The Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals released a letter today asking MCPS to pause and “take the pulse” of the COVID-19 crisis in MCPS schools to develop strategies to deal with staff shortages, transportation issues, and testing.

In the letter, MCAAP expresses their dissatisfaction with how MCPS is handling the pandemic and states, “locally and nationally, MCPS has always been a school district that others have looked up to as a model. Unfortunately, it is our belief that due to poor communication and lack of a cohesive, consistent plan, we no longer hold that elite status.”

We are asking MCPS to:
Pause to Plan: Pause to take the pulse of the current state of COVID in our schools and communities. This will allow us to develop our strategies related to operations, stafřing shortages and contingency plans.

Collaborate: Include leaders beyond the Executive staff in the conversation when decisions are being made. Those with the “boots on the ground” are the best people to advise on the operational issues and to help with developing a concrete
plan.

Address the Transportation Crisis: If students are not able to access school, this is not equitable. Some families do not have transportation, and walking to school in groups is not safe, or a viable solution. Additionally, students are coming to school over an hour early, and leaving two hours after the school day ends; there is no supervision for students, it is cold, and is unacceptable for students and staff. It is unsafe.

Address and Act on the Staffing Shortage: We need a viable solution. Many businesses are experiencing a shortage of staffing and are facing it by making tough decisions. Restaurants, for example, are closing their doors to the public and changing their operating hours as a result of staffing shotages. We need a plan to really address the staffing shortage. Below are some examples of what is occurring:

—Schools are operating with a high rate of staff absenteeism. In addition, we are operating the virtual quarantine instruction when students are out, and we are covering classes for absent staff members. It is unsustainable, and instruction is not occurring with fidelity.

-Some of these absences are not adequately captured as positions, such as media assistant, paraeducators, lunch/recess staff, etc… are not reportable in the sub systems (they do not get subs). This is causing schools to scramble for coverage and takes away key services such as interventions, special education services, ESOL services. Further, it is impacting staff’s planning time. This is a direct impact on student learning.

-We are operating both the in-person and virtual school. Even with the support of the regional quarantine instructional program, some virtual classes are now serving over 150 students. This is not quality instruction for students, and unfair for the staff who are running it; they are doing their best for students, but it is impossible when the class sizes are over 100, students are in different locations, and the staff member is someone from a school or central office.

-Transportation concerns are also a result of the staffing shortage.

-The deployment of central services staff to schools is a support, however it in no way solves the daily staffing needs experienced throughout the school system and impacts the work of our central office members.

-With the staff shortages, we are also having to combine classes. This is unsafe, as we have a large number of students and staff in rooms, and when one person gets sick, people have to quarantine.

COVID Testing: Provide clear, concise expectations and guidelines. 

Throughout this pandemic, our members have been leading schools and offices with excellence. We stand ready and willing to work with the MCPS Board of Education, interim superintendent, and executive leadership to address the current
challenges we are facing as a school system. Strong leadership matters and makes a difference. We are looking for strong leadership from you. Provide our members with the respect and working conditions they deserve so that we can continue to serve students and families well.

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County teachers union MCEA (Montgomery County Education Association) passed a vote of no confidence in MCPS Interim Superintendent Monifa McKnight and the Montgomery County Board of Education.

Per MCPD:

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Gaithersburg, MD – A 17-year-old high school student has been arrested after being found in possession of a firearm in a Montgomery County school.

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, high School staff came into contact with a male student who had a strong smell of marijuana.

Staff escorted the student into the main office where he consented to a self-search, and during that self- search, staff discovered a loaded handgun and marijuana.

The student was separated from the firearm and school administration called police.

Montgomery County Police were dispatched to Wheaton High School  at approximately 1:55 p.m.

Once police arrived, he was placed under arrest and transported to the Wheaton District station.

Berniz Garza-Mayorga of Silver Spring was charged with multiple weapons offenses and transported to the Central Processing Unit, where he is currently being held.

# # #

Montgomery County Public Schools Director of Systemwide Athletics Jeffrey Sullivan released a statement regarding an incident that occurred at a JV girls’ basketball game between Sherwood and Albert Einstein on Saturday, January 8.

