Update 7-15-2020

4:00 pm

Study published by the NFHS

When you click and download the following document, the information can aid you in making decisions regarding your program. Having studied the document it is necessary for us to have an abundance of caution. It seems clear that there is an aerosolized spread. Even when covers are used there is still seepage (not so much with the second trombone cover). These activities pose a danger in enclosed and unventilated areas. Careful consideration must be given if activities should continue in unsafe areas. Fans are a great way to create airflow and opening doors and windows is mandatory. We should not be afraid of aerosolized particles if we can utilize these strategies. I am aware that this strategy is used by the federal government. The following are videos from the study.

The Performing Arts in a post Covid 19 world

The following is an informational essay originally sent as an email. After which are videos, next steps, informational links and terminology. AVUSD music teachers are currently working on best practices for music educators using distance/remote learning. All information posted here has been vetted by me and I will try not to overwhelm you with nonessential information. I am not paid for any suggestions. All sources when possible are primary sources. All information contained herein should be verified by local, state and national entities. This page is not endorsed by AVUSD or the CDE. The ideas and opinions expressed are solely the author – Mr. Javier. As this situation is in constant flux, all information should be considered with the most recent update by the appropriate entities.

Update 5/16/2020 10:40 am

Latest updates from John Hopkins on helping districts reopen safely. I will be offering up my opinions later this afternoon. Have been in meetings and talking with individuals about the Fall. Check back often for the latest.

I must say when I read this I felt I had to post something positive. I know that the discussion has been very depressing. I just want to keep fighting for music and performing arts. I have hear that some districts are already talking about cutting their arts program. We need facts to defend our position. The fact is that there will be an effective vaccine. It will allow things to return to something like they were before. We should not throw the baby with the bathwater. We want our performing arts to be strong when we do come back.

Update 5/18/2020 12:8 PM

CNBC’s Meg Tirrell delivers the latest on Moderna’s trial of a coronavirus vaccine.

 

Update 5/20 2020 9:40

Questions about Moderna’s finding are being called in to question. Operation Warp Speed is tasked with delivering the vaccine. Best case scenario is that we could return to something like what we had in January of 2021.

Update 5/18/2020 1:11 PM

Overview of Budget Condition

Update 5/20/2020 10:18 AM

“Students may very well be returning to a learning environment that’s a mix of in-person, online and experiential,” DeVos spokesperson Angela Morabito added.

 

I want to focus on this statement on experimental. I am seeing lots of articles on all of the various options in higher ed. I had heard from a union source, and I have seen the number tossed around, that twelve students per classroom is being talked about for k12.

 

Hyflex is something that had caught my eye. It is a hybrid of face to face and online. The flex part comes in where it is up to the student how much face to face time they need. This has potential for K12. Obviously, the younger grades this will become an issue. For 9-12 and perhaps some 7-8 grades, this is an option I am exploring. Imagine, if there are in person classes to start. Students are trained on LMS and prepares them for tech issues that may arise. Content is then delivered online and in-person. If help is needed, office hours are given where teachers can help students with problems. Many details are left out (and the devil is in the details) but it is an interesting option.

 

Also the biggest elephant in the room, liability. I am struck by how little I see people covering this, but it is perhaps the most important. Mitch McConnell had called it a “red line” for any future legislation.

Thoughts on Zoom

I had thought long and hard about this but it can not be overlooked. Especially for school districts sharing privacy right of American students! I also want to point out that there has been a rise of anti-Asian sentiment. It should be noted that Taiwan is a hero in this story. I tell everyone I can about. Yet, the point should not be lost, school districts should not be using Zoom. The rush to use teleconferencing tech has been astonishing but I don’t think very much consideration has gone into it.   Since most, in California, are already Google Suite schools (I will talk about that at a later date), we need to minimize access to student data from companies. We are stewards and we should take that responsibility seriously. There are serious problems with Zoom. Given the current climate, I would advise against it.  Use Google Meet. It is free. In addition, the ability to record and store on Google Drive should not be over looked. Some might say, “you can do that on Zoom.” This is true. Then you have to upload it, taking up bandwidth and storage on your hard drive. This might not seem too bad for an individual. Now multiply that times how many teachers you have and see where the problem lies.

Important Video info

Disaster Distress Helpline

SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

What can I do now?

  • Share with your colleagues and administrators the evidence in regard to covid 19 modes of transmission. Be transparent about the risks.
  • Assure students, parents and administrators that you CAN continue to deliver quality educational musical content.
  • Familiarize yourself with the new terminology in relation to remote learning - see section on terminology
  • Begin to marshal your community support. Help everyone understand what is at stake.
  • Share best practices with colleagues and others. There is a lot of information out there. Don't worry about feeling overwhelmed.
  • Familiarize yourself with tools and technology that can help you durring remote learning (ex. Audio interface, Condenser mic, Google Meet, LMSs, etc.)
  • Consider how you can plan for next semester. What will the challenges be with remote/distance learning?
  • For the time being, virtual ensembles are the "new normal" for performing arts programs. Think about ways you can share these accomplishments in your community and globally.
  • Learn to use video editors such as Adobe Premiere.
  • Learn the basics of audio mixing.
  • Does your community value the arts? How can you help facilitate the discussion to create a strong advocacy network?
  • Don't feel guilty. Your kids are not engaged, you don't know how to use this program, the school in the next town over is having great success...and so on. You. Are. Fine. We are all in this together. We will make it together. You are doing enough. Take it one day at a time. We will get through this. Together.

Covid 19 info links

Covid 19 terminology