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These do not count toward the student's grade nor are they required.

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Parent Resources / COVID - 19 Resources and Updates

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Parents and students may find school-related online resources on their child's school website. School websites have a variety of external educational websites that are easy to access and that students can use with ease. In addition, at the elementary level, all school websites have a "Bookmarks" tab that provides a variety of supplemental online resources.

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ACPS is waiting for MSDE to provide a timeline...

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Allegany County Public Schools / Homepage

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These online learning platforms enhance your child's connection to his/her teachers. Supplemental activities will also be available within the teacher's Google Classroom for students who want to extend their learning. Online learning is the preferred method for the continuity of learning if students have Internet connectivity and access to technology.

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WBAL Discussion w/ Superintendent Arlotto

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WBAL Discussion w/ Superintendent Arlotto

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"Due to varying schedules, Arlotto said there will not be a specific, daily time period that students will conduct online learning. There will be some "synchronous learning" where teachers will meet online with their students; however, most online learning will be recorded, Arlotto said. Office hours will be put in place for students to check in as needed.
As of last week, Arlotto reports roughly 5,000 Anne Arundel County students do not have a device at home and/or may not have access to the internet.

Officials are working with Comcast to offer these students free access to the internet while schools are working to distribute their own Chromebooks to students, Arlotto said.

Additionally, hard copies of school work will be available for pickup at Anne Arundel County meal distribution sites.

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore County School Superintendents Plan For Extended Closures

Both Anne Arundel and Baltimore County school superintendents joined WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5's Bryan Nehman to discuss the extended closure of Maryland public schools and the possibilities for continuity of learning.

On Wednesday, Karen Salmon, the state superintendent of schools, announced all state public schools will remain closed for at least another month, through April 24.

Salmon said she has received continuity of learning plans from superintendents and many throughout the state are working around the clock to answer frequently asked questions around the closures.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
"We're going to, as best we can, engage our students at a distance," Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto said.

Starting next week, Anne Arundel County public school teachers will receive training on how to conduct an online lesson and engage students through Google Classroom and Google Meets.

Arlotto said online learning should be up and running for students in the following week.

Due to varying schedules, Arlotto said there will not be a specific, daily time period that students will conduct online learning. There will be some "synchronous learning" where teachers will meet online with their students; however, most online learning will be recorded, Arlotto said. Office hours will be put in place for students to check in as needed.

As of last week, Arlotto reports roughly 5,000 Anne Arundel County students do not have a device at home and/or may not have access to the internet.

Officials are working with Comcast to offer these students free access to the internet while schools are working to distribute their own Chromebooks to students, Arlotto said.

Additionally, hard copies of school work will be available for pickup at Anne Arundel County meal distribution sites.

Arlotto is unsure if grades will still be handed out as it is an issue yet to be worked out by the state superintendent and the 24 county superintendents. Graduation requirements are also to be determined, Arlotto said.

Salmon did mention the possibility of an extended school year; however, it is currently unclear of when or if that will happen.
BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Darryl Williams said his system's plan is to begin preparing staff and students for online learning next week.

From grades third through 12, Williams said students have a "1-to-1 device structure." The coming week will be spent identifying students who do not have internet access or Chromebooks and ways to provide support to them.

Williams said his hope is to have online learning in place for students beginning April 6.

"When we first closed, we had enough information (and) supplemental materials for our students that would carry us through April 3," Williams told Nehman. "We just have to look at all of the logistics and using next week as a way to address those logistics."

Williams said Baltimore County principals are reaching out to students to learn whether hard copy materials or online learning would work best for them.

He said the district was well positioned for the disruption because this is the time of year students and teachers would normally be preparing for state assessments.

"So we are positioned to do what we can for these next four weeks, waiting to hear what may happen after these next four weeks, and then we have to look at some other options and what we may do differently during the summer, what we may do differently as we start up the new school year," Williams said.

He said the district is looking into ways to have certain senior rituals like prom move forward as planned. However, if Gov. Larry Hogan's executive order limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people remains in effect, that may not be possible, Williams said.

The school board is holding its work sessions and meetings remotely, Chair Kathleen Causey told C4.
Kathleen Causey speaks to C4:
"So it is going to be a matter of being flexible, being creative and using all of the tools that we have," Causey said. "This is a disruption of our typical type of education but it is also providing another type of education. This is an opportunity for our children to see our community, county, state and national resiliency in action."

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore County School Superintendents Plan For Extended Closures

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore County School Superintendents Plan For Extended Closures Both Anne Arundel and Baltimore County school superintendents joined WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5's Bryan Nehman to discuss the extended closure of Maryland public schools and the possibilities for continuity of learning.

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Additionally, we have provided Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) to answer the most commonly asked questions about online learning and your student. Finally, we posted information on meals support and mental health supports for you during this time away from the daily routines and supports offered by our schools. Happy eLearning!

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Balt. County Teachers Union asks for patience

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Balt. County Teachers Union asks for patience

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"Cindy Sexton, president of TABCO, the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, said next week the county’s 9,000 teachers will be meeting online with their principals, and will be receiving videotaped guidance from the Division of Curriculum and Instruction."

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Starting Monday, teachers throughout Maryland will be getting an education on how to do their jobs in the new reality of online learning.

The head of the teachers union in Baltimore County said her members are anxious about what is a very uncertain time, as school administrators react to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cindy Sexton, president of TABCO, the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, said next week the county's 9,000 teachers will be meeting online with their principals, and will be receiving videotaped guidance from the Division of Curriculum and Instruction.

Sexton said this is such a paradigm shift that teachers have a lot of questions.

She listed a few: "What are the expectations going to be? How am I going to do it with taking care of my own family? What am I going to do about those students who just aren't engaging in it at all?"

Also, what is online instruction going to look like?

Sexton said next week will be for professional development for county teachers.

"They have not seen the plan or the requirements yet, so it's a very uncertain time," Sexton said.

The county plans to begin online teaching April 6. This follows the announcement earlier this week from State School Superintendent Karen Salmon that public schools throughout Maryland will remain closed through at least April 24, as Maryland battles to control the coronavirus pandemic. Schools initially were closed for two weeks, starting March 16.

Teachers have not been required to interact with students during this time. That will change April 6. But Sexton said some teachers have been reaching out to students anyway.

In an interview on Wednesday, Baltimore County School Superintendent Darryl Williams commended those teachers.

"They've done some great work," Williams said. "They've thought outside the box."

Multiple challenges lie ahead, including teaching children with disabilities, making sure students and staff have access to online learning, and figuring out how to get printed materials distributed.

"Everybody needs to be patient as we learn and we work through this," Sexton said. "It's new for everybody. Let's give it a chance to work out and see how it goes."

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baltimore county school superintendent darryl williams

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teachers association of baltimore county

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Baltimore County Teachers Union President Asks For Patience As Educators Prepare For Online Learning

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Starting Monday, teachers throughout Maryland will be getting an education on how to do their jobs in the new reality of online learning. The head of the teachers union in Baltimore County said her members are anxious about what is a very uncertain time, as school administrators react to the coronavirus pandemic.

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From grades third through 12, Williams said students have a "1-to-1 device structure." The coming week will be spent identifying students who do not have internet access or Chromebooks and ways to provide support to them.

Williams said his hope is to have online learning in place for students beginning April 6.

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore County School Superintendents Plan For Extended Closures

Both Anne Arundel and Baltimore County school superintendents joined WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5's Bryan Nehman to discuss the extended closure of Maryland public schools and the possibilities for continuity of learning.

On Wednesday, Karen Salmon, the state superintendent of schools, announced all state public schools will remain closed for at least another month, through April 24.

Salmon said she has received continuity of learning plans from superintendents and many throughout the state are working around the clock to answer frequently asked questions around the closures.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
"We're going to, as best we can, engage our students at a distance," Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto said.

Starting next week, Anne Arundel County public school teachers will receive training on how to conduct an online lesson and engage students through Google Classroom and Google Meets.

Arlotto said online learning should be up and running for students in the following week.

Due to varying schedules, Arlotto said there will not be a specific, daily time period that students will conduct online learning. There will be some "synchronous learning" where teachers will meet online with their students; however, most online learning will be recorded, Arlotto said. Office hours will be put in place for students to check in as needed.

As of last week, Arlotto reports roughly 5,000 Anne Arundel County students do not have a device at home and/or may not have access to the internet.

Officials are working with Comcast to offer these students free access to the internet while schools are working to distribute their own Chromebooks to students, Arlotto said.

Additionally, hard copies of school work will be available for pickup at Anne Arundel County meal distribution sites.

Arlotto is unsure if grades will still be handed out as it is an issue yet to be worked out by the state superintendent and the 24 county superintendents. Graduation requirements are also to be determined, Arlotto said.

Salmon did mention the possibility of an extended school year; however, it is currently unclear of when or if that will happen.
BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Darryl Williams said his system's plan is to begin preparing staff and students for online learning next week.

From grades third through 12, Williams said students have a "1-to-1 device structure." The coming week will be spent identifying students who do not have internet access or Chromebooks and ways to provide support to them.

Williams said his hope is to have online learning in place for students beginning April 6.

"When we first closed, we had enough information (and) supplemental materials for our students that would carry us through April 3," Williams told Nehman. "We just have to look at all of the logistics and using next week as a way to address those logistics."

Williams said Baltimore County principals are reaching out to students to learn whether hard copy materials or online learning would work best for them.

He said the district was well positioned for the disruption because this is the time of year students and teachers would normally be preparing for state assessments.

"So we are positioned to do what we can for these next four weeks, waiting to hear what may happen after these next four weeks, and then we have to look at some other options and what we may do differently during the summer, what we may do differently as we start up the new school year," Williams said.

He said the district is looking into ways to have certain senior rituals like prom move forward as planned. However, if Gov. Larry Hogan's executive order limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people remains in effect, that may not be possible, Williams said.

The school board is holding its work sessions and meetings remotely, Chair Kathleen Causey told C4.
Kathleen Causey speaks to C4:
"So it is going to be a matter of being flexible, being creative and using all of the tools that we have," Causey said. "This is a disruption of our typical type of education but it is also providing another type of education. This is an opportunity for our children to see our community, county, state and national resiliency in action."

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore County School Superintendents Plan For Extended Closures

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Anne Arundel, Baltimore County School Superintendents Plan For Extended Closures Both Anne Arundel and Baltimore County school superintendents joined WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5's Bryan Nehman to discuss the extended closure of Maryland public schools and the possibilities for continuity of learning.

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Online Classes Begin April 6, 2020

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Now that schools will remain closed through at least April 24, school systems across Maryland are scrambling to come up with ways to teach children from a distance.

Baltimore County School Superintendent Darryl Williams said instruction on line will begin for county students on Monday, April 6.

Williams said students have supplemental work to get them through next week. He added that next week is all about principals and staff getting ready to teach children on line.

"What that may look like, what needs to be covered, who has access, who doesn't, how we get the print material to folks, so we can really go live on April 6," Williams said.

On Thursday, principals will be briefed on the plan.

"Next week is transitioning everyone to this continuity of learning plan," Williams said.

Multiple challenges lie ahead, including getting laptops to elementary school children. Baltimore County provides laptops to all middle and high school students.

"We're working out a plan of possibly distributing some Chromebooks to our younger students," Williams said. "But we also have to be sensitive to their needs. From grades K-2 we may have to supplement with some materials and hard copies."

Williams said some county school staff members may have internet access issues as well.

Getting printed materials to students is also a logistical issue that needs to be worked out. Williams said they will be printing out hard copy materials for students at the central school office. The documents may be distributed to students at the county's "grab and go" sites where they are handing out food, or at individual schools.

"We have to make sure we have the social distancing," Williams said. "We can't have a gathering of 10 or more people."

On Wednesday, Maryland School Superintendent Karen Salmon announced public schools would be closed through April 24. She said during that time they would have to find creative ways to teach children with disabilities.

"We want to make sure we are meeting the standards and we are abiding by what is reasonable during this time frame," Williams said.

Williams said he is holding virtual meetings with his cabinet every day. Following Salmon's announcement, he said Wednesday was "a whirlwind."

"We want to make sure we have a plan," Williams said. "We'll make the plan available this week. We'll have it on our website."

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baltimore county school superintendent darryl williams

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Online Classes Will Begin April 6 In Baltimore County Schools

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Now that schools will remain closed through at least April 24, school systems across Maryland are scrambling to come up with ways to teach children from a distance. Baltimore County School Superintendent Darryl Williams said instruction on line will begin for county students on Monday, April 6.

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"As mandated by the state, BCPS school buildings are closed through Friday, April 24. But learning continues!

Monday, March 30: BCPS staff are working remotely. Professional learning opportunities will begin for instructional leaders and staff.

The week of March 30: The continuity of learning plan will be shared.

Monday, April 6: New learning materials are available for students."

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Message from Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams

Dear Team BCPS,

I appreciate your patience and understanding during the coronavirus pandemic. There is nothing more important than the safety of our students and staff.

During this period, BCPS will provide "continuity of learning" through virtual and print-based learning pathways depending on student access to technology.

As mandated by the state, BCPS school buildings are closed through Friday, April 24. But learning continues!

Monday, March 30: BCPS staff are working remotely. Professional learning opportunities will begin for instructional leaders and staff.

The week of March 30: The continuity of learning plan will be shared.

Monday, April 6: New learning materials are available for students.

You will find all updates here, and we'll provide more details as we are able.

Voluntary, supplemental practice materials from preschool through high school for March 16 through April 3.
Arabic Chinese Spanish Urdu

Includes activities, resources, and homework help.

Students must be present to receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one bag on Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., through April 24.

Frequently Asked Questions (in progress)

Submit Questions: Staff (login) Parents and Community Members

More Resources

Office of Payroll
Employee Assistance Program
Social-emotional (mental health and wellness) supports for children and adults

Baltimore County Government Coronavirus Updates
211 (many resources including food options for non-students)
Temporary free Xfinity internet if eligible

CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Maryland Department of Health
Baltimore County Department of Health

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Dear Team BCPS, I appreciate your patience and understanding during the coronavirus pandemic. There is nothing more important than the safety of our students and staff. During this period, BCPS will provide "continuity of learning" through virtual and print-based learning pathways depending on student access to technology.

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These lessons are part of the supplemental learning packets that are ungraded but give you an idea of the work students may complete.

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Calvert County Public Schools continues to work daily with the Calvert County Health Department to monitor the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. Please visit the Health Department website, calverthealth.org, for up-to-date local information about the virus. Other reliable sources of information are the Maryland Department of Health website, health.maryland.gov, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

Family Resources

Tips for Talking to Children about COVID-19

Guidance from the American School Counselor Association

Calvert County Community Resources
Quick Reference List of Community Resources in Calvert County
COVID-19 Communications

For easy reference, below are communications that CCPS has sent to families:

Supporting Students at Home - Supplemental Learning

The guides below are designed to provide learning ideas for students to do at home during an extended emergency closing.

K-12

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Calvert County Public Schools continues to work daily with the Calvert County Health Department to monitor the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. Please visit the Health Department website, calverthealth.org, for up-to-date local information about the virus. Other reliable sources of information are the Maryland Department of Health website, health.maryland.gov, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

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Continuity of Learning Plan, Superintendent Letter

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Continuity of Learning Plan, Superintendent Letter

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"CCPS has determined that we will use Schoology, our Learning Management System" to teach virtually.

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Continuity of Learning, Special Education

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Continuity of Learning, Special Education

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March 30 Message: "Now that our teachers and service providers have returned to duty through distance learning and remote strategies, they will be reaching out to you to develop individualized plans collaboratively. The plans will identify key learning areas to focus on during this time to foster student retainment of and potential growth of skills.

Please know that we are committed to doing all that we can in the coming weeks to provide continuity of learning in a way that meets the needs of each student and family. Our teachers and providers will maximize the opportunities to provide specially designed instruction and to assist parents and guardians in supporting their children’s growth. We remain mindful of the fact that not all families have access to technology and that not all students are receptive to that form of communication. We are working steadily to develop a variety of tools, resources, and methods to continue working with our students during this crisis, while ensuring the well-being and health of students, families, staff, and the state of Maryland." Superintendent Daniel Curry

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English 9 and 9 Honors Continuity of Instruction Plans 2020

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PK and K Menu, Continuity of Instruction

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PK and K Menu, Continuity of Instruction

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Continuity of Instruction Plan (PDF)

Resumen de Planes de la Continuidad de Instrucción (PDF)

Phase I , II, and III Continuity of Learning activities are available online. If you have Internet access, there is no need to report to your child's school for a paper copy. All online learning activities have been organized by grade level and content area. Additionally, you will find a resource tab that provides families with numerous websites supportive of academic enrichment and review.

As you establish "Continuity of Learning" household routines, we recommend the following guidelines:

Phase I and II plans are due to be turned in on 4/22 or 4/24.

Phase I (3/18-4/2) Two weeks = two assignments per class

Phase II (4/14-4/24) Two weeks = two assignments per class

Phase III Tier II plans are due on May 15.

Phase III (4/27-5/15) Three weeks = three assignments per class

In addition to academics, we encourage families to consider daily movement, creative pursuits, and placing reasonable limits on non-educational screen time.

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Continuity of Instruction - Caroline County Public Schools

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Continuity of Instruction Plan (PDF) Resumen de Planes de la Continuidad de Instrucción (PDF) Phase I , II, and III Continuity of Learning activities are available online. If you have Internet access, there is no need to report to your child's school for a paper copy.

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This page links to the "At Home Connection" but there is no easily accessible public information on continuation of learning for March 30-April 24.

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At Home Connection

If you have specific questions about the Coronavirus, please contact the Cecil County Health Department, at 410-996-5100.

We have established a designated email address specifically for questions related to the mandated school closure.

Please send these questions to CORONAVIRUSQUESTIONS@CCPS.ORG and we will get back to you!

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) / Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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At Home Connection If you have specific questions about the Coronavirus, please contact the Cecil County Health Department, at 410-996-5100. We have established a designated email address specifically for questions related to the mandated school closure. Please send these questions to CORONAVIRUSQUESTIONS@CCPS.ORG and we will get back to you!

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"Cecil County Public Schools’ Continuity of Learning Plan is designed to support the educational process while schools are closed. We acknowledge there is no replacement for face to face teaching, but in the event we are not able to offer typical instruction at school, we believe a level of instruction can still take place in a distance learning format."

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Collections by Follett is a new, collaborative way for educators to collect and share resources from anywhere, at any time, and with anyone.

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Collections by Follett is a new, collaborative way for educators to collect and share resources from anywhere, at any time, and with anyone.

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Go to ccboe.com and click the AskCCPS button under the slideshow. Users can fill out a ticket and receive an answer within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. For a quick answer, click Frequently Asked Questions under What’s New section of the website or on the AskCCPS page.

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AskCCPS is an online help desk for students, parents and the community. CCPS staff monitors the system and will respond to inquiries as they are received. Need an answer fast? Click here first for the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

We have an exclusive email setup for CCPS staff, webhelpdesk@ccboe.com.

To ask a question, click the blue button, "Open a New Ticket." Fill out the required fields and select "general question" or "technology" in the Help Topic section. To check on the status of your question, click the green "Check Ticket Status."

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AskCCPS is an online help desk for students, parents and the community. CCPS staff monitors the system and will respond to inquiries as they are received. Need an answer fast? Click here first for the frequently asked questions (FAQs). We have an exclusive email setup for CCPS staff, webhelpdesk@ccboe.com .

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"The original school closure prompted CCPS to plan for distance learning options for students. Today’s announcement of an extended closure affirms the need to continue student learning through online and paper packet learning activities. CCPS will work with teachers later this week to assist them in reconnecting with their students and helping them become acquainted with the new learning activities. CCPS will work with teachers and students who do not have access to the internet or a device at home to ensure instruction continues. Paper packets will be available next week at meal distribution sites. CCPS staff is working this week on plans for students who need additional supports."

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Dr. Karen Salmon, state superintendent of Maryland public schools, announced today that schools will continue to be closed through April 24.

School systems around the state, including Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), are closed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order earlier this week closing all nonessential businesses to slow the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). As Maryland officials report more cases of COVID-19 in the state, schools will remain closed.

"We did not make this decision lightly," Salmon said. "However, with the challenges facing our state and our country, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities and the community at large."

Salmon said she has been working closely with school system superintendents around the state to address issues on how to provide educational services to all students, including those who receive additional services. The continuity of education services will resume next week, she added.

"More information will be available in the coming days as we work collaboratively on a state-wide plan that maintains equitable standards and expectations for students," Salmon said.

The original school closure prompted CCPS to plan for distance learning options for students. Today's announcement of an extended closure affirms the need to continue student learning through online and paper packet learning activities. CCPS will work with teachers later this week to assist them in reconnecting with their students and helping them become acquainted with the new learning activities. CCPS will work with teachers and students who do not have access to the internet or a device at home to ensure instruction continues. Paper packets will be available next week at meal distribution sites. CCPS staff is working this week on plans for students who need additional supports.

CCPS technology staff spent the first week of the closure readying laptops for staff. Work continues to provide technology to students with access to the internet, but who do not have a laptop or tablet to work on at home. Through distance learning, students will be able to complete assignments and communicate with their teachers. More information will be provided to parents and students throughout the week regarding distance learning.

"Teaching and learning is our core mission, and it's time to re-engage teachers with what they love to do. We will begin our continuation of learning plan with four subjects - math, social studies, English and science for all grade levels," Hill said. "We hope to layer on additional subjects as we move through this new way of providing educational services to our community."

CCPS students continue to have access to optional online learning resources they can use as an enrichment tool and to stay connected to school. To connect to the online resources, go to ccboe.com and click the 'Online learning resources' slide on the front of the website. Paper packets of the online materials are available at meal sites. These optional materials will be available until the roll out of the distance learning materials later next week.

Free meals are being offered at school sites around the county, including three additional sites - Dr. Thomas L. Higdon, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd and J.C. Parks elementary schools. The sites operate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, rain or shine. Students receive three meals, including a lunch and dinner meal, and a breakfast pack. They must be present to receive the meals. The sites are:

Henry E. Lackey High School;

Maurice J. McDonough High School;

St. Charles High School;

Westlake High School

Milton M. Somers Middle School;

Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School;

Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School;

J.C. Parks Elementary School;

Indian Head Elementary School;

Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School; and

J.P. Ryon Elementary School.

CCPS school psychologists are available by phone 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents and guardians can call 240-776-5802 to talk to school psychologists about their children's social, emotional and behavioral development.

During the closure, most CCPS staff members are teleworking, but are still available to assist parents, guardians and staff. AskCCPS is an online help desk that connects users with answers to technology and general questions. Go to ccboe.com and click the AskCCPS button under the slideshow. Users can fill out a ticket and receive an answer within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. For a quick answer, click Frequently Asked Questions under What's New section of the website or on the AskCCPS page.

The state school closure has resulted in the cancellation or postponements of many CCPS events and activities. An updated list of cancellations and postponements can be found at https://www.ccboe.com/pr/ccps-events-canceled-due-to-school-system-closure/.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,521 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

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Charles County Public Schools Press Releases

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Maryland school closure extends to April 24

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Dr. Karen Salmon, state superintendent of Maryland public schools, announced today that schools will continue to be closed through April 24. School systems around the state, including Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), are closed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Maryland Gov.

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Learning Schedule, Technology Hotspots, Learning Plans

“The upcoming middle and high school assignments will focus on the four core subjects of English, math, science and social studies and count for fourth-quarter grades. However, CCPS is waiting for direction from the Maryland State Department of Education as to how those assignments will be graded.

Early next week, [March 30] classroom and special education teachers will start preparing assignments for their students to complete online or using paper packets that can be picked up at the 11 CCPS meal sites. The assignments will likely start rolling out online and paper packets available for pick up starting April 3.

Students who don’t have a device to complete work may be able to borrow one from the CCPS technology department. Technology staff will begin the process next week of distributing laptops to students who need them.

Free internet hotspots

Through a partnership with AT&T FirstNet, free, temporary internet access will be provided at four school locations — Piccowaxen Middle School, Matthew Henson Middle School, T.C. Martin Elementary School and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School. CCPS chose the hotspot locations using information from its recent student technology survey, Comcast and Verizon hotspot maps, and a recent broadband survey county government conducted to determine the areas in highest need.

CCPS is using grant funds provided by the Maryland Center for School Safety to cover the initial costs of the project. The CCPS offices of instructional technology, transportation, and school safety and security worked to complete the project within a week.”

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March 28: CCPS, TEACHERS PREPARE TO ROLL OUT INSTRUCTION DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE

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March 28: CCPS, TEACHERS PREPARE TO ROLL OUT INSTRUCTION DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE

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Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) classroom and special education teachers are preparing to deliver distance learning assignments.

Teachers will also establish “office hours” that will allow them to communicate with students and answer questions through email.

The upcoming middle and high school assignments will focus on the four core subjects of English, math, science and social studies and count for fourth-quarter grades. However, CCPS is waiting for direction from the Maryland State Department of Education as to how those assignments will be graded.

Early next week, classroom and special education teachers will start preparing assignments for their students to complete online or using paper packets that can be picked up at the 11 CCPS meal sites. The assignments will likely start rolling out online and paper packets available for pick up starting April 3.

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As the school closure has been extended to April 24 in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) classroom and special education teachers are preparing to deliver distance learning assignments.

Teachers will also establish "office hours" that will allow them to communicate with students and answer questions through email.

When Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon initially closed Maryland public schools from March 16 to 27, the third quarter marking period ended on March 13 due to Gov. Larry Hogan declaring a state of emergency.

Third quarter report cards will be mailed to middle and high school students on April 7. Report cards for elementary school students will be posted on ParentVue on April 7. Elementary school parents who are unable to access ParentVue can email their child's school principal to receive a paper copy of the report card in the mail.

The upcoming middle and high school assignments will focus on the four core subjects of English, math, science and social studies and count for fourth-quarter grades. However, CCPS is waiting for direction from the Maryland State Department of Education as to how those assignments will be graded.

Early next week, classroom and special education teachers will start preparing assignments for their students to complete online or using paper packets that can be picked up at the 11 CCPS meal sites. The assignments will likely start rolling out online and paper packets available for pick up starting April 3.
Online, on paper learning
On the last day that schools were open, March 13, students took a survey to determine who had access to a device and /or the internet. The parents and guardians of students who were absent March 13 received the survey through the email address connected to their child's Synergy account. If an email was not on file, CCPS staff phoned parents and guardians to determine the student's access to technology.

