I have been receiving info about changing mask/COVID testing guidance from my son's school. The latest is that unvaccinated kids must be tested for any activities done outside of school hours. In his case, this is orchestra ... So concerts, and practices held outside normal hours (probably leading up to a concert).
I. AM. PISSED.
First, this isn't what we agreed to. Second, only unvaccinated???? Are you F'n kidding me????!!!!! Third, this is just one more 'boil the frog' move.
Current plan: go to HS tomorrow and be the crazy lady they can't deal with. Pull my kid from orchestra, demand accomodations to be allowed into a different class/elective in the time slot.
This is probably 80% rational. I could use some strategy angles. I'm open to suggestions... Momma-bear is in full attack mode, which is not always helpful.
Full-on Mama Bear! Tell them to show you the scientific evidence behind their decisions. If they can't then call BULLSHIT. However, get some of your own, like how most cases recorded recently are people that have been fully jabbed.
What did you agree to?
Yes. Definitely be prepared to counter anything.
Today I'll put together my info and take it in. I know what will happen... "We're not making the call, this is school, district guidance". Everyone is always pointing too someone else and there is no actual standing up and questioning.
I agreed to my kid being in orchestra. If we had known at the beginning of the year that this was required, we would have not signed him up.
You have thought this out that you need a plan going in. Try to find other parents of students that can join you and coordinate.
Yes, there's power in numbers.
I don't really know meant people on the community.... But maybe I can find some on NextDoor. I left FB a year or so ago. This is a great suggestion, thank you!!
If you know your community shares similar values with yours, host a school meeting and bring them to their knees.
Tell them they either remove restrictions or you will all pull your children from their school systems.
Tell them that if they go down this route you will not return your children until school leadership is completely replaced.
Watch them shit their pants.
Remember these are public institutions that are suppose to serve their local communities. If they can't do that then their facilities have out lived their usefulness and should be outright replaced.
They serve you, not the other way around. Never forget that.
My community is pretty liberal, I'm surrounded by BLM yard signs. I know we're out there, but I don't know who is the problem.
I agree though, we have to remember that these people are supposed to support the community, not dictate their rules.
Don't pull him from the orchestra class. Demand to see the school Board's guidance on testing, then either organize your own group to go after the school board, or find a group that is organized and join them. Also, talk to a lawyer. Good luck.
Great perspective, I needed to hear this. Thank you.
What happens if a kid tests "positive"? I ask because my daughter isn't on any teams so she doesn't have to test BUT if in a class should she happen to sit within 10 feet of a kid who tests positive, she will get "excluded" from school for 15 days. Four weeks into the school year and at any given time at least 1/3 of the student body is "excluded". If she weren't a senior, I would pull her from school. But she wants to finish out the year and then move to a freer state.
So if your child isn't set on staying in that school, perhaps you and other like minded parents can form a "pod"?
We’ve talked about that, but haven’t done it yet. This is his freshman year and he wants to be there if he can. I was able to get them a vaxx waiver, so when that comes at least we’re covered.
Husband and I are wondering when we will move. Colorado is glorious and we love it here, but not the politics- and Californians are flooding the place. It’ll never go back.
Right, and if the “positive test” is entirely asymptomatic — as asymptomatic transmission is rare and false positives are common, shouldn’t there automatically be a second test to rule out false positive?
Lol. Yes, if it really was about their health but we know it's not. I'm sure all the "excluded" kids are being counted as "positive". Gotta drive up those case numbers! I think we're being set up for a shut down in my state.
Let them have it.
So angry still. Need to get my thoughts organized and remember that I'll be talking to the messenger.
your strategy is to ask them for clarification, particularly on logistics:
how will you categorize those who have already had COVID-19, have measurable "natural" immunity?
will your policy give equal status for different products, (e.g., AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, J&J, etc.)? as each has varying levels of effectiveness?
how do you anticipate adapting your policy as the varying levels of vaccine effectiveness reduce over time?
how will you account for boosters (i.e., will those who were vaccinated too far in the past e.g., January and thus have substantially waning transmission)
if vaccinated participants are less protected against a variant, such as Delta, how will your policy protect against new and different variants?
as only Comirnaty is approved but not yet on the market (only EUA products are currently available), what accommodation is being given to those waiting for FDA-approved (and thus not shielded from all liability) products?
This is great!!! They have zero idea of what is going on. I doubt this will budge them, but perhaps see the blatant inconsistent approach
Yes, is the purpose of the policy is to make a safe and healthy environment for kids and staff? If yes, how is that measured?
If, according to the CDC, a vaccinated person can still get and transmit Covid — particularly with the Delta variant, how is an unvaccinated student protected from the vaccinated? Will these vaccinated students be tested equally as the unvaccinated as they too pose some risk?
Love this.
Thank you! Husband and I have been wondering when we get legal support, this may be the time.
You’re THE best!!!! I was looking at some resources earlier, and this is waaaaaay better!!!!
Thanks!!