NIH workshop August 9, 3-5:30pm ET RADx-UP Return to School Phase I and II Workshop

 

RADx-UP Return to School Phase I and II Workshop

August 9, 2021 (1:30-5:00 p.m. ET)

Sponsor/Co-Sponsor

Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Underserved Populations (RADxSM-UP) Initiative, Office of the NIH Director, NIH

Location

Zoom webinar; registration is free but required

Purpose

NIH launched the Safe Return to School Diagnostic Testing Initiative as part of the RADxSM-UP initiative. The Return to School initiative addresses the needs of children with unequal access to COVID testing, as well as those facing barriers to attending school remotely. This includes children who lack access to computers and internet connectivity or who may not have family members available to help with virtual learning. Without in-person schooling, many children will miss out on school-based meals, speech or occupational therapy, and afterschool programs. Loss of such services disproportionately affects minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged children, children with disabilities and those with medical complexities.

This workshop will bring together RADx-UP Return to School Phase I and Phase II awardees/investigative teams and other researchers conducting school-based research on COVID-19 diagnostic testing to learn from each other and define the current state of their research projects supporting the safe return of children to in-person school.

The goal is for participants to use this knowledge and experience to identify the following:

• Common themes and shared research milestones and opportunities that complement and fast-track the translation of research results into knowledge, tools, and procedures to improve health of school communities
• Gaps that need addressing to inform future research directions, including alternate testing approaches to increase testing size population

Individuals who need reasonable accommodations to participate in this activity should contact Kristin Borowski at kborowski@deloitte.com at least 5 days in advance.

More Information

Register and learn more 

Contacts

For registration-related questions:
Kristin Borowski
Deloitte
Email: kborowski@deloitte.com

For workshop-related questions:
Dr. Sonia Lee, Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, Division of Extramural Research, NICHD
Phone: 301-594-4783
Email: sonia.lee@nih.gov

Please note: Views expressed during NICHD-sponsored events do not necessarily reflect the opinions or the official positions of NICHD, NIH, or HHS.

@jemillerwbal Maryland Covid data for Thursday shows an additional Covid related death of a child 0-9 yrs old.

 https://twitter.com/jemillerwbal/status/1420887403976404995?s=20

12 OF THE 20 BIGGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS NOW REQUIRE MASKS IN SCHOOLS. THE OTHERS CAN'T BECAUSE OF MASK MANDATE BANS

 More major school districts will require masks in schools following updated guidance Tuesday from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With the spread of the more contagious Delta variant, the CDC now recommends students from kindergarten through grade 12 wear masks in school. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended masks in schools for everyone over age 2.

The largest school district in Georgia, Gwinnett County Public Schools, changed its mask policy Tuesday from optional to required for students, staff, visitors and on school buses when school starts next week, regardless of vaccination status.

"This decision takes into account current conditions, the rise in COVID-19 case rates in Gwinnett County, and the ineligibility of children age 12 and younger for the vaccine," the statement from the school district said.

"The facts and recommendations are clear... masks do make a difference and we must do all we can to keep students in school, in person," said Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks.

Of the 20 biggest US school districts, 12 are requiring masks for students when the school year begins. The remaining eight are in Florida (Miami-Dade, Duval, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange and Palm Beach) and Texas (Dallas and Houston), where the governors have banned mask mandates in schools.

Clark County Public Schools in Nevada, the fifth largest district in the country, decided to require masks after the CDC's new guidance.

"Once again, the District is committed to opening schools for all students for in-person learning, while promoting the health and safety of all students and staff," a news release said. Clark County includes Las Vegas.

Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland will require masks for all students, staff and visitors in schools regardless of vaccination status, the district tweeted Tuesday.

"Face coverings are not required outdoors, but strongly are recommended for unvaccinated individuals," MCPS tweeted...

https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/national/574908632.html

BOARD OF EDUCATION REJECTS CHARTER SCHOOL PROPOSALS

Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted against allowing either of two  proposed charter schools to open next year. At this time, the county continues without any charter schools.

