Glitch causes some to miss word on two-hour delay
DCPS parents who signed up for e-mail alerts did not get one informing them of this morning's two-hour weather delay. Spokeswoman Safiya Simmons said a "glitch" kept the message from leaving DCPS central offices. She said all other portals - Web site, text, Twitter and Facebook -- were updated by 4:40 a.m.
But that didn't head off an unhappy scene at Watkins Elementary on Capitol Hill, where dozens of parents, according to one who said she is "fuming," arrived at the regular time to find a note on the door saying that the school day would start at 10:45.
"What are we? Kabul with no technology?" said the Watkins parent, who asked that her name not be used because she is working with officials on the Montessori school expansion underway in Ward 6 and doesn't want to anger anyone. "Turns out DCPS has gone back to the pre-Fenty days where you had to go on the Web site or turn on the television (who does that in the morning?) to get the latest DCPS news."
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By
Bill Turque
| February 22, 2011; 11:50 AM ET
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Yes, not getting an email alert and having to proactively turn on the television or check a website is akin to living in Kabul. I believe it was Anton Ego in Ratatouille who commented that a little perspective is called for.
Posted by: horacemann | February 22, 2011 11:58 AM | Report abuse
Sorry to hear this parent didn't get the message, but it was also on the radio by 5 a.m. and all the TV news programs. Seriously--in this town it makes sense to check the news when there is even a HINT of snow or ice...
Posted by: teacherparent | February 22, 2011 1:10 PM | Report abuse
WTOP Radio had it.
103.5 FM
Posted by: edlharris | February 22, 2011 1:14 PM | Report abuse
When her kids are housed in the Logan school, THEN she should be comparing the situation to Kabul. Logan is very third world, or should I say developing nation?
Posted by: Title1SoccerMom | February 22, 2011 1:25 PM | Report abuse
PreFenty days--boy what a stretch since the leadership at DCPS is the same crazies minus one from the Fenty days.
Dumb statement from a parent too busy to turn on the radio.
Posted by: dccounselor72 | February 22, 2011 1:46 PM | Report abuse
The fact that so many parents were able to drive their children to school on time for a regular start is proof that no delay was needed. How 'bout an article investigating why the delayed start was issued in the first place? And lets agree that reactionary statements from individuals whose biggest problems in life are mere inconveniences to the rest of us are in no way newsworthy.
Posted by: smart-aleck | February 22, 2011 3:25 PM | Report abuse
This nut is working on the Montessori school expansion underway in Ward 6? Heaven forbid if he/she/it should lose use of a computer - they wouldn't know what to do! Solution: Duh, take out paper and a pencil!
Posted by: CanjacCanjar | February 22, 2011 4:14 PM | Report abuse
The DCPS School's Out Alert about the delay hit my inbox at exactly 5:00 a.m. this morning.
Posted by: gardyloo | February 22, 2011 4:24 PM | Report abuse
TURN ON THE TELEVISION.
Posted by: aggie | February 23, 2011 10:29 PM | Report abuse
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