Double School Desks

On Monday morning, the students got off at a far away stop outside the Southside Vocational College High School. This was a yellow bus. A staff member used a handheld scanner to take their temperature. Once cleared, each student walks alone through one of the designated entrances of West Englewood School.

On Monday, the first batch of students from Chicago Public Schools returned to the classroom, which was nearly 10 months. Although more than 6,500 pre-kindergarten and special education program students chose the "study in school" option, Monday's CPS did not provide the final number of students.

In March last year, when the novel coronavirus prompted the closure of schools across the state,

. Since then, more than 213,000 Chicago residents have tested positive for the virus and 4,200 people have died. Over the weekend, city officials updated their home guidance, restricted gatherings, and urged Chicagoans to stay at home as much as possible.

The school is an exception.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (Lori Lightfoot) contrasted with the current situation in March, saying that CPS is closed every day when it is a new step into "uncharted territory."

"Since then, we not only have more data and resources, but we also have vaccines, and have pointed out the path to hope to end this terrible crisis," Lightfoot's press release at Daws Elementary School in Ashburn Said at the meeting.

City officials believe that educators can start receiving vaccinations in February or March. In response, the leaders of the Chicago Teachers’ Union were skeptical about the implementation of the touted security agreement in the region and believed that it was worth the wait before reopening schools. Although negotiations between the two parties continue, CTU stated that if teachers cannot reach an agreement as soon as possible, they may strike and encourage employees who choose to continue working remotely in accordance with school district orders.

According to data provided by CPS, about 71% of teachers and 81% of super-professional staff are expected to return to school on Monday, slightly higher than the proportion of teachers who did so last week. More than 500 teachers are missing. Another 235 employees failed their health checks.

CPS said that for 145 staff who did not show up on Monday, the school district will lock them out of Google Classroom and email accounts, and will withhold wages from Tuesday until they report to the school. This is among the 210 employees who received the final warning last week.

A statement provided by spokesperson James Gherardi said: “The school district will continue to monitor employee attendance and take steps to hold employees who fail to go to work in person without a valid reason.” “The vast majority of educators needed to return to school have Returning to work, we ensure that we are accountable to staff who choose not to support returning students."

The union and the school district painted different pictures of where the first day went. The union shared dirty surfaces and rumored photos that were supposed to welcome students back, while district and city leaders shared images of schools that looked good.

After visiting Dawes, chosen by 48% of qualified students, Lightfoot talked about "clean and well-ventilated classrooms" with enough space for 6 feet of social distancing, hand sanitizer and masks.

Dawes principal Mary Dixon accompanied reporters through the classroom renovation and provided accommodation for returning students.

In the hallway, signs on the walls and floor provide social distancing reminders. The drinking fountain is covered. Preschoolers sit at a small desk with clear three-sided partitions. This provides an additional obstacle when a boy’s mask slides under his nose and when the mask falls for lunch. Hand sanitizer always seems to be within reach.

Hygiene and space are even part of the lesson plan.

But of the school’s nearly 1,000 students, only 40 were originally scheduled to return on Monday, and with the second wave on February 1, this number rose to 300.

Dixon said that it is a "wise way" to arrange small classes on time. Dixon is used to reading in the building from band practice at 7:30 in the morning to art classes in the late afternoon.

Dixon said: "It must be very quiet here. We are very happy to bring students back to school for some on-site face-to-face learning." "...After experiencing the eternity of online teaching, our family (mostly from low Income families) finally have a chance to return to the classroom."

Dawes' parents, Maria Vasquez, said that she did her best to help two preschool children with distance learning, but they needed the routine and stability of personal learning. Vasquez said that Monday's health check and temperature check reconfirmed her decision and her child's feeling of safety.

Shortly before the students arrived at Frederick Stock School in Edison Park, where 80% of qualified students opted in, the staff pushed welcome signs into the snowy yard. Teachers play music and wear masks and sometimes masks to welcome students. "Welcome home!" One said.

Stock is expected to have 171 students, which is one of the largest student groups in the city. Katherine Sromek (Katherine Sromek) took her 4-year-old child to school. She said that with three other children at home, the family sometimes dealt with some messy Internet when trying to work and study from home. .

"I'm very uncertain, but we have to start somewhere," Sromek said.

