my family to get out of the house and resume our lives, but it is what it is.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • oftenreadingoftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,821
    dankind said:
    pjl44 said:
    An interesting comment by Dr. Fauci. I'd say that 60% is better than nothing, but it's not the sort of protection most people associate with getting vaccinated.


    How effective are most flu vaccines, which is what I imagine a Covid-19 vaccine would be more akin to than, say, an MMR shot?

    I think a good deal of us have been vaccinated for the flu but still got the flu in a any given flu season. I still get vaccinated because some protection is better than no protection.

    Personally, I'm not sure that 60% is good enough for my family to get out of the house and resume our lives, but it is what it is.

    The influenza vaccine is generally about 50 - 60% effective in a typical year, but influenza isn't really a great comparator for a covid vaccine. Influenza is difficult to develop an effective vaccine for because of the rapid mutation rate and multiple circulating strains. So far, SARS CoV2 hasn't seemed to mutate much. The challenges in vaccine development come from other areas. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • dankinddankind I am not your foot. Posts: 20,827
    edited July 2020
    Well, we're giving it every chance to mutate as much as it likes.

    Here's hoping it's either lazy or just plain tired after wiping out more than 650,000 souls.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • pjl44pjl44 Posts: 7,958
    I'll add that vaccines for shingles, smallpox, and MMR are in the 90-97% range. Apples and oranges in a lot of ways, but the point is that the efficacy data will be important to pay attention to. Especially as it may vary by vaccine. Relative level of protection will certainly factor into your decision making.
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    Went to a wake this morning and every single person was wearing masks.   Side note, it was really weird being at a wake with a mask on.  It took me a few seconds to recognize people.  
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • deadendpdeadendp Northeast Ohio Posts: 10,434
    mcgruff10 said:
    Went to a wake this morning and every single person was wearing masks.   Side note, it was really weird being at a wake with a mask on.  It took me a few seconds to recognize people.  
    They skipped having calling hours for my father-in-law and only had a private service with 13 in attendance. It was very odd. 
    2014: Cincinnati
    2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
  • F Me In The BrainF Me In The Brain this knows everybody from other commets Posts: 30,586
    Have to submit our decision for our child returning to school or doing full time distance learning ...just told us next week is the deadline.
    I haven't given it much thought since everything changes so much, week to week.
    Not much of a decision to make with one at risk person in our household.

    Wonder if we were all healthy of we would send him and just keep anything he brings back to us?  (We would stay on lockdown but let him go to school.)

    Hard saying, not knowing.  As much as it sucks, I think our decision is an easy one.  He stays home.
    Just not worth the risk of my wife dying.  
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • deadendpdeadendp Northeast Ohio Posts: 10,434
    FMe, The fall learning experience is going to be much different than the slapped together version we got this spring.  I have had several district teachers come into the gallery this week, hang out and talk to me at length about the changes and online curriculum.  

    Is it going to be the same as the in-person teaching?  No.  However, these poor teachers had a pandemic, lil used or unused resources to navigate . . . In K's district, they had 5 days to patch together something. 

    As far as the learning aspect, Lil T will learn what he needs to learn and honestly, the social stuff will come.  My guess (and it is purely a guess) is that they will address bringing everyone back together as a community after the all-clear is given.  

    In the meantime, I am glad that they have choices so that people in situations such as yours can choose the best fit for your family.  I'm sorry that we have to make these choices, but I'm glad that they are there to make.  

    :hug: 
    2014: Cincinnati
    2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
  • dankinddankind I am not your foot. Posts: 20,827
    I would like to just quit my job and homeschool them independently at this point, but I've been informed by the family accountant that we can't afford to do that.

    The district sucks. Great Schools is a scam.

    But the kid who has friends actually wants to go back to the classroom, and the little guy who gets bullied every day would obviously rather learn remotely.

    I would just rather not deal with the district's incompetence anymore.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 New Jersey Posts: 27,739
    dankind said:
    I would like to just quit my job and homeschool them independently at this point, but I've been informed by the family accountant that we can't afford to do that.

    The district sucks. Great Schools is a scam.

    But the kid who has friends actually wants to go back to the classroom, and the little guy who gets bullied every day would obviously rather learn remotely.

    I would just rather not deal with the district's incompetence anymore.
    I'm surprised at this since Massachusetts and New Jersey are ranked #1 and #2 (depending on the poll and year) in the nation for public schools.  
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • bbiggsbbiggs Posts: 6,926
    mcgruff10 said:
    dankind said:
    I would like to just quit my job and homeschool them independently at this point, but I've been informed by the family accountant that we can't afford to do that.

    The district sucks. Great Schools is a scam.

    But the kid who has friends actually wants to go back to the classroom, and the little guy who gets bullied every day would obviously rather learn remotely.

    I would just rather not deal with the district's incompetence anymore.
    I'm surprised at this since Massachusetts and New Jersey are ranked #1 and #2 (depending on the poll and year) in the nation for public schools.  
    That's great.  I had no idea.  Good to see a high tax state like N.J. seeing something good come from those dollars.  In IL we're taxed at similar levels and still find a way to have plenty of shit public school districts.  Decades of political corruption and financial mismanagement to blame.

    In any case, I would prefer for my kids to go back to the classroom, but I don't think it will end up happening.  There's a ton of push back occurring from the teacher's union at this point.  We'll take it as it comes being that we can't control the outcome.

    I hope everyone finds the right solution that meets the needs of their kids education and also the needs of comfort levels with the virus.  Stay safe.

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