Because the the Washington-McLaughlin Charter School for Boys Inc. and The Washington-McLaughlin Charter School for Girls Inc., did not demonstrate a clear understanding of the federal government rules on  separate sex schools, the application was turned down during the BOE’s July 27 business meeting.

The Board also unanimously rejected a proposal from The Mentoring Business Learning Institute (MBLI). The school’s plan focused on business education and financial literacy for students in middle through high school regardless of their future career and life choices.

Board members expressed concern with MBLI’s finances, noting it was unclear how it would obtain funding beyond what the state and local governments provide per pupil.Late the evening before the Tuesday meeting, MCPS did receive additional documentation noting the school had secured a bank. But the specific arrangements on what money would cover costs was not detailed, according to Acting Superintendent Monifa McKnight...

https://www.mymcmedia.org/boe-rejects-charter-school-proposals/

Fairfax County Schools to Require Masks

 https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/coronavirus/fairfax-county-schools-to-require-masks-heres-what-other-districts-say/2747634/?fbclid=IwAR3RQbjD8DoYAnSGAaR39rpSPiMiJF1RU9LEuRSO9NkNCG2b7iwFJvbLQns

Montgomery Co. passes 5G wireless amendment; some residents raise safety concerns

Montgomery Co. passes 5G wireless amendment; some residents raise safety concerns: ROCKVILLE, Md. (WDVM) — Montgomery County residents will start seeing those 5G antennas in their neighborhoods after the council approved Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 19-07, which would facili…

CDC will now recommend everyone in K-12 schools wear mask — regardless of vaccination status

 https://www.wbaltv.com/article/cdc-mask-update/37144675

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz misstates Zoning Text Amendment to be voted on Tomorrow. Fact: 5G Cell Towers WILL Replace Streetlights.

This morning Montgomery County Council President Tom Hucker and Vice-President Gabe Albornoz held a press conference to discuss current items before the County Council.  

One of the topics included the Zoning Text Amendment that will be voted on tomorrow, July 27, 2021, concerning the placement of 5G cell towers in front of homes, schools and parks across the County.  

When asked about the County Council's proposed Zoning Amendment, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz said that the 5G cell towers 

"...they have to go on existing utility poles or existing light poles..."

But that is not what Councilmember Albornoz is voting for tomorrow!  The Zoning Text Amendment before the Montgomery County Council allows for the 

REPLACEMENT of existing streetlight poles.

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2021/20210727/20210727_4D.pdf

Why doesn't at large Councilmember Gabe Albornoz know what is in the Zoning Amendment he is voting on tomorrow? 

@TraceeWilkins #Breaking: @pgcps WILL REQUIRE MASKS for students, teachers, and staff in schools in the fall.

#Breaking: @pgcps WILL REQUIRE MASKS for students, teachers, and staff in schools in the fall. @drmonicaceo says Prince George's County has a 50% vaccination rate among students who qualify, she needs that number to be higher to consider no masks. @nbcwashington

— Tracee Wilkins (@TraceeWilkins) July 26, 2021

Aspen, CO passed Aesthetic Guidelines for Cell Towers on Residential Streets that will Replace Streetlamps. MoCo Council Refuses to do the same.

 

The Montgomery County Council will not establish aesthetic guidelines for cell towers that will replace every 3rd streetlamp on our residential streets.

The Montgomery County, MD County Council has refused to establish aesthetic guidelines for the cell towers that will replace every 3rd streetlamp in the County. But Aspen, Colorado did establish aesthetic guidelines. This image and article below shows what a cell tower looks like next to a residential streetlamp like the ones found in Montgomery County. Montgomery County residents will not have any input into what the 5G cell tower in front of their home or schools will look like because the Montgomery County Council has determined residents should not have a say. Aspen, Colorado disagreed with the Montgomery County Council's position and established aesthetic guidelines. The Montgomery County Council votes on their plan to replace every 3rd streetlamp with a cell tower tomorrow, July 27th, 2021.