The selection rate for the first wave of Southside Vocational Schools is the same as the area average, 38%. Nicole Smith felt uncomfortable with her daughter in the school bus, so she drove her off the bus. Despite this, she is cautiously optimistic that school officials have taken appropriate protective measures.

"Believe it or not, I'm very encouraged," said Smith, a health care worker who has worked with COVID-19 positive patients. "...The temperature check and probe are the same as the ones I use in the hospital where I work."

Smith said that distance learning delayed her daughter's schedule, which exacerbated depression. She said: "She is autistic, so she is really punctual, so this is a difficult time."

Smith said that she provided her daughter with spare facial masks, hand sanitizer, a pack of wipes and her own cleaning supplies.

"We have classes every week," Smith said. "I will judge this at the end of this weekend. How does she feel? Will she continue to do this? Or do we want to return to distance learning?"

The teachers’ union has been calling on teachers to continue distance learning until the vaccine is available, while members continue to protest and press conferences on Monday. Community members and activists gathered at the main entrance of Whittier Elementary School around 7 am, hoping to speak with their parents to pick up their children.

"Children and parents should not be scientific experiments," said Javier Ruiz, a member of the Pilsen Alliance, which has mobilized to urge parents to oppose the current reopening plan.

But by 9 o'clock in the morning, no children have appeared at school, and it is expected that there will be about two dozen. Byron Sigcho-López.

Sigcho-López said that many parents in Pilsen and other Latino neighborhoods are essential workers. They have no choice but to send their children to school. He is one of the overwhelming majority of members of the Chicago City Council. They signed a letter calling on CPS to reconsider its reopening plan until the school district reached an agreement with the teachers' union.

Ald, Chairman of the City Council Education Committee. Unsigned Michael Scott Jr. held a meeting on Monday. At the meeting, his colleagues urged officials from the city's health department and CPS to urge the reasons and details of the reopening plan. Fearing that they were barred from attending, members of the Teachers Union requested another meeting for them to attend with the Chicago Association of Principals and Administrators.

CTU and CPS continue to disagree on the indicators to guide the decision to open or close schools, but for now, as long as the new cases since the start of the second peak in October have not doubled in a short period of time, The school will remain open for more than 18 days.

The region has also launched a voluntary COVID-19 "surveillance test" program, which will help monitor cases among asymptomatic workers.

CPS CEO Janice Jackson said that participants will be tested monthly and about one-fifth of school-based staff opt out of the program. She said that if the employee’s quick test result is positive, the school district will provide them with a PCR test at the school that day. The school will communicate the results to family and colleagues, and the district will share city-wide data on its website.

She said: "This is one of the consensus we reached with the teachers' union."

She cited other measures taken in the area to improve building safety, such as purchasing air purifiers, and said that CPS exceeded the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Jackson said she was delighted to see some of the youngest and "most vulnerable" students in the region studying in person on Monday, as well as "the professionalism and dedication of our teachers that appeared here today."

She also thanked the educators who are still working at home and added that the region hopes to bring all students back in the coming months.

Jackson said: "There is a small group of people who are just resisting, and the purpose and focus of me today is not any resistance, but to ensure that we can educate our children."

Jackson said that any teacher who is suspended or who refuses to access his Google suite will be warned and called on CTU members to follow the school district’s interpretation of the contract.

Jackson said: "They went on strike on the contract we asked them to perform, which shows that they must educate the students we asked them to do." "This is very important work.... Thousands of students are going to school today, I hope to see To their teacher."

For any parent who adopts a "watchful for changes" approach, Jackson said: "I want to make sure that you have done your best to ensure the safety of these schools."

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Partly cloudy tonight, cloudy after midnight. Low 17F. The wind is light and variable.

Partly cloudy tonight, cloudy after midnight. Low 17F. The wind is light and variable.

Salem, Massachusetts

Danvers’ Jared Berry (3) has been a scoring tool in his team’s first three games, averaging close to 30 points per game. JAIME CAMPOS / Staff Photo 1/26/2021

Ipswich's Nikhil Walker (20 years old) doubled the 3-2 Tiger average score this winter. JAIME CAMPOS / Staff Photo 1/4/2021

Salem's Tommy Beauregard filed charges against Beverly's Gabe Copeland in a game last season. Both sides will play an indispensable role for their respective teams in 2021. Jared Charney/Photo

Peabody's Drew Lucas (3) completed all the tasks for Peabody and started the season 3-1. JAIME CAMPOS / Staff Photo 1/26/2021

So far, Bishop Fenwick's Max Grenert (20) has led the region with 23 three-pointers in nine games.