Students who don't have a device to complete work may be able to borrow one from the CCPS technology department. Technology staff will begin the process next week of distributing laptops to students who need them.
Free internet hotspots
Through a partnership with AT&T FirstNet, free, temporary internet access will be provided at four school locations - Piccowaxen Middle School, Matthew Henson Middle School, T.C. Martin Elementary School and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School. CCPS chose the hotspot locations using information from its recent student technology survey, Comcast and Verizon hotspot maps, and a recent broadband survey county government conducted to determine the areas in highest need.

CCPS is using grant funds provided by the Maryland Center for School Safety to cover the initial costs of the project. The CCPS offices of instructional technology, transportation, and school safety and security worked to complete the project within a week.

Those accessing the internet at the locations can park in the front lot and connect to the WiFi, while remaining in their car to maintain social distancing. The hotspots will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Jason Stoddard, CCPS director of school safety and security, said. He recommends not streaming videos using the free internet. Video surveillance is in use at all CCPS buildings to monitor parking lots and exteriors. The Charles County Sheriff's Office will also regularly patrol the areas around schools. Schools are closed to the public, but critical staff members are still working.
Directions to access the hotspot

Pull into the front parking lot.

Open your WiFi connection or Network connection screen.

Look for the network name "Public Access."

The network password is "CharlesCounty" (it's one word, the letter C is capitalized in Charles and County.)

For those who don't have access to technology or prefer to complete their work using pen and paper, the online lessons will be available in paper packets available for pick up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, at the 11 CCPS meals sites:

Henry E. Lackey High School;

Maurice J. McDonough High School;

St. Charles High School;

Westlake High School;

Milton M. Somers Middle School;

Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary;

Indian Head Elementary School;

Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School;

Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School;

J.C. Parks Elementary School; and

J.P. Ryon Elementary School.

The lessons will be sorted by grade level. While students must be present to receive meals, they do not have to be present to get the paper assignments. Those picking up the instruction packets should know what grade the student is in and the subject they need.

For paper assignments, teachers ask students to keep a "portfolio." Students should keep all their paper work together and once schools open, they can bring it in to receive grades. For students who opt to use a hybrid of online and paper instruction, they should keep their paper assignments in order to hand them to their teachers once schools reopen.
Teacher planning period
CCPS content experts have prepared coursework by grade level and subject. Classroom and special education teachers will spend most of next week preparing to ensure their students have assignments on April 3. Teachers are considering equity and consistency moving forward as well as the needs of students in special education programs and those who are in English Learners (EL) program.

Special education teachers will review all student IEPs in their caseload and use Goalbook, an online platform for teachers and students that centers on the achievement of individual student learning goals.

Elementary school assignments will be accessible at www.ccboe.com.

Middle and high school students will use Apex Learning, a digital curriculum program that is already being used by high school students enrolled in the Virtual Academy to complete coursework.

Later this week, teachers will reach out to their students via their StudentVue account. In the message, teachers will explain what instruction will look like while schools are closed through Friday, April 24. Middle and high school teachers will also make sure their students know how to login into their Apex account and how it works.
Meal sites
The meal sites will continue to operate during the school closure. Children 18 and younger can receive three meals a day - a bagged lunch and dinner, and a breakfast pack - from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at 11 meal sites including Lackey, McDonough, St. Charles and Westlake high schools, Somers middle school and Higdon, Indian Head, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy, Dr. Mudd, Parks and Ryon elementary schools. Children must be present to receive meals.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,521 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

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Charles County Public Schools Press Releases

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CCPS, teachers prepare to roll out instruction during school closure

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As the school closure has been extended to April 24 in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) classroom and special education teachers are preparing to deliver distance learning assignments. Teachers will also establish "office hours" that will allow them to communicate with students and answer questions through email.

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"More details about this instructional plan for this extended school closure will be shared with our families next week...(posted March

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April 27, 2020 - Mental Health Resources

Community Behavioral Health 1-844-224-5264

Corsica River Mental Health 443-225-5780

Dorchester Co Hlth Dept/Wellness Ctr 410-901-8177

Eastern Shore Psychological Services: 410-822-5007

For All Seasons, Inc: 410-822-1018

Harvesting Hope Youth & Family Wellness 443-351-4846

Maple Shade 410-726-4910/clinic cell phone -office: 410-677-0202

Peace of Mind: 410-690-8181

24/7 Mobile Crisis Response: 1-888-407-8018

24/7 Maryland Helpline: Call 211 then press 1

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line is anonymously accessible 24/7 by phone at 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233), online at safeschoolsmd.org, and by downloading the free app via the App Store or Google Play.

April 24, 2020 - Dorchester County Public Schools Continuity of Learning Plan

Key Upcoming Dates:

April 24, 2020: High School students should have their first assignments submitted in Google Classroom.

April 27, 2020: high school students will begin next wave of assignments in Google Classroom.

May 4-5, 2020: Third wave of instructional packets will be mailed to Elementary and Middle school students.

This update includes a full overview of Dorchester County Public School's Continuity of Learning Plan as it continues to take shape to meet the needs of our students and families.

Component One: Continuity of Learning Plan

Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) is committed to providing engaging learning experiences for all students during this extended closure of our schools. We acknowledge there is no replacement for face to face teaching, but in the event we are not able to offer typical instruction at school, we believe a level of instruction can still take place. At the high school level, this will take place in a distance learning format. At the middle and elementary school levels, lessons will be created in a packet format and will be mailed to students at their homes.

Elementary and Middle School Students

DCPS Instructional Teams created Instructional Packets for students in grades PreK through Lessons were developed in the four content areas, Math, Reading/ELA, Science and Social Studies. Packets will continue to be mailed throughout the closure. Any returned packets are being addressed on an individual basis.

Grade level lesson packets are also available online through DCPS SharePoint under "Teacher Resources Continuity of Learning"

High School Students

Devices were distributed to any high school student requesting a Mobile hot spots for Wi-Fi were installed at various locations across Dorchester County to provide internet access.

DCPS will support Distance Learning through:

*Google Classroom: Lessons and learning opportunities are posted in each teacher's "google classroom".

*APEX: students enrolled in APEX for credit recovery will continue through this platform

Need a scientific calculator? Desmos offers a free website and app download. https://www.desmos.com/scientific

Component Two: Roles and Responsibilities

Division of Instruction

Lead content teams in creation of instructional packets for elementary and middle school

Provide curricula resources to teachers

Support school leadership teams and teachers with the planning and implementation of Distance Learning lessons.

Maintain weekly virtual meetings for clear communication with School Administrators.

School Based Administration

Communicate with families through the period on Distance Learning

Support and monitor Distance learning plan
Provide support and communicate with staff

Conduct weekly "virtual" staff meetings

Participate in all IEP team meetings

Elementary and Middle Teachers

Participate in virtual staff meetings as well as grade level or content area meetings.

Review instructional packets for grade/content

Conduct weekly check-in calls to students.

Monitor student progress and provide feedback through student and parent communication by email and/or phone

High School Teachers

Participate in professional development to support deliver of instruction through Google Classroom.

Develop and upload lessons

Monitor student progress and provide feedback.

Respond to student and parent communication through Google Classroom, phone and email through "office hours"

Participate in "virtual" staff meetings

Conduct weekly-check in class to students (by rotating class period)

Student Services and Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs)

Support families in transition (homeless0

Provide contact support for students on home and hospital instruction

Provide support to School Administrators and Counselors

School Counselors

Participate in weekly counselor team meetings

Collaborate with teachers, school social workers, and school administrators to provide support

Maintain counselor office hours 10 -2 p.m. Mon - Fri (other hours TBD at principal discretion) to be accessible to students, families, and staff.

Provide social emotional tips and supports for students and families via email, phone, and school social media/websites. Classroom lessons to be available via Google Classroom

Provide crisis support as needed. - collaborate with teachers, local law enforcement, and DSS

Participate in professional development webinars/courses

Middle & High School Counselors Only - Utilize Naviance for college and career exploration lessons/communicate with students, and provide academic support reaching out to failing students.

High School Counselors Only - collect 2020-2021 registration requests via google docs and emails to be entered to build out the high school schedule.

School Social Workers

Social Workers will be expected to provide services to all students on their caseload.

Participate in weekly Social Worker team meetings

Collaborate with teachers, school counselors and school administrators to provide support

Maintain office hours daily to be accessible to students, families, and staff.

Provide social emotional tips, support and Crisis Interventions for students and families via email, phone, and school social media/websites.

Provide crisis support as needed. - collaborate with teachers, local law enforcement, and DSS

Participate in professional development webinars/courses

Instructional Coaches

Work with Instructional Teams in creating lessons for learning packets

Work with School Administrator to support teachers

English Language Learner Teachers

First priority of EL teachers will be to ensure their students have access to materials and/or technology.

Next priority is to reach out to teachers who have EL students to provide support and assist with modifying work and delivering instruction.

EL Teachers will conduct weekly check-in calls to students.

Special Education Case Managers

Special Education Case Managers will work with their school administrators to contact each parent to determine how each individual student's IEP will be implemented during this extended closure. The plan will address how the student will access general education instruction.

Special education and related services will be provided as outlined on the plan that was agreed upon with the student's parent.

DCPS is here to help, contact your student's school office to get the resources and support you and your learner need.

Students

Dedicate appropriate time to learning, comparable to the school day, or as guided by your teachers.

High School students - check online platforms for information and assignments daily. Most lessons will be asynchronous, meaning you are not in real time with your teacher; attend as much as possible synchronous (real time) engagements offered by your teachers. Submit all assignments in accordance with the directions provided by the teacher.

All students: identify a comfortable and quiet place to study/learn.

Engage in all learning with academic honesty. Do your best!

Ensure your own social and emotional well-being by engaging in time for reflection, physical activity, conversation, and play.

Make sure you practice appropriate social distancing when around others.

Parents

Provide an environment conducive to learning (access to technology, safe and quiet space during daytime)

Engage in conversations on posted material, assignments and learning packets.

Monitor time spent learning

Encourage attendance in synchronous engagements offered by your child's teachers

Support emotional balance by providing ample room and time for reflection, physical activity, conversation, and play

Encourage time learning about something new

Component Three: A Sample Day for Students and Teachers
Elementary and Middle School Students

Option 1:

Mon, Wed, Fri - spend 15- 30 minutes on each - Reading (RELA)/Science/Social Studies

Tues, Thurs - spend 20-45 minutes on Math

Option 2:

Monday - focus on Math and complete all the assignments throughout the day

Tuesday - focus on Reading (RELA) and complete all the assignments throughout the day

Wednesday - focus on Science and complete all the assignments throughout the day

Thursday - focus on Social Studies and complete all the assignments throughout the day

Option 3: You can choose to start whatever time you would like each day, but here is
an example

8:00am-9:00am Get ready for school as you normally would

9:00am-9:30am Math

9:30am-9:45am Get up stretch, complete 10 jumping jacks or walk around

9:45am-10:15am Reading (RELA)

10:15am-11:15am Break - Free reading time or an activity that you enjoy

11:15am-11:45am Science

11:45am-1:00pm Break for lunch or another fun activity or do

1:00pm-1:30pm Social Studies

2:00pm-8:00pm Student choice - Engage your mind by playing a board game, read, practice math facts or write a story

8:00pm-9:00pm Get ready for bed. Turn off all electronics and get ready for
"school" the following day

High School Students will have lessons/activities through Google Classroom. Each lesson/activity per content should take your DCPS student 30-45 minutes to complete. The following suggestions for how much time your DCPS student could spend on any one task may help you and your family as you continue learning from home during this break from the school building. As much as possible, please keep routines as you would for a regular school day. Reduce any distractions such as TV or electronics during designated work time. We have provided a schedule suggestion that may help your DCPS student set up a daily routine to complete these tasks. Of course, these are just suggestions.

60 minutes English Content

20 minutes break

60 minutes Mathematics Content

20 minutes break

30 minutes Science Content

30 minutes Social Studies Content

20 minutes break

30 minutes Special Area Classes, Technology and Wellness Activities

Option 2: You can change the start time, but here is an example:

8:00am-9:00am Get ready for school as you normally would

9:00am-9:45am Course 1

9:45am-10:00am Get up stretch, complete 10 jumping jacks or walk around

10:00am-10:45am Course 2

10:45am-11:15am Break - Free reading time or an activity that you enjoy

11:15am-12:00am Course 3

12:00pm-1:00pm Break for lunch or another fun activity or do

1:00pm-1:45pm Course 4

Teachers

Scheduled office hours: Contact families 1 time per week; Class Google Meets, individual student contacts for academic support, individual parent/student conferences, phone contacts, email correspondences with students and families (2 hrs./day)

Collaborative Meetings: School based staff meetings, grade level meetings, department meetings; (1-2 hours/day)

Planning: creating lessons; reviewing student work and providing feedback; developing enrichment activities; creating videos; (1-2 hours/day)

Professional Learning & Professional Responsibilities: attending IEP, 505, MLIP, SBLT, SIT etc meetings, required professional learning, self-selected professional learning. (1-2 hours/day)

Component Four: Monitoring Student Work

Elementary and Middle School Students

Teachers are maintaining weekly records for contact with students and families.

Through weekly contacts teachers are supporting students and families in completion of instructional packets.

Complete packets can be mailed back to schools. Some schools have set up drop off site for instructional

High School Students

Students had an opportunity to submit missing work for Quarter Three to close out their letter grade, and have transitioned into Quarter Four for online learning.

Work is to be submitted through Google Classroom, or email directly to the teacher.

Students will receive "pass" and/or "incomplete" grades in PowerSchool.

Teachers are grading based on student engagement and effort.

All interactions can be monitored through Google Classroom.

Teachers are maintaining weekly records for contact with student and families.

Component Five: Ensuring Equity for all student groups

Special education, 504, and EL case managers will be communicating directly with families to review student schedules, online platforms, accommodations, and technology supports. In addition, staff in the Department of Special Education are working with schools to address any questions that are brought directly to the school.

IEP Case Managers
Teachers and administrators were trained in how to complete a Distance Learning Plan (DLP). They began working with related service providers to contact parents, develop DLPs and began providing This individual contact with parents ensured that students with disabilities were able to access specialized instruction. Several digital resources which were used by teachers and students in traditional school, were also available to students, teachers, and parents during this time.

English Language Learners

supported during this closure as ESOL teachers will continue to collaborate with content teachers to ensure access to the learning opportunities provided through distance learning. Services will not be the same as what they were previously receiving on school campuses. Numerous bilingual resources have also been provided to support families with our distance learning process.

Certified ESOL teachers are included as members of elementary and secondary district wide content planning groups as they create both digital and non-digital lessons;

Certified ESOL teacher teams are ensuring accessibility of core content for ELLs by providing suggested modifications to both digital and non-digital formats;

Certified ESOL teachers are working to contact students and families regularly to provide support;

Learning resource packets have been developed and translated into several home languages;

Language specific translators and interpreters have been utilized to translate and interpret materials and communications;

Language Line is being used regularly during the school closure by administrators and teachers to communicate with families;

Students with Academic Needs

In addition to the services for ALL students, the following have been provided for homeless families:

All homeless parents were contacted through the Office of Student Services to determine student's need for additional resources.

Local resource lists are being provided to those who work closely with homeless students and families.

Gifted and Talented Students are being supported at each grade span. Instructional content teams have provided resources for enrichment and extension activities.

Component Six: Exented Professional Development Opportunties

Elementary/Middle School Staff Development:

County-wide PLC meetings have been occurring for instructional coaches led by content supervisors to support ongoing development of instructional packets for students prek - 8.

Instructional coaches then lead school based grade level PLC meetings to support teachers on instructional activities.

School counselors and social workers are offering resources to teachers to support helping students and families during this time.

Staff are also engaged in teacher selected professional learning through various professional organizations such as NCTM and NAEYC and on the MSDE website.

DCPS will be offering Schoology training in the near future to all teachers as we move toward using this LMS platform.

High School Staff Development:

Weekly staff and department meetings have been occurring to support teachers.

All high school teachers received training in Google Classroom; ongoing support is provided to assist teachers in using the platform.

DCPS has begun training for cohorts of High School teachers to learn how to use Schoology.

Special Education Staff:

A virtual PLC meeting took place with all Special Education Staff outlining the new responsibilities because of school closing.

All guidance provided to staff was under the direction of MSDE and lead by the Supervisor of Special Education.

Ongoing PLC's are being held to support Special Educators, related service providers and administrators as DCPS adjusts to this service delivery model.

ELL Staff:

A virtual PLC meeting took place with all ELL staff outlining the new responsibilities due to school closing. T

he ELL Supervisor is meeting weekly with staff to provide support to the EL teachers in meeting needs of our ELL students

Component Seven: Resources available to students

Dorchester County Public Schools uses social media platforms, instructional packets and school messenger to update students and families about various resources that are available.

In addition to sharing resources provided by MSDE, DCPS has also shared the following website resources have been shared with our families to provide enrichment or to support instruction:

https://www.arcbookshelf.com/

https://www.khanacademy.org/

https://reading.ecb.org/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

https://www.starfall.com/h/

https://www.funbrain.com/

https://constitutioncenter.org/learn

https://www.highlightskids.com/#

https://padlet.com/

https://web.seesaw.me/

https://my.hrw.com/index.jsp Holt online (HS textbook)

commonlit.org

https://newsela.com

revisionassistant.com

NoRedInk.com

https://www.remind.com/

collegeboard.org for all AP courses http://www.wallenpaupack.org/enrichment/WAHS/English/Sandercock/APLangWeek34.pdf - 15 Day Rhetoric Challenge for AP English

https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-statistics

http://www.mdcoalition.org/get-help-now/parent-caregiver-support-groups

April 22, 2020 - Teacher of the Year and First-Class Teacher of the Year Announcement

During the COVID-19 closure, we have had to make many changes and adjustments to the way we do things. Our Teacher of the Year Program was one of the many things that we had to put "on-hold" while we made these adjustments. The opportunity to make the announcement in a new way.
For the first time in the history of Dorchester County Public Schools, we will live stream the announcement of the Dorchester County Teacher of the Year and First-Class Teacher of the Year!
On Thursday, April 23rd at 6 p.m., we will live stream the announcement of our 2020-2021 Dorchester County Teacher of the Year and First-Class Teacher of the Year winners.

The link to the live-streamed announcement is ....
https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe
April 17, 2020 - School Social Worker/School Community Liaison Covid-19 Office Hours

LaShona Coleman: 443-521-2907

Monday - Thurs 9:00 - 12:00 pm.

Angela Murry: 410-406-1470

M-F 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Jannia Mitchell: 410-635-9043

M-F 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Ciara Cooks: 410-775-6810

M-F 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Kala Farrare: 267-341-7136

M-F 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Ashley Pinder: 240-547-9311

M 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

T 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

W 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

TH 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

F 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Brittany Duckworth: 443-732-0395

T/W 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and TH 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Stephanie Fuchs: 302-469-0233

Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Friday 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

NDMS & Warwick Elementary

Kira Gillin: 410-463-2028

M-F 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Zebrina Rhem: 443-521-1757

M-F 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

April 15, 2020 - Updated Continuity of Learning Plan

Updated April 15, 2020

Updated Timeline

March 13-March 27: Instructional Leadership Teams identified instructional standards and resources for Continuity of Learning during closure.

March 30-April 3: Instructional packets were created by the Instructional Leadership Teams focusing on RELA, Math, Science and Social Studies.

March 30-April 14: Middle and High School students requested and submitted missing work to close out Quarter Three.

April 6- April 7: Instructional packets for Elementary and Middle school students were mailed home, and are available online.

April 6- April 17: High School teachers receive training on Google Classroom. Teachers set up their Google Classroom and release first assignments.

April 17-April 24: High School students will complete and submit assignments to begin Quarter Four through Google Classroom.

April 20-April 24: The second wave of instructional packets for Elementary and Middle School students will be mailed home, and are available online.

Access Wifi hotspots in school parking lots throughout the county.

Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) is committed to providing engaging learning experiences for all students during this extended closure of our schools. We acknowledge there is no replacement for face to face teaching, but in the event we are not able to offer typical instruction at school, we believe a level of instruction can still take place. At the high school level, this will take place in a distance learning format. At the middle and elementary school levels, lessons will be created in a packet format and will be mailed to students at their homes.

Elementary & Middle Schools

DCPS Instructional Teams created Instructional Packets for students in grades PreK through 8.

Lessons were developed in the four content areas, Math, Reading/ELA, Science and Social Studies.

Packets were mailed to every home and will continue to be mailed throughout the closure.

Any returned packets are being addressed on an individual basis.

Grade level lesson packets are also available online.

High Schools Distance Learning Platforms

DCPS completed an online or paper/pencil survey to determine the technology needs of our high school students. Devices were distributed to any high school student requesting a device. Mobile hot spots for Wi-Fi were installed at various locations across Dorchester County to provide internet access.

DCPS will support Distance Learning through:

*Google Classroom: Lessons and learning opportunities are posted in each teacher's "google classroom".

*APEX: students enrolled in APEX for credit recovery will continue through this platform

Professional development for teachers: training was provided to teachers on Google Classroom so that they can deliver instruction through online format.

Roles and Responsibilities during Continuity of Learning

Division of Instruction:
Lead content teams in creation of instructional packets for elementary and middle school

Provide curricula resources to teachers

Support school leadership teams and teachers with the planning and implementation of Distance Learning lessons

Maintain weekly virtual meetings for clear communication with School Administrators.

School Based Administrators

Communicate with families throughout the period on Distance Learning

Support and monitor Distance Learning Plan; provide support and communicate with staff

Conduct weekly "virtual" staff meetings

Participate in all IEP team meetings

Elementary and Middle School Teachers

Participate in virtual staff meetings as well as grade level or content area meetings

Review instructional packets for grade/content

Conduct weekly check-in calls to students

Monitor student progress and provide feedback through student and parent communication by email and/or phone

Participate in professional development to support delivery of instruction through Google Classroom

Develop and upload lessons

Monitor student progress and provide feedback

Respond to student and parent communication through Google Classroom, phone and email through "office hours"

Participate in "virtual" staff meetings

Conduct weekly check-in calls to students (by rotating class period)

Student Services & Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs)

Support families in transition (homeless)

Provide contact support for students on home and hospital instruction

Provide support to School Administrators and Counselors

Social Workers will be expected to provide services to all students on their caseload.

Participate in weekly Social Worker team meetings

Collaborate with teachers, school counselors and school administrators to provide support

Maintain office hours daily to be accessible to students, families, and staff.

Provide social emotional tips, support and Crisis Interventions for students and families via email, phone, and school social media/websites.

Provide crisis support as needed. - collaborate with teachers, local law enforcement, and DSS

Participate in professional development webinars/courses

Participate in weekly counselor team meetings

Collaborate with teachers, school social workers, and school administrators to provide support

Maintain counselor office hours 10 -2 p.m. Mon - Fri (other hours TBD at principal discretion) to be accessible to students, families, and staff.

Provide social emotional tips and supports for students and families via email, phone, and school social media/websites. Classroom lessons to be available via Google Classroom

Provide crisis support as needed. - collaborate with teachers, local law enforcement, and DSS

Participate in professional development webinars/courses

Middle & High School Counselors Only - Utilize Naviance for college and career exploration lessons/communicate with students, and provide academic support reaching out to failing students.

High School Counselors Only - collect 2020-2021 registration requests via google docs and emails to be entered to build out the high school schedule.

Work with Instructional Teams in creating lessons for learning packets

Work with School Administrator to support teachers

Special Education Case Managers

Special Education Case Managers will work with their school administrators to contact each parent to determine how each individual student's IEP will be implemented during this extended closure. The plan will address how the student will access general education instruction.

Special education and related services will be provided as outlined on the plan that was agreed upon with the student's parent.

English Lagnuage Learner Teachers

First priority of EL teachers will be to ensure their students have access to materials and/or technology

Next priority is to reach out to teachers who have EL students to provide support and assist with modifying work and delivering instruction

EL teachers will conduct weekly check-in calls to students)

DCPS is here to help, contact your student's school office to get the resources and support you and your learner need.

Provide an environment conducive to learning (access to technology, safe and quiet space during daytime)

Engage in conversations on posted material, assignments and learning packets.

Monitor time spent learning

Encourage attendance in synchronous engagements offered by your child's teachers

Support emotional balance by providing ample room and time for reflection, physical activity, conversation, and play

Encourage time learning about something new

Dedicate appropriate time to learning, comparable to the school day, or as guided by your teachers.

High School students - check online platforms for information and assignments daily. Most lessons will be asynchronous, meaning you are not in real time with your teacher; attend as much as possible synchronous (real time) engagements offered by your teachers. Submit all assignments in accordance with the directions provided by the teacher.

All students: identify a comfortable and quiet place to study/learn.

Engage in all learning with academic honesty. Do your best!

Ensure your own social and emotional well-being by engaging in time for reflection, physical activity, conversation, and play.

Make sure you practice appropriate social distancing when around others.

DCPS Continuity Of Learning Plan - updated April 15, 2020 (PDF)
April 4, 2020 - Superintendent's Message to the Class of 2020

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Written Letter to Class of 2020
April 3, 2020 - Letter to Parents from Superintendent Bromwell

Good evening DCPS families,

I hope everyone is doing well and managing through this challenging time.

Please know that your DCPS staff is working hard to continue our "continuity of learning" plan. Early next week, instructional packets will be mailed to all students in grades Pre-K through 8.

Middle and High school staff and students will be working to close out the term 3 marking period.

High school instruction will take place online. Our high school teachers will be using Google Classroom for distance learning and will be available to communicate with students through that platform. All high school students will be receiving directions on how to use Google Classroom. If you and your family have a connectivity issue at home, please contact your high school grade level administrator for further directions.

All teachers will be reaching out to their students to check-in on a weekly basis. If you have questions, please reach out to your teachers and administrators through email or the school phone. All emails and phone messages will be responded to as soon as possible.

I am sure that all of you have many questions about what this school closure and our new norm mean for your child's education, especially our upperclassmen in high school. Please know that we are in constant communication with the Maryland State Department of Education to work through all the details related to graduation requirements. Decisions on requirements for graduation will be presented to the MD State Board of Education Members next week. Please stay tuned-we will keep you updated as we learn.

I want to thank everyone for your cooperation and patience as we work through this.

April 3, 2020 - DCPS Installs Hot Spots

Dorchester County Public Schools has established nine new external Wi-Fi "hot spots" which will allow students using DCPS devices access to the internet. These were installed to facilitate access to schoolwork to ensure continuity of learning during school closure. The hot spots are outside the following DCPS buildings:

Board of Education office on Glasgow St.