5G towers set to dwarf Aspen [Colorado] streetlamps

Aspen city staff are working on aesthetic regulations for small cell wireless facilities, even as cell carriers are putting in their applications to build out 5G capabilities.

The FCC has tied the hands of local governments, which must allow new towers in public rights of way, and cannot consider health or environmental effects of the technology in their codes. What remains is the ability to create a set of design standards for what the wireless towers will look like.

In a work session last night, staff asked city council to weigh in on proposed design parameters regarding everything from height, width and color of the wireless facilities, to ways to consolidate and disguise the new infrastructure.

At the crux of the conversation is the tradeoff between keeping new poles smaller and shorter, or allowing larger infrastructure to be built in Aspen, with the theory that wireless carriers could double up on the larger poles, meaning less total new development.

The guidelines are being written to encourage cellular companies to build new small cell facilities in place of existing streetlights. A company would apply for an application and, if approved, remove the current streetlight and replace it with a cell tower that fits within the design guidelines, at their own expense.

The city is proposing a requirement that all the radios, wires and antennas that compose the small cell unit be enclosed in the pole and out of sight from passersby. Paul Shultz, the city’s director of information technology, said that means the current lamps used to light Aspen sidewalks cannot act as the cell tower.

“There is just not room to support the amount of infrastructure,” Shultz said. “It’s just not possible to reuse these poles”

The design team is proposing that the replacement poles cannot be any higher than 25 feet in the air. That number is 14 feet higher than Aspen’s shortest existing streetlamps, but shorter than the 50-foot limit the wireless industry would like to see.

https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/5g-towers-set-to-dwarf-aspen-streetlamps/article_173bd7d0-3cc8-11ea-9cfb-1fc12d21b3d2.html

Montgomery College: Fall 2021 Many fall classes will be fully online

 

Summer 2021

Most summer classes are fully online. Students in certain programs may have some on-campus classes. 

Fall 2021

Many fall classes will be fully online, but classes that focus on hands-on skills and learning experiences will meet on campus. Most lab sections are scheduled on-campus for the fall semester.

Please review your schedule carefully. If a building and room are assigned for the lab section, it will meet on campus. Some sections also have a section note that the lab will meet on campus. Classes that meet on campus are marked with a campus building and room number in the course schedule.

• Many remote lecture and discussion sections are scheduled just prior to or after the on-campus lab. There is not time to travel to or from campus between these adjacent section meetings. Campus spaces will be available for students to complete remote coursework when they are on campus for in-person classes.
• Wi-Fi will be available in designated on-campus parking lots and parking garages for your convenience. Those locations will be identified later this summer. 
• If you start a class online, it will remain online. Classes will not switch from online to on-campus in the middle of the course.
• Check the course schedule throughout the summer to look for more on-campus courses. Courses will be added as enrollment demands and conditions improve...

https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/coronavirus/students/index.html

Maryland offers $1 million COVID-19 vaccination scholarship program

From ABC News, full story here. 

Maryland Gov. Hogan announced earlier this month, the launch of the $1 million VaxU scholarship program. The effort is to incentivize those eligible, kids between 12-17 to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the governor said. Anyone between those ages who was vaccinated in the state is automatically entered to win.

Winners will receive a $50,000 scholarship for any public, in-state institution of higher education. As of July 12, the state began randomly selecting two winners and will continue with weekly drawings through Labor Day, when they will then pick four winners.

“The virus, and its variants are a dangerous threat to you,” Hogan said. “Getting vaccinated is the only way to protect yourself and to continue on our recovery.”