According to the letter, members of both teams accused one another of making racist and derogatory comments during the course of the game.

Please see this statement regarding an incident during the Sherwood at Albert Einstein JV girls’ basketball game on 1/8/22. Racist & derogatory comments have no place in our program. We remain committed to the R.A.I.S.E. core values of @MCPSAthletics.https://t.co/NL5samNhTR

— Jeff Sullivan (@mcpsAD) January 9, 2022

 

Full statement:

MCPS Community,

I am writing to inform you that today we received a report of inappropriate language being used by a member of each team during the course of the Sherwood at Albert Einstein junior varsity girls’ basketball game. At the end of the game, a student from each team accused one another of making racist and derogatory comments at each other during the course of the game. To begin, we express empathy to the student-athletes impacted by this incident, as racial and discriminatory comments are in direct conflict with our R.A.I.S.E. core values of Respect and Sportsmanship, Academic Excellence, Integrity and Character, Spirited and Safe Competition, and Equity and Access. Such actions are inexcusable and individuals who engage in such behaviors are not welcome in our program.

The principals and athletics specialists at both schools, with support from central office personnel, have initiated a collaborative investigation into what transpired during and following the game. In addition to interviews and securing statements, the video from the game will be reviewed to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incident. This investigation began immediately following the game, when the allegations were raised.

We will not tolerate statements or actions that harm or discriminate against others, including by race, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. All incidents will be investigated and perpetrators will be disciplined to the fullest extent per the MCPS Code of Conduct and the rules and regulations that govern MCPS Athletics. Additionally, along with ensuring accountability and appropriate apologies, restorative practices will be initiated as appropriate.

I want all of our students, families, and communities to know that the MCPS Athletics program has and will continue to champion our R.A.I.S.E. core values.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey K.Sullivan, Ed.D. Director, Systemwide Athletics

Montgomery County Public Schools sent the following message to parents and students on Sunday afternoon:

Dear MCPS Community,

The past week has been extremely challenging for everyone in our community. Evolving COVID-19 guidance, bus staffing shortages and inclement weather caused disruptions to teaching and learning and school operations. While the circumstances leading to these disruptions are beyond our control, we should have done a better job communicating with you about these challenges and clarifying our response. I apologize for any stress this caused our staff, students, and community members.

The health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We continue to believe that in-person learning is the best way to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of our students and will continue to prioritize keeping our school buildings open. Switching any school to virtual learning—even for a short period of time—will be a last resort and that decision will be based on the best information available and the guidance of national, state, and local health professionals.

The remainder of this message outlines what steps we are taking to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families; updates to school operations; and when we will consider switching a school to virtual learning. This includes information about:

• The distribution of KN-95 masks and rapid test kits to all students and staff;
• New isolation and quarantine procedures for staff, based on revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and
• An update on school operations, including bus service and the resumption of extracurricular activities;
• An upcoming community conversation to discuss school system operations; and
• How you can help us make informed decisions about keeping schools open.

I know that many of our families are struggling with the impact of the pandemic right now, and that includes my family: I tested positive for COVID-19 early last week. Thankfully, my symptoms have been mild, and I am working at home while isolating.  Together, I know we can make it through this difficult time. Our community is strong and our commitment to our students is unwavering. Thank you for your support of MCPS, our students, and our outstanding staff.

Sincerely,

Monifa B. McKnight, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools

---

KN-95 Masks for All Students and Staff
Last week all staff members received KN-95 masks, and we will be providing KN-95 masks to all students over the course of the next two weeks.  These masks provide a higher level of protection than most other masks, and we strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities as masks continue to be required.

Rapid Test Kits for All Students and Staff
Students and staff will receive take-home rapid test kits this week. Parents are asked to help students administer these tests at home and to submit whether their child has tested positive or negative using the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. (You may also call your child’s school if you are not able to submit the information electronically.) Please report all results, both positive and negative, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools by this Friday, January 14. Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. Any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test, or 10 days from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earlier.