Cambridge South Dorchester High School

Sandy Hill Elementary

Maces Lane Middle School

Warwick Elementary

Hurlock Elementary

South Dorchester K8 School

Vienna Elementary

North Dorchester High School

Most of the school sites receive a better signal in the school's bus loop. The Board of Education hot spot is on the High St. side of the building.

March 31, 2020 - Continuity of Learning Plan/3rd Term and 3rd Trimester

Dorchester County Public Schools: Continuity of Learning Plan

Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) is committed to providing engaging learning experiences for all students during this extended closure of our schools. Over the past three weeks, DCPS staff have been developing a Continuity of Learning plan that will engage students in learning. This plan includes three phases.
Phase 1
The afternoon of March 12, DCPS was notified during the Governor's press conference that schools would be closed for students and staff beginning March 17-March 27. In response to this, DCPS prepared grade-level specific learning packets for both English Language Arts and mathematics. These packets were distributed to students in PreK through grade 12 prior to students leaving school on March 13.

It is important to note that the priority focus in this phase was on implementing critical supports for our students and families. This included implementing the preparation and distribution of meals, cleaning our school buildings, and mobilizing essential 12-month staff.
Initial Closure Period: March 23-March 27
During this week, DCPS expanded its meal distribution sites and implemented an extended meal service.

DCPS Leadership sought critical clarifications from the Maryland State Department of Education regarding expectations for Continuity of Learning in the event of an extended closure. Curriculum staff collaborated with state colleagues on resources and best practices. In addition, Curriculum staff:

identified critical standards,

assessed existing resources,

began to outline parameters for continuity of learning.

Upon notification on March 25 of the decision for an extended closure, the Division of Instruction took the lead in preparing additional learning packets to distribute to students the week of April 6 th. The plan for distribution of packets is to mail them to every student; the plan will be shared with all families through various platforms including school messenger, FB posts, newspaper and radio. These resources will also be made available online on each school's website.

DCPS has also reached out to families to access family technology resources. An online survey as well as a paper survey through our meal distribution was put out for responses. The DCPS Instructional Technology team has mobilized to prepare technology devices to loan to our students. DCPS Leadership Teams are developing a plan for distribution of devices with a focus on High School students as the priority. In addition, the instructional technology staff developed a plan for to add wireless access points in key locations around the county to increase the availability of internet access for students.
Extended Closure: March 30-April 10
Beginning Monday, March 30, all DCPS Instructional Teams will finalize learning packets for our students. All activities will be vetted through the lens of our Special Education staff as well as through our EL Supervisor. School principals will be meeting "virtually" with their staff to set up guidelines for teachers reaching out to students and families and to share plans for on-going communication, including establishing "office hours." School counselors and social workers will also be available to support students beginning in this phase of implementation the week of April 6th. DCPS staff will begin professional development on "Schoology", a learning management system. During this extended closure teachers will have the opportunity to learn about the management system and how to use it in their classrooms.
Extended Closure: April 13 - April 24
Beginning on Monday, April 13, DCPS will begin presenting opportunities for online learning experiences for students (tentative, based on meeting technology needs). Teachers will be encouraged to include additional resources for students who want to extend their learning beyond the core tasks. Teachers will continue to provide support with calls to students to maximize engagement of all learners.

Students who do not have access to the internet will receive grade specific packets with activities aligned to key grade level standards in the core content areas.

PLEASE NOTE: All plans are subject to change per directive of the Maryland State Department of Education. DCPS are committed to supporting our students during this health crisis.

3rd Term and 3rd Trimester
Elementary 3rd Trimester Robocall to Families:
Good afternoon school families,

This message is to provide you with important information about the continuity of learning during the third trimester. As you are aware, schools will remain closed until April 24th. While school buildings remain closed, instructional packets are being prepared for your students. Our plan is to mail them to your student beginning Monday, April 6 th. Each packet will have a letter explaining what your child needs to do. Packets will be created and sent every two weeks during this extended closure. We are committed to ensuring that key standards and essential skills are being delivered for every student. The focus will be math, reading, science and social studies.

In the near future, your child's teacher will be reaching out to them by phone or email. Please know that we miss all of you and look forward to checking in with you soon. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. Thank you and stay safe! WE will get through this!
Middle/High 3rd Term Robocall to Families:
Good afternoon middle and high school families,

This message is to provide you with important information about the conclusion of term 3. As you are aware, schools will remain closed until April 24th. While school buildings remain closed, work packets are being prepared and a distribution plan put in place for next week. Work will be available online and in printed form beginning at the start of term 4 the week of April 6th, and for every week thereafter during this extended closure. We are committed to ensuring that key standards and essential skills are being delivered for every student. The initial focus will be math, reading, science and social studies.

The focus for the next week will be on teachers and students working together to quickly wrap up work for the 3rd marking term which was scheduled to end for secondary schools on Monday, March 30th. Students and families are encouraged to access PowerSchool to identify any assignments that are missing. Students will have a chance to complete any missing assignments to finish the term with the best grade they can earn. Our students will have an opportunity to improve their grade if they wish, but no student will see their grade fall from where it was on Friday, March 13th, when classes were suspended. Therefore, completing make-up work is an option for students and families.

Students will have until Thursday, April 9th, to request make-up work. All grades will be completed and updated progress reports will be available by Thursday, April 16th. It is up to the students and their families to inform their teacher what they need in order to make-up the assignments. Students may email their teacher to request make-up work. If a student does not have access to email, they can call the school and provide specific details of the assignment that is missing and their teacher will respond. Assignments can be shared via email, online or mail.

Thank you for your cooperation during this time.

March 28, 2020

CHANGE IN FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE

Starting the week of Monday, March 30, Dorchester County Public Schools grab-and-go bags will be distributed Monday through Thursday only, with the Thursday bags containing both Thursday's and Friday's meals. This change will make the food distribution system more efficient and safer for families and staff with one fewer trip out by adults and children and less exposure for both families and DCPS Food Service staff.
NEW FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITE ADDED
Beginning Monday, March 30, Dorchester County Public School students will be able to pick up their grab-and-go bags at St. Paul's Church at 205 Maryland Ave. in Cambridge. The site will be open Monday through Thursday (with Friday's meals in Thursday's bags) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The complete list of county sites for students to receive bags as of March 30 is:

· Choptank Elementary School

· Sandy Hill Elementary School

· Warwick Elementary School

· Hurlock Elementary School

· Vienna Elementary School

· South Dorchester PreK-8

· North Dorchester High School

· New Beginnings, Greenwood Ave., Cambridge

· Empowerment Center, Pine St., Cambridge

· Foxtail Crossing, Zachary Dr., Cambridge

· St. Paul's Church, Maryland Ave., Cambridge

· Beside Goodwill store, Cambridge Marketplace

· Board of Education, Glasgow St., Cambridge

· Gold Rush Ave., Hurlock

March 25, 2020

A message from Superintendent of Schools Dave Bromwell:

We all have been navigating uncharted territory as our county, state, and nation has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Governor's Press Conference, we were notified by Dr. Karen Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent, that all schools will be closed through April 24th, 2020, with the expectation for continuity of learning to continue for students during this time.

Your Dorchester County Public School team has been preparing for this eventuality with our instructional supervisors and administrators. They are working to create plans to ensure that the learning opportunities prepared are aligned with the Maryland State Department of Education's guidance. More details about this instructional plan for this extended school closure will be shared with our families next week. Our staff has been kept up to date on this process and as you would expect, have offered to help in any way possible. We all miss our students!

We will also continue to be responsive to our students' needs for meals while school buildings are closed.

It is important that we adhere to the mandates and recommendations coming from our state and national governments. We must continue to support each other's health, safety and well-being by following preventive measures such as social distancing, proper hand-washing, and staying home when sick, as the CDC and our trusted state and local health partners have advised.

Communication is critically important during this time. We will continue to keep our community informed as we navigate through this challenging time. I am proud of our DCPS leaders and staff who are working diligently to do whatever is necessary to see us through this challenge in the best interests of our children.

Thank you,

David Bromwell

Superintendent

March 25, 2020

The State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon today announced that the school closure due to COVID-19 has been extended through Friday, April 24. The Dorchester County Health Department and partnering agencies, of which Dorchester County Public Schools is one, are holding a press conference tomorrow, Thursday, March 26, at 10:00 a.m. to share important updates regarding COVID-19. During this time, Superintendent of Schools Dave Bromwell will share information around the extended closure, including the work on plans for instruction. This press conference will be livestreamed at https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe and will be available for later viewing as well. Dorchester County residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

March 20, 2020

DCPS is working on plans to provide instructional opportunities to your children. Part of this plan includes assessing the technology available in your homes. For those who can access it: TECHNOLOGY SURVEY. Spanish Version: ENCUESTA TECNOLÓGICA . For those who can't, please call your school and leave a message with your name, phone number and whether or not you have a computer available for use in your home.

Once we have gathered this information, we will reach out via social media and phone to update you on our next steps. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work through this situation.

March 20, 2020

Effective Monday, March 23, there will be four additional locations where students can pick up their grab-and-go bags of food items each day, Monday through Friday. The new locations are Warwick Elementary, South Dorchester School, 1243 Zachary Drive in Foxtail Crossing, and Dorchester County Public Schools Central Office at 700 Glasgow St. in Cambridge. Pick-up times are the same as other sites, 11:00 to 12:30. As a reminder, other sites for pick-up are Choptank, Sandy Hill, Hurlock, and Vienna Elementary Schools, North Dorchester High School, the Empowerment Center on Pine St., New Beginnings on Greenwood Ave., and the parking lot of the Goodwill Store at Cambridge Marketplace. Children must be present to receive the meals; adults cannot accept meals on their behalf. Children age 4 to 18 are eligible to receive the bags. Our partner Meals till Monday will also be distributing weekend food through most of these locations at the end of next week.

March 17, 2020

Effective tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, free meals for Dorchester County Public Schools students will be available five days a week, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. during the school closure. Grab-and-go bags will be available for pickup in the parking lots of the following locations: Choptank Elementary, Hurlock Elementary, Vienna Elementary, Sandy Hill Elementary, New Beginnings Outreach on Greenwood Ave., the Empowerment Center on Pine St., North Dorchester High School, and in the parking area adjacent to the Goodwill store in Cambridge Marketplace. Children must be present to receive the meals; adults cannot accept meals on behalf of children. Children age 4 to 18 are eligible. Meals till Monday will also provide extra food for the weekends on Thursday and Friday.
Thank you.

March 15, 2020

Dorchester County Public Schools will be providing a free meal service to students during the two-week school closure at several locations throughout the county. Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, grab-and-go bag breakfast and lunches will be available for pick-up in the parking lots of the following locations:

* Choptank Elementary
* Sandy Hill Elementary
* Hurlock Elementary
* Vienna Elementary
* North Dorchester High School
* New Beginnings on Greenwood Ave., Cambridge
* Empowerment Center on Pine St., Cambridge
* Parking area adjacent to the Goodwill store at Cambridge Marketplace

Pick-up times are from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for each of the two weeks. The grab-and-go bags are for children between the ages of 4 and 18, and adults cannot accept bags on behalf of children. Our good friends at Meals till Monday will also provide supplemental food for weekend meals on Thursdays at Choptank, Sandy Hill, Empowerment Center, and New Beginnings and on Fridays at Hurlock, Vienna, North Dorchester High, and Cambridge Marketplace.

March 13, 2020

NOTICE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

DATE: Thursday, March 19, 2020

TIME: 4:00 p.m.

PLACE: The Board Room

Central Office of the Board of Education

700 Glasgow Street

Cambridge, MD 21613

Due to COVID-19 the Board of Education of Dorchester County will still be having their regular monthly Board meeting at the date, time, and location indicated above to address business as indicated on the agenda. The meeting will be open to the public by livestreaming only:
https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe
After the start of the Open session, the Board will meet in closed Session in accordance with Section 3-305 of the General Provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board will reconvene at 6:00 p.m. in Open Session by livestreaming only.

All Board of Education Meetings will be livestreamed: https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe

March 12, 2020 7:00pm

I want to thank parents and students for your understanding during the most difficult situation I have seen in my 31 years in Dorchester County schools. As Gov. Hogan said in today's press conference, we are now experiencing a global pandemic. Please take the time to listen to this message in its entirety.

Schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27 th, as directed by the State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon. All events and activities on school property are suspended until further notice. During this time, deep cleaning of our schools and buses will be our highest priority.

Tomorrow, schools will operate on a normal schedule. Our focus for tomorrow is to provide students with learning materials to be used during the time schools are closed. We want to see all of our students tomorrow but we do recognize that parents do have the right to keep your children at home if you believe it to be appropriate.

DCPS will be working through a plan to provide meals to our students during this closure and there will be more information about this to come.

Finally, I would encourage anyone experiencing any form of sickness to seek medical advice from health providers or the health department.

There will be many questions over the next few days and we will continue to communicate to all DCPS stakeholders as further events unfold.

W. David Bromwell

Interim Superintendent

March 12, 2020 2:30pm

Good afternoon,

Dorchester County Public Schools, after conferring with the Dorchester County Health Department, have decided to cancel public events, including the senior class play at C-SDHS, award ceremonies, athletic events, practices and any school-visit events that are open to parents and community members, such as Donuts for Dads, until further notice.

Dorchester County Public Schools has learned several staff members and students have recently traveled in an area outside of the country and experienced possible exposure to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Presently these Dorchester County citizens are not exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus. Please follow Governor Hogan's press conference today at 4:00 pm regarding further actions by our State Government. All Maryland county school superintendents will be participating in a statewide conference call with State School Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon, at 5:00 pm today. Updates will be shared as soon as possible.

This continues to be a rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to share updates as they become available. We are committed to operating a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff and must be cautious in our approach.

Thank you.

W. David Bromwell

Interim Superintendent

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Coronavirus Update - Dorchester County Public Schools

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Community Behavioral Health 1-844-224-5264 Corsica River Mental Health 443-225-5780 Dorchester Co Hlth Dept/Wellness Ctr 410-901-8177 Eastern Shore Psychological Services: 410-822-5007 For All Seasons, Inc: 410-822-1018 Harvesting Hope Youth & Family Wellness 443-351-4846 Maple Shade 410-726-4910/clinic cell phone -office: 410-677-0202 Peace of Mind: 410-690-8181 24/7 Mobile Crisis Response: 1-888-407-8018 24/7 Maryland Helpline: Call 211 then press 1 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line is anonymously accessible 24/7 by phone at 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233), online at safeschoolsmd.org, and by downloading the free app via the App Store or Google Play.

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Thursday, March 26
Technology Devices for Students:
FCPS is pleased to announce that we will be providing Chromebooks and internet-capable Wi-Fi hotspots to students who do not have a way to access online learning during school closure. Please see detailed information here.

School Meals:
Starting today, Thursday, March 26, FCPS has added the following community-based meal distribution sites for breakfasts, lunches and dinners to go, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. This brings the total sites where FCPS meals are distributed to 22. See the full updated list in the news release here.

St. John's Catholic Prep School, 3989 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown
Overlook Park, 501 Coralberry Court, off Himes Avenue (across from Dutch's Daughter Restaurant), Frederick
7th Street Frederick Shopping Center Parking Lot, 1305 West 7th Street, Frederick
Weis Market Store Parking Lot, Festival Shopping Center, 448 Prospect Boulevard, Frederick

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
All Maryland schools are closed through Friday, April 24, 2020. See the FindOutFirst message.

FCPS gets state approval to support continuity of learning starting Monday, March 30. Please see the FindOutFirst announcement.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020
School Meals:
Starting Wednesday, March 25
FCPS is adding a cold grab-n-go breakfast to the 10 community-based drop-off sites. The pickup time will remain 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with individuals 18 and under able to pick up all 3 meals at once. Now all 18 FCPS meal sites (the 8 at schools and the 10 community-based sites) will provide breakfasts, lunches and suppers.

Friday, March 20, 2020
Academics:
FCPS has added a website with a variety of resources for families to engage in educational activities during this time away from the classroom.

We will include additional content, so please check back for updates:
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/fcpslearning/home

School Meals:
Starting Monday, March 23:
In addition to lunches at the 10 community-based sites, FCPS will provide Grab N Go suppers to go. These sites are open 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. They are:

Brunswick - Rite Aid Parking Lot, Brunswick Heights Shopping Center, 92 Souder Road, Brunswick
Buckeystown United Methodist Church - Parking Lot, 3440 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick
Concord Mobile Homes Park Community, 4828 Pioneer Circle, Jefferson
Heather Ridge - School Parking Lot, 1445 Taney Avenue, Frederick
Jubilee Foods - Parking Lot, 515 E. Main Street, Emmitsburg
Lucas Village Community Center - 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Frederick
Max Kehne Ball Field - Parking Lot, 1100 West 7th Street, Frederick
New Market Shopping Center - Parking Lot, PNC Bank Location, 11717 Old National Pike, New Market
Thurmont Elementary - School Parking Lot, 805 E. Main Street, Thurmont
Walkersville - Discovery Shopping Center Parking Lot (Goodwill Store), 8425 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville

Thursday, March 19, 2020
School Meals:
Starting Monday, March 23, FCPS adds two additional sites for lunches to go 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM weekdays:
Concord Mobile Homes Park Community, 4828 Pioneer Circle, Jefferson, MD
New Market Shopping Center Parking Lot, PNC Bank Location, 11717 Old National Pike, New Market, MD

Please see Superintendent Terry Alban's message to the community.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020
School Meals:
The Emmitsburg Elementary School location is changed to Jubilee Foods Parking Lot, 515 East Main Street, Emmitsburg, beginning Thursday, March 19.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020
School Meals:
FCPS continues to serve FREE meals to all children 18 years and younger and adults older than 18 years old who are enrolled in an education program for persons with disabilities as listed in the news release posted here. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, from all locations and at all mealtimes, children must take their meals to go.

Monday, March 16, 2020
Please see Superintendent Terry Alban's message to the community.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Effective today and until further notice, all FCPS and community-group afterschool and evening activities are canceled or postponed. This includes school-based daycare programs, Parks and Recreation programs in school gyms, and use of facilities scheduled by outside user groups (indoors and outdoors).

While schools are closed Monday, March 16-Friday, March 27, schools and facilities will undergo deep cleaning and disinfecting.

K and PreK Registration
Registration for fall kindergarten and pre-k, originally scheduled to begin at schools on Monday, March 16, is postponed until further notice. FCPS will notify the public when registration re-opens.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
FCPS is following State Superintendent Dr. Karen B. Salmon's directive to close all Maryland schools Monday, March 16-Friday, March 27, 2020.

The purpose of closing schools statewide is to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), now that Maryland has a case of community-spread COVID-19, not linked to travel or contact with someone who traveled to an area affected by the pandemic.

We recognize that our community will have many questions upon receiving this announcement.

We will follow up tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2020) with a link to updated answers to frequently asked questions.

Meanwhile we recommend that you visit the reliable sources for information about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention and updates.

FCPS is determining how this closure will affect all staff, and we will share that information as soon as possible.

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Thursday, March 26 Technology Devices for Students: FCPS is pleased to announce that we will be providing Chromebooks and internet-capable Wi-Fi hotspots to students who do not have a way to access online learning during school closure. Please see detailed information here.

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Thursday, March 26
Technology Devices for Students:
FCPS is pleased to announce that we will be providing Chromebooks and internet-capable Wi-Fi hotspots to students who do not have a way to access online learning during school closure. Please see detailed information here.

School Meals:
Starting today, Thursday, March 26, FCPS has added the following community-based meal distribution sites for breakfasts, lunches and dinners to go, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. This brings the total sites where FCPS meals are distributed to 22. See the full updated list in the news release here.

St. John's Catholic Prep School, 3989 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown
Overlook Park, 501 Coralberry Court, off Himes Avenue (across from Dutch's Daughter Restaurant), Frederick
7th Street Frederick Shopping Center Parking Lot, 1305 West 7th Street, Frederick
Weis Market Store Parking Lot, Festival Shopping Center, 448 Prospect Boulevard, Frederick

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
All Maryland schools are closed through Friday, April 24, 2020. See the FindOutFirst message.

FCPS gets state approval to support continuity of learning starting Monday, March 30. Please see the FindOutFirst announcement.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020
School Meals:
Starting Wednesday, March 25
FCPS is adding a cold grab-n-go breakfast to the 10 community-based drop-off sites. The pickup time will remain 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with individuals 18 and under able to pick up all 3 meals at once. Now all 18 FCPS meal sites (the 8 at schools and the 10 community-based sites) will provide breakfasts, lunches and suppers.

Friday, March 20, 2020
Academics:
FCPS has added a website with a variety of resources for families to engage in educational activities during this time away from the classroom.

We will include additional content, so please check back for updates:
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/fcpslearning/home

School Meals:
Starting Monday, March 23:
In addition to lunches at the 10 community-based sites, FCPS will provide Grab N Go suppers to go. These sites are open 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. They are:

Brunswick - Rite Aid Parking Lot, Brunswick Heights Shopping Center, 92 Souder Road, Brunswick
Buckeystown United Methodist Church - Parking Lot, 3440 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick
Concord Mobile Homes Park Community, 4828 Pioneer Circle, Jefferson
Heather Ridge - School Parking Lot, 1445 Taney Avenue, Frederick
Jubilee Foods - Parking Lot, 515 E. Main Street, Emmitsburg
Lucas Village Community Center - 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Frederick
Max Kehne Ball Field - Parking Lot, 1100 West 7th Street, Frederick
New Market Shopping Center - Parking Lot, PNC Bank Location, 11717 Old National Pike, New Market
Thurmont Elementary - School Parking Lot, 805 E. Main Street, Thurmont
Walkersville - Discovery Shopping Center Parking Lot (Goodwill Store), 8425 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville

Thursday, March 19, 2020
School Meals:
Starting Monday, March 23, FCPS adds two additional sites for lunches to go 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM weekdays:
Concord Mobile Homes Park Community, 4828 Pioneer Circle, Jefferson, MD
New Market Shopping Center Parking Lot, PNC Bank Location, 11717 Old National Pike, New Market, MD

Please see Superintendent Terry Alban's message to the community.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020
School Meals:
The Emmitsburg Elementary School location is changed to Jubilee Foods Parking Lot, 515 East Main Street, Emmitsburg, beginning Thursday, March 19.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020
School Meals:
FCPS continues to serve FREE meals to all children 18 years and younger and adults older than 18 years old who are enrolled in an education program for persons with disabilities as listed in the news release posted here. Beginning Wednesday, March 18, from all locations and at all mealtimes, children must take their meals to go.

Monday, March 16, 2020
Please see Superintendent Terry Alban's message to the community.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Effective today and until further notice, all FCPS and community-group afterschool and evening activities are canceled or postponed. This includes school-based daycare programs, Parks and Recreation programs in school gyms, and use of facilities scheduled by outside user groups (indoors and outdoors).

While schools are closed Monday, March 16-Friday, March 27, schools and facilities will undergo deep cleaning and disinfecting.

K and PreK Registration
Registration for fall kindergarten and pre-k, originally scheduled to begin at schools on Monday, March 16, is postponed until further notice. FCPS will notify the public when registration re-opens.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
FCPS is following State Superintendent Dr. Karen B. Salmon's directive to close all Maryland schools Monday, March 16-Friday, March 27, 2020.

The purpose of closing schools statewide is to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), now that Maryland has a case of community-spread COVID-19, not linked to travel or contact with someone who traveled to an area affected by the pandemic.

We recognize that our community will have many questions upon receiving this announcement.

We will follow up tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2020) with a link to updated answers to frequently asked questions.

Meanwhile we recommend that you visit the reliable sources for information about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention and updates.

FCPS is determining how this closure will affect all staff, and we will share that information as soon as possible.

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Thursday, March 26 Technology Devices for Students: FCPS is pleased to announce that we will be providing Chromebooks and internet-capable Wi-Fi hotspots to students who do not have a way to access online learning during school closure. Please see detailed information here.

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On March 30th FCPS will begin the implementation of our continuity of learning plan. It is important to remember that distance learning does not only occur online. Each teacher has been planning for ways to ensure continuity of learning for our students. Parents/guardians will receive more specific information from your child's teacher or principal by Friday March 27.

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Supplemental Out of School Curriculum Materials

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Supplemental Out of School Curriculum Materials

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Click here for district policies and links to online materials.

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This message will sent via the mass communication system on Monday, April 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Dear Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Families,

On March 16, 2020, HCPS closed schools, at the direction of Governor Hogan, in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. At the onset of the closure, HCPS curriculum and instruction staff prepared learning packets to maintain the continuity of learning while, at the same time, encouraging families to focus on health and safety.

The Office of Special Education has been diligently reviewing guidance from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to continue to move forward with special education services during this closure. We will be utilizing a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) to allow students to continue to receive special education.

According to guidance issued by MSDE on April 2, 2020:

"...it is not necessary for the local school system to convene an IEP meeting IF you and your school staff can agree on the services your child will receive during this time that schools are closed."

Understanding that some of the guidance may change as the pandemic progresses, HCPS Office of Special Education has begun operating on the following timeline in order to support students and families:

March 30 - April 9 Special Education staff prepare progress notes for third quarter. Reporting of progress to be sent via e-mail on or before April 24.

April 14 - April 24 Case managers continue to complete student/family check-ins and begin to draft the Distance Learning Plan (DLP) with individual families.

We look forward to working with you to deliver special education to students throughout the pandemic. We will face difficult challenges during the closure, but we know that you will partner with us in finding the best solutions possible given the current circumstances. Our number one priority remains the health and safety of every individual student and family. Please continue to take advantage of all school and county resources.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Thatcher
Director of Special Education

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HCPS Coronavirus - COVID19 - Information Center

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This message will sent via the mass communication system on Monday, April 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Dear Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Families, On March 16, 2020, HCPS closed schools, at the direction of Governor Hogan, in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

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"We don't have the technology to deliver instruction" right now, Bulson said.

Because the Harford’s school system hadn’t been investing in a one-to-one ratio of devices to students, instead focusing on interactive and hands-on learning, it now finds itself in a “tough spot,” Bulson previously told the Aegis, as online distance learning emerges as the most effective way to reach students while residents are being asked to stay home to limit the spread of coronavirus."

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Harford County's school superintendent says, "probably like everyone," he has more questions than answers after learning from state officials that Maryland schools would remain closed for at least another month.

"It's helpful to have some clarity about the next four weeks, but that of course leaves room for a lot of questions for the time after that," Bulson said.

Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon announced Wednesday that public schools will stay closed through April 24 due to the coronavirus threat, leaving open the possibility that students might still return if the health emergency abates.

The decision requires school systems to reinvent teaching in weeks, a kind of retooling that would normally take years, and upends the lives of families.

In Harford, the school system has a plan to distribute instructional materials to students for the next two weeks, but is continuing to struggle with ensuring both teachers and students have adequate access to devices and the internet.

"We don't have the technology to deliver instruction" right now, Bulson said.

Because the Harford's school system hadn't been investing in a one-to-one ratio of devices to students, instead focusing on interactive and hands-on learning, it now finds itself in a "tough spot," Bulson previously told the Aegis, as online distance learning emerges as the most effective way to reach students while residents are being asked to stay home to limit the spread of coronavirus.

"Digital learning wasn't a priority in this community and we need to change that, I think," Bulson said. "This circumstance has underscored how far behind we are and [long term] that's something we really need to work on."

In the meantime, the school system plans to electronically distribute a new set of instructional packets for students for the next two weeks of closures.

"The packets that families are getting, they're more robust than what we sent home with students two weeks ago, but they're still generalized to grade spans," Bulson said. "And there is still the expectation these packets are with parents to work with their children on."

Teachers, who were told not to work during the first two weeks of closures, will be tasked with helping administration figure out which families and students can be reached electronically, and who can't.

"The goal is for the teachers is to determine who they can reach and, where possible, where they can provide guidance and support," Bulson said. "We don't know that every teacher can reach every student."

One way the school system is hoping to get a better gauge of who they can reach online is the distribution method of the packets.

"People will go on the website and essentially be asked to enter a student name, email address, and then they'll be able to download those packets, because it's really important for us to be able to know who we are reaching with these types of things, so on the other side of that, we can determine who we're not reaching," Bulson said.

"Because you get into this kind of catch 22 of things. It's not like we can post on our website, 'Let us know if you don't have access to technology.' They're not seeing the message. And that's been the biggest challenge every school district is facing."

The other priority, Bulson said, is reprogramming school system computer for use at home by teachers then deploying them to staff that don't have adequate devices at home.

"And we still need to find solutions for staff members who don't have access to internet," he said. "Obvioulsy there are parts of the communities that don't have it available."

Once staff is up to speed, Bulson said the district will then start looking at the various populations of students and trying to figure out how we can get devices to them.

Though Bulson emphasized the numbers were just rough estimates, there were at least 125 teachers who responded to a recent survey indicating they needed devices and nearly 30 who said they didn't have access to internet.

"We may find there are more," he said.

He noted that not every teacher may be lacking a home device, but that families may have just one device to share among its members. When everyone is working or learning from home, that can complicate things.

"There is not enough access to that device to do the work they need to do. So it could be some of our teachers who ask for devices are sharing them with someone else at home," Bulson said.

Beyond the four weeks, Bulson - like many parents and students - is concerned about whether it is realistic to expect a return to school this year. He's hoping the state will provide local school systems with some guidance.

"I absolutely understand not making the decision about the end of the year at this point, but it leaves us needing to do contingency planning which means we have to plan everything twice," Bulson said.

At Wednesday's press conference announcing the extension of the closures, Salmon said it is too early to definitely say when schools will reopen.

"We will continue to reassess the situation as we move forward," she said.

When asked about extending the school year into summer, Salmon said the state will look at "all kinds of creative solutions" in the coming weeks. The state is focused on addressing the continuity of learning first, she said.

"As of now, we're closed until April 24, but a lot of big events happen in schools between April 24 and the end of the school year," Bulson said. "We're not going to be able to provide answers around a lot of those."

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Graduations "is probably the biggest one," Bulson said. "That's a huge and incredibly important rite of passage for students."

The John Carroll School, a private Catholic School in Bel Air, also announced it would follow the state's guidance and extend online learning there through April 24, with the exception of spring break, April 6 through 13.

"This also impacts all events scheduled through Sunday, April 26, including the originally scheduled date for senior prom," Principal Tom Durkin wrote in a message posted on the school's website. He wrote that staff are evaluating alternative dates and venues for prom and will provide an update by April 3.

St. Margaret's School in Bel Air, part of the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools, is also conforming with the state's guidance and will remained closed through April 24.

Harford Day School, also in Bel Air, began implementing its distance learning program on Wednesday, according to emails sent to parents and posted on the school's website, and is also following the state's guidance related to closing schools.

Baltimore Sun reporters Liz Bowie and Lillian Reed contributed to this article.

Most Read on Baltimore Sun

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Harford superintendent: Coronavirus crisis 'underscores how far behind we are' in digital learning

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Harford County's school superintendent says, "probably like everyone," he has more questions than answers after learning from state officials that Maryland schools would remain closed for at least another month. "It's helpful to have some clarity about the next four weeks, but that of course leaves room for a lot of questions for the time after that," Bulson said.

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March 26: "In preparation for an extended closure, we have developed Recommended Learning Experiences for families to use with their children over the next two weeks.  Those resources are now available on our website, hcps.org for families to access electronically.  To access the documents, open the COVID-19 page on our website and click the Out-of-School Curriculum Materials tab.  You will then need to enter your child’s student ID number so we may confirm which families have accessed the online resources.

To maintain social distancing practices, it is best if families access the materials electronically. However, beginning today, March 26, and tomorrow, March 27, families who cannot access them in that manner may obtain printed copies of the Recommended Learning Experiences by visiting one of the 19 meal sites throughout the county, as well as John Archer, Fallston High, Norrisville Elementary, and North Bend Elementary schools.  Materials will be available from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m."

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This message will sent via the mass communication system on Monday, April 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Dear Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Families,

On March 16, 2020, HCPS closed schools, at the direction of Governor Hogan, in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. At the onset of the closure, HCPS curriculum and instruction staff prepared learning packets to maintain the continuity of learning while, at the same time, encouraging families to focus on health and safety.

The Office of Special Education has been diligently reviewing guidance from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to continue to move forward with special education services during this closure. We will be utilizing a Distance Learning Plan (DLP) to allow students to continue to receive special education.

According to guidance issued by MSDE on April 2, 2020:

"...it is not necessary for the local school system to convene an IEP meeting IF you and your school staff can agree on the services your child will receive during this time that schools are closed."

Understanding that some of the guidance may change as the pandemic progresses, HCPS Office of Special Education has begun operating on the following timeline in order to support students and families:

March 30 - April 9 Special Education staff prepare progress notes for third quarter. Reporting of progress to be sent via e-mail on or before April 24.

April 14 - April 24 Case managers continue to complete student/family check-ins and begin to draft the Distance Learning Plan (DLP) with individual families.

We look forward to working with you to deliver special education to students throughout the pandemic. We will face difficult challenges during the closure, but we know that you will partner with us in finding the best solutions possible given the current circumstances. Our number one priority remains the health and safety of every individual student and family. Please continue to take advantage of all school and county resources.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Thatcher
Director of Special Education

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HCPS Coronavirus - COVID19 - Information Center

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This message will sent via the mass communication system on Monday, April 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Dear Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Families, On March 16, 2020, HCPS closed schools, at the direction of Governor Hogan, in response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

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Teacher Outreach

"Monday, March 30, 2020, your student’s teacher will reach out to you. Teachers are working from home, so you may get a call from a blocked or private number. We will encourage teachers to leave a message indicating a time they will call back if you do not pick up. Please be on the lookout for these calls.

Our goal for this week, as teachers and other instructional staff return to work, is to re-establish contact with students and identify the best ways to be in touch during the closure." Supt. Bulson

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For more information related to Child Find, contact the HCPS Child Find Center at 410-638-4386 or 410-638-4387 .

Parents of children, who are not yet three, may contact the Harford County Infants and Toddlers Program at 410-638-3823 for inquiries about accessing services.

Harford County Public Schools - Department of Special Education believes that individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential in a comprehensive and coordinated birth to 21 system of services emphasizing high expectations for all.

Harford County Public Schools - Department of Special Education provides leadership, supports, and accountability for results to all stakeholders by way of a seamless, comprehensive system of coordinated services to children, students and youth with disabilities, birth to 21, and their families.

Special Education at a Glance

Special Education in Harford County Public Schools is a collaborative effort involving schools, families and community agencies working together to ensure a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities, birth through age 21. Special education is defined as specially designed instruction, provided at no cost to parents, in order to meet the unique needs of a child with an educational or developmental disability. Services are provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE), to the maximum extent possible.

A Child with a Disability or Student with a Disability means a child, birth to age 21, evaluated in accordance with IDEA or COMAR having any of the following disabilities, causing an adverse effect on the child's educational performance resulting in the need of special education and related services:

Autism

Deaf-blindness

Developmental Delay

Emotional Disability

Hearing Impairment

Intellectual Disability

Multiple Disabilities

Orthopedic Impairment

Other Health Impairment

Specific Learning Disability

Speech or Language Impairment

Traumatic Brain Injury

Visual Impairment (including Blindness)

Special education services are available in all Harford County Public Schools and across a range of learning environments.The district's processes and procedures for disability determination, placement and service delivery align with federal and State regulations. Harford County Public Schools utilizes the Statewide IEP Process Guide as the framework for student educational planning and compliance with the Requirements of the 2004 Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Resource:

Resource:

Director: Mike Thatcher

Coordinator of Infants & Toddlers:
Melissa Romano

Coordinator of Elementary Programs:
Kimberly Heeter

Coordinator of Compliance:
Colleen Sasdelli

Coordinator of Related Services:
Carey Reise

Coordinator of Secondary Programs:
Kate Snow

Coordinator of State and Federal Programs:
Pauline Timmons

Coordinator of
Non-Public & Interagency Placements:
Robin Meyer

Coordinator for
Low-incidence Disability Programs:
Kim Manzo

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For more information related to Child Find, contact the HCPS Child Find Center at 410-638-4386 or 410-638-4387 . Parents of children, who are not yet three, may contact the Harford County Infants and Toddlers Program at 410-638-3823 for inquiries about accessing services.

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Continuity of Learning Plan -All Students

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Continuity of Learning Plan -All Students

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"This week, KCPS administration began preparing a Continuity of Learning Plan to meet the expectations as outlined by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Communication is critical to our success; therefore, as soon as approved, the Continuity of Learning Plan will be shared through social media and our website. Next week, teachers will also make personal contact with families to share expectations for our approved plan."

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As you know, the entire country is facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent, announced Maryland schools would remain closed through April 24, 2020. In addition, superintendents were notified that Maryland will not administer its statewide assessments to make annual accountability determinations, identify schools for support and improvement, or provide data on Maryland's and local report cards for assessment and accountability information.

This week, KCPS administration began preparing a Continuity of Learning Plan to meet the expectations as outlined by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Communication is critical to our success; therefore, as soon as approved, the Continuity of Learning Plan will be shared through social media and our website. Next week, teachers will also make personal contact with families to share expectations for our approved plan.

Unfortunately, we still do not have definitive information on how school closure will affect CTE certifications, graduation requirements, course completion, and extended school year requirements. We ask your patience as KCPS navigates many uncertainties and awaits further guidance from MSDE. In the coming days and as the situation unfolds, KCPS will do our best to provide timely communication to our families.

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As you know, the entire country is facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent, announced Maryland schools would remain closed through April 24, 2020. In addition, superintendents were notified that Maryland will not administer its statewide assessments to make annual accountability determinations, identify schools for support and improvement, or provide data on Maryland's and local report cards for assessment and accountability information.

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Ungraded work to keep kids in touch with school

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Internet Resource Survey Secondary Students

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Internet Resource Survey Secondary Students

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Primary Students

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Continuity of Learning Plan March 25, Dr. Goldson

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Continuity of Learning Plan March 25, Dr. Goldson

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"I know that you have many questions about the continuity of teaching and learning. We are currently surveying students and families about technology access in preparation for distance learning. Please complete the survey by Friday, March 27. We will begin calling families that did not respond to the survey on Monday, March 30. My goal is to announce our plan for PGCPS continuity of learning next week."

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On Wednesday, March 25, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed through Friday, April 24. State officials will continue to assess the circumstances during that time. I know how much we have missed each other, but our schoolhouse doors will remain closed for a little while longer.

I assure you that in collaboration with the Prince George's County Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education, our Administration is working to fully and thoughtfully address our plan forward in these unprecedented circumstances. We are working to ensure that PGCPS provides every resource possible to support you during this time. These unprecedented circumstances continue to evolve and we will continue to prioritize the wellbeing of children, families, employees and our entire community.

I know that you have many questions about the continuity of teaching and learning. We are currently surveying students and families about technology access in preparation for distance learning. Please complete the survey by Friday, March 27. We will begin calling families that did not respond to the survey on Monday, March 30. My goal is to announce our plan for PGCPS continuity of learning next week.

Additionally, we are working to address other areas that impact you, including the needs of graduating high school seniors. We will do our best to answer every question and offer additional guidance in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, we will continue meal service and share enrichment packets and other resources using our website, social media channels, e-blasts, text messages and PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38/Xfinity 96).

The PGCPS community is at our best when we come together as a village. Let's come together now to continue supporting our 136,500 students and 22,000 educators, administrators and staff.

Thank you for your understanding. Please keep the victims of COVID-19 in your thoughts and take care of yourselves and each other.

Monica Goldson, Ed.D.
Chief Executive Officer

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Maryland Public Schools to Remain Closed Through April 24

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On Wednesday, March 25, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed through Friday, April 24. State officials will continue to assess the circumstances during that time. I know how much we have missed each other, but our schoolhouse doors will remain closed for a little while longer.

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Continuity of Learning Plan, Phases of Implementation, March 30

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Continuity of Learning Plan, Phases of Implementation, March 30

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"Our Continuity of Learning Program aims to utilize online technology for distance learning. Our program will unfold in two phases with a week off for spring break (Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13)."

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Our Continuity of Learning Program aims to utilize online technology for distance learning. Our program will unfold in two phases with a week off for spring break (Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13).

During phase one, staff will:

Submit third quarter grades

Begin providing professional learning to educators in various online platforms to ensure a quality distance learning experience for teachers and students

Begin setting up virtual classrooms

Distribute laptops to those in need

K-12 will reconnect with families and invite students to their Google classrooms

K-12 will reconnect with colleagues and professional learning communities

During phase two, educators will:

Deliver virtual lessons

Maintain communication with families and students

Provide virtual support for students in need of assistance

PreK will reconnect with families and invite students to their Google Classrooms

Online instruction will begin Tuesday, April 14. Please note that in the distance learning structure, daily learning will not be equivalent to a six-hour day.

While distance learning will not be structured as a typical school day, we do expect to maintain key aspects of the classroom experience: collaboration with peers, daily lessons and experimentation with individualized and innovative techniques. Our distance learning model will be inclusive of a blend of approaches to learning activities; independent, self-paced work; virtual office hours to check for understanding and submission of assignments. This is to maintain an academic connection and flexibility for students, teachers, and families.

Students will get lessons from their classroom and/or assigned teachers. All lessons will be available through Google Classroom. An invitation to join each Google Classroom will come to their PGCPS student email address. Once they have joined, their work and engagement with teachers will be facilitated through Google Classroom.

Phase 1: Preparation, Distribution, Training and Collaboration

Monday, March 30 - Wednesday, April 8

In preparation for our distance learning/online instruction program, we will create online and printed learning materials, distribute technology and internet access codes to families in need and train staff on using resources to work with students virtually and to collaborate in online professional learning communities.

Teachers will be in contact with students during this time. For co-taught classrooms, the core content teacher will add the ESOL and/or Special Education teacher to the Google Classroom as a co-teacher. Student schedules will be published Monday, April 6 in preparation for the first day of distance learning on Tuesday, April 14.

Spring Break

There will be no online instruction for students from Monday, April 6 through Monday, April 13. All schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, April 9; Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13.

Phase 2: Distance Learning Begins

Tuesday, April 14 - Friday, April 24
Elementary
From Monday through Thursday, elementary school students will experience two 30- to 45-minute virtual lessons - mathematics and science or reading and social studies - between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. All core content assignments are due Friday of each week.

Each school will host elective courses on a rotating schedule on Fridays. Elective courses include art, physical education, music and health. All elective assignments are due one week after the assignment is posted. Recorded lessons will be posted in Google Classroom for students to review independently. Printed materials will be available for pick up at all student meal sites.
Middle and high school
From Monday through Thursday, middle and high school students will experience one 30- to 45-minute virtual lesson - English, mathematics, science or social studies - between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. This time frame will include virtual office hours for students needing additional assistance and instructional planning. Two assignments will be given for each lesson. All core content assignments are due two days after the lesson is taught.

Each school will host elective courses on Fridays. Elective courses include art, physical education, world languages, music and health. Middle schools will have a rotating schedule of electives. All elective assignments are due one week after the assignment is posted. Recorded lessons will be posted in Google Classroom for students to review independently. Printed materials will be available for pick up at all student meal sites.

Device pickup and internet access

Chromebook distribution will be held Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3 at your child's boundary school in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information will be placed on the school's webpage. Parents will also receive a robocall with specific dates for pick-up. If there is inclement weather, please check the PGCPS website and PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38/Xfinity 96) for a new distribution date. Bring a parent ID, student report card and an ink pen to complete the appropriate forms. Families who completed the survey or communicated their needs to teachers and administrators will receive priority distribution.

If you did not complete the online access survey, please do so now:

For more information on the survey, please contact at T3@pgcps.org.

Working with Comcast and Verizon, Prince George's County Public Schools has committed $2 million to cover the cost of internet access for families in need. We will assist families of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS) in signing up for Comcast's Internet Essentials program, which provides affordable high-speed internet at home. The school system will help non-FARMS families obtain a Comcast or Verizon hotspot or home internet access.

Additionally, wifi access points at several schools will be available effective Tuesday, April 14 for anyone with a PGCPS email account to log on from the school parking lot or within close proximity to the school.

Connect PGCPS Fund

We are grateful to all who have offered to help defray the cost of internet connectivity for students and families. Recently, a donor has commited $100,000 to ensure that every senior will have internet access for the rest of the school year. More donations and commitments will be announced later this week. Additional donations can be made to the Connect PGCPS Fund through the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS.

Third and Fourth Quarter Grading Periods

Monday, March 30 will remain the end of the third quarter. From Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3, students will be allowed to electronically submit any work assigned or expected to be turned in during the two-week closure. Students who are unable to submit assignments electronically will not be penalized. Any work identified by the teacher as enrichment during the two-week closure will not be graded. Fourth quarter will begin Tuesday, April 14. Students will earn a Pass (P) or Incomplete (I) grade at the conclusion of the quarter. Final grades will represent a letter grade from the first three quarters and an explanation included on all transcripts that fourth-quarter grades were earned remotely.

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Our Continuity of Learning Program aims to utilize online technology for distance learning. Our program will unfold in two phases with a week off for spring break (Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13).

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State Superintendent of Education Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will be closed through Friday, April 24 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our first priority will always be the wellbeing of children, families, employees and our entire community. Please find answers to frequently asked questions below.
Will instruction continue/distance learning be implemented?
Yes! The first step is ensuring all students have the tools they need to continue learning - and quickly preparing our teachers to deliver effective instruction in the new online format. Our Distance Learning Program will rollout in two phases, with one week off for spring break (Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13). Online instruction will begin Tuesday, April 14.

During phase one, staff will:

Submit third quarter grades

Begin providing professional learning to educators in various online platforms to ensure a quality distance learning experience for teachers and students

Begin setting up virtual classrooms

Distribute laptops and secure internet access for those in need

Reconnect with K-12 families and invite students to their Google classrooms

Reconnect with K-12 colleagues and professional learning communities

During phase two, educators will:

Deliver virtual lessons

Maintain communication with families and students

Provide virtual support for students in need of assistance

Reconnect with PreK families and invite students to their Google Classrooms

When will online instruction begin?
Online instruction will begin Tuesday, April 14. Please note that while distance learning will not be equivalent to or structured as a typical 6-hour school day, we expect to maintain key aspects of the classroom experience: collaboration with peers, daily lessons and experimentation with individualized and innovative techniques.

Our distance learning model will be inclusive of a blend of approaches to learning activities; independent, self-paced work; virtual office hours to check for understanding and submission of assignments. This is to maintain an academic connection and flexibility for students, teachers, and families.
How are you ensuring all students can access the new distance learning model?
A technology access survey was conducted to identify students in need of devices and/or internet access to complete work from home. Chromebook distribution to families in need will be held Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3 at students' boundary schools between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Information will be placed on school webpages. Parents will also receive a robocall with specific dates for pick-up. If there is inclement weather, please check the PGCPS website and PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38/Xfinity 96) for a new distribution date. Bring a parent ID, student report card and an ink pen to complete the appropriate forms. Families who completed the survey or communicated their needs to teachers and administrators will receive priority distribution.

Working with Comcast and Verizon, Prince George's County Public Schools has committed $2 million to cover the cost of internet access for families in need. We will assist families of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS) in signing up for Comcast's Internet Essentials program, which provides affordable high-speed internet at home. The school system will help non-FARMS families obtain a Comcast or Verizon hotspot or home internet access.

Additionally, wifi access points at several schools will be available effective Tuesday, April 14 for anyone with a PGCPS email account to log on from the school parking lot or within close proximity to the school.
How will grading work for the third and fourth quarters?
Monday, March 30 will remain the end of the third quarter. From Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3, students will be allowed to electronically submit any work assigned or expected to be turned in during the two-week closure. Students who are unable to submit assignments electronically will not be penalized. Any work identified by the teacher as enrichment during the two-week closure will not be graded.

Fourth quarter will begin Tuesday, April 14. Students will earn a Pass (P) or Incomplete (I) grade at the conclusion of the quarter. Final grades will represent a letter grade from the first three quarters and an explanation included on all transcripts that fourth-quarter grades were earned remotely.
What will day-to-day distance learning look like for students?
Each week, teachers will teach one virtual lesson per core content area (pre-recorded or live) with two assignments related to that lesson. Lessons should be no longer than 30-45 minutes. Recorded videos will be posted in Google Classroom for students to review independently.

Lessons will be taught between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. This timeframe also includes an opportunity for virtual office hours for students needing extra assistance. Additionally, staff will monitor email throughout the day. All core content assignments are due Friday of each week.

For electives, schools will determine a rotating schedule to present virtual lessons (pre-recorded or live). Electives include art, physical education, music and health (select schools may have additional electives).
What support will there be for special education students?
Special Education teachers will provide two virtual resource instructional sessions weekly lasting no longer than 30 to 45 minutes.
What support will there be for ESOL students?
ESOL teachers will collaborate with general education teachers to assist English Learners in accessing content.

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State Superintendent of Education Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will be closed through Friday, April 24 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Our first priority will always be the wellbeing of children, families, employees and our entire community. Please find answers to frequently asked questions below.

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Continuity of Learning Plan Email, March 30

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Continuity of Learning Plan Email, March 30

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Online learning begins April 14, after Spring Break.

"Our Continuity of Learning Program will unfold in two phases with a week off for spring break (Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13).

During phase one, staff will:

Submit third quarter grades

Begin providing professional learning to educators in various online platforms to ensure a quality distance learning experience for teachers and students

Begin setting up virtual classrooms

Distribute laptops to those in need

Reconnect with K-12 families and invite students to their Google classrooms

Reconnect with K-12 colleagues and professional learning communities

During phase two, educators will:

Deliver virtual lessons

Maintain communication with families and students

Provide virtual support for students in need of assistance

Reconnect with PreK families and invite students to their Google Classrooms

Online instruction will begin Tuesday, April 14. Please note that in the distance learning structure, daily learning will not be equivalent to a six-hour day."

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Dear Prince George's County Public Schools Students and Families,

As you are aware, State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed through Friday, April 24. Today, we are embarking on a new phase of teaching and learning through technology.

While many families and students are accustomed to completing assignments using an online platform, for others this may be a completely new experience. I want to emphasize that we do not expect you and your family to replace our professional educators. This shift to online learning is one of necessity and a journey that we will take together. We do not expect this transition to be seamless or perfect; we will make course changes and course corrections as we go. However, I am confident that together we will adapt to this new reality and be better for it.

I know there are many questions about how this will look for teachers, parents and students day to day. To begin, our team will equip every student in need with critical access to technology. At the same time, we are training our teachers to do this work well and provide families with the resources they need to reinforce instruction.

Our Continuity of Learning Program will unfold in two phases with a week off for spring break (Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13).

During phase one, staff will:

Submit third quarter grades

Begin providing professional learning to educators in various online platforms to ensure a quality distance learning experience for teachers and students

Begin setting up virtual classrooms

Distribute laptops to those in need

Reconnect with K-12 families and invite students to their Google classrooms

Reconnect with K-12 colleagues and professional learning communities

During phase two, educators will:

Deliver virtual lessons

Maintain communication with families and students

Provide virtual support for students in need of assistance

Reconnect with PreK families and invite students to their Google Classrooms

Online instruction will begin Tuesday, April 14. Please note that in the distance learning structure, daily learning will not be equivalent to a six-hour day.

While distance learning will not be structured as a typical school day, we do expect to maintain key aspects of the classroom experience: collaboration with peers, daily lessons and experimentation with individualized and innovative techniques. Our distance learning model will be inclusive of a blend of approaches to learning activities; independent, self-paced work; virtual office hours to check for understanding and submission of assignments. This is to maintain an academic connection and flexibility for students, teachers and families.
Spring Break
There will be no online instruction for students from Monday, April 6 through Monday, April 13. All schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, April 9; Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13.
Distance Learning Begins Tuesday, April 14 - Friday, April 24
From Monday through Thursday, elementary school students will experience two 30- to 45-minute virtual lessons - mathematics and science or reading and social studies - between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. All core content assignments are due Friday of each week.

Each school will host elective courses on a rotating schedule on Fridays. Elective courses include art, physical education, music and health. All elective assignments are due one week after the assignment is posted. Recorded lessons will be posted in Google Classroom for students to review independently. Printed materials will be available for pick up at all student meal sites.

For co-taught classrooms, the core content teacher will add the ESOL and/or Special Education teacher to the Google Classroom as a co-teacher.

From Monday through Thursday, middle and high school students will experience one 30- to 45-minute virtual lesson - English, mathematics, science or social studies - between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Two assignments will be given for each lesson. All core content assignments are due two days after the lesson is taught.

Each school will host elective courses on Fridays. Elective courses include art, physical education, world languages, music and health. Middle schools will have a rotating schedule of electives while all high school elective classes will meet every Friday. All elective assignments are due one week after the assignment is posted. Recorded lessons will be posted in Google Classroom for students to review independently. Printed materials will be available for pick up at all student meal sites.