It's hard to believe that there are only three weeks left in the 2021 North Shore Boys High School basketball season-anyway, for most teams.

Some teams, such as Bishop Fenwick, started early and have played 9 games. Other companies such as Danvers and Salem only started operations last week, and Pingree has yet to pave the way for competitive competition.

It is indeed a different season. Just the night before, at Danfoss High School, I myself and the fans participating in the game were limited. Sitting in the case of a conflict between the Falcons and competitor Peabody, the student desk (actually good results). Most schools have almost no fans or even no fans, which makes some quiet stadiums possible.

Although all sports circles have unprecedented agreements and daily unknowns, with the development of local events, competition and mobility have gradually increased. Sans Pingree, each team in our coverage has played at least three games, and the individual talents of each team are beginning to emerge.

For the first time since this winter, we have compiled the list of local personal statistics leaders so far, so I think now is a good time to highlight certain players in each team. There is no further reason...

Beverly (4-0)

Although it is almost a brand new starting lineup, the defending Division 2 North Division champion Panthers continues to move on where they left off. Gabe Copeland (Gabe Copeland) made a big gain in the Beverly playoffs a year ago. He has been working hard to enter the role of scoring champion, but he is not disappointed. The sophomore swingman averaged 18.5 points and scored 11 three-pointers. The young Treston Abreu also performed very well, averaging 13 points per night (including 11 3 goals) and 5 rebounds per night.

Beverly's production method is different from a season ago, but if not one of the top teams in the Northeast, he still has enough firepower and depth.

Bishop Fenwick (6-3)

The Crusaders launched an incredible balanced attack. Max Grenert leads the team with an average of 14.7 points per point, and is one of the four Crusaders who average double points per game (with Che Hanks at 12.9, Jason ·Romans (Jason Romans) is 11.4, Mike Yentin (Mike Yentin) is 11.3). The aforementioned Roma is now in his junior year. He is once again a complete player averaging 7.8 points, 6.5 assists and 3.9 steals per game. This team can also shine from the depths. Grenart dropped 23 three-pointers in 9 games, Yentin scored 18, Hanks scored 12.

After missing the first six games of the team, Fenwick will also benefit from the return of big man Christian Roscher to the lineup. So far, he has averaged 5.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Danfoss (1-2)

Guard Jared Berry is the story here. In three games, he scored 30, 26 and 29 points, and averaged the team's best 7 rebounds and 2 steals overnight. Since the beginning of his freshman year, Berry has been an important member of the Falcons lineup. This winter, his game has reached a new level. Although often attracting double teams and traps on key points, the changeable organizer continues to find ways to slide his own way to the cup or pull efficient jumpers. He does a great job of attracting the basket and can finish the game with two hands. If the junior keeps his scoring climax (or close to this score), he will get 1,000 career points next winter.

Essex Technology (1-5)

Just like in recent seasons, the Eagles continue to feel their presence in the glass. Junior Cael Dineen averaged a team-best 10.2 rebounds per game, while sophomore Shawn O'Keefe ranked second with 10.2 rebounds per game. Ian McBournie leads with an offensive advantage of 10 points. He also knocked down the team's best 13 triple titles. Essex Tech has been extremely competitive recently, even in terms of losses.

Hamilton-Wingham (4-1)

In five games, the generals’ balanced production from the starting lineup was almost unheard of. For now, they have three players averaging double-doubles per game. Carter Coffey (14.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 assists), Ryan Monaghan (13.4 points, 13.4 rebounds) and Marcus Noordin (10.7 points, 11 rebounds, 4.7 assists), while scorer Rui Hutchinson (18 points, 9.4 rebounds) is nowhere near a big rebound game for that double-double team. Each of the aforementioned players stood at least 6 feet 1, forming a dominant front line.

Ipswich (3-2)

The Tigers have been hovering above .500 due to their consistent strong defense capabilities and a game plan that caters to their strengths. Big man Nikhil Walker performed very well in the low post, averaging 10.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, scoring both. If it is not troublesome to foul at the beginning, then these averages may be higher. Taylor White also performed well, averaging 7.6 rebounds per game. Ray Cuevas (Ray Cuevas) sometimes becomes hot, currently averaging 11 points per game. Nine three-pointers.

