Updates from Today’s MCPS Media Briefing: Discussion about Vaccines, Virtual Recess, Possibilities for Fall 2021 and More
Today, MCPS held a media briefing addressing the topics discussed at today’s Board of Education meeting plus other community questions. Our writer Patrick Herron was present at the meeting.
Some of the topics that were addressed:
Vaccines- There have been many conversations about this topic within MCPS. As of right now, MCPS has not been given information stating that children will be able to receive them anytime soon. They would like to see education employees able to receive vaccines earlier, but the decision is not up to them.
How were the changes to the Health Matrix determined? — The framework is essentially the same, the only difference is that more students will be allowed back sooner. There have been weekly conversations with local and state health officials.
If new restrictions don’t work, do you foresee school leaders to pushing back weeks at a time or cancel any plans for return during the school year?
Can’t answer at this time.
Updates from MCPS Division of Food and Nutrition Services— 7 million meals have been served since March.
How will teachers manage a hybrid of in-person learning and teaching online? MCPS will look at the resources and the needs, they will look to staff to make the recommendations. Additionally, school leadership teams will be engaged in this process.
What will happen during Fall 2021? The expectation is to return to a 5 day a week in-person school schedule. There will be a plan for a full virtual program in place in case it becomes necessary.
Will there be job cuts for staff? If needed, positions will be shifted. There are no plans to cut positions at this time. Some staff might be assigned temporary alternative duties or roles.
How will virtual learning be improved for those who opted to not return to buildings? MCPS is committed to continuing to improve and upgrade virtual learning as we become more accustomed to it. Some aspects of the virtual environment are more efficient.
Will virtual recess happen? This is at the individual discretion of schools. Each school is different.
What provisions exist for teachers who asked to not return to buildings due to at-risk household members? Virtual teachers will be needed this year, individual circumstances will be discussed.
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Education and Economy reopening all states and cities. Government Reopening all states and cities around the world and counties. Returning students back to school for in-person this year. Slow or Stopping the spread of COVID-19.