"The winners will receive a Maryland 529 prepaid college trust contract, which locks in today's tuition rates for the future, or a Maryland 529 College invest plan," said Gov. Hogan. "And the winner, if they decide down the line.... [that they] would like to attend a private institution or school that's outside of the state of Maryland, they can actually transfer the scholarship to the school of their choice."

Opinion: County needs smart limits on rights of way as wireless industry hopes for bonanza

Our opposition to Montgomery County’s latest telecommunications towers zoning text amendment (ZTA 19-07) is all about the future.

We are fighting for the rights of residents to have meaningful voice about future use of our shared public rights of way, and specifically want to be sure wireless corporations respect the character and safety of all residential neighborhoods.

Rights of way are inside and surround all residential neighborhoods, including the front sidewalks of apartment buildings and condos.

Public rights of way are woven into the fabric of neighborhoods and are a veritable gold mine of existing infrastructure (utility poles, streetlights, lampposts, intersection signals, etc.). Wireless companies want to install antennas, radios and equipment cabinets in various configurations on those poles...

...The ZTA for Montgomery County contains almost no requirements for concealments while allowing almost every selected pole to be made taller. Residents will be totally cut out of the process...

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/opinion/opinion-county-needs-smart-limits-on-rights-of-way-as-wireless-industry-hopes-for-bonanza/

Elected school board members move East Silver Spring ES assistant principal to yet another position

The elected MCPS Board of Education members that voters elected have moved Justine Pfeiffer to yet another paid position, this time at Carver, MCPS Headquarters, where according to Bethesda Beat she will be a coordinator of summer programs and tutoring in the Office of Teaching Learning and Schools. School board members originally moved her to Thurgood Marshall ES without informing the parents at that school. Now the Board of Education has moved her to a third position. We must assume  that the new Interim Superintendent, Dr. Monifa McKnight, is involved in this move and has overseen it. Ms. Pfeiffer's salary is $119,870.

For more details read the article here in Bethesda Beat, by reporter Dan Schere.

As a reminder here are the Board of Education members involved, that voters elected: 

Brenda Wolff (President)

Karla Silvestre (Vice President)

Judith Docca (District 1)

Shebra Evans (District 4)

Lynne Harris (At-large)

Patricia O'Neill (District 3)

Rebecca Smondrowski (District 2)

Hanna O'Looney (Student member)

For more information on the members that you elected, who oversee and are responsible for what happened at East Silver Spring ES go here.

MONDAY JULY 26th: County Council Press Conference on Vote to Put 50,000 Cell Towers in Neighborhoods and Next to Schools

Council President Hucker and Vice President Albornoz to hold media availability July 26 at noon to discuss early voting event, the Council’s upcoming vote on zoning changes for 5G wireless infrastructure and new legislation to eliminate no-rehire clauses

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 23, 2021

Vice President Gabe Albornoz will hold a media availability to discuss Monday’s Early Voting Community Celebration at the White Oak Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring, the Council’s upcoming vote on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 19-07 - Telecommunications Towers, which is scheduled for July 27, and other Council related matters. Council President Hucker will also discuss his new bill to eliminate no-rehire clauses in County settlement agreements with employees.

Montgomery County Health and Human Services Deputy Health Officer Dr. James Bridgers will join the media availability to provide a public health update.

The media availability will be held via Zoom and is for credentialed members of the media.

The public can watch on the Council’s Facebook page (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil).

Members of the media must RSVP before 11 a.m. on July 26 to Sonya Healy at Sonya.Healy@montgomerycountymd.gov to receive the Zoom login information.

For more information contact: Sonya Healy, legislative information officer, at Sonya.Healy@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-328-2069.

Genevieve Kurtz, communications director, Office of Council President Hucker at Genevieve.Kurtz@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-7937.

###

Release ID: 21-304
Media Contact: Sonya Healy 240-777-7926 , Genevieve Kurtz 240-777-7937
Categories: Gabe Albornoz, Tom Hucker

REMINDER:  There has been ONLY ONE public forum to discuss Montgomery County allowing cell towers to be put in front yards and next to schools.  Here is the news coverage of that one public forum.  Montgomery County residents were not happy with this proposal.