For co-taught classrooms, the core content teacher will add the ESOL and/or Special Education teacher to the Google Classroom as a co-teacher.
Device pickup and internet access
Chromebook distribution will be held Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3 at your child's boundary school in the parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information will be placed on the school's webpage. Parents will also receive a robocall with specific dates for pick-up. If there is inclement weather, please check the PGCPS website and PGCPS-TV ( Verizon 38/Xfinity 96) for a new distribution date. Bring a parent ID, student report card and an ink pen to complete the appropriate forms. Families who completed the survey or communicated their needs to teachers and administrators will receive priority distribution.

If you did not complete the online access survey, please do so now on the PGCPS website . For more information on the survey, please contact at T3@pgcps.org .

Working with Comcast and Verizon, Prince George's County Public Schools has committed $2 million to cover the cost of internet access for families in need. We will assist families of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS) in signing up for Comcast's Internet Essentials program, which provides affordable high-speed internet at home. The school system will help non-FARMS families obtain a Comcast or Verizon hotspot or home internet access.

Additionally, wifi access points at several schools will be available starting Tuesday, April 14 for anyone with a PGCPS email account to log on from the school parking lot or within close proximity to the school.
Connect PGCPS Fund
We are grateful to all who have offered to help defray the cost of internet connectivity for students and families. Recently, a donor has commited $100,000 to ensure that every senior will have internet access for the rest of the school year. Additional donations and commitments will be announced. Donations can be made to the Connect PGCPS Fund through the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS .
Third and Fourth Quarter Grading Periods
Monday, March 30 will remain the end of the third quarter. From Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3, students will be allowed to electronically submit any work assigned or expected to be turned in during the two-week closure. Students who are unable to submit assignments electronically will not be penalized. Any work identified by the teacher as enrichment during the two-week closure will not be graded. Fourth quarter will begin Tuesday, April 14. Students will earn a Pass (P) or Incomplete (I) grade at the conclusion of the quarter. Final grades will represent a letter grade from the first three quarters and an explanation included on all transcripts that fourth-quarter grades were earned remotely.

Families, thank you in advance for your patience as we learn together throughout the coming weeks.

More information is available on the PGCPS website . Please be reassured that we will meet you and your child where you are in terms of technology exposure, access and expertise every step of the way.

Monica Goldson, Ed.D.

Chief Executive Officer
Conectando con PGCPS a través de nuestro Programa de Aprendizaje a Distancia
Estimados estudiantes y familias de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George:

Como ya lo saben, la superintendente de educación del estado, la Dra. Karen Salmon, ha anunciado que todas las escuelas públicas de Maryland permanecerán cerradas hasta el viernes, 24 de abril. Hoy, nos embarcaremos en una nueva etapa de enseñanza y aprendizaje mediante el uso de la tecnología. Soy consciente de que muchas familias y estudiantes están acostumbrados a finalizar los trabajos escolares utilizando una plataforma en internet, mientras que para otros puede ser una experiencia completamente nueva. Quiero recalcar que no es mi expectativa que ustedes y sus familias reemplacen a nuestros educadores profesionales. Este cambio hacia el aprendizaje por internet es por necesidad, y es un viaje que emprenderemos juntos. No es nuestra expectativa que esta transición se vaya a realizar sin problemas, ni que vaya a ser perfecta; realizaremos modificaciones y correcciones a los cursos a medida que avancemos.

Sé que tienen muchas preguntas sobre cómo va a funcionar el aprendizaje virtual para los maestros, padres y estudiantes en el día a día. Para empezar, nuestro equipo proveerá a cada estudiante en necesidad el acceso esencial a la tecnología. Al mismo tiempo, estamos capacitando a nuestros maestros para que desempeñen este trabajo de forma eficaz y que brinden a las familias los recursos que necesiten para reforzar la instrucción.

Nuestro Programa de Aprendizaje de Continuidad se implementará en dos fases, con una semana de descanso para las vacaciones de primavera (lunes, 6 de abril a lunes, 13 de abril).

Durante la fase 1, el personal:

Entregará las calificaciones del tercer trimestre.

Comenzará a brindar capacitación profesional de aprendizaje a los educadores en respecto con el uso de varias plataformas de internet para garantizar una experiencia de aprendizaje a distancia de calidad para los maestros y estudiantes.

Comenzará a elaborar los salones virtuales.

Distribuirá computadoras portátiles a quienes las necesiten.

Reconectará con las familias de kinder a 12.° grado e invitará a los estudiantes a sus clases virtuales (Google Classroom).

Reconectará con colegas de kinder a 12.° grado y comunidades profesionales de aprendizaje.

Durante la fase 2, los educadores:

Enseñarán las lecciones virtuales.

Mantendrán comunicación con las familias y los estudiantes.

Brindarán apoyo virtual a los estudiantes que necesiten asistencia.

Reconectará con las familias e invitarán a los estudiantes a sus clases virtuales (Google Classroom).

La instrucción por internet comenzará el Recuerde que en la estructura del aprendizaje a distancia, el aprendizaje diario no será equivalente a seis horas.

Mientras que el aprendizaje a distancia no se estructurará de la misma forma que una típica jornada escolar, nuestra expectativa es la de mantener aspectos clave de la experiencia del salón de clase: colaboración con sus compañeros, lecciones diarias y experimentación con técnicas individualizadas e innovadoras. Nuestro modelo de aprendizaje a distancia consistirá en una mezcla de métodos para actividades de aprendizaje; trabajo independiente y autoguiado; horas de oficina virtuales para comprobar que se ha entendido la lección y la entrega de trabajos. Este modelo tiene como objetivo mantener una conexión académica y brindar flexibilidad para los estudiantes, maestros y familias.
Vacaciones de primavera
No habrá instrucción por internet para los estudiantes a partir del lunes, 6 de abril hasta el lunes, 13 de abril. Todas las escuelas y las oficinas estarán cerradas el jueves, 9 de abril, viernes, 10 de abril y lunes, 13 de abril.
Fase 2: el aprendizaje a larga distancia comienza Martes, 14 de abril - viernes, 24 de abril
Entre el lunes y jueves, los estudiantes de primaria tendrán dos lecciones virtuales de 30 a 45 minutos: Matemáticas y Ciencias, o Lectura y Estudios Sociales, entre las 9 a. m. y la 1 p. m. Todos los trabajos de contenido fundamental se tendrán que entregar los viernes de cada semana.

Cada escuela ofrecerá cursos optativos en un horario rotativo los viernes. Estos incluyen Arte, Educación Física, Música y Salud. Todos los trabajos relacionados con los cursos optativos se tienen que entregar una semana después de que se hayan publicado dichos trabajos. Se publicarán lecciones grabadas en Google Classroom para que los estudiantes puedan repasarlas independientemente. Los materiales impresos estarán disponibles en todos los lugares de distribución de comidas de los estudiantes.

Para los salones de clases de coenseñanza, el maestro de contenido fundamental agregará al maestro de ESOL/educación especial a Google Classroom como comaestro.
Escuelas intermedias y superiores
Entre el lunes y el jueves, los estudiantes de escuela intermedia y superior tendrán una lección virtual de 30 a 45 minutos: Inglés, Matemáticas, Ciencias o Estudios Sociales, entre las 9 a. m. y la 1 p. m. Se asignarán dos trabajos por cada lección. Todos los trabajos de contenido fundamental se tendrán que entregar dos días después de haberse enseñado la lección.

Cada escuela ofrecerá cursos optativos los viernes. Estos incluirán Arte, Educación Física, Lenguajes del Mundo, Música y Salud. Las escuelas intermedias tendrán un horario rotativo de cursos optativos, mientras que las clasese de cursos optativos de escuela superior tendrán sesiones todos los viernes. Todos los trabajos de cursos optativos se tendrán que entregar una semana después de haberse publicado. Se publicarán lecciones pregrabadas en Google Classroom para que los estudiantes puedan repasarlas independientemente. Los materiales impresos estarán disponibles en todos los lugares de distribución de comidas de los estudiantes.

Para los salones de clases de coenseñanza, el maestro de contenido fundamental agregará al maestro de ESOL/educación especial a Google Classroom como comaestro.
Recogida de los dispositivos y acceso al internet
La distribución de las Chromebook se llevará a cabo el miércoles, 1. de abril y el viernes, 3 de abril en el estacionamiento de la escuela a la que asiste su niño, entre las 10 a. m. a la 1 p. m. La información se publicará en la página de internet de cada escuela. Los padres también recibirán una llamada pregrabada con fechas específicas para recogerlas. En caso de mal tiempo, favor de visitar la página de internet de PGPCS y sintonizar PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38/Xfinity 96) para una nueva fecha de distribución. Las familias que contestaron las encuestas o comunicaron sus necesidades a los maestros y administradores recibirán distribución prioritaria.

Si no han contestado la encuesta de acceso al internet, por favor háganlo en la página de internet de PGCPS. Para más información sobre la encuesta, favor de escribir a: T3@pgcps.org .

Trabajando con Comcast y Verizon, las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George se ha comprometido a pagar do millones de dólares para cubrir el costo de acceso de internet para las familias en necesidad. Ayudaremos a las familias necesitadas de estudiantes que cumplen con los requisitos para las comidas gratuitas o a precios reducidos (FARMS) a inscribirse en el programa de Internet Essentials de Comcast, el cual brinda internet de alta velocidad en casa a precios cómodos. El sistema escolar ayudará a las familias que no califican para FARMS a obtener un dispositivo de internet inalámbrico o acceso a internet en casa con Comcast o Verizon.

Además, habrá conexión wifi en varias escuelas a partir del martes, 14 de abril para que cualquier persona con una cuenta de correo electrónico de PGCPS pueda conectarse desde el estacionamiento o en proximidad a la escuela.
Fondo de conexión PGCPS
Agradecemos a todos aquellos que han ofrecido ayudar con el costo de la conexión de internet para los estudiantes y las familias. El cofundador de Google, Sergey Brin, un ex alumno de la Escuela Superior Eleanor Roosevelt, se ha comprometido a donar $100.000 para garantizar que cada estudiante de último año tenga acceso de internet para el resto del año escolar. Se anunciarán más donaciones y compromisos de donaciones más adelante en la semana. Se pueden hacer donaciones adicionales al Fondo de Conexión de PGCPS mediante la Fundación para la Excelencia en la Educación de PGCPS .
Calificaciones para los periodos del tercer y el cuarto trimestre
El lunes, 30 de marzo sigue siendo la fecha en que terminará el tercer trimestre. A partir del lunes, 30 de marzo al viernes, 3 de abril, se les permitirá a los estudiantes entregar electrónicamente cualquier trabajo asignado o que se esperaba que fuera entregado durante las dos semanas de cierre. No se penalizará a los estudiantes que no les sea posible entregar los trabajos de forma electrónica. Todo trabajo identificado por el maestro como enriquecimiento durante las dos semanas de cierre no será calificado. El cuarto trimestre comenzará el martes, 14 de abril. Los estudiantes obtendrán una calificación de Aprobación (P) o Incompleto (I) a la conclusión del trimestre. Las calificaciones finales serán representadas por una letra y una explicación en todos los expedientes académicos estudiantiles con relación a que las calificaciones del cuarto trimestre se obtuvieron de manera remota.

Familias, gracias de antemano por su paciencia a medida que aprendemos juntos durante las próximas semanas.

Pueden obtener más información en la Página de internet de PGCPS . Dé por seguro que los asistiremos a ustedes y sus niños a su nivel, en términos de exposición a la tecnología, acceso y experiencia en cada paso del camino.

Atentamente,

Monica Goldson, Ed.D.

Directora ejecutiva

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Connecting PGCPS Through Our Distance Learning Program| Conectando con PGCPS a través de nuestro Programa de Aprendizaje a Distancia

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Dear Prince George's County Public Schools Students and Families, As you are aware, State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed through Friday, April 24. Today, we are embarking on a new phase of teaching and learning through technology.

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"On Monday, March 30, educators will work remotely in order to prepare themselves to support the continuity of learning while schools are closed. Learning packets will be delivered to students with both digital and print content to support all students regardless of internet access. Learning packets will be delivered to children without home internet access by our school bus drivers and will also be available to families at grab and go meals distribution sites."

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Dear Parents/Caregivers and Employees,

I am writing to provide an update on Queen Anne's County Public Schools (QACPS) operations. Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed for an additional four weeks through April 24 to protect against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Queen Anne's County Public Schools buildings will remain closed.

On Monday, March 30, educators will work remotely in order to prepare themselves to support the continuity of learning while schools are closed. Learning packets will be delivered to students with both digital and print content to support all students regardless of internet access. Learning packets will be delivered to children without home internet access by our school bus drivers and will also be available to families at grab and go meals distribution sites.

Students with access to the internet will begin online learning on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Teachers will be available to support students online. We are working with public and private sector partners to increase internet access in our community and will keep you informed of new opportunities to get online once that information becomes available.

Recognizing that families and educators have many questions pertaining to grades, graduation requirements, etc., your patience is greatly appreciated as we work through these issues with the Maryland State Department of Education. It is my goal to ensure that students' grades are not negatively impacted by the school closure.

I encourage all students and parents to remain vigilant to protect against the spread of viruses by continuing to take preventive steps. For information and updates on the coronavirus, log-on to the QACPS coronavirus resources web page and the Queen Anne's County Department of Health website.

You can be assured that we will continue to share resources for continuity of learning, meals distribution, and any other updates pertaining to the school closures as they become available. Ifyou are interested in supporting our efforts to ensure that no child goes hungry during school closures please contact Amanda Ensor at amanda.ensor@qacps.org (703-244-2309) or Jeff Straight at jeffrey.straight@qacps.org (410-758-4593). I remain committed to ensuring that you have the most current information. If you would like to ask a question regarding an issue pertaining to the school closures, please submit your questions to the QACPS School Closures Team at questions@qacps.org. We will check for your questions and respond daily.

Stay healthy!

Andrea M. Kane, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

25 de Marzo, 2020

Queridos Padres/Apoderados y Empleados,

Le escribo para ponerle al día acerca de las operaciones de las Escuelas Públicas de Queen Anne (QACPS). Ayer, el Gobernador Larry Hogan y la Superintendente del Estado, Dr. Karen Salmon, anunciaron que todas las escuelas públicas del estado de Maryland seguirán cerradas por cuatro semanas adicionales, hasta el 24 de Abril, para la protección en contra de la propagación del coronavirus (COVID-19). Los inmuebles de las Escuelas Públicas de Queen Anne permanecerán cerradas.

El Lunes 30 de Marzo, los educadores/docentes trabajaran a distancia con el fin de prepararse ellos mismos para apoyar la continuación del aprendizaje mientras que las escuelas estén cerradas. Se distribuirán a estudiantes paquetes para el aprendizaje con ambos contenidos, impresos y digitales, para apoyar a todos los estudiantes independientemente si tienen acceso al internet o no. Los paquetes para el aprendizaje serán distribuidos a los niños(as) que no tienen acceso a la internet en casa, estos serán distribuidos por los choferes de las escuelas y también estarán disponibles para las familias en los sitios donde se distribuyen los alimentos.

Los estudiantes que tiene acceso a la internet comenzaran el aprendizaje online/en línea el Martes 1ro de Abril, 2020. Los maestros(as) estarán disponibles para ayudar a los estudiantes online/en línea. Nosotros estamos trabajando con asociados de sectores privados y públicos para incrementar el acceso de internet en nuestra comunidad y lo mantendré informado acerca de nuevas oportunidades para entrar online/en línea una vez que esta información esté disponible.

Reconociendo que las familias y educadores tienen muchas preguntas pertinente a notas/grados, requerimientos para graduarse, etc., se aprecia infinitamente su paciencia a como nosotros trabajamos en estos aspectos constantemente con el Departamento de Educación del Estado de Maryland. Es mi meta asegurar que todas las notas/grados de estudiantes no sean negativamente impactadas por el cierre de las escuelas.

Animo a todos los estudiantes y padres que se mantengan alerta continuamente tomando pasos preventivos para protegerse en contra de la propagación del virus. Para más información y actualidades acerca del coronavirus, entre/log-on en la página web de QACPS coronavirus resources y en el website de Queen Anne's County Department of Health .

Usted puede estar seguro que nosotros continuaremos compartiendo recursos para la continuidad del aprendizaje, repartición de comidas/ meals distribution, y de cualquier otra actualización pertinente al cierre de escuelas a como estas estén disponibles. Si usted está interesado en apoyar nuestros esfuerzos para asegurarnos que ningún niño(a) este con hambre durante el cierre de las escuelas por favor contacte a Amanda Ensor a amanda.ensor@qacps.org (703-244-2309) o a Jeff Straight al jeffrey.straight@qacps.org (410-758-4593).Permaneceré comprometida en asegurar que usted tiene información actualizada. Si a usted le gustaría hacer una pregunta pertinente al cierre de escuelas por favor mande su pregunta al Equipo de Cierre de Escuelas de QACPS al questions@qacps.org.Nosotros revisaremos su pregunta y responderemos diariamente.

¡Manténgase Saludable!

Sinceramente,

Andrea M. Kane, Ph.D.

Superintendente de las Escuelas

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Dr. Kane Letter #7 English & Spanish versions

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Dear Parents/Caregivers and Employees, I am writing to provide an update on Queen Anne's County Public Schools (QACPS) operations. Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed for an additional four weeks through April 24 to protect against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

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General Information

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Información en español
As the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) grows in our area, SMCPS and the St. Mary's County Health Department are working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the situation. SMCPS remains committed to providing all families, staff, and students with updated, accurate information regarding the impact on our school operations.

UPDATE: March 25, 2020

Governor Hogan and State Superintendent Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland Public Schools will remain closed through April 24, 2020. Teachers and support staff will be reporting remotely and teleworking beginning on Monday, March 30. Directions will be shared with staff over the next two days detailing their telework schedule and professional development that will be provided to assist them in moving our students learning online.

March 25, 2020 Letter

UPDATE: March 19, 2020:

New Information below in system-wide communications.
If time permits please take our Internet Access Survey
UPDATE: March 13, 2020:

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will be closed for two weeks, effective Monday, March 16, 2020, and will plan to reopen Monday, March 30, 2020.

Effective at the end of the day, Friday, March 13, 2020, until Monday, March 30, 2020, all St. Mary's County Public Schools and offices are closed. There will be no access to any school buildings during this time. The anticipated reopening of schools is Monday, March 30, 2020.
Drive-Up Meal Service Available for Students Through the Summer Meals Program St. Mary's County Health Department 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info
The St. Mary's County government has been opened a community information line for St. Mary's County residents needing more information about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Community members can call the center Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. to speak with staff, obtain information about the disease or get their questions answered at: 301-475-4911

System-wide Communications

Resources
Mental Health Resources Online Instructional Resources
Social Distancing

What does it mean?

Social distancing is the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of infections or diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events.
The St. Mary's County Health Department has provided this flyer with additional information.
Social Distancing Do's and Don't

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Información en español As the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) grows in our area, SMCPS and the St. Mary's County Health Department are working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the situation. SMCPS remains committed to providing all families, staff, and students with updated, accurate information regarding the impact on our school operations.

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Students in St. Mary's County Public Schools have access to online instructional resources aligned to the content and instructional program. Each student's login gives them access to resources that match their grade level and content. Many resources are open to all students, and some are specific to the grade level, content, or schedule of the student. Use your SMCPS Login to access resources through Clever.
To access these resources, sign in through Clever.
Additionally, below are direct links to supplemental instructional resources.

Online Software Applications

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Students in St. Mary's County Public Schools have access to online instructional resources aligned to the content and instructional program. Each student's login gives them access to resources that match their grade level and content. Many resources are open to all students, and some are specific to the grade level, content, or schedule of the student.

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Continuity of Learning, Letter to Families, March 25

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Continuity of Learning, Letter to Families, March 25

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Edgenuity platform for all secondary students and Imagine Learning for all elementary students. Teachers will "telework" beginning March 30 with PD.

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Drive up hotspots, free chicken, meals, delivered by bus

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Our team has been preparing for this eventuality with limited 12 month staff. Our staff is confident we can provide continuity of learning for all students in TCPS now that we are able to engage our teachers in the process. We will solidify these plans to ensure that our expectations are aligned with the Maryland State Department of Education’s guidance, and will begin to share our refined plan for this extended school closure with our families and staff next week.

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First Grade English Language Arts Lesson

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First Grade English Language Arts Lesson

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These assignments are ungraded.

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"Beginning Monday, April 6, WCPS will officially transition to a distance learning platform, where students can engage with teachers and access online lessons that will be completed and submitted for feedback. We are identifying March 30 - April 3 as a transition week."

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March 26, 2020 update for families

Beginning Monday, April 6, WCPS will officially transition to a distance learning platform, where students can engage with teachers and access online lessons that will be completed and submitted for feedback. We are identifying March 30 - April 3 as a transition week.

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March 26, 2020 update for families Beginning Monday, April 6, WCPS will officially transition to a distance learning platform, where students can engage with teachers and access online lessons that will be completed and submitted for feedback. We are identifying March 30 - April 3 as a transition week.

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Digital, online resources

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Interacting w/ families through Facebook

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Tune in to WBOC's DelmarvaLife from 5-6 tonight to catch "Science Boy" James Elliott of North Salisbury Elementary doing a cool science experiment that your student could also do at home.

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WCPS: Learning Links. 457 likes · 404 talking about this. WCPS: Learning Links During the mandated closure of Maryland Public Schools for public health reasons, Wicomico Schools will share links and...

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Continuity of Learning Plan Announcement

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Continuity of Learning Plan Announcement

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Alternate instruction plans will be announced in the near future.

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Rapid Deployment of Remote Learning in 4 districts

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Rapid Deployment of Remote Learning in 4 districts

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As the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold and schools face the likelihood of extended closures measured in months not weeks, chief technology officers at districts across the country are scrambling to prepare and roll out e-learning programs.

It amounts to an unprecedented test of digital preparedness for the country's school districts. Most are facing a shortfall of available devices and Wi-Fi accessibility for every student and have yet to come up with an equitable way to serve special needs students through online instruction.

Forty one percent of school leaders said they couldn't provide remote or e-learning activities to every student in their district for even one day, according to data from a new Education Week survey that included 420 principals and 745 other district leaders. Only 22 percent said they could make those opportunities available "as long as we needed to."

However, a new IT survey from the Consortium for School Networking, or CoSN, a nonprofit membership organization for K-12 technology leaders, indicates that school districts are making digital progress. Nearly half of districts that responded have one device available for every student, and a quarter of districts support two devices per student, according to preliminary data released ahead of the full report.

The survey highlighted broadband accessibility during the coronavirus outbreak as an issue that will require extra ingenuity to overcome, given that community locations such as libraries and businesses typically serve as Wi-Fi hotspots for low-income or rural students and "may be temporarily unworkable ... to implement social distancing protocols."

Keith Krueger, the CEO of CoSN, said many districts are prepared to deliver e-learning experiences now and some are "not at all."

"At this moment there are more school districts more ready than they ever have been to do online learning for all of their kids, at least from a technical perspective," he said. "But they're not as ready on the teaching and learning side."

With little and sometimes confusing federal guidance for how schools should provide e-learning during the coronavirus-related school closures, a patchwork of approaches has spawned: Some school districts have virtual assignments and video conferencing up and running. Some are still figuring things out, creating online lesson plans with design teams and outfitting school buses with Wi-Fi. And others have partnered with local PBS affiliates to broadcast learning activities on the television.

Here's a look at how chief technology officers from four districts are assessing what technologies they have, planning for what they need, and putting together remote learning strategies and tactics.

The Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, Ind.: 'Really a Challenge to Scale Up'

CTO Pete Just said his 17,000-student district began offering "blended virtual offerings" to students in grades 6-12 on Monday after returning from spring break. District officials started planning for online class contingencies two weeks ago, he said, using the time to plan for everything from how to track attendance to building out instructional design. The district has a deep background in e-learning, launching the state's first online school in 1999.

"But even for a sophisticated district like us, it's really a challenge to scale up," Just said. "We wish we could be better prepared."

Students in kindergarten to 5th grade will rely on pencil-and-paper assignments, while students in grades 6-12 will use about 12,500 district-issued Chromebooks to handle classwork. (One high school in the district has students use their own personal devices in school, a strategy known as BYOD). The district gave teachers the discretion for how to teach the virtual classwork, and will use Google Classroom tools for video and chat.

Just said gaps in broadband accessibility have largely been bridged for the district's high school students through a partnership with Sprint, which offered free mobile Wi-Fi hotspot devices. But about 11 percent of high school students in the district still lack access, he said.

"The demand has dropped and generally leveled off," he said. "We're still seeing statistics that show some don't have access at home. Apparently, they're finding a way to cope with that."

Beaverton School District, Ore.: 'High Tech and Low Tech'

CTO Steve Langford said his district has put together a mix of "high tech and low tech" resources that parents can use with students. Teachers, he said, are not engaging in "direct instruction."

"It's less worksheet driven and more curating resources that already exist," he said.

Some of the district's students will have access to online tools for learning such as Seesaw and Dreambox. But Langford said state officials recommended against a wholesale shift to online classes unless schools could meet a list of criteria that included providing equitable services.

"We can't ensure all students would be equitably served in an e-learning scenario," he said of the 41,000-student district. "I believe some districts might have started down that road, but the counsel from the (Oregon) department of education said this is not the time to implement an e-learning system and build it from the ground up."

If school closures are extended and future lesson plans rely more on computers and connectivity, Langford said the district could be "device restrained" for elementary school students. According to the CoSN survey, only 43 percent of elementary schools can provide a device for every student.

"We might have to go into schools, unwire computers from carts and start checking out those computers to students," he said, noting the district has 15,000 elementary students. "Preparing the computers, checking them, managing the whole process, it's a big undertaking. But we're talking about that right now."

In terms of broadband access for students, Langford said: "Right now the demand exceeds supply."

Austin Independent School District, Texas: 'Elementary [Students] the Biggest Challenge for Devices'

Classes are set to resume on April 3, and CTO Kevin Schwartz said district officials are racing to put in place the foundation for a remote learning environment. That includes installing Wi-Fi connectivity on more than 500 school buses, assessing device inventory and working to put the e-learning program in place.

"I feel good about this in some ways. I feel worried about this in some other ways," he said. "Kids need to be re-engaged in learning on April 3, and from this time now until then is when we are getting teachers ready to do that work."

