What will school year 2021-2022 look like for MCPS?
School BusJoshua Hoehne/Unsplash
When Montgomery County School buildings opened after a year of pandemic learning, more than half of the county’s students opted to remain virtual. Schools adopted a hybrid learning plan. Teachers have been teaching their in-person and virtual students simultaneously. There were concerns about the lack of vaccinations and the continued masking for students. However, over the last three months, as more teachers and students have become vaccinated, more students have returned to in-person learning.
As schools begin building schedules for the 2021-2022 school year everyone wants to know what the fall will look like for students and staff. Will it be any different than the 2021-2021 school year? The short answer is yes, but as a board member addressed, it’s difficult to create concrete plans as the state and county make changes to COVID-19 protocols. As we’ve seen throughout Maryland, changes can be made quickly. We’ve also seen as Maryland has opened up, Montgomery County has been slower to follow in the state’s footsteps.
Nonetheless, MCPS is making plans to open up fully for the students at 100% capacity with 5-day a week instruction for all students. There is currently an application process for students who have extenuating circumstances and would like to continue with their online learning experience through the MCPS virtual academy.
At the June 10th Board of Education meeting, the 2021-2022 school openings plans were addressed. For the most part, school buildings will return to pre-pandemic guidelines. However, what about masks?
After visiting the Novavax headquarters in Montgomery County, Maryland’s Governor Hogan told reporters schools should be “100% open and school and every kid should be back in school.”
When asked if students should continue wearing masks his response was “There’s no distancing. There shouldn’t be any masks.” He goes on to say that the virus is nearly "extinguished."
“I think all the schools should be open. But that’s not my determination. The duly elected school boards will make the final decision.”--Governor Larry Hogan
At the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting, a board member said, “Currently, the guidance from the state and county is that, in school buildings, masks are required, and we’ve heard from some that no children should be required to wear masks. But we are also obligated to follow whatever the state and county health orders are.”
Things can always change as COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease.
“We’re right now at 0.73% on our positivity. It’s the lowest it’s ever been. We’re making tremendous progress.”--Governor Larry Hogan
Currently, MCPS is saying masks will be required in buildings, but that outdoor masking wearing is not required but highly recommended and up to the individual. However, they do anticipate additional CDC/local updates that may relax at least the outdoor requirement.
In anticipation for next year, fall schedules will resume their former schedules including bell times, periods per day, length of the day, and bus schedules. Hallways may have traffic in both directions, one-way hallway use is not required. Buses will resume their seating and occupancy. Secondary schools can resume open lunches.
Teaching and learning materials can once again be shared among students. Materials will no longer need to be “quarantined.” Students can once again browse their school libraries.
Students will be allowed to keep their Chromebooks while they remain in MCPS. When students leave Montgomery County, they will need to return their devices to their schools.
Most importantly, hand hygiene will continue to be emphasized for all students and staff.
What do you think about the county’s plans for returning to in-person instruction? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to know what you think.