Homeowners Oppose Cell Tower Proposal in Montgomery County

DC schools will require face masks for students, staff and visitors this fall

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — It won't feel quite like things are back to normal when D.C. kids go back to school this fall.

A July update from the school system says masks will be required for all students, staff, and visitors when kids are back in classrooms at the end of August...

https://wjla.com/news/back-to-school/dc-schools-will-require-face-masks-for-students-staff-and-visitors-this-fall?fbclid=IwAR12_7ITnpywHrUURYOkZaJOKC5Od4y-sPUHe5bbNPtHDfKsayT50gMJ7kQ

Opinion: Children Deserve Safety Assurances When It Comes to Cellphone Radiation

 

If new zoning proposals before Montgomery County Council pass, our children and the rest of us may be exposed to levels of radiation that remain untested for their impact on our health and that of the environment.

For 5G and small cell towers, many localities have large setbacks for the new networks. Petaluma, California, has a 500-foot setback. Los Altos, Calif., requires a 500-foot setback from schools.

While the National Toxicology Program shows clear evidence that this radiation can cause cancer and DNA damage, Montgomery County stands poised to allow cell towers closer to homes and schools with minimal restrictions.

Cellphones have become a rite of passage for our children. Most parents believe that cellphones were safety-tested before they came on the market.

We assume that our federal health and environmental agencies regularly review the latest research and ensure that these incredible devices are safe. They do not...

https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/07/23/opinion-children-deserve-safety-assurances-when-it-comes-to-cellphone-radiation/

@McpsSafe Outbreak @Burtonsville ES: 3 cases in 1 week.

Outbreak @Burtonsville ES: 3 cases in 1 week. @mcps needs mandatory testing & masks for all @mocoboe @ShebraEvans @brendawolff1 @MonifaRMS @hanaolooney @KarlaSilvestre6 @Lynne4Students @Marc_Elrich @tomhucker @CaitlynnPeetz14 @TomLynch_ @AimeeCho4 pic.twitter.com/NSSiWNBhwW

— Safe_MCPS (@McpsSafe) July 23, 2021

The COVKID Project: JULY 2021 UPDATE - NEW VACCINATION AND HOSPITALIZATION DATA

The purpose of the Coronavirus in Kids (COVKID) Tracking and Education Project is to monitor and compile epidemiologic surveillance data on COVID-19 in children and teens in the United States.

NEW DASHBOARD! Pediatric Hospitalization Trends

NEW DASHBOARD! State Vaccinations by Age has the most recent COVID-19 vaccination data for kids.

NEW DASHBOARD!  COVKID HOT SPOTS

View the COVID-19 cases (incidence) dashboards for the USA, regions, and states below.

Our hospitalizations, deaths, and racial/ethnic disparities dashboards can be reached through the menu above.

UPDATED: The COVKID State Report Card tracks quality and completeness of data reporting by state health departments.

 

Our blog, The COVKID Compass, brings you easy-to-understand, unbiased, and up-to-date scientific explanations of all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in children and teenagers.

We welcome your feedback, data links and leads, and constructive criticism  - email us at covkid.project@wiise-usa.org

https://www.covkidproject.org/

McKnight to seek permanent MCPS superintendent job

 https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/schools/mcknight-to-seek-permanent-mcps-superintendent-job/

@McpsSafe Weller Rd quarantining entire rising 2nd grade bc of covid case.

Weller Rd quarantining entire rising 2nd grade bc of covid case. @mcps needs mandatory weekly testing & masks for all @mocoboe @ShebraEvans @brendawolff1 @MonifaRMS @hanaolooney @KarlaSilvestre6 @Lynne4Students @Marc_Elrich @tomhucker @CaitlynnPeetz14

— Safe_MCPS (@McpsSafe) July 23, 2021

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Community Notification: COVID-19 Case at Weller Road Elementary School

July 22, 2021

Dear Weller Road Community,

This letter is to inform you that we were notified today an individual who was last present at Weller Road Elementary on 7/19/2021, tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on 7/20/2021. Following Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, we notified individuals who were known to have direct contact with this individual and have advised them to quarantine. 