The 81,000-student district currently provides a Chromebook for every student in grades 8-12, and is doing an inventory assessment to see how many more students may need devices. Schwartz said the district has 10,000 computers that students don't currently take home and a shipment of 6,000 devices on its way. That, he said, would provide a 1-to-1 ratio through middle school and high school.

"That leaves elementary as the biggest challenge for devices," he said, noting that lesson plans for those grade levels would be paper and pencil. "I don't see us at this time offering a traditional district computer to every family."

The district is also benefitting from a grant from Kajeet, a former cellphone company that now works to close the "digital divide" by providing school districts with connectivity tools, such as outfitting buses with Wi-Fi. Those buses will be deployed to low-income neighborhoods to serve as mobile hotspots, said Schwartz.

'We're doing an assessment now to figure out where we can get the most benefit from these buses," he said.

Prince George's County Public Schools, Md.: 'We Would Just Have to Get Very Creative'

Chief technology officer Lisa Spencer said her district is currently printing instructional packets and making available limited online resources for students. Schools in Maryland have been closed until March 27, but state officials have signaled that is likely to be extended. If that happens, Spencer said more resources would have to be devoted to e-learning for the 136,000-student district.

'If classes are cancelled for the rest of the school year, we would be in a situation where packets would not cut it," she said. "Making millions of copies is a bit much."

Spencer described the plan for now as a combination of blended learning with "a lot of project-based activities." Some teachers are currently using Google Classroom for online classwork.

"Unfortunately it was not a mandate so not all our teachers have it," she said. "I'm hoping we're able to implement Google Classroom throughout the district and get some information and lessons designed to be implemented for all grade levels."

Implementing a widespread e-learning program could be even more difficult, though, when considering the lack of available devices. Spencer said the district would need about 50,000 computers if the need arose to provide for every student in grades 3-12. Only two of the district's 208 schools currently equip students with computers to use at home.

"I don't see us being able to make that take-home device plan work at this point in time," she said.

Aside from device shortage, broadband accessibility is also an issue. The district did not take advantage of an opportunity to partner with Kajeet for Wi-Fi-enabled school buses, Spencer said, and officials had planned for libraries to provide connectivity for students in a situation like this. Without those community solutions available, Spencer said district officials will have to find new ways to deliver video-based learning instructions, and that could include uploading short videos to a YouTube page.

"Even though our students may not have a home device, most will have access to a smartphone where they can watch a short clip," she said. "We would just have to get very creative, and that's not a bad thing."

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Rapid Deployment of Remote Learning: Lessons From 4 Districts

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As the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold and schools face the likelihood of extended closures measured in months not weeks, chief technology officers at districts across the country are scrambling to prepare and roll out e-learning programs. It amounts to an unprecedented test of digital preparedness for the country's school districts.

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National Conference of State Legislatures

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National Conference of State Legislatures

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NCSL is monitoring the evolving situation related to Coronavirus and will continue to update this page as new information becomes available. For information related to higher education, visit this page. In response to the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), governors and legislatures have called for the statewide closure of at least 124,000 public schools in 48 states and every U.S. territory. (Map: Coronavirus and School Closures - E ducation Week)
School Meals

While school closures may be necessary to slow the spread of the virus, they can adversely affect both parents, who might have to take off work to care for their child, as well as students, particularly low-income students, who rely on school meals for lunch. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced flexibilities to ensure that students receive meal service during school closures while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. The USDA has issued waivers to exempt states from the congregate meal requirement as they develop customized strategies to respond to their population's needs. This will allow schools to leverage their participation in one of the USDA's summer meal programs.

Accountability

On March 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced that it would consider targeted one-year waivers on assessment and accountability requirements that could be impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Waivers could relax state assessment requirements and identification of low-performing schools if schools are closed for a significant portion of the year. The ED would also consider waiving the 95% testing participation rate and measures of chronic absenteeism.

On March 20, 2020, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the Department will grant a waiver to any state that is unable to assess its students due to the ongoing national emergency, providing relief from federally mandated testing requirements for this school year. Any state that receives this waiver may also receive a waiver from the requirement that this testing data be used in the statewide accountability system due to the national emergency.

By April 1, 2020, the ED had granted waivers of federal testing requirements for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Bureau of Indian Education. These waivers provide state education agencies with the flexibility to bypass assessment and accountability requirements in the Every Student Succeeds Act for the 2019-2020 school year.

Instructional Time

The ED released a Q&A on providing services to students with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Per the guidance, if a school district does not provide general instruction due to COVID-19, schools are not required to provide services to students with disabilities during that time. If general instruction is offered during school closure, districts must ensure that students with disabilities also have equal access to the same opportunities as general education students. If a student with disabilities is homebound due to COVID-19 infection, schools must continue to provide educational services to the student.

While virtual or remote instruction can replace in-person instruction, it is important to note the limitations of this practiceMany students lack access to the technology needed to learn remotely. A study from the Associated Press found that 17% of U.S. students do not have computers in the home and 18% of students lack access to high-speed internet.

College Readiness

The outbreak has also disrupted the admissions process related to testing, the next scheduled nationwide tests of both the ACT and SAT have been cancelled. The CollegeBoard which administers the SAT, cancelled the May 2 test as well as the makeup test for earlier cancellations in March, students who registered for the test will receive refunds. The ACT postponed its April 4 test date to June 13. The CollegeBoard has also announced plans to allow students to take Advanced Placement (AP) tests from home. ETS, which administers the GRE has also announced an at-home version of the exam will be available to students who wish to take the test for graduate and professional schools. Because of disruptions in testing, several schools have announced plans to remove ACT/SAT requirements for admissions and become test-optional.

State Legislation

Access our bill tracker to stay up-to-date on education-related state action regarding the outbreak.

For a complete list of legislation related to COVID-19, please see NCSL's State Action on Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.

Additional Resources

Guidance from the federal government:

State laws and policy-related guidance:

International resources:

NCSL Resources

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national conference of state legislatures

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Public Education's Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

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The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced the closure of more than 1,000 schools, colleges and universities. While school closures may help mitigate the spread of this virus, public health officials and education experts have urged schools and districts to weigh this decision.

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KEY ISSUES COVID-19 Pandemic Education Commission of the States is continuing to track state education policies related to the impacts of the

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Retrieved from Somerset County Public Schools website. This compendium is listed as an MSDE Resource.

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How Maryland School Districts Plan to Address Instruction

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How Maryland School Districts Plan to Address Instruction

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Units of study aligned with the new frameworks have been developed by Maryland educators and shared in the summer academies. Lessons have been aligned with the College and Career-Ready Standards.

Clarifications

The English Language Arts Department at MSDE facilitated the formation of teams of educators from all across the state to participate in writing Clarifications for the Common Core Standards at grades Pre-K through twelve.

Educators from the local systems worked together to create clarification statements that make up a coherent document that reflects the instructional shifts necessary to achieve the Common Core State Standards. The Clarification statements detail for educators the skills necessary for students to demonstrate proficiency in each grade level standard in Reading Literature, Reading Informational Text, Writing, and Language. These Clarifications are an integral part of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards Curriculum toolkit.

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Teaching And Learning: English Language Arts

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Units of study aligned with the new frameworks have been developed by Maryland educators and shared in the summer academies. Lessons have been aligned with the College and Career-Ready Standards. The English Language Arts Department at MSDE facilitated the formation of teams of educators from all across the state to participate in writing Clarifications for the Common Core Standards at grades Pre-K through twelve.

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MSDE Nonpublic Special Education Schools

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MSDE Nonpublic Special Education Schools

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Contact: Marcella.Franczkowski@maryland.gov

3.27.20: Funding will continue for Nonpublic Tuition Assistance Program (NTAP) to address students with disabilities continuation of learning or specially designed instruction.  There are rates for schools in the attached guidance; additional guidance is expected.

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March 25 School Closure Announcement & Continuity of Learning

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March 25 School Closure Announcement & Continuity of Learning

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"We plan to resume the continuity of learning next week, and we will be working closely with local superintendents, school administrators, and our teachers to activate that plan.
I am working in concert with all local school system superintendents, including multiple calls per week, in order to provide the continuity of learning to all of our students in every jurisdiction across the State of Maryland during this time.

We are already working very closely with every school system to address issues affecting their ability to provide educational services to all of their students. It should also be noted that we will be diligent in providing educational services to our students with disabilities.

Local superintendents have provided me with their plans for the continuity of learning during the additional closure period. My staff at the Maryland State Department of Education has been reviewing the plans and determining what supports and resources the State can provide where needed.

More information will be available in the coming days as we work collaboratively on a statewide plan that maintains equitable standards and expectations for students.
Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools

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Message from Dr. Karen B. Salmon

State Superintendent of Schools

All Child Care Providers to be Closed by the end of the day Friday, March 27th Except Those Serving Essential Personnel
Beginning at the end of the day on Friday, March 27, 2020, all child care programs are to be closed.

During this State of Emergency, child care programs have been established by the State to serve only designated essential personnel.

These programs are at no cost to designated essential personnel. Eligible programs may be found on the MSDE website at earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org or by using the LOCATE: Child Care resource, a telephone service that is available by phone Monday - Friday at 877-261-0060 between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

Please see the list of designated essential personnel identified in the Governor's March 25, 2020 Executive Order.

The children of essential personnel attending the State-funded child care programs will be kept at an appropriate distance from each other with ratios of one teacher to nine children and smaller class sizes for younger children.

Parents/guardians are strongly urged to keep children at home as the first and best option to protect them from the virus; it should be noted in the Governor's March 13, 2020 Executive Order, licensing regulations were relaxed to allow for Family, Friend and Neighbor care for five or fewer students.

If closed licensed child care programs are willing to provide child care to children of essential personnel, they may reopen beginning March 30, 2020, with the following requirements:

Programs must apply with their Regional Licensing Specialists to be approved before they begin serving eligible families.

These programs may only reopen after a thorough cleaning has been conducted.

They must only serve the children of essential personnel.

Parents and caregivers of essential personnel may call one of the following numbers for additional information:
410-767-0335
410-767-7823
410-767-0583
410-767-7798
410-767-7805

Child care providers with questions can contact their Regional Licensing Specialist.

After lengthy discussions with health experts from around the State, I have made the decision along with the State Board of Education to extend the closure of all public schools in Maryland for an additional four weeks through April 24, 2020.

We do not make this decision lightly. However, with the challenges facing our State and our country, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities and the community at-large.

I am working in concert with all local school system superintendents, including multiple calls per week, in order to provide the continuity of learning to all of our students in every jurisdiction across the State of Maryland during this time.

We are already working very closely with every school system to address issues affecting their ability to provide educational services to all of their students. It should also be noted that we will be diligent in providing educational services to our students with disabilities.

Local superintendents have provided me with their plans for the continuity of learning during the additional closure period. My staff at the Maryland State Department of Education has been reviewing the plans and determining what supports and resources the State can provide where needed.

More information will be available in the coming days as we work collaboratively on a statewide plan that maintains equitable standards and expectations for students. Local school systems will be communicating with their individual school communities as they move forward with implementing their plans.

We plan to resume the continuity of learning next week, and we will be working closely with local superintendents, school administrators, and our teachers to activate that plan.

While it is too early to say when schools will reopen, we will continue to reassess the situation as we move forward and see where we are in a few weeks time.
Additionally, while child care and day care facilities throughout the State may remain open at this time, our urgent focus is ensuring there are child care options for the children of essential personnel.

We understand that those in the workforce providing essential services, such as those in our hospital and health care facilities and food distribution sites, may need child care provided to continue in their roles. However, if another parent or guardian is able to stay home with your children you should do that.

For those essential personnel that are unable to provide care, we have worked diligently in the past week to identify locations across Maryland that will provide child care.

At this juncture, we have identified space for more than 1,200 school-aged children (ages 4-12) of essential personnel at various locations throughout Maryland in spaces such as YMCAs, the Maryland School for the Blind, public libraries, Parks and Recreation facilities, and Boys and Girls clubs. We are hoping to increase this capacity to more than 2,500 spaces in the coming days.

Essential personnel working in response to the COVID-19 pandemic who require child care are immediately able to find these services through a free referral hotline called LOCATE. The number to reach this referral service is 1-877-261-0060. We will provide additional guidance and information immediately following today's press conference.

I am so grateful to our educators and child care providers across the State for their commitment to our children and their school communities.

I also want to recognize the incredible dedication and commitment that our food services staff and volunteers have exhibited as they have continued to serve and transport meals to children at the 500+ food distribution sites we have set up across Maryland. Just as a reminder, for any family looking for a location to pick up meals for a student, please visit mdsummermeals.org for a list of locations in your area.

I appreciate everyone's cooperation during this difficult time, and I am looking forward to working with our local superintendents and school leaders in the coming days as we move forward.

Multiple state agencies are collaborating on and are committed to the health and safety of students and staff in the school setting. We are working collaboratively with the Governor's Office, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and all other relevant State agencies on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The MSDE will remain vigilant in providing all information regarding the virus as it pertains to the health and safety of students and staff in our schools.

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Message from Dr. Karen B. Salmon State Superintendent of Schools All Child Care Providers to be Closed by the end of the day Friday, March 27th Except Those Serving Essential Personnel Beginning at the end of the day on Friday, March 27, 2020, all child care programs are to be closed.

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At the direction of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), all public schools in the state, including City Schools, are closed from March 16, 2020, to March 27, 2020. Students and families should use the documents on this page- organized by grade- to supplement learning while schools are closed. Find your grade level and click the link to download daily lessons.

Visit our health updates webpage for more information and additional resources related to school closures.

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At the direction of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), all public schools in the state, including City Schools, are closed from March 16, 2020, to March 27, 2020. Students and families should use the documents on this page- organized by grade- to supplement learning while schools are closed.

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For the week of March 30 through April 3 - Students will continue to complete the district-created learning packets along with learning tools they received from their school and teachers. For families that have not yet picked up the packets for their students, additional copies are available at the emergency food sites.

Beginning April 6 – Students will be provided schoolwork using a wide variety of options based on their needs and access to technology. In some cases, this could include access to online options such as Google Classrooms. Schools will also continue the use of student work packets, its education cable television channel, and help desks to help students complete the learning activities.

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March 11, 2020

Anti-stigma guidelines
City Schools is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and respectful environment for its students, families, and employees. We are committed to our core values, including respect, tolerance, and the commitment to a harassment-free learning and working environment.

Lately, there have been reports around the country related to stigmatization of individuals thought to be impacted by COVID-19. During challenging times such as these, it is important that we come together in a spirit of unity and avoid divisiveness. To help, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a series of anti-stigma guidelines related to coronavirus for your review.

We're stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. City Schools is committed to the following:

Rely on and share trusted sources of information.

Speak up if you hear, see, or read stigmatizing or harassing comments or misinformation.

Show compassion and support for individuals and communities more closely impacted.

Avoid stigmatizing people who are in quarantine. They are making the right choice for their communities.

Do not make assumptions about someone's health status based on their ethnicity, race or national origin.

During challenging times, we need to rely on and connect with each other more, not less. Let's treat one another with compassion and understanding in the days ahead. Thank you for doing what you can to help us sustain a community that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone.

If you encounter discrimination of any sort, please notify your principal or supervisor immediately.

Reminder: Please pick up ill students from school
Given current health-related events, Baltimore City Public Schools strongly encourages parents to take the following steps if their student becomes ill at school:

If a student becomes ill or becomes ill during the school day, parents may be contacted to pick up their student

If you are called, please be sure to pick up the student as soon as possible

Please designate an adult to act as a back-up if you are unable to pick up your student during the day

City Schools will take appropriate steps to care for an ill student until the parent can arrive.

Please help us support a healthy school environment by following these guidelines.

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March 11, 2020 Anti-stigma guidelines City Schools is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and respectful environment for its students, families, and employees. We are committed to our core values, including respect, tolerance, and the commitment to a harassment-free learning and working environment.

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Carroll Educational Television, CETV - Channel 21 strives to keep parents and the community informed about the latest important information pertaining to Carroll County Public Schools. Board of Education meetings are aired live on the channel and they are then re-broadcast throughout the month. School closings, delays and postponements are aired on Channel 21.

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"Our goal is to keep students engaged as much as possible through a distance learning approach.

This past week, our principals and teaching staff held virtual meetings to train, plan, and prepare as best as possible to support this distance learning effort.  We are also gathering and finalizing distribution plans for digital devices that will help ensure our students can fully engage in these models. These devices will be prioritized for students in need.

In the coming days, you will be hearing more from your principal and teacher as we move forward in this process, including information regarding when you can expect packets and workbooks to arrive through the mail to your home, teacher “office hours” when you can connect with your child’s teachers, detailed instruction and support for accessing online resources and tools, and so on.

As we move into this distance learning approach, your child’s teachers and principal will be the best source of answers to questions you may have about distance learning, support, and guidance as it relates to the learning opportunities for your students.  We are navigating uncharted waters, and we are proud of how everyone is doing whatever they can to step up to meet the challenge." Supt. Steve Lockard

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Dear Families,

As you may be aware, today the Maryland State Superintendent announced that schools will remain closed through April 24, 2020, due to concerns of the spread of COVID-19. All CCPS and non-CCPS sponsored activities in our school facilities will be canceled during this time.

Like you, we are devastated that this has happened and recognize the challenges this will bring.​ We anticipated that this could be a possibility and for the last few weeks have been preparing ways in which to provide continuity of learning for our students. Our goal is to keep students engaged as much as possible through a distance learning approach.

This past week, our principals and teaching staff held virtual meetings to train, plan, and prepare as best as possible to support this distance learning effort. We are also gathering and finalizing distribution plans for digital devices that will help ensure our students can fully engage in these models. These devices will be prioritized for students in need.

We know that our families are in different places when it comes to internet access and technology in the home. We will be providing varying methods to deliver learning opportunities that will include online learning and traditional pencil and paper.

Our preparation has included designing plans for remote student learning that use multiple tools. For example, numerous online tools and resources, as well as hard copy workbooks (grades pre-K - 8) and learning packets (all grades), will be used to provide learning opportunities to students.

Our students and staff will be asked to use these various tools and engage in teaching and learning in new and sometimes different ways. Please keep in mind that transitioning to a new learning model will continue to take time and patience. Do not expect starting Monday, March 30, that everything will be completely in place. We stated in an earlier communication that this will not be perfect, nor can this be expected to simply replace our traditional face-to-face, in-school instructional delivery. That is not our expectation. There will be challenges and obstacles to overcome, but we know that by being patient, working collaboratively, and continuing to communicate with each other, we will make the most of this difficult situation for our students and help ensure that they continue to have opportunities to learn during this unprecedented time. ​

We know the State Superintendent's decision brings with it many questions regarding graduation, assessments, and other issues. We are awaiting direction from the Maryland State Department of Education and will be communicating with you as soon as this information becomes available. We are in the process of creating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for all questions related to continuity of learning in Carroll County Public Schools in light of the closures created by COVID-19, and will put that on the home page of our website soon.

The teacher-family partnership will be a key element in developing successful distance learners. We understand the stress families are under during this time and know not all of the following can be done easily, but we wanted to provide some tips for supporting students as they engage in distance learning:

Monitor updates from teachers

Help students access interactive online resources and tools, such as Google Classroom, and/or work through the print material packets/workbooks that they receive

Designate a location where learning will take place

Create a daily schedule to follow that provides routine

Ask students to provide a brief summary of their learning to ensure understanding of the content

Maintain communication with teacher(s) and seek support as needed from school staff

Assist students when seeking additional clarification and/or learning support from their classroom teacher(s)

Monitor students' work and support them.

In the coming days, you will be hearing more from your principal and teacher as we move forward in this process, including information regarding when you can expect packets and workbooks to arrive through the mail to your home, teacher "office hours" when you can connect with your child's teachers, detailed instruction and support for accessing online resources and tools, and so on.

As we move into this distance learning approach, your child's teachers and principal will be the best source of answers to questions you may have about distance learning, support, and guidance as it relates to the learning opportunities for your students. We are navigating uncharted waters, and we are proud of how everyone is doing whatever they can to step up to meet the challenge.

Take care and stay safe and well. We will persevere through this difficult time together.

Steven A. Lockard
Superintendent of Schools
Home Internet Access and Technology (3/23/20)
As we begin our second week of school closures, hopefully everyone is doing as well as possible and staying healthy and safe.

As you are aware, last week you were sent a survey regarding access to technology in your home. We recognize that many of our families in Carroll County live in rural areas or have unique circumstances where internet access is limited, capped or may be unreliable, as in the case of hot spots.

We are aware that this kind of descriptor was not an option included on the survey. If this applies to your family, we would ask that you contact your school principal through email to make sure that they are aware of your family's situation. Please be sure to include your child's first and last name and grade when you contact the principal. This will allow them to provide the most appropriate means of support as we anticipate the shift to distance learning. Your principal's email can be found by going to your school website and clicking on "About Us" and then "Staff Directory."

Please continue to visit our website at www.carrollk12.org for information on COVID-19 and our CCPS learning resources.

As we move through these uncertain times, we will continue to communicate and update you on our efforts to provide continuity of learning and to make sure our students have opportunities to stay engaged in learning.
Message from the Superintendent (3/20/20)
Dear Families,

I would like to thank you for your patience in this unprecedented time in public education and in our nation. First and foremost, we hope that you and your families are remaining safe and well during the school closure. We miss our students! While we are devastated that this has happened and recognize all the challenges it brings, we also recognize the need for the important measures that have been taken across Maryland to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and keep all of our students, families, and staff members as safe as possible. While we have not received any additional information regarding closure beyond the initial two weeks at this moment, we anticipate that happening and are planning accordingly. Should we receive any new information we will update you as soon as possible.

In anticipation of an extended closure, we have been working around the clock to best prepare for this scenario and to transition to continuity of learning for a longer duration of time. We recognize that an unprecedented transition to distance learning will not be perfect. We will work through the challenges, issues, and concerns together with you throughout this time period when we are not in the familiar, traditional comforts of in-school, face-to-face learning. When an announcement is made, we will also be seeking guidance and direction from our Maryland State Department of Education concerning a number of related issues, such as mandated assessments, requirements, high school credits for graduation, and so on. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as CCPS and all systems across our state seek answers to these important questions. We will begin communication of our distance learning plans with all families in the coming days from both CCPS and your child's individual school.

We sent a survey out to families yesterday to help determine internet and device availability. We continue to work on resources and supports where access or a device is not available to a student. We recognize there are variables to connectivity and special circumstances. As we move forward, our principals and staff will be working to accommodate in every way we can for distance learning, whether it is through internet connection or not, and the unique circumstances you and your family may have. If you have not already filled out the survey we sent to you, please take a moment to do so. We will be reaching out by phone early next week to those families we know do not have email or have not responded. We have provided a link to the survey here:
https://forms.gle/dKMagDVMyu7d5w2t8
During this time, we recommend that families communicate and develop a routine for children.

It is important to have open and honest communication with children regarding COVID-19, but it is also important to be measured and reassuring in what you choose to discuss.

As always, closely monitor and limit your child's screen time, especially when it comes to news coverage and social media.

Create as much routine and structure in your child's daily life as you can. We all do better when we have a daily routine and structure in our lives.

We cannot reiterate enough how important it is for you to practice social distancing and to take care of yourselves and your families, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Navigating through the next several weeks will take communication, adaptability, and patience.

We will continue to post resources and the newest school-related information, including locations where CCPS provides free meals, at https://bit.ly/3dj7AAP. Please check it daily. We will also continue to use emails, social media, CETV Channel 21, and other communication tools to provide you with timely updates.

CCPS will do everything we can to support our students and families through this adversity, and by being patient with each other, understanding the circumstances, and working collaboratively through all the challenges to come, we will get through this unprecedented time.

My best to all of our students and families,

Steven Lockard
Superintendent of Schools
Computer Internet Survey (3/19/20)
Dear Families,

We have anticipated there could be changes to the duration of time schools could stay closed. We have been working around the clock to best prepare for the possibility of distance learning for a longer duration of time. Communication of these plans would be shared with all families in the coming days from both CCPS and individual schools. In order to best prepare, we want to know whether students have access to the internet at home. We also need to determine whether a device is available to students in the home. This will allow us to finalize resources and supports where access or a device is not available to a student. Please take a moment to click the link below and complete this important survey.
https://forms.gle/dKMagDVMyu7d5w2t8 Logging in to Discovery Ed and Clever (3/18/20)
If your child is having difficulties logging in to Discovery Ed or Clever, please make sure you are entering the student username with @star.carrollk12.org appended to the end. The student username is typically formatted with three letters and four random numbers. So, if the student username is XYZ1234, you will want to type in XYZ1234@star.carrollk12.org as the username.

If you still are having issues accessing these resources, please send an email to mystudent@carrollk12.org and someone will assist you via email. Please send the email from the account we have on file for you so we can verify your identity.
Instructional Resources (3/18/20)
We want to thank and continue to encourage our families to engage in the many online resources we have availed throughout the CCPS Instructional Resource Site . We also wanted to share that not all students are familiar with every resource we have in our system. Several of these resources are grade level, content or course specific.

Specifically, we have received a number of inquiries pertaining to Clever. If you are having difficulty logging into Clever, it very well could be that your child has never used this resource. In this case, your child may not have access to this resource or the necessary log-in credentials.

The CCPS Instructional Resource website was provided as a resource for teachers and families to access in our two weeks away from school to maintain skills and conceptual understanding. If you are having difficulty logging into an application or site, we are asking that you remain patient and take advantage of other resources that may be available within the website where your child may have some familiarity.

We plan to update this resource site in the days ahead to provide more access and opportunities to our students.

https://sites.google.com/carrollk12.org/ccps-learning-resources/home
Emergency Meals Now Include Dinner (3/16/20) Distribución de comidas de emergencia Update from the Superintendent (3/16/20)
Dear Parents and Guardians:

Now that we have started our school closure, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our families for your patience and support as we work through this very challenging time. We have never experienced times quite like this and are truly grateful for your understanding as we face difficult decisions while at the same time keeping in mind what is in the best interest of our students and staff.

I want you to know how truly grateful I am to have an opportunity to serve the families of such a caring community. It is important that we continue to work together to do our part in controlling the spread of the coronavirus so that our students and staff can return to their classrooms and continue to achieve their goals to become college and career ready.

I am aware that the sudden closing of schools has left our community with many questions. Please be assured that we will continue to communicate with you as often as necessary to make sure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information available regarding our schools.

