MCPS Community Update Following 5/25 Board of Education Meeting

MCPS Community Update Following 5/25 Board of Education Meeting

MCPS has provided a community update following yesterday’s board of education meeting. The full update can be seen below:

“Dear MCPS Community:

Here are five important things you need to know about the May 25 Board of Education meeting and what’s ahead for the district:

1. Schools will be open for traditional, in-person learning for students and staff in the 2021-2022 school year. The school year will be more than the 180 days required by the Maryland State Department of Education and students and staff will be expected to attend school in person, five days a week. Students will receive in-person instruction from their teachers five days a week. MCPS will share a detailed fall reopening plan with the Board of Education and MCPS community in June 2021. We are excited to welcome back all students and staff for in-person learning this fall.
2. MCPS will require masks for students and staff when on school grounds for the remainder of the school year. That means students must wear masks inside the building and also when outdoors during recess or Physical Education (P.E.) classes (masks may be removed during high heat and humidity). This is consistent with federal, state and local recommendations and recognizes that vaccinations for students are still in progress.
3. You can help keep our schools and communities safe by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the COVID-19 vaccine and signing up your children (12 years old and older) to get the vaccine. All Marylanders 16 and older can schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine at one of Maryland’s mass vaccination sites or at any vaccination clinic in the county. MCPS is also partnering with the county’s Department of Health and Human Services to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics at several MCPS schools. The next clinic will be held June 2 at Montgomery Village Middle School.
4. There is still time to register for summer school programs. Are you looking for fun and engaging summer programs for your child? Registration for MCPS summer programs will close June 4, so be sure to register today! Summer programs are an important part of the district’s efforts to address learning loss and provide access to fun and engaging programs. Programs for elementary and middle school students will focus on mathematics, literacy, specials, enrichment and preparing for the next grade level. High school students will have opportunities to earn credits in all subject areas required for graduation, for both repeat and original credit, as well as non-credit options in local schools. Here’s how you register:
   • For in-person programs being offered by local schools (non-Title I), students will register through their school, through a Google Form posted on their school’s website or by contacting the school.
   • For virtual programs, central high school summer school, and Title I programs, student registration is in ParentVUE or on a paper registration form that can be sent electronically or dropped off at your child’s school. Families can also register in person at central office, located at 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville, starting Tuesday, June 1, through Friday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m.-–4:30 p.m.
5. Applications open June 1 for the MCPS Virtual Academy. While in-person learning five days a week is the default, MCPS is offering a virtual academy this fall. The Virtual Academy will provide a full-time virtual learning program for students in kindergarten to Grade 12. Students interested in the program will be required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. More information will be shared with the community soon and posted on the Virtual Academy website.”