Per current DHHS guidance and our contact tracing process, unless you are notified directly, your child does not need to be tested or quarantine as they were not in direct contact with the person who tested positive for COVID-19. Direct contact in schools is defined as: 

being within 3 feet or less for 15 or more minutes (within a 24 hour period) of an individual with COVID-19, or

having direct contact with the infectious secretions from an individual with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on).

Note: The definition of “close contact” does not include all other individuals on the same floor or in the same building as a positive individual, unless they also meet criteria (1) or (2).

We encourage you to closely monitor your child for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. If your child develops any of these symptoms, do not send them to school. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice. Please contact the school if your child develops COVID-19-like symptoms. Students who develop symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, will not be able to return to the building until they are medically cleared.

As a reminder, here are the steps that we can all take to keep families, school community and ourselves safe:

Wear a mask, or appropriate face covering, at all times when in school and other public spaces.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after eating.

Cover your cough and/or sneeze and immediately wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Practice physical distancing and keep 6 feet away from others when possible.

Stay home if you are sick.

Visit https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus  and montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19 for additional information.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and healthy school environment.

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/press/index.aspx?pagetype=showrelease&id=10775

Former Kennedy High student sentenced to probation for shooting threat, sexual assault

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/courts/former-kennedy-high-student-sentenced-to-probation-for-shooting-threat-sexual-assault/ 

Until there’s a vaccine for kids under 12, masks must be required in Md. schools | COMMENTARY

Let’s see if we’ve got this straight: Maryland’s children gave up more than a year of in-person education at great cost to their personal and academic growth to minimize the spread of a deadly virus that nevertheless managed to infect nearly half a million people in the state and claim almost 10,000 lives — a virus that is still raging, by the way, with case numbers on the upswing because of a variant that’s 200% more transmissible than the one that initially shut down schools. But now that adults and adolescents have a voluntary vaccine available to them, the state’s leaving the youngest kids to fend for themselves.

Does that sum it up?So, those feeling smug because they’ve had their shot shouldn’t be quite so quick to hang the kids out to dry. Not protecting unvaccinated children with masks just might turn them into Petri dishes for something to develop that none of us is protected against. In other words: If you can’t mask the kids for their sake, do it for yours.

We were glad to see that Maryland’s health and education departments are encouraging all school districts to expand their COVID-19 testing capabilities during the next school year, and providing federal funds to help pay for it. Catching outbreaks early is critical. But you know what’s better than catching an outbreak? Avoiding it. Gov. Larry Hogan, we should still “wear the damn masks.” Won’t you intervene?

https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0725-masks-in-school-20210722-ss4rocvxpbdpvhpvjw7wwnnz74-story.html?fbclid=IwAR0YmrqWDXrICq9ADBHB5fzY-OKnq_Uwx6Wk914m4_d-WEKQBk6l2a9vZyg

World-first study shows effectiveness of masks in preventing COVID transmission

The mandating of masks during Melbourne’s COVID-19 second wave in July 2020 was the single-most important control measure and “turned the epidemic around”, new world-leading Burnet Institute research shows.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, highlights the effectiveness and critical importance of masks as a key tool to prevent community spread of the highly infectious Delta variant in Australia and globally.

Co-lead author Dr Nick Scott said the introduction of mandatory mask use by the Victorian Government on 22 July 2020 while Stage 3 restrictions were in place, turned an exponential increase in community transmission into an exponential decrease, almost overnight.