I encourage you to visit our website at www.carrollk12.org where you will find all of our communications, as well as excellent resources regarding the coronavirus. In addition, the Carroll County Health Department has provided some very helpful information from the CDC on talking to your children about the coronavirus. The link is provided below.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html

I wish you and your family good health during this period of time. It is my hope that by working together we will be able to return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Steven A. Lockard, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Information for Parents/Guardians During School Closure (3/13/20)
Parents/Guardians,

You may have heard today that the first case of COVID-19 has been identified in Carroll County. The Carroll County Health Department is actively investigating this case. At this time, we have no indication that there has been any direct impact to our students or staff.

We would like to notify you that during this school closure, our school buildings will be closed to the public. This begins this evening, Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 29. Our school buildings will re-open on Monday, March 30.

If you need to communicate with your principal, please contact them through e-mail. Our principals' email addresses can be found on your school's website or on the homepage of our school system website at www.carrollk12.org.

Our central office will remain in operation. However, in-person interactions with the public will be by appointment only. Central office staff will continue to be available by phone and email.

The Carroll County Health Department has also asked us to remind you that their call center is open this weekend from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. The number for the call center is 410-876-4848.

We will continue to communicate with you as updates occur. Thank you for your understanding.
Emergency Meal Distribution to Children (3/13/20)
Carroll County Public Schools is participating in the Emergency Feeding Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge.
Distribución de comidas de emergencia CCPS Resource Site, Special Education and SAT Information (3/13/20)
Content specialists in the department of curriculum and instruction have been working closely with teachers, administrators, and other professionals to bring together resources for all Carroll County Public Schools students. To support all the traditional learning resources our teachers make available for students, we have created a Google Site that provides students and families with resources to encourage ongoing academic engagement while at home. Read full message.
CCPS Resource Site
Sitio de recursos de CCPS, educación especial e información SAT

Learning Materials for School Closure (3/12/20)
Under the direction of State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon, all Maryland public schools, including Carroll County Public Schools, will be closed beginning Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Schools will re-open on Monday, March 30. All CCPS and non-CCPS sponsored activities in our school facilities will be canceled. Today, students will be provided with materials to allow for learning during the closure. There will be a variety of activities available, including online and traditional paper and pencil. The link to the online educational resources are below. These educational activities are intended to help students maintain their skills and continue to work on curricular-related content. They will vary by level (elementary, middle, high) as well as by content area. To be clear, the activities are not intended to progress students through new curriculum. Please know that teachers will not be working during the closure, so student learning will be self-directed. Please use parental judgement when determining which activities will be completed, and how much time will be allotted daily.
https://sites.google.com/carrollk12.org/ccps-learning-resources/home Medication Pick-Up (3/12/20)
Parents may find it necessary to pick up their child's daily medication to have at home during the upcoming school closure. If you don't find it necessary to have the medication during the closure, you do not need to pick it up. Parents are encouraged to pick up medication by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13, if needed. Please contact your child's school if you have any questions.

School Attendance on Friday (3/12/20)
As we shared in our earlier message, the Maryland State Superintendent has mandated the closure of all Maryland schools from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. This leaves tomorrow as the only day to prepare our students for the two-week break. Please do your best to ensure children attend school tomorrow to receive important information and have an opportunity to check out books and other materials to take home during the break.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
All CCPS Schools Closed March 16-27 (Posted 3/12/20)
Under the direction of State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon, all Maryland public schools, including Carroll County Public Schools, will be closed beginning Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27. Schools will re-open on Monday, March 30. All CCPS and non-CCPS sponsored activities in our school facilities will be canceled.

This action is being taken in all Maryland public school systems as a preventative measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus and out of an abundance of caution. The safety and well-being of students and staff continue to be our top priority.

We will be sharing additional information with you tomorrow and throughout this period of closure. In the meantime, we encourage you to review the information and tips on our website for keeping you and your family healthy. And, we can't stress enough the importance of practicing the preventive measures we have outlined in previous communications. These measures can also be found on our website.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this challenging time.

MSDE News Release on School Closures
Out-of-State Travel Canceled Due to Coronavirus (3/11/2020)
Carroll County Public Schools is canceling all out-of-state travel for students and staff effective immediately and until further notice. This includes all out-of-state field trips, meetings, events, conferences, and athletic activities.

Our goal as a school system is to be consistent with Governor Hogan's direction that all out-of-state travel for state employees has been canceled in an effort to contain any spread of the coronavirus in Maryland. When students and staff travel to another state, that effort may be compromised. The decision was also made out of an abundance of caution to minimize the risk to CCPS students, staff, and families.

All CCPS schools and buildings are fully operational, and scheduled activities within the schools, as well as travel in Maryland, will continue as planned for now.

This decision alone cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. All Carroll County citizens are reminded to increase precautions and practice healthy habits as recommended by the Carroll County Health Department. CCPS will continue to receive guidance and collaborate on efforts to help protect our students and staff.

CCPS reminds the community that while the current local risk of COVID-19 is low, the public should consult reputable sources of information such as the school system's website at www.carrollk12.org .

As always, the health and safety of our students and staff are always a high priority in our decision-making process.

Message from the Superintendent - Coronavirus Update (3/9/2020)
Dear CCPS Families and Staff,

As you are probably aware, there have been a few cases of the coronavirus in Maryland, but none in Carroll County at this point in time. There has been no decision to close schools. If we reach that point, please know that the decision will be made only after soliciting recommendations and input from our local and state health departments. The safety and well-being of our students and staff will continue to be the basis for any decision.

We will continue to keep you updated as we move through this process. In the meantime, we encourage you to review the information and tips on our website for keeping you and your family healthy. And, we can't stress enough the importance of practicing the preventive measures we have outlined in previous communications. These measures can also be found on our website.

Over the weekend, it was brought to our attention that an "imposter" Carroll County Public Schools Instagram account contained a post announcing that CCPS would be closing for two weeks due to the coronavirus. We would like to assure you that this was indeed a hoax and the school system does not have an official Instagram account.

We would like to remind you that official notification to parents and staff would take place through our routine communication channels, which include phone, email, and text messages through our SchoolMessenger system. In addition, information will continue to be posted on our website at www.carrollk12.org and our social media accounts, which include Facebook and Twitter, as well as CETV - Channel 21.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Steven A. Lockard, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Coronavirus Update (3/6/2020)
Dear CCPS Families and Staff,

As you are likely aware, the first three cases of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 were reported yesterday in Montgomery County, Maryland. The patients all contracted the virus while traveling overseas and are currently in good condition and in quarantine at their homes.

Governor Hogan is urging Maryland residents to continue to go to work and school. CCPS schools and scheduled activities will continue unless a change is recommended by local and state public health professionals.

Please be assured that the school system continues to closely monitor and evaluate the situation and is making necessary preparations in case the virus does affect our community and our schools. We continue our collaboration with the County Health Department and are actively monitoring updates from the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are following the Maryland Department of Health communicable disease protocol.

We ensure that our buildings are appropriately cleaned and disinfected, and our cleaning practices and products more than meet the required industry standards. In addition, we continue to emphasize the strategies for reducing transmission of any flu-like illness, including self-care, good hygiene, and best practices. Please note, students are permitted to bring their own personal size hand sanitizer to school.

We all play a role in reducing the likelihood of a coronavirus outbreak in our community. We cannot overstate the importance of practicing good habits such as:

Regular handwashing

Coughing or sneezing into a tissue and then throwing the tissue away

Coughing or sneezing into your arm if you don't have a tissue

Avoiding touching your eyes, mouth, or nose

Keeping children home from school when they are feeling sick

Allowing children some time to feel better so that they do not risk infecting others

Avoiding close contact with sick people.

Should we discover that any student or school staff member has been exposed to the coronavirus in some way, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we will immediately collaborate with the Carroll County Health Department and follow their recommendations for investigation, communication, and response.

The situation and guidance are evolving rapidly, and we will continue to collaborate with our public health partners to make informed decisions in the best interests of our school system. Next week, key school system staff will be joining a meeting with the Carroll County Health Department and the Carroll County Emergency Management team to further discuss coordinated efforts, preparedness, and the latest updates.

We have created a link on the homepage of our website at www.carrollk12.org that parents and staff can visit to find all of the communications we have sent, as well as links to the local and state health departments and the CDC. Here you can also find valuable information such as correct handwashing techniques and tips for keeping your family healthy.

We are so grateful to our parents, employees, students, and community for your support as we continue to work through the rapidly changing situation presented by the coronavirus.

We will continue to communicate with you in the days and weeks to come. As always, the safety, health, and well-being of our students, staff and families remain our top priority.

Sincerely,
Steven A. Lockard, Ph.D. Edwin F. Singer, L.E.H.S.
Superintendent of Schools Carroll County Health Officer

Preventative Health Measures for Coronavirus (3/4/2020)
In coordination with the Carroll County Health Department and Maryland Department of Health, Carroll County Public Schools continues to closely monitor the coronavirus situation. We would like to share with you some preventative health measures that are recommended for avoiding colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

It seems simple enough, but is often times forgotten, that one of the most important things you and your family can do is to wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Now is the time to remind your children about the importance of washing their hands.

Please click on the link below to see the proper procedure for washing your hands.
https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E
Other preventative measures include:

covering coughs and sneezes

avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces

staying home when sick

avoiding close contact with sick people

remaining home until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.

Please click on the links below to see additional information on preparing for the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak.
Centers for Disease Control Carroll County Health Department Maryland Department of Health
By following these tips and taking these important steps, we can all work together to keep our families and our community healthy safe.

Coronavirus Information (2/28/2020)
In coordination with the Carroll County Health Department and Maryland Department of Health, Carroll County Public Schools is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and any impact it may have locally. Currently, there are no known cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in Carroll County or in Maryland. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), risk to the U.S. public is considered low at this time.

Our School Health Services program coordinates with the Carroll County Health Department regarding public health actions to keep our schools and our community safe. Since January, we have been monitoring and communicating information about the coronavirus from our local and state health departments with our school nurses and administrators.

Just as we would encourage during a typical cold and flu season, it is important to emphasize that any students or employees who are exhibiting symptoms such as fever and cough should stay home, use preventative health measures, and contact their health care provider.

When a new disease is circulating, it is natural for people to be concerned and to ask what they can do to protect themselves and their families. It is important to get information about COVID-19 from reliable public health sources. We have included links for your information:

During the winter season, other viruses that cause respiratory illness are common. Preventative health measures that are recommended for avoiding colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses include:

washing hands frequently, or using alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available

covering coughs and sneezes

avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces

staying home when sick

avoiding close contact with sick people

remaining home until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication

If you have questions about your child's attendance at school, please contact the school directly. If you have additional questions about the coronavirus after reviewing the links above, you can call the health department at 410-876-2152.

We recognize that this is an evolving situation and is constantly being reassessed. We will continue to stay in close, collaborative contact with our health department partners and will share additional information regarding Carroll County Public Schools as needed. Thank you for your help in keeping Carroll County Public Schools safe and healthy.

Steven A. Lockard, Ph.D. Edwin F. Singer, L.E.H.S.
Superintendent of Schools Carroll County Health Officer

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Dear Families, As you may be aware, today the Maryland State Superintendent announced that schools will remain closed through April 24, 2020, due to concerns of the spread of COVID-19. All CCPS and non-CCPS sponsored activities in our school facilities will be canceled during this time.

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"The administrative leadership team and staff members in GCPS has been working on a plan to address the continuity of learning. As soon as the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides guidance on a timeline of implementation, GCPS will finalize our plan and communicate the details to all stakeholders including students, parents, and our staff" posted 3.25.20

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All GCPS schools will be closed from March 16 through April 24, 2020.

The GCPS central office will be closed to the public until further notice. Anyone with a question or concern may contact public.info@garrettcountyschools.org, and you will receive a response.

There are 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Garrett County at the present time.

Please continue to check our website and the GCPS Coronavirus Updates page for more information.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Garrett County Public Schools is offering home delivery of meals. If you have a difficult time reaching one of our food service sites during the time schools are closed, please fill out the Home Delivered Meals Google Form, and we will do everything possible to deliver meals to your home. Someone must be present to receive the food. If you have problems filling out the form, please call 1-888-285-7248 and leave a message including your name, phone number, email, number of children under 18, and address; someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Meals and delivery are provided at no cost to you for all the children 18 and under.

All GCPS schools will be closed from March 16 through April 24, 2020.

The GCPS central office will be closed to the public until further notice. Anyone with a question or concern may contactpublic.info@garrettcountyschools.org and you will receive a response.

There are 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Garrett County at the present time.

Garrett County Public Schools is closely monitoring the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Please check back for updates or sign up using the form below for news updates.

Coronavirus Tips & Precautions

Follow the advice from the CDC to use the following universal precautions to protect yourself

Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Washing hands correctly is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands.

Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home from school if they are ill with a fever.

AP Updates for Schools Impacted by Coronavirus

High school students taking AP exams in May can get support from the College Board while schools are closed due to the coronavirus.

Beginning on Wednesday, March 25, students and schools will have access to free, live AP review lessons, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. The lessons will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. These mobile-friendly classes are:

Designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools.

Recorded and will be available on-demand so teachers and students can access them any time.

Not dependent on current AP teachers continuing instruction. We know many AP teachers now face challenges that would make that impossible.

GCPS Schools Remain Closed through April 24, 2020

Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced today (March 25, 2020) that all Maryland Public Schools will remain closed for an additional four weeks through April 24 in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. In light of this announcement, all Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will adhere to the directive and remain closed through April 24, 2020.

The administrative leadership team and staff members in GCPS has been working on a plan to address the continuity of learning. As soon as the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides guidance on a timeline of implementation, GCPS will finalize our plan and communicate the details to all stakeholders including students, parents, and our staff. In the interim, please visit www.garrettcountyschools.org and https://www.garrettcountyschools.org/coronavirus to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

Update on GCPS Meal Sites and Delivery

After our first week of meal sites, Garrett County Public Schools has found it necessary to change the current meal delivery plan. Beginning Wednesday, March 25th, all meals will be delivered to the current list of meal sites at lunchtime only. GCPS will not be offering an evening delivery. Three meals and a snack will be supplied at that time. The lunch meal will be a hot meal, while all other items will be cold or dry items.

Home delivery of meals for those who have signed up will be delivered beginning on Wednesday, March 25th. Deliveries will be daily between 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM this week. Should the school closure be extended beyond March 27, beginning Monday, March 30th home-delivered meals will be delivered once a week and will include 5 days of meals. It is the hope that all of the meals can be delivered on Monday, March 30th, between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

Times for each site are listed below. The meals may not be eaten on site, but rather should be taken home to enjoy. Cars will drive up, and bags of food will be handed to the driver. Meals will be distributed at the following locations while schools are closed:

Deer Park Town Hall - 100 Church Street, Deer Park, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (10:30-10:50)

Swanton Otterbein United Methodist Church - 3443 Swanton Road, Swanton, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20)

Bittinger Fire Hall - 176 Brenneman Road, Bittinger, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:45-12:05)

Eastern Garrett Fire Hall - 401 Finzel Rd, Frostburg, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (12:35-12:55)

Dennett Road School - 770 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:30-12:00)

Liberty Mews - 451 Liberty Street, Oakland, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20)

Crellin - 57 Crellin Street, Crellin, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:35-11:55)

Oakland Town Parking Lot - 103 Town Park Lane, Oakland, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (12:10-12:30)

Deer Park - 198 Frank Custer Drive, Deer Park, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (12:45-1:05)

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce - 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (10:40-11:00)

Hickory Environmental Center (Northern Middle's bus loop) - 604 Pride Parkway, Accident, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:20-11:40)

Friendsville Elementary School - 841 First Avenue, Friendsville, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (12:00-12:20)

Grantsville Elementary School - 120 Grant Street, Grantsville, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (12:40-1:00)

Loch Lynn - 319 Roanoke Avenue, Loch Lynn, MD (pavilion)

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20)

Kitzmiller Community Park - 290 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (11:45-12:05)

Bloomington Park - 334 North Branch Avenue, Bloomington, MD

Monday - Friday: Lunch (12:30-12:50)

If you have any questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Services Office at 301-334-7652 or 888-262-2792.

GCPS Update on COVID-19

The following message is from Ms. Barbara L. Baker, Superintendent of Schools:

Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,

The administration and staff of Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) continue to review the decision made by the state superintendent to close all Maryland public schools for two weeks. I would like to update our families on the latest developments regarding the school system's progress to address the pandemic. GCPS leaders have been working to provide learning opportunities for students during the period of closure. To that end, we have created a survey to assess how to best reach all students. School principals will be distributing the survey and tabulating the data for each school community. In order to ensure that we are reaching as many families as possible, they may also reach out to families via email or by phone. Beginning Monday, we will use the preliminary results to plan for the continuity of instruction for all grade levels. We are exploring all options including video lessons and project-based learning. If your child received a packet of work to complete during the closure, please have him or her continue to work on it. When we return to school, teachers may review the assignments but grades will not be taken.

I am also pleased to share that we are feeding all children 18 years or younger at sixteen sites across Garrett County. On our first day, we served 176 meals! Starting on Friday, we will also be offering a hot supper every day Monday through Friday throughout the closure period. We have had a number of local businesses and restaurants offering to donate additional "grab-n-go" options to ensure that our young people do not go hungry during the closure period. A special thank-you goes out to them.

Please understand that we know that this situation is creating many hardships for those in our community. Most of the questions I have received center on the length of the closure and whether or not we will be able to return to normal operations. The state superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon, has been meeting with all local superintendents via conference call on a regular basis thus far. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the virus, she has made it clear that students are not to be in any school building or on school property. Therefore, no one is to be on our playgrounds or using school property as a place to meet or congregate. She has not provided any additional information as to whether the closure would be extended beyond two weeks.

At this juncture I am unable to answer questions regarding the impact of the virus on our traditional end of year activities such as proms, promotion ceremonies, or even graduation. This ever-changing situation also impacts many other things such as standardized testing, AP exams, college applications, and spring sports. The status of all of the events and activities will be determined as we receive more information from the Maryland State Department of Education if the closure extends beyond two weeks. Our team will work through each one and provide regular communication through our website, school messenger, and social media. There is a dedicated page on our website ( www.garrettcountyschools.org/coronavirus) that contains all of the COVID-19 information we have. You will find the most up to date information regarding the school system's response, CDC guidelines, and links to resources for parents and families. The central office of GCPS is currently closed to the public. However, you may send an email to: public.info@garrettcountyschools.org or to a specific individual and your email will be returned as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued support of Garrett County Public Schools and for your patience as we navigate through this unprecedented event. As soon as I have additional information I will communicate that to our GCPS Community.

Please take care to stay healthy and safe!

GCPS Now Offering Home Delivery of Meals

Garrett County Public Schools is now offering home delivery of meals. If you have a difficult time reaching one of the food service sites in the county during the period of extended closure, please complete the Google form located at: https://www.garrettcountyschools.org/meals.

The Food Services and Nutrition Office will make every effort to deliver meals to your home. In order to receive the delivery, someone must be present at the home when the food arrives. If you have any difficulty completing the form, please call 1-888-285-7248 and leave a message including your name, phone number, email, number of children under 18, and your address. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Meals and delivery are provided at no cost to the family for all of the children 18 and under.

Garrett County Public Schools Announces the Expansion of Meals to Include Supper

Garrett County Public Schools is expanding free meals to include a hot supper at all 16 sites beginning Friday, March 20th. The time for each location is listed below. Meals are not to be eaten onsite and should instead be taken home to enjoy. As a reminder, meals are free to anyone 18 years of age and younger. In order to receive the meal, please drive up to the site and one bag of food for each child will be handed to the driver.

Meals will be distributed at the following locations throughout the duration of the statewide school closure:

*NEW* Deer Park Town Hall - 100 Church Street, Deer Park, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (10:30-10:50); Supper (4:30-4:50)

*NEW* Swanton Otterbein United Methodist Church - 3443 Swanton Road, Swanton, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20); Supper (5:00-5:20)

*NEW* Bittinger Fire Hall - 176 Brenneman Road, Bittinger, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:45-12:05); Supper (5:45-6:05)

*NEW* Eastern Garrett Fire Hall - 401 Finzel Rd, Frostburg, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:35-12:55); Supper (6:35-6:55)

Dennett Road School - 770 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:30-12:00); Supper (4:30-5:00)

Liberty Mews - 451 Liberty Street, Oakland, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20); Supper (4:30-4:50)

Crellin - 57 Crellin Street, Crellin, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:35-11:55); Supper (5:05-5:25)

Oakland Town Parking Lot - 103 Town Park Lane, Oakland, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:10-12:30); Supper (5:40-6:00)

Deer Park - 198 Frank Custer Drive, Deer Park, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:45-1:05); Supper (6:15-6:35)

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce - 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD 21541

Monday through Friday: Lunch (10:40-11:00); Supper (4:30-4:50)

Hickory Environmental Center (Northern Middle's bus loop) - 604 Pride Parkway, Accident, MD 21520

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:20-11:40); Supper (5:10-5:30)

Friendsville Elementary School - 841 First Avenue, Friendsville, MD 21531

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:00-12:20); Supper (5:50-6:10)

Grantsville Elementary School - 120 Grant Street, Grantsville, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:40-1:00); Supper (6:30-6:50)

Loch Lynn - 319 Roanoke Avenue, Loch Lynn MD (pavilion)

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20); Supper (4:30-4:50)

Kitzmiller Community Park - 290 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:45-12:05); Supper (5:15-5:35)

Bloomington Park - 334 North Branch Avenue, Bloomington, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:30-12:50); Supper (6:00-6:20)

Questions should be directed to the Food and Nutrition Services Office at 301-334-7652 or 888-262-2792.

GCPS Central Office Closed Monday, March 16, 2020

The Central Office of Garrett County Public Schools will be closed Monday, March 16, 2020. The Central Office will reopen Tuesday morning, but will have limited access to the public.

GCPS to Provide Meals for Students

Garrett County Public Schools will offer free meals to any child 18 and under beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Children must be present to receive a meal. The bag lunch meal will consist of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (yogurt or cheese sandwich available for children with peanut allergies), fruit cup, fresh fruit, fresh vegetable, and milk. The children can take the meal home to eat. The meals will be distributed at the following locations while GCPS schools are closed:

Dennett Road School - 770 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:30-12:00)

Liberty Mews - 451 Liberty Street, Oakland, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20)

Crellin - 57 Crellin Street, Crellin, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:35-11:55)

Oakland Town Parking Lot - 103 Town Park Lane, Oakland, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:10-12:30)

Deer Park - 198 Frank Custer Drive, Deer Park, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:45-1:05)

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce - 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (10:40-11:00)

Hickory Environmental Center (Northern Middle's bus loop) - 604 Pride Parkway, Accident, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:20-11:40)

Friendsville Elementary School - 841 First Avenue, Friendsville, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:00-12:20)

Grantsville Elementary School - 120 Grant Street, Grantsville, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:40-1:00)

Loch Lynn - 319 Roanoke Avenue, Loch Lynn MD (pavilion)

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:00-11:20)

Kitzmiller Community Park - 290 W. Main Street, Kitzmiller, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (11:45-12:05)

Bloomington Park - 334 North Branch Avenue, Bloomington, MD

Monday through Friday: Lunch (12:30-12:50)

Any questions can be directed to the Food & Nutrition Services Office at 301-334-7652 or 888-262-2792.

EMERGENCY MESSAGE

Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced today (March 12, 2020) that all Maryland schools must close in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. In light of this announcement, all GCPS schools will be closed starting March 16 until March 27, 2020. Additional information will be provided to the community shortly.

Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) Convention Cancelled

Due to the growing concern about the spread of COVID-19, Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) has decided to cancel the 2020 Spring Convention, originally scheduled for March 25-27th at the Clarion Fontainebleau Resort in Ocean City, MD. With so many counties canceling field trips, not approving large group gatherings, and not allowing spectators at many sporting events, MASC will follow suit and take the same precautions.

FIRST Chesapeake Robotics Competitions

Just as with basketball, all upcoming Robotics competitions have been canceled or postponed as well.

MPSSAA Basketball State Championships

The MPSSAA has just announced that the state basketball championships scheduled for March 12-14 have been postponed. Both the boys' and girls' games are affected by this postponement. No date has been set yet for the games.

The State Tournament will be closed to fans and non essentials. The game may be attended by parents and guardians. The Southern High Athletic Department will be working with both coaching staffs as well as the MPSSAA to ensure a smooth transition for our teams and our parents through this difficult situation.

The Southern High Athletic Department will continue to update all with more information and will work with our parents.

The MPSSAA is currently working to live stream all State Tournament games.

GCPS Update on Coronavirus

Due to recent events regarding the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), is advising that all scheduled out-of-state and international field trips sanctioned by local school systems for students and staff be cancelled indefinitely. Therefore, until further notice, Garrett County Public Schools will be cancelling out of state travel for all students and staff.

At this time, the MSDE is not advising that local school systems cancel in-state field trips or athletic contests. Therefore, all in-state trips will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis until further notice. We will continue to conference daily (or more frequently as needed) with the Garrett County Health Department. Those daily briefings will guide decisions on travel and the possible closing of schools or the entire district.

The health and safety of our school communities are paramount. We will continue to provide consistent communication and updates as we receive relevant information. At the current time, there are no confirmed cases in Garrett County or the surrounding areas. While the risk remains low for most populations, you can find more information at www.coronavirus.gov.

Please know that we continue to plan for any possible closures. In addition, custodians in each school are deep cleaning and disinfecting high traffic areas and classrooms every day. Our school nurses are working with Mrs. Becky Aiken, Nurse Manager, to closely monitor student health.

GCPS Coronavirus Communication

Garrett County Public Schools are monitoring the evolving coronavirus (COVID 19) outbreak and are in close communication with the state and local Health Departments. At present, there are no confirmed cases in our area. We are closely monitoring the situation and will act according to recommendations from public health officials. Many news networks have discussed measures to keep large groups of individuals from being in close contact, such as school closings and cancellation of sporting events and other activities. In addition, guidance and resources are being provided by a number of our partner agencies. Be assured that GCPS will immediately act on the recommendations of the Health Department and the Maryland State Department of Education should the need arise to close for an extended period of time or to cancel activities.

In order to be proactive, Superintendent Barbara Baker is working with other districts and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to determine what measures can be taken to provide learning opportunities for students should schools be closed. In addition, when large numbers of students begin missing school due to illnesses, such as the influenza virus, the GCPS Operations department dispatches additional custodial staff to perform a deep cleaning of the affected areas of the school. Deep cleaning consists of wiping down all high contact areas such as desks, doorknobs, water fountains, and other high traffic areas with a disinfectant cleaner along with a complete spray down using a specialized piece of cleaning equipment. We will follow the same protocol to address the coronavirus as necessary.