• Instructions in English | Spanish
• Quick Video Tutorial English |​ Spanish

Eleven Schools Currently in Virtual Learning
We have 11 schools that transitioned to 14 days of virtual learning last week.  Out of recognition that many families have made plans based on the information provided, these 11 schools will remain in virtual learning this week.  They will return to in-person learning effective Tuesday, January 18.  Rapid test kits will be distributed at these schools this week; all students and staff are strongly encouraged to take the rapid test and report the results by this Friday, January 14.

Possible Future Transitions to Virtual Learning
Moving forward, MCPS will work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to examine schools on a case-by-case basis to determine if any particular school needs to transition to virtual learning for a designated period of time due to health or operational reasons. Factors considered will continue to include the number of students and staff who have tested positive; the number of students in quarantine; the number of staff absent for COVID-related reasons; and the level of spread of the virus in the school.

MCPS Bus Transportation
While we continue to work to respond to the COVID-19 related bus driver staffing challenges, we will take the following actions in an attempt to minimize disruption:

• Communicate specific routes and affected schools through updates on this page and on the MCPS homepage. The initial list for each day will be posted by 7:00 pm on the prior evening; however, there may be additions each morning.
• Prioritize routes that serve students with special needs.
• Continue to use available staff to drive multiple routes serving one school.
• Also, use available transportation support staff and supervisors to cover routes.

Additionally, we are exploring numerous recruiting strategies and a variety of other options to meet both short-and long-term staffing shortages in the Department of Transportation.  Thank you very much for your patience. Apply here.

Virtual Community Conversation on COVID-19 Response
We value ongoing dialogue with our community and will be scheduling a virtual community conversation this Wednesday, January 12, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. More details will be shared in an update early this week.

• Revised Isolation Guidelines for Staff
  Staff who test positive for COVID-19 or have suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home for at least 5 full days from the date of symptom onset if symptomatic or the date of the positive test if no symptoms.
• After Day 5, if the individual has no symptoms without the use of fever-reducing medication, the individual may return to school as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days, and as required by MCPS and MSDE guidelines regarding mask use in schools.
• If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least a full 10 days.

In the future, the number of isolation days may be reduced for students as community-level data regarding the transmission or outbreak of the virus decreases. 

Revised Quarantine Guidelines for Staff
These quarantine guidelines apply to staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and are unvaccinated; adults 18 years and older who have completed the primary series of Pfizer vaccine over 5 months ago or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted; or have not had COVID-19 in the past 90 days:

• These staff must stay home for at least 5 full days after the last close contact.
• After Day 5, if the individual has had no symptoms, the individual is encouraged to get tested and may return to work as long as they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days.
• If the individual is unable to wear a mask when around others, they should remain at home for at least 10 full days.
• If the individual develops symptoms at any point, they should remain at home, get tested and follow the isolation guidelines above.
• All other staff who are close contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine.

In the future, the number of quarantine days may be reduced for students as community-level data regarding the transmission or outbreak of the virus decreases.

In-Person Extracurricular Activities May Resume Tuesday, Jan. 18
All in-person extracurricular activities may resume effective Tuesday, Jan. 18.  All participants are required to complete the rapid test provided by the school and submit the result no later than Friday, Jan. 14.  No spectators are allowed at extracurricular activities.  These activities are assessed on a daily basis based on emerging public health science and data, and are subject to change over the next month in response to the Omicron variant.

How You Can Help
We need your help in keeping our students and staff safe and ensuring we have complete information.  Here’s how you can help!

1. Report results on the system-provided rapid COVID-19 test
   Please report all results, both positive and negative, by this Friday, January 14, when using the rapid test kits distributed in schools.  Please also continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system.  The way to report this information is by using this electronic form.
2. Keep children home if they have any symptoms of illness.
   It’s important that students don’t spread their illness to others. Please keep them home when they are sick and have them tested for COVID-19 as an extra precaution.
3. Say Yes to the Test.
   Parents must give their permission for in-school testing and they can do so by completing this form. For more details, please visit our “Say Yes to the Test” website.

Social-Emotional Health and Well-Being
This is a difficult time for everyone in our community. The pandemic remains a source of anxiety for many, and MCPS is committed to providing resources to support students, staff and families as we move through the pandemic. Schools will have counselors and psychologists available, and all staff are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Programfor support and resources.

