Et tu, Denver? "In recent weeks, discussions have surfaced on creating well-meaning “pandemic pods” and “micro-schools” that un-enroll children and hire private teachers. We want to strongly encourage our families to keep the connection they have to their school & educators." 1/

"It’s also important to recognize the impact of unenrolling children from their school and/or hiring private teachers. We are deeply concerned about the pods’ long-term negative implications for public education and social justice."

"For pods to reflect the demographics of the district, there must be three students-of-color for every one white student, two students who qualify for free-and-reduced price lunch for everyone who does not, at least one student who receives SPED services..."

"Here is what you can do to support Denver Public Schools & public education during the pandemic: Stay enrolled in your school! ...Consider the equity implications of creating or joining pandemic pods or micro-schools."

"Reject the notion of school vouchers and stipends that further siphon funds from public education... If you do organize a pod, please confirm the safety of all children within the pod. Ask if guns exist in the house and if they are stored safely." cc: @AmySwearer

"Getting schools to a safe reopening has more to do with what takes place outside of schools than inside schools." Hmm... Full release here: https://www.dpsk12.org/board-of-education-statement-on-learning-pods-and-their-impact-on-the-community/?fbclid=IwAR157QGzgMnF-iocZtT8KDXpWmhB4zhbX6jy_DY4iVGzHDU1McGTAfzUva8