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2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Coronavirus

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All GCPS schools will be closed from March 16 through April 24, 2020. The GCPS central office will be closed to the public until further notice. Anyone with a question or concern may contact public.info@garrettcountyschools.org, and you will receive a response. There are 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Garrett County at the present time.

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Meals Home Delivery Suspended, but 16 sites continue to distribute meals

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Meals Home Delivery Suspended, but 16 sites continue to distribute meals

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March 31, 2020

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"The third grading period will end Friday, April 3, 2020. The fourth grading term will begin on Monday, April 6th. Teachers will accept any and all work submitted on or before April 3 and grade assignments as per their classroom procedure.

This upcoming week, each principal will work with teachers and support staff to finalize the online learning component, if applicable. The continuity of learning will officially begin on April 6th for students through various means depending on the students’ and families’ connectivity and technology access. Each principal has the results of the survey regarding technology that was publicized during the emergency closure period. However, families may receive an email or phone call from GCPS central office staff or your child’s school to ensure that we have as much information as possible to make informed decisions. Based on those results, teachers may distribute learning packets to students who do not have online connectivity and/or technology. These learning packets will also be distributed the week of April 6th. Please follow the directions that will be included with the packet or provided by the principals via the school system website.

We ask for your patience as GCPS works through the transition to online learning and/or the distribution and content of learning packets."

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All GCPS schools will be closed from March 16 through April 24, 2020.

The GCPS central office will be closed to the public until further notice. Anyone with a question or concern may contact public.info@garrettcountyschools.org, and you will receive a response.

There are 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Garrett County at the present time.

Please continue to check our website and the GCPS Coronavirus Updates page for more information.

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garrett county public schools press releases

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March 2020 - News, Events, and Press Releases - Public Information

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All GCPS schools will be closed from March 16 through April 24, 2020. The GCPS central office will be closed to the public until further notice. Anyone with a question or concern may contact public.info@garrettcountyschools.org, and you will receive a response. There are 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Garrett County at the present time.

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General Coronavirus COVID-19 FAQs

What is COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

From the Howard County Health Department's comprehensive FAQ, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that generally cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that had not been seen in humans before December 2019.

Most often, spread from person-to-person happens during close exposure to a person infected with COVID-19. Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, similar to how influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths, noses, or eyes of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It is currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19?

The Howard County Health Department has shared several recommendations to ensure that all Howard County residents are taking appropriate and effective actions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of all person-to-person viruses. These precautions also have been shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and include:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Staying home when you are sick

Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash (or coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or elbow)

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces

Parents/guardians of a child who is showing symptoms typically associated with the flu or cold, should contact the school and keep their child home. For questions specific to COVID-19, the Howard County Health Department Communicable Disease program can provide guidance Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. by calling 410-313-6284.

What is social distancing?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as it applies to COVID-19 as "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

If I have traveled/am traveling internationally, am I required to quarantine upon my return?

Where is the best place to get information and updates on COVID-19?

HCPSS will continue to email staff and families with any updates, and will post those and additional information on the Coronavirus COVID-19 webpage.

Local, state and federal resources include:

I was going to attend an event scheduled during the closure. Is it still happening?

All HCPSS sponsored/co-sponsored events are canceled during the closure period, 6 p.m., Friday, March 13 through Friday, April 24.

How will this closure impact HCPSS athletics?

No practices, scrimmages or games will occur until the reopening of schools. At that time, student athletes and families will be notified of the new practice schedule, which likely will follow a 7- calendar day practice period to fulfill the 20-day requirement prior to the first playdate. A reduced game schedule will be provided and all games currently scheduled prior to April 6 will be canceled.

What procedures are in place to clean and disinfect schools and facilities?

In accordance with guidelines provided by the Howard County Health Department and Maryland State Department of Education, HCPSS operations staff are cleaning and disinfecting all 77 schools and additional administrative buildings that are operated and maintained by the school system. The cleaning protocols are extensive and detailed, requiring several days in each building to ensure that all surfaces that could be touched by students and staff in every classroom, hallway, bathroom and office are cleaned and disinfected using HCHD-approved materials and procedures. Dedicated teams consisting of staff from the offices of Custodial, Grounds and Maintenance are working very hard to ensure every building and classroom are prepared for the return of students and staff.

What is the process for cleaning buses?

All buses that serve HCPSS students are undergoing a cleaning and disinfectant process that follows instructions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All non-porous surfaces of the bus that can be touched by students will be cleaned and disinfected, including seats, floors, walls and windows. Products will be used in accordance with guidance provided by the CDC to ensure proper effectiveness.

I/my child was absent Friday, March 13. Is there anything we need to do?

Student absences from Friday, March 13, will be excused. Paper copies of guides for Supporting Students at Home were sent home with all students on March 13, and also are available online.

I/my child has an internship with a local organization that has not closed. Are they still responsible for reporting?

Social distancing is critical to slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. As such, all students enrolled in Apprenticeship Work-Based Learning, G/T Intern/Mentor, Transition Activities, Career and Technical Education (CTE) internships at ARL or as part of Career and Research Development (CRD) will not participate in any on-site work associated with these courses until schools reopen.

Will field trips resume once schools reopen?

Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano on March 10, 2020, announced that all out-of-state field trips and athletic events, including those to Washington, D.C., are canceled effective immediately due to concerns related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). All currently approved in-state field trips are being reassessed individually and decisions will be communicated to families if that field trip will be canceled. This decision is in effect through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

There are no HCPSS-sponsored international field trips. The Board of Education in July 2018 rescinded Policy 8110 Student International Educational Travel and subsequently added language to Board of Education Policy 8100 Field Trips stating that, "HCPSS does not sponsor student travel outside the United States."

Are the SAT and ACT exams still on schedule?

SAT and ACT exams are being rescheduled and/or canceled. For full details, visit the College Board (SAT) and ACT websites.

What is the impact of the closure on Advanced Placement (AP) testing?

The College Board, which oversees the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, is working to develop online solutions for students impacted by Covid-19. College Board is providing free online resources for students that may be accessed through the AP Portal. AP exams will be modified so that students will take a 45-minute online exam at home that will be accessible using a variety of devices including computers, tablets, or smartphones. The scope of the exam is also being modified to address topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March.

The College Board has also provided the provision that any student already registered for an exam can choose to cancel at no charge. More information about cancellations will be available from HCPSS soon.

For more information about AP testing, please visit the AP website. College Board will be releasing more specific test information on April 3rd.

How does this school closure affect graduation requirements?

We have received many inquiries about graduation requirements and the status of graduations. We are reviewing the current status with the Maryland State Department of Education, and will provide additional information related to graduation requirements and related activities as soon as possible.

What's next with continuity of learning?

All Maryland public schools are closed through Friday, April 24. HCPSS staff have been working on designing a Continuity of Learning model that will engage students in teacher-supported and teacher-directed distance learning. On Friday, March 13, HCPSS provided resources for families to use at home during this initial two-week closure. If a closure is extended, we are prepared to provide additional tools to build on that first set of resources. These resources will be provided online and distributed in hard copy at all HCPSS food distribution sites for families who lack online access.

Beyond these resources, our full continuity of learning plans must overcome several challenges.

Technology: We are taking inventory of, and collecting all available devices currently in our buildings that could be issued to students, as well as assessing the need for additional devices. Our resource availability will depend on families using devices they already own if possible. As such, we are developing a process for staff and families to evaluate technology available at home and assess needs. At the same time, we are looking for available inventory of devices in the market and within our budget to see how we can overcome this challenge. We have ordered a limited number of hotspot devices, recognizing that not all families and staff have access to the internet at home. Additionally, Comcast is providing greater access and internet speeds to their eligible customers through the Comcast Internet Essentials program.

Equitable Opportunities: Equitable education delivery requires HCPSS to provide necessary supports and resources for all students to be successful. We are mindful of federal and state requirements, as well as legal requirements related to supporting Individualized Education Programs for students receiving special education services and those with Section 504 Plans.

Professional Development: This level of distance learning has not been implemented in Howard County before and will require training and professional development to ensure our staff is prepared to fully support this implementation. Over the next several days, staff will be provided with detailed information on professional learning to ensure they are prepared for an instructional model where instructional delivery and student support would occur remotely.

State Requirements: There are still many unknowns for which we are looking to the state for guidance. These include possible waivers on the requirement that students must be in schools for a minimum of 180 days, the impact of this disruption to instruction on seniors and meeting the qualifications for graduation, and many other variables that impact the decisions that must be made.

I was scheduled for an interview during the closure. Is it still happening? What do I need to do?

Most offices are in the process of making arrangements to conduct interviews using alternative methods. If you haven't heard from the person with whom you had an interview scheduled, please email that person to reschedule.

Will staff continue to be paid? How will staff members receive funds?

Yes, HCPSS employees will be paid as scheduled. The Payroll office implemented procedures to process payroll remotely during this closure. The vast majority of employees elect to be paid by direct deposit. Employees who have not elected direct deposit, have been contacted by the Payroll office. Questions may be emailed to payroll@hcpss.org.

Which HCPSS employees will be paid during the closure?

Generally, all 10-, 11- and 12-month employees will be paid throughout the duration of the closure. The only employee groups that will not be paid during the closure are temporary employees who have non-guaranteed hours including Substitute Teachers, Lunch and Recess Monitors, Temporary Office Clerks and Home & Hospital Teachers.

Employees who are contracted and paid through an outside agency also may not be paid, depending on the terms of the company contract. People working for an outside contractor should contact the contractor to learn specifics.

Can employees claim unemployment during the closure?

Maryland unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer must temporarily shut down operations and no work is available, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if:

They meet the monetary criteria and

They weekly eligibility criteria and

They are not receiving payment from their employer, such as paid sick/safe leave.

Visit the Maryland Department of Labor website to find information on how to file a claim for Maryland Unemployment Insurance, and view frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and Maryland's Unemployment Insurance Benefits Administration- Unemployment Insurance.

How are you ensuring the safety of staff cleaning HCPSS facilities?

The directive to clean and disinfect schools was mandated by the State of Maryland, and we've ensured that the products being used to clean and disinfect are not hazardous to our staff. HCPSS Operations are utilizing staff members from the offices of Custodial, Grounds and Maintenance to perform the cleaning and disinfecting of the schools, in accordance with guidelines provided by the Howard County Health Department and Maryland State Department of Education.

We are using the following products in a diluted form: Earth Sense Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Neutral-Q Disinfectant Cleaner Deodorant. Both products are purchased from National Chemical Laboratories, Inc. The safety data sheet for the two products can be found online. There are no products in either of these two cleaning mixtures that have enforceable exposure Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) per OSHA. The only ingredient that could be considered hazardous is in the disinfectant: Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. This particular ingredient does not have a PEL and makes up less than 0.1% of the mixture and respirator protection is not required. All HCPSS staff have safety glasses for eye protection and gloves.

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions - HCPSS

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General Coronavirus COVID-19 FAQs From the Howard County Health Department's comprehensive FAQ, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that generally cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

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Supplemental Phase I Work

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These grade-specific guides are designed to provide ideas for engaging children in learning activities while schools are closed. The activities are intended to help keep children intellectually active while they are at home. The activities and tasks that children complete at home will not be used as an assessment or counted toward part of the student's grades.

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"HCPSS is developing its plan to provide continuing instruction to all students.
A typical week for a secondary student will look this way:

On Monday morning, students will log into Canvas and receive their weekly assignments for all instructional areas.

Throughout the remainder of the week, students will have opportunities for live virtual check-ins with teachers.

The majority of each day will be designated as time for students to complete assignments.

Assignments will be turned in for feedback on Fridays."

CONTINUITY OF LEARNING TIMELINE

April 14, 2020: High school students begin remote learning
April 20, 2020: Middle school students begin remote learning
April 27, 2020: Elementary school students begin remote learning if the closure is extended beyond April 24

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These grade-specific guides are designed to provide ideas for engaging children in learning activities while schools are closed. The activities are intended to help keep children intellectually active while they are at home. The activities and tasks that children complete at home will not be used as an assessment or counted toward part of the student's grades.

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Continuity of Learning--HCPSS Email to Families of Students with Disabilities

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Continuity of Learning--HCPSS Email to Families of Students with Disabilities

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March 29, 2020

"I want to assure you that our staff will be contacting you with additional updates and information on how we anticipate supporting your student during this extended closure. Specifically, you can expect your child’s case manager/special education provider to:

Receive updated information and more direction March 30th-April 3rd

Contact you via email following their level-specific training session to share important information in this next phase of implementation. Due to training schedules and spring break (April 6th-April 13th), initial contact from your case manager/provider pertaining to special education services will be staggered. Staff (e.g., Infant & Toddler, regionalized/special programs and schools, Project SEARCH, Community Connections) must be trained prior to you receiving contact to ensure consistent implementation of the process. This is important to also note if you have children in different grades, programs and/or placements.

Provide an opportunity for you to ask questions, provide input and better understand possible services during this school closure

Provide you with documentation about the implementation of services and next steps

SEE attached link for entire message.

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Email to Families of Students, Howard County Public Schools

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MCPS Resources for Mental Health and Wellness

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MCPS Resources for Mental Health and Wellness

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At MCPS, we are committed to the academic success and to the physical, social and psychological well-being of every one of our students. Student learning is our purpose, and we know that students perform better academically when they are healthy in body, mind and spirit. The two go hand in hand to produce young people who are successful in school and in life.

Dr. Jack Smith, Superintendent of Schools

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At MCPS, we are committed to the academic success and to the physical, social and psychological well-being of every one of our students. Student learning is our purpose, and we know that students perform better academically when they are healthy in body, mind and spirit.

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03/25/2020

On March 25, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that Maryland public schools will be closed until April 24, 2020. While this news is not what we want or unexpected, it is the right thing to do as we are facing an unprecedented health crisis. Please visit our website and www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/ to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

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On March 25, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that Maryland public schools will be closed until April 24, 2020. While this news is not what we want or unexpected, it is the right thing to do as we are facing an unprecedented health crisis.

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Continuity of Learning Phase I -- All Students

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Continuity of Learning Phase I -- All Students

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Superintendent's Letter

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Changes to the School Calendar
and Information on Phase One
of Remote Learning in MCPS

Dear MCPS Students, Parents, Staff and Community Members,

As we shared earlier today in our community message, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Karen Salmon have extended the closure of all Maryland public schools through April 24, 2020. In addition to our school buildings being closed until April 24, all extracurricular programs, athletic programs and community use activities are canceled.

The district will continue to provide free breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to all children at more than 40 sites throughout the county. Details on times and locations can be found on the MCPS Coronavirus webpage. This is an incredibly difficult time for our community and we want you to know that we also will continue to provide supports and services to address the social-emotional, psychological and physical well-being of our students. These resources can be found here.

As a reminder, MCPS will begin laptop (Chromebooks) distribution tomorrow, Thursday, March 26. Details are here. These laptops are reserved for students who do not have access to a computer or laptop at home. The distribution will take place outside of the school building (similar to our meal distribution sites). Families will not have an opportunity to enter the school building.

Below are some important updates regarding the 2019-2020 school year calendar and the first phase of our continuity of learning plan. Rolling out a remote learning plan in a district as large as MCPS will undoubtedly take a significant amount of training and coordination. We have some of the best teachers, support staff and administrators in the nation and they are up to the task. We are confident that instruction in our new model will be delivered successfully and effectively.

School Calendar
On March 18, we shared that we would not be changing the current dates for our spring break. Given today's announcement of the extended closure, we have revised our plan with support from our employee associations and will be making the following adjustments to the calendar:

Schools will be open (for remote learning) on Monday, April 6,; Tuesday, April 7; and Wednesday, April 8

Schools will be closed on Thursday, April 9; administrative offices will be open

Schools and administrative offices will be closed on April 10 (State holiday)

Schools and administrative offices will be closed on April 13 (State holiday).

We understand that this is different from what was originally announced. Please understand that this is a rapidly evolving situation and school districts across the nation are working hard to find ways to maximize opportunities to provide students with instruction in light of these emergency closures.

Continuity of Learning: Phase One
MCPS staff have been working diligently to develop a continuity of learning (distance/remote learning) plan that addresses the academic and non-academic needs of our students. On Monday, March 30, we will launch the first phase of our remote learning system that will provide students with structured school experiences. During the week of March 30, students and families will have the opportunity to:

Reconnect with their teachers

Complete their end of the third marking period assignments

Take online tutorials to learn how to use myMCPS Classroom

Engage in online lessons (created by central office instructional staff) and practice interacting with the online tools and submitting assignments in myMCPS

Develop a home schedule that outlines when each student in the home will engage in their lessons

For our staff, they will be focused on:

Reconnecting with students

Participating in professional development on a variety of topics, including the use of new and familiar technology tools to support student learning

Setting up their myMCPS classrooms

Reconnecting with colleagues and professional learning communities

Working with students on third marking period grades and assignments

We ask that our community be patient and understanding with us as we make this transition. We will share more details about phase one of our plan, including information on supports for Special Education and ESOL students, on Friday, March 27.

I am extremely grateful for our staff and how they are stepping up to meet this challenge as we face this global pandemic together. We will get through this together and we are better together.

Sincerely,

Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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Dear MCPS Students, Parents, Staff and Community Members, As we shared earlier today in our community message, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Karen Salmon have extended the closure of all Maryland public schools through April 24, 2020. In addition to our school buildings being closed until April 24, all extracurricular programs, athletic programs and community use activities are canceled.

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Continuity of Learning, MCPS Plan for Students with Disabilities

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Continuity of Learning, MCPS Plan for Students with Disabilities

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Student learning, including IEP and 504 plan students, will start at the end of next week after educator professional learning.

Beginning Monday, March 30, students and families will have the opportunity to take tutorials and lessons to practice interacting with the online tools. Staff will be participating in professional development on a variety of topics, including the use of new and familiar technology tools to support student learning and setting up their myMCPS classrooms. We are working diligently to ensure these virtual tools allow access to learning for all students, including students with disabilities.

Elementary school staff will be engaged in professional learning on Monday through Wednesday (March 30–April 1). They will begin to reconnect with students on Wednesday, April 1 and begin learning experiences with students on Thursday, April 2.

Secondary school staff will take part in professional learning on Monday and Tuesday (March 30-31). They will reconnect with students beginning Wednesday, April 1and begin to close out the third marking period.

For students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans, we will work with families to maximize their individualized specially designed instruction or to implement their Section 504 accommodations to the fullest extent possible. Beginning Wednesday, April 1, we will reconnect with you to discuss individualized supports. More information on our processes beginning next week is below. As additional information and guidance is provided by the federal, state and local educational and health departments, we will keep you informed.

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Important Update for Parents/Guardians of Students with Individualized Education Programs or Section 504 Plans

Dear Montgomery County Public Schools Families,

On March 22, 2020, Superintendent Jack Smith announced that beginning on March 30, 2020, MCPS will launch the first phase of a continuity of learning (distance/remote learning) system so that all students can begin to have structured school experiences. Monday, March 30 will be the first day our teachers and 10-month support staff members will be back at work. They are excited and eager to reconnect with their students.

We know that families of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) have many questions. Throughout the last few weeks, the Office of Special Education, the Resolution and Compliance Unit, and the Office of the General Counsel have been collaborating with local and state education agencies to determine a thoughtful, measured approach to implement the continuity of learning. As the instructional environment shifts from in-person to online, students and teachers will need time to adjust.
As a result, all IEP and Section 504 meetings that were postponed while schools were closed from March 16 to March 27, 2020, will be rescheduled. All IEP and Section 504 meetings scheduled for March 30 through April 3, 2020, are postponed and will be rescheduled.
Beginning Monday, March 30, students and families will have the opportunity to take tutorials and lessons to practice interacting with the online tools. Staff will be participating in professional development on a variety of topics, including the use of new and familiar technology tools to support student learning and setting up their myMCPS classrooms. We are working diligently to ensure these virtual tools allow access to learning for all students, including students with disabilities.

Elementary school staff will be engaged in professional learning on Monday through Wednesday (March 30-April 1). They will begin to reconnect with students on Wednesday, April 1 and begin learning experiences with students on Thursday, April 2.

Secondary school staff will take part in professional learning on Monday and Tuesday (March 30-31). They will reconnect with students beginning Wednesday, April 1and begin to close out the third marking period.

For students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans, we will work with families to maximize their individualized specially designed instruction or to implement their Section 504 accommodations to the fullest extent possible. Beginning Wednesday, April 1, we will reconnect with you to discuss individualized supports. More information on our processes beginning next week is below. As additional information and guidance is provided by the federal, state and local educational and health departments, we will keep you informed.
Virtual IEP and Section 504 Meetings
· Our staff will be working to schedule virtual IEP and Section 504 meetings with critical team members to implement continuity of learning.

· Meetings will be held via conference call or through Google Meet or Google Hangouts.

· Case managers will contact you during the week of March 30 to discuss your child's individualized plan for continuity of learning.

· Documents will be sent to you before and after meetings. If you do not have access to a computer and need hard copies of documents, please let your child's case manager know when they contact you.

· You will receive instructions for how to participate in the virtual meeting along with all documents to be discussed at the meeting.
Academic Supports for Students Case Management
· Your child's case manager will contact you next week to discuss and assess the individualized supports and strategies necessary for your child to access the continuity of learning plan required to implement IEP goals or 504 Plan accommodations.

· Through this initial contact, a schedule of ongoing check-ins, provision of resources, and expectations for parent communication will be established.
Accessibility Features
· Content for students is being developed with accessibility standards. Students with disabilities will be able to access assistive technology outlined in their IEPs or Section 504 Plans through the MCPS-provided Chromebooks, with such accessibility features such as Google Read & Write, EquatlO for math and other embedded features within the Google Suite.

· IEP and Section 504 teams will work with families to provision additional assistive technologies if needed during this time period.
Special Education Teacher/Paraeducator Supports
Special education teachers will co-plan with general education teachers and co-teach when applicable. Special education teachers will collaborate with special education paraeducators to determine what supports the paraeducator will provide to your child.

Academic support for students working towards alternative learning outcomes will include a modified schedule and materials. To support the alternative education framework for students working towards a certificate of completion, the Office of Special Education has customized a schedule and accompanying curriculum materials to meet their needs. Your child's case manager will provide a brief overview of this modified schedule. There are time frames built in for supporting students so that special education teachers in programs such as School Community-based, Autism and Learning for Independence will be able to reinforce, reteach and provide modified lessons.
Interventions
Access to computer-based academic interventions, including, but not limited to, i-Ready Math, Systems 44 and Math 180 will be available.
Section 504 Accommodations
During the continuity of learning, teachers will implement the accommodations on your child's Section 504 Plan to the maximum extent appropriate to ensure access to this modified curriculum.
Assessments and Evaluation
· If your student is currently in the process of initial eligibility or reevaluation, it may become necessary to adjust the original timelines for completion of assessments.

· Evaluators may contact you to explain the formal assessments that can be done virtually and/or to gather information for the evaluation, such as parent and student interviews.

· Evaluations that require an in-person assessment will be postponed and rescheduled once schools reopen.

· Please work with your child's case manager if you have individual questions around evaluation.
Related Service Provision
· Related service providers may include occupational therapists, physical therapists, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and speech language pathologists.

· Depending on the current related services on your child's IEP, the applicable related service provider(s) will contact you in the upcoming weeks to discuss individual supports for those related service(s).

· Some hands-on related services may be unsafe to deliver during the continuity of the learning plan.

· Parents/guardians of students with related services on their IEPs should expect one or more of the following: individually modified direct services to students, consultative services to the IEP team; strategies for a family coaching model; and/or tele-visits.

· Depending on the current consultative related services on your child's Section 504 Plan, the applicable related service provider(s) will contact you in the upcoming weeks to discuss the individual supports for the related consultative service(s) on your child's current Section 504 Plan.

· Related service providers will be available to support students and families by responding to questions and reaching out to students by phone, text or email.
Transition Activities
· Transition services are to be completed annually for students with IEPs beginning at age 14 (or age 13 if turning 14 in the IEP year).

· For high school students, transition support teachers will contact you in the upcoming weeks to discuss individual supports for the transition activities in your child's current IEP.

· For middle school students, special education resource teachers will contact you in the upcoming weeks to discuss individual supports for the transition activities in your child's current IEP.

· MCPS staff will explain how employment skills for transition activities related to employment or community-based instruction will be addressed as a result of the business restrictions mandated by Governor Larry Hogan.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing commitment to making the safety of our students, staff and school communities a priority.

Regular updates will be shared with families on the MCPS Coronavirus Continuity of Learning webpage. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education have developed specific guidance for special education to support school teams.

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Dear Montgomery County Public Schools Families, On March 22, 2020, Superintendent Jack Smith announced that beginning on March 30, 2020, MCPS will launch the first phase of a continuity of learning (distance/remote learning) system so that all students can begin to have structured school experiences.

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While continuity of learning directives are still forthcoming from our district, we are sharing here some online learning resources for your students to reinforce their skills while at home.

Discovery Education contains many free videos, lessons, resources on science, social studies, ELA, math, health, career/work skills, world languages, visual and performing arts. Students can access remotely by using their SCPS google credentials.

SCPS Google credentials are: username: username@somerset.k12.md.us, password: same as network password. Google credentials are for students grades 3+

Flocabulary is an interactive vocabulary resource with themed hip hop videos with paired quizzes, comprehension, games, and beat builder. Students can access with Google credentials if they are already joined in a course.

SCPS Google credentials are: username: username@somerset.k12.md.us, password: same as network password.

Mathisfun.com is an online resource for students K-12 to study math in an enjoyable and easy-to-learn manner

No log-in is necessary

SCPS also has access to free databases through Gale, including: Gale One File, Gale One File Select, Gale One File News, Gale One File Educator's Reference, One File High School Edition, Gale in Context High School, Gale Books and Authors, Chilton Library (auto repair), Kids Info Bits, One File Middle School. The remote password is: oriole and the link to these resources is here: https://www.somerset.k12.md.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=269302&type=d&pREC_ID=673303
A chart of additional resources from the Maryland State Department of Education is available in the document below:

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While continuity of learning directives are still forthcoming from our district, we are sharing here some online learning resources for your students to reinforce their skills while at home. Discovery Education contains many free videos, lessons, resources on science, social studies, ELA, math, health, career/work skills, world languages, visual and performing arts.