Decision Not Binding. Parents Being Asked To Guide School District, But Language Is Confusing, Concerning.
OFFICIAL: Switching From Distance To In-Person Anytime Is Fine, May Take A Few Days To Process
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Parents of students in the Palm Beach County School District are receiving robocalls today from principals suggesting that they must make a binding choice as to whether their kids are staying home or going to “brick and mortar” school whenever schools reopen for in-person learning.
But that’s not the intent.
Spokesperson Claudia Shea tells BocaNewsNow.com that the school district is merely trying to get a sense of how many kids may return to school immediately when the doors are opened.
“This is not a binding decision,” said Shea. “We are just trying to get a sense of what parents are thinking.”
Parents are concerned with the language of the principal calls. They are being told that they MUST choose “in person” or “distance. “I don’t know” is no longer an answer.
The principal robocalls are telling parents that starting tomorrow (Wednesday), calls will be made telling parents to log into their child’s school district portal where they will be instructed to click on a “tile” which will present a series of questions. If you choose not to return immediately, that’s it. If you do choose to return, you’ll be asked about transportation needs.
The choice is like choosing a seat on an airplane. You’re choosing an option now, but you can log in at any time to make a change.
The choice is like choosing a seat on an airplane. You’re choosing an option now, but you can log in at any time to make a change.
While parents may select “in-person” or “distance” for now, switching from one to another, at ANY TIME, is no problem, according to school district officials. Switching from in-person to distance is instant, switching from distance to in-person may take a few days for accommodation.
Parents contacting BocaNewsNow.com say they are frustrated that while principals are involved in the robocalls, there is no specific information from principals about what each school is doing to ensure that CDC guidelines are followed.
The Palm Beach County School District published — and updated — this guide with what details are known at this point.
Reminder calls will be sent on this schedule:
Elementary school students 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Middle School Students 4 p.m. on Wednesday. High School Students 3 p.m. Wednesday. (These times were updated Tuesday afternoon based on a school district schedule change).
Here is the text of call being made by principals today:
“Good morning parents and guardians, this is [name], your school Principal with an important ‘Back to School’ message about your choice for instruction once physical campuses reopen at a future date.
With the number of Covid cases on the decline, campuses may reopen to in-person instruction in the near future.
Those of you wishing to continue with distance learning may certainly do so, while those of you choosing to have your children return to campus for in-person instruction will also have that option.
Tomorrow afternoon, you will receive a call from the District asking you about your preference. The calls will be staggered throughout the afternoon. You will receive a call for each student you have in the District.
It’s important that you accept that call, to receive instructions regarding how to make your choice for each child. You will do this through your child’s student portal. You’ll need your child’s login information.
We realize that you’ve been asked this question before, but some time has passed, and we want you to have the opportunity to weigh in again.
If you’re unsure about your choice, please visit palmbeachschools.org/ReopeningSchools for more information about distance learning and in person instruction.
‘Undecided’ will not be an option.
Thank you in advance of making your choice during tomorrow’s call from the District, and thank you for your support of [school name].”