Masconomet (2-2)

The Chiefs operate under the leadership of interim head coach Steve Heintz and sometimes underperform on the offensive end, but due to their dedication on the defensive end, they continue to remain competitive. Statistically, Ben Dillon leads (9.5 points), while Brennan Johnston (9.3) is close behind. This is a team full of athletes and hard work, but no one on the roster can stand out. So far, Michael Lepore, Spencer Butterworth (4.5 rebounds), Harry Osgood (Ethan Cote) (the team's highest 4.8 rebounds), Jack Jake Cobak, Ango Leone, Greg Walker and Patrick Gallagher are all such players.

Marble head (2-2)

The Magic started offensively, but has since returned to the .500 level. Big man Hunter Fleming averaged a team-high 16.3 points and 7 rebounds per game. His shooting percentage can be expanded and he has contributed 8 three-pointers in the first 4 games. Fleming is also Marblehead's biggest defensive performance, averaging 2 blocks per night. Although Sami Loughlin (Sami Loughlin) is a guard, he has a very good performance on the glass, contributing 7 rebounds per night, and the field general Noah Mann (Noah Mann) averaged an assist rate of 3.8 points per game.

Peabody (3-1)

A fast, dynamic and decisive team has made a solid start due to their selfless character and commitment to defense. Drew Lucas quietly organized a wonderful game, leading the team in points per game (14.0), rebounds (8.3) and assists (3.5). The athletic swingman is strong and skilled, and likes to involve his teammates, but can also attack himself when needed. Shea Lynch is also a huge asset, scoring the team's best 4.8 steals per game, and launching offenses regularly.

Salem (2-1)

This was a particularly challenging start for the Witches. So far, they have had no key starter Jorge Guerrero in two of their three games. Guerrero scored 19 points and 9 rebounds in the season's opener, but has since then had to withdraw from the game due to the COVID-19 agreement. In addition, starter and senior leader Tommy Beauregard recently returned to the lineup after missing the first two games. Overall, Salem has been trying to find an offensive rhythm. Bobby Jellison averaged 9.3 points and 3.0 assists per game to lead the team, while point guard Guillermo Pimentel did a good job providing five per night. Assists.

Salem College (1-2)

The Voyagers won their first victory at Matignon on Thursday night, and it is clear who their top players are. Junior Dexter Brown (10.5 points, 8.5 rebounds) and sophomore Joebert Peralta (9.5 points, 6.5 rebounds) led the scoring and rebounding, while guard Emilio de la Cruz ( Emilio De La Cruz) averaged 2.0 assists per game in two games. Salem Academy lost many talented seniors in the successful campaign last winter. While they are trying to enter the victory column, they will look for a large number of junior students, even eighth graders.

Swampscott (3-0)

The young Evan Roth (Evan Roth) made a brilliant start, averaging a team record of 16 points per game. He is a smart player with complete offensive capabilities and has been an important part of the team's success in the early days. Andrew Augustine is also very good sometimes, especially in close games, averaging 13 points per game, in double-doubles. And 10.3 rpg. Despite giving up the height advantage of most players in the region.

Cam O'Brien (Cam O'Brien)'s score has dropped, just because his score has dropped, but he has done all the dirty work of "Giant Blue" and continues to look for empty people, It immediately attracted people's attention and went beyond the arc. O'Brien's scoring will come, but now, Swampscott can rely on his rebounds (up to 10.7 per game) and passing (7.3 assists per game).

St. John’s Preparation (3-2)

The Hawks are likely to be undefeated, their losses are only three points. The competition in the Catholic Assembly is extremely fierce, and this winter is evenly matched. Therefore, the preparatory course competition will be even more intense. Rollie Castineyra ranks among the local leaders in scoring average (20.2 points), hitting 14 goals and 3 goals in just four games, and point guard Aidan Callahan (14.4 points, 6.6 assists) is equally impressive. . Undoubtedly, these two are head coach John Dullea's preferred duo. Don’t be surprised if their night-time numbers increase as the years go by.

Full Court Press is a weekly high school basketball column that will appear in Salem News every Friday in the winter. Contact staff writer Nick Giannino

And follow him on Twitter @NickGiannino_SN.

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