“We had a unique situation in Melbourne where masks were made mandatory as a single policy change, and compliance went from low use to very high use of masks in the community very rapidly,” Dr Scott, Head of Burnet’s Modelling and Biostatistics Group, said...

https://www.burnet.edu.au/news/1473_?fbclid=IwAR3_htaaGKkBmV3N_0BB6lAjcL78jKNRv9nlvfMz919FapSS59nY5xNnkMo

The American Academy of Pediatrics said Tuesday more than 23,550 child cases of COVID-19 were reported between July 8 and 15 — nearly double what was being reported in late June.

New COVID-19 cases among children are back on the rise after months of declines, just as schools across the United States are gearing up to reopen in a few weeks.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said Tuesday more than 23,550 child cases of COVID-19 were reported between July 8 and 15 — nearly double what was being reported in late June. Child age ranges vary by state, according to the group's most recent report, with more than half of states defining children as anyone 19 or younger, and two states — Utah and Florida — limiting the range to anyone 14 or younger...

 https://www.wbaltv.com/article/covid-19-child-cases/37084497

12 Climate Groups Calling For Climate and Social Justice Statement on 5G Cell Tower ZTA 19-07 - Letter to Montgomery County Council

Dear County Councilmembers, 

Our organizations recently became aware of the potential climate implications of the Zoning Text Amendment - ZTA 19-07 - Telecommunications Towers - Limited Use. 

We are concerned that the increase in the number of 4G and 5G small cell towers in neighborhoods could result in an increase in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Montgomery County, as well as a significant reduction in the tree canopy throughout the county. These impacts would prevent the County from achieving our goals identified in the Emergency Climate Mobilization Resolution No. 18-974 to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2027 and by 100% by 2035. Additionally, we are concerned that these same climate impacts will disproportionately worsen the negative effects on communities of color, people of low income and other vulnerable households in the County. See the list of studies and reports identifying these outcomes and concerns. 

Section G-8 of the County’s Climate Action Plan, which is entitled Evaluate and Update County Planning, Policy, and Operations Activities to Reduce Greenhouse Gases states that “Climate-related contracts should require equity-enhancing measures that proactively engage and improve the socioeconomic conditions of communities disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities such as low income, race, and/or immigration status, and communities considered most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This action also includes establishment of a climate impact statement to evaluate all pending bills, budgets, plans and land use decisions.” 

 

As a result, before any vote on ZTA 19-07 takes place, we ask the County Council to provide both a climate impact statement and a racial equity and social justice statement on the implications of this proposed ZTA. 

 

Additionally, we ask that you support County Executive Marc Elrich’s proposal on June 29, 2021 to convene a working group comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry, residents, municipalities and homeowner/tenant associations, non-profit organizations and executive and council staff for a limited time, perhaps 75 - 90 days, to allow for the opportunity for a more complete discussion of the issues after which their recommendations can be presented to the Council. We appreciate your consideration of these requests. 

We look forward to hearing from you very soon. 

Best regards, 

350.org MoCo

Bethesda Green Biodiversity for a Livable Climate 

Cedar Lane Ecosystems Study Group 

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church 

Environmental Justice Ministry 

Give a Shift 

Glen Echo Heights Mobilization 

Montgomery Countryside Alliance 

One Montgomery 

Green Takoma Park 

Mobilization Environment Committee (TPMEC) 

TAME Coalition (Transit Alternatives to Mid-County Highway Extended) 

The Climate Mobilization, Montgomery County Chapter

MPT - State Circle: July 16, 2021 - Where to Place Thousands of New Cell Towers

Boston Overhauls Admissions to Exclusive Exam Schools

 

A new policy will increase representation of Black and Latino students in the prestigious public schools, which serve as a gateway to elite colleges...

