Last week we reported that the Montgomery County teacher’s union, Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA), shared with MCPS teachers that Monday, April 22nd was identified as the snow day make-up day for the school system. On Friday, MCPS shared the information with the community. The full message can be seen below:
“Dear MCPS Families, This message is to inform you that Monday, April 22 will shift to an asynchronous learning day for all students. The day is designated as a professional development day for teachers and possible make-up day for students in the 2023-2024 Traditional School Year Calendar. Students will engage in learning experiences and complete work asynchronously.
Asynchronous learning allows for flexibility for students to complete assignments with or without the use of technology. Additional time for students to complete assignments is granted for challenges or unforeseen circumstances.
District leaders and central services staff have been planning and communicating with school leaders in preparation for the asynchronous learning day on April 22.
Schools will share more details about their asynchronous virtual instruction plans with students and families in mid-March, including directions on how to access resources and additional services.
This day will remain a professional learning day for teachers who will participate in self-directed learning and planning. Telework will be permitted. In addition, teachers will have time to engage in the asynchronous professional learning module with a focus on the Equitable Teaching and Learning Framework. More information will be provided to staff in the upcoming weeks.
There have been three inclement weather school closures so far in the 2023-2024 school year–Jan. 16, Jan. 17 and Jan. 19. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides the ability to repurpose certain days as virtual school days, including inclement weather days and staff professional learning days.
MCPS has a built-in contingency plan that allows for two emergency school closures needed to make up the third emergency school closure day.
*Note: The calendar for the Innovative Schools, Arcola and Roscoe R. Nix elementary schools, does not change for Monday, April 22, 2024. It remains a non-instructional day for students and a professional learning day for teaching staff.”