Virtual Learning Starts Monday For PGCPS Students Due To Rise In COVID Cases

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Because of rising COVID-19 cases, all students in the Prince George's County Public Schools system will switch to virtual learning starting Monday, officials said.

Students will remain virtual through Dec. 23, when they go on winter break. When they return to school Jan. 3, students will continue with virtual learning until Jan. 14.

In-person learning will resume Jan. 18 after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Students enrolled in the kindergarten through 6th grade virtual learning program will return Jan. 31.

Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of the PGCPS, sent notic to all parents and guardians late Friday afternoon informing them of the change. She cited a "stark rise" in COVID-19 cases throughout the school district.

"Over the past few days, I have remained in daily contact with the Prince George’s County Health Department regarding appropriate steps for maintaining