The Board of Education met yesterday (Dec. 15) to discuss and take action on a plan for the return of students to in-person learning. MCPS staff provided an update on current health conditions in the county, results of the parent preference survey and expectations for the return of students to school buildings.
{View the PowerPoint Presentation and Watch a Recording of the Meeting]
During the meeting, the Board:
-Reaffirmed the health metrics threshold of a 14-day new case rate below 15 cases per 100,000 residents and the test positivity rate below 5 percent. They approved updates to the metrics framework that will allow MCPS to safely serve more groups of students when the case rate is below 15 cases. These metrics are aligned with the metrics recommended by the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
-Delayed the start of the returning small groups of students for in-person instruction from January 12 to Feb. 1, 2021, on the condition that health metrics are met.
-Approved a phased return plan that:
- Accelerates the return of elementary school students, specific special education programs and students in identified career technology programs.
- Allows for in-person athletics and extracurricular activities (Hyperlink) to begin when the first student group returns for in-person instruction in buildings.
- Allows for individualized in-person experiences and support by appointment.
Read the community update with additional details
