PGCPS Reopening Petition #StayHomeStaySafe
The Issue
This letter is to serve as a petition against reopening schools in April 2021, and will be sent to Governor Larry Hogan as well as the Prince George’s County Board of Education on (date TBD). Please read:
February 27, 2021
To Governor Larry Hogan:
On Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) announced plans to begin hybrid instruction starting April 8, 2021. We write this petition to remind Governor Hogan of his duty to prioritize the safety of our students, guardians, staff and faculty by continuing online distance learning until it is safe to resume in-person instruction.
While we acknowledge PGCPS’ plans to enforce the mitigation strategies provided by the CDC (e.g. wearing masks, social distancing and maintaining clean facilities), these methods fail to address the health inequities within our community that raise several public health and safety concerns for schools across the county.
Our demands are as follows:
- The continuation of online distance learning until all schools are in compliance with the “Health and Safety Checklist for Buildings and Workspaces,” as provided by the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA). Each school must also provide proof of completion to their staff and parents.
- Ensure all employees have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated before a return to in-person instruction.
- Provide professional development opportunities to ensure teachers are prepared to provide a high-quality learning experience in the new hybrid format.
According to https://coronavirus.maryland.gov, Prince George’s County has the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases in Maryland (approximately 72,788). Resuming in-person instruction prematurely highlights the disposability of our students and teachers, and exasperates the disregard for how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color.
The hybrid reopening plan relies on a model of possibilities, whereby students will not violate safety protocols (e.g. removing masks outside of designated eating times; socializing with peers in the hallways; walking around the room during class; sanitizing work areas after use). Additionally, we express concern for the mental health of students in a restrictive learning environment that deprives students of autonomy.
While the current rhetoric presented by Governor Hogan is that PGCPS is safe for reopening, the reality is that schools are currently unprepared for this transition to hybrid teaching and learning. Our community would appreciate Governor Hogan’s careful reconsideration in reopening, rather than rushing the process. The undersigned look forward to continually holding our representatives accountable as it pertains to the health and well-being of our school communities.
Signed,
Concerned PGCPS Community Members
If you agree with this letter, please sign this petition to show your support. Contact Governor Larry Hogan here and demand the continuation of distance learning until a safe reopening is possible.
Petition Closed
The Issue
This letter is to serve as a petition against reopening schools in April 2021, and will be sent to Governor Larry Hogan as well as the Prince George’s County Board of Education on (date TBD). Please read:
February 27, 2021
To Governor Larry Hogan:
On Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) announced plans to begin hybrid instruction starting April 8, 2021. We write this petition to remind Governor Hogan of his duty to prioritize the safety of our students, guardians, staff and faculty by continuing online distance learning until it is safe to resume in-person instruction.
While we acknowledge PGCPS’ plans to enforce the mitigation strategies provided by the CDC (e.g. wearing masks, social distancing and maintaining clean facilities), these methods fail to address the health inequities within our community that raise several public health and safety concerns for schools across the county.
Our demands are as follows:
- The continuation of online distance learning until all schools are in compliance with the “Health and Safety Checklist for Buildings and Workspaces,” as provided by the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA). Each school must also provide proof of completion to their staff and parents.
- Ensure all employees have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated before a return to in-person instruction.
- Provide professional development opportunities to ensure teachers are prepared to provide a high-quality learning experience in the new hybrid format.
According to https://coronavirus.maryland.gov, Prince George’s County has the highest number of reported COVID-19 cases in Maryland (approximately 72,788). Resuming in-person instruction prematurely highlights the disposability of our students and teachers, and exasperates the disregard for how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color.
The hybrid reopening plan relies on a model of possibilities, whereby students will not violate safety protocols (e.g. removing masks outside of designated eating times; socializing with peers in the hallways; walking around the room during class; sanitizing work areas after use). Additionally, we express concern for the mental health of students in a restrictive learning environment that deprives students of autonomy.
While the current rhetoric presented by Governor Hogan is that PGCPS is safe for reopening, the reality is that schools are currently unprepared for this transition to hybrid teaching and learning. Our community would appreciate Governor Hogan’s careful reconsideration in reopening, rather than rushing the process. The undersigned look forward to continually holding our representatives accountable as it pertains to the health and well-being of our school communities.
Signed,
Concerned PGCPS Community Members
If you agree with this letter, please sign this petition to show your support. Contact Governor Larry Hogan here and demand the continuation of distance learning until a safe reopening is possible.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on February 27, 2021