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/15/us/boston-schools-entrance-exams-admissions.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20210716&instance_id=35475&nl=the-morning&regi_id=92976244&segment_id=63616&te=1&user_id=0660cb1477d0cec16ea24837e687f1bc

Maryland State Board of Education Welcomes Two New Members: Chuen-Chin Bianca Chang and Kevin Bokoum

 

Maryland State Board of Education Welcomes Two New Members

Chuen-Chin Bianca Chang, MSN, PNP, RN-BC, and Kevin Bokoum, Student,
Join Board of Education

BALTIMORE, MD (July 20, 2021) – Two new members have recently joined the Maryland State Board of Education. On July 1, Board Member Chuen-Chin Bianca Chang, MSN, PNP, RN-BC and Student Member Kevin Bokoum officially began their terms.

“Ms. Chang and Mr. Bokoum will be excellent additions to the Board,” said Board President Clarence Crawford. “They each come with a unique set of experiences that make them prime advocates for students, teachers, staff, and stakeholders across the State. I know that they are true believers in the power of education, and I am excited to see their contributions to Maryland education policy and administration. I personally look forward to working with them, as well.”

Ms. Chang was born in China and immigrated to the United States with her husband in the 1980s. She raised their three sons as a stay-at-home mom, while earning her RN-BSN and MSN degrees. Ms. Chang was involved with the administration of Howard County Public Schools for over 20 years, was a member of the Howard County Human Rights Commission, and also taught at the Chinese Language School of Columbia. In 2018, Ms. Chang became the President of the National Council of Associations of Chinese Language Schools. Ms. Chang is an avid proponent of implementing effective models of diversity and inclusion in schools, and she has also promoted foreign language education and the Maryland State Seal of Biliteracy. In her position on the Maryland State Board of Education, Ms. Chang said, “I look forward to inspiring all and bringing out each individual’s potential and beyond with my passion and years of experiences in promoting world language education and human rights.”

In addition, Kevin Bokoum, a senior at North Hagerstown High School in Washington County, has become the 36th Student Member of the Board (SMOB). Mr. Bokoum has previously served on the Washington County Board of Education, and was the Divisional Liaison representing Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties on the Executive Board of the Maryland Association of Student Councils. He was also a member of the Maryland Center for School Safety Student Focus Group. Mr. Bokoum believes that education is “the great equalizer,” and he is a strong advocate for fine arts education, school infrastructure improvement, and extracurricular funding. Mr. Bokoum has expressed intrigue at touring the numerous CTE programs across the State, and he also said that he is “looking forward to participating in school visits with fellow State Board of Education members and the State Superintendent. Being able to see the smiling faces of students and the substantial advances that have been made to education is something that I cannot wait to be a part of.”

The Board will welcome Ms. Chang and Mr. Bokoum to their new positions at the next Board meeting on July 27.

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200 West Baltimore Street • Baltimore, MD 21201 • 410-767-0100
410-333-6442 TTY/TDD • MarylandPublicSchools.org

New Board Members Press Release 7.20.21.pdf

Science

 This is how science works, folks.

Back to Class; Wear a Mask: Keeping masks on in school and urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 are among several coordinated interventions recommended in updated AAP interim guidance

 ...Back to class; wear a mask

...Pediatricians should emphasize a layered approach that prioritizes attending school in person, while protecting students and staff from SARS-CoV-2 variants that may be more transmissible, said Sonja O’Leary, M.D., FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on School Health Executive Committee.

The AAP continues to recommend that all staff and students who are 2 years or older wear face masks unless medical or developmental conditions prohibit their use.

Universal masking serves multiple roles, according to Dr. O’Leary.

“As we start the 2021-’22 school year, a large portion of students are not eligible to be vaccinated and there are COVID variants that are more contagious. Because of this and because we want to have all students in school, the AAP advocates for all students, teachers and staff to wear masks while indoors in school,” she said.

In addition, schools may lack the resources to monitor vaccine status or enforce mask policies based on vaccination status.

Another benefit of universal masking is that it protects students and staff from other respiratory illnesses that would take time away from school, according to the guidance...

https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/07/18/schools-071821