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 6, 2022

 

‘Kids Day Out’ Scheduled for Jan. 12 and 24, Feb. 1

Montgomery County Recreation will have special programs to keep children active when Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has scheduled days off. “Kids Day Out” will offer full-day programming from 8:30 a.m. -4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 1. Half-day programming will be available from 1:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 12, which is a MCPS half-day off from school.

Kids Day Out, a partnership with MCPS, provides out-of-school supervised recreation program. The well-rounded interactive activities emphasize health, physical fitness, imagination and fun.

“One of our priorities is to ensure that all young people have equitable opportunities and access to safe, affordable recreation programs,” said MCR Division Chief Adriane Clutter. “Kids Day Out is better because of our strong partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. We will continue working together to grow and enhance the program.”

The half-day program is $25 and the full-day programs are $50 for each day.

Programs will take place at the following community recreation centers:

• Damascus Community Recreation Center
• East County Community Recreation Center
• Germantown Community Recreation Center
• Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center
• Jane L. Lawton Community Recreation Center
• Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center
• Mid-County Community Recreation Center
• North Potomac Community Recreation Center
• Potomac Community Recreation Center
• Plum Gar Community Recreation Center
• Upper County Community Recreation Center
• Wheaton Community Recreation Center
• White Oak Community Recreation Center

Middle School programming will be available at:

• Mid-County Community Recreation Center
• Plum Gar Community Recreation Center
• Wheaton Community Recreation Center

Therapeutic Recreation programming will be available at Leonard D. Jackson Ken Gar Center located at 4111 Plyers Mill Road in Kensington for the full day school closures.

Registration is available on ActiveMontgomery.

Earlier today in a media briefing, MCPS informed the public that it will be sorting schools into three categories– green, yellow, and red.

The categories will identify whether individual schools are below the 5% threshold (5% of the population of students and staff testing positive for Covid-19 in a 14 day period).

Green- under 3% report testing positive within the last 14 days

Yellow- between 3-5% report testing positive within the last 14 days

Red- 5% or more have reported testing positive in the last 14 days.

When a school reaches the Red category, MCPS will confirm the next best steps with the Department of Health and Human Services. This includes the possibility of transitioning to 14 days (calendar days) of virtual learning. The full list can be seen below or at this link.

 

Updated at 10am with additional information

• As of 6am on Monday, January 3, 2022, 5,680 students and staff reported testing positive for Covid-19 over the winter break.
• 4,677 cases over last five days of winter break.
• Positive cases is resulting in abnormally high staff absences across MCPS, including teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.
• Schools will be sorted into three categories– green, yellow, and red. The categories will identify whether individual schools are below the 5% threshold (5% of the population of students and staff testing positive in a 14 day period).

Green- under 3% report testing positive within the last 14 days

Yellow- between 3-5% report testing positive within the last 14 days

Red- 5% or more have reported testing positive in the last 14 days.

• When a school reaches the Red category, MCPS will confirm the next best steps with the Department of Health and Human Services. This includes the possibility of transitioning to 14 days (calendar days) of virtual learning.

Schools that will currently be transitioning to virtual learning for 14 days, starting tomorrow (Wednesday, January 5th)

• Rock Terrace School
• Cannon Road ES
• North Chevy Chase ES
• Hallie Wells MS
• Monocacy ES
• Roberto Clemente MS
• Forest Knolls ES
• Waters Landing ES
• Rosemont ES
• Seneca Valley HS
• Sherwood ES

 

• 89 Schools are currently in the Yellow category. List of schools sorted by category can be seen here.
• All students will be provided with rapid tests, starting with schools that are in the yellow and red categories.

The full media briefing can be seen here.

Additional information from MCPS presentation to county council:

On January 2, MCPS released an update to their Return to R.A.I.S.E. plan for school Athletics and announced that spectators will be prohibited from attending MCPS sporting events until January 16.

MCPS has also canceled all overnight travel until January 16.

You can download the full document here.

Per MCPS:

In order to minimize indoor gathering sizes and account for potential reductions in staffing, no spectators will be allowed at contests in MCPS facilities through January 16. An update will be provided on or before January 15 regarding future spectator limitations. Note the following:
● For non-MCPS facilities, operations will comply with the procedures and protocols of the host facility and/or jurisdiction.
● There are no limitations for outdoor competitions.
● Gymnasium events will continue to be streamed through the NFHS Network.

