MCPS announces revisions to school reopening

Revisions to school reopening plans were voted on at the Board of Education (BOE) business meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 15. MCPS will begin a phased-in return to school beginning Feb. 1, instead of the original scheduled date of Jan. 12. In yesterday’s community update, MCPS outlined the complete reopening plan.

The voting decisions followed the results of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) family preference survey. The survey was sent out on Nov. 11 to gather each family’s preferences for a learning model for the second semester. Results for the survey were finalized last Monday, Dec. 7. 

According to survey results, 60 percent of MCPS students will remain fully virtual second semester while the other 40 percent will participate in the hybrid model – a combination of virtual and in-person instruction. Those who did not respond were automatically enrolled in the all virtual model. Change to virtual instruction can be made at any time while change to in-person would need to be based on availability, so it is possible that more students may end up going all virtual during the second semester.

While the BOE voted to delay the return of small group students at its meeting, special populations such as those in Special Education programs will be first to return if reopening happens. The dates of when other groups may begin to phase in has not been determined yet. The hybrid model will work in a rotational schedule to prevent overcrowding in hallways and  buses. According to the MCPS website, transportation resources will be prioritized to elementary and middle school students. The website also offers sample schedules and more details on what hybrid learning may look like.

Concerns have arisen for the safety of those going into in-person school, specifically staff and educators. Adults are at much higher risk of contracting coronavirus while children usually are unaffected or have mild symptoms. “I think moving forward with the plan is the right thing to do so long as those who are going in-person feel safe about it,” freshman Joshua Fan said. I know MCPS is committed to the wellbeing of staff and its metrics are all in line with CDC guidelines. The new year is approaching and maybe we can get back into a somewhat normal life, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

“I have no problem going back in. We will all have masks on, there will be numerous other safety protocols being followed, and a vaccine will be available soon,” government teacher William Vicari said via email. “I am not nervous but very skeptical about whether this will occur at all, and if it does, how practical it would be. If we must go to a hybrid model, I prefer a hybrid where I am instructing the students in front of me, while those at home are working asynchronously for that day.

Some students prefer the perks of virtual learning. “I do enjoy staying at home and not having to wake up so early,” sophomore Kendarae Archie said via text. Other students wish to go back for social reasons as they miss the social interactions at school.

A portion of  students are struggling academically as they learn through screens. While MCPS has seen a significant increase in failing grades, doctors and parents see more teens battling mental illness. Many families have poor home environments that are unsuitable for learning well. “It seems like the health metrics that are being used to determine whether we go back were created to be unattainable. For those of us who need in-person learning, we need an option and we need it soon. It’s extremely frustrating,” parent Kelly Speck said during the live broadcasted BOE meeting on Dec. 15.

The county is working to keep students and staff safe while providing high-quality instruction to advance academic progress. Return of vulnerable and younger student populations to in-person school is being prioritized. The board has stated it would like to offer a partial in-person learning experience to all students that requested it, but many doubt it as current health metrics do not meet the health standards.

The Board of Education will meet again on January 12, 2021, to determine if health metrics can be met by Feb. 1, 2021 and continue to finalize school reopening plans.