A winter storm warning has been issued for Central and SE MoCo. A Winter Storm Advisory is in effect for  NW MoCo (Germantown, Clarksburg, Poolesville, Damascus, etc.).

This is the opposite of what we’re used to, as areas further north are usually expected to get more snow. For the areas with a warning, 3-7 inches of snow is expected.

The areas with an advisory are still expected to get 3-5 inches of snow, with the advisory going from 1am until 1pm. Generally speaking, the further S/SE you are, the more snow you’re expected to get.

The latest National Weather Service map shows 3-4 inches for areas in the advisory, 4-5” for areas in the middle (like Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Olney), and 5-8 inches for places like Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Burtonsville.

The timing of this one is perfect for a disruption of the morning commute. Snow is expected to start falling in the early morning hours and continue into the afternoon.

The first pencil prediction for Monday, January 3rd:

3 Pencils ✏️✏️✏️

Montgomery County Public Schools released the following message on Thursday evening:

Dear MCPS Community,

As we prepare to open schools on Monday, we have four “asks” of our community.  We are committed to serving our students in as safe an environment as possible, but we need your help.  Please do your part.

• Continue to report positive cases.
  If your child tests positive, please report it to MCPS using this form.  Beginning Monday, January 3, you may call your child’s school if you are not able to submit the information electronically.
• Get a COVID-19 test prior to returning to school if possible.
  Check with your healthcare provider, local clinic, pharmacy or the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to identify where and how to have your children tested.
• Keep children home if they have any symptoms of illness and get them tested for COVID-19.
  It’s important that students don’t spread their illness to others. Please keep them home when they are sick and have them tested for COVID-19 as an extra precaution.
  
• Say Yes to the Test.
  Parents must give their permission for in-school testing and they can do so by completing this form.  For more details, please visit our “Say Yes to the Test” website.

We recognize that COVID-19 positive cases are rising in Montgomery County and across the country.  The decision to open all schools was made after careful consideration and ongoing collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  As we work to ensure the safety of our students, staff, family, and community members we are implementing additional mitigation measures in the coming days.

Home rapid test kits for all students and staff
This morning we learned that the Montgomery County Government will be providing at-home rapid test kits for all students and staff over the next two weeks.  All families will be asked to administer the tests to their children and then report any positive test results.  More details about the distribution of these test kits will be provided next week.  

Masks for staff members
All staff members will receive KN-95 masks during the week of January 3.

In-school testing for students continues
We will be increasing the amount of screening tests for students who do not have symptoms and focus on schools with higher rates of cases.  In addition, we will continue to provide free COVID-19 testing in schools for students – rapid testing in school health rooms for students who have symptoms and weekly screening tests for those who do not have symptoms.

Current quarantine guidelines still in effect
In accordance with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and DHHS, MCPS will continue to use the samequarantine guidelines announced in November until further guidance is provided from the Maryland Department of Health. Individuals who test positive will need to continue to isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or 10 days from the date of the positive test for asymptomatic cases.  While the Centers for Disease Control released a media statement earlier this week regarding changes to their isolation and quarantine guidance, MDH has not yet adopted these guidance changes.

Criteria for transitioning to virtual learning
We are continuing to monitor cases on a daily basis.  As we shared earlier, if 5 percent or more of unrelated students/teachers/staff (minimum of 10 of these individuals) tests positive in a 14-day period, a determination will be made as to whether the school should be closed for 14 calendar days and transition to virtual instruction. Please note that the 5 percent threshold does not automatically result in school closure; the primary factor to consider will be the level of the spread of the virus in the school. MCPS central office staff will work with DHHS in making this decision, and parents/guardians at the school will be notified when this occurs.

Thank you for your support as we prepare for the first day of school in 2022!

Montgomery County Public Schools

Important Resources

• Need the shot? Visit the DHHS  website to find a clinic and to register for a free vaccine.
• Do you have COVID-19 symptoms? Did you travel over winter break? Get a free test.
• Latest news and information about COVID-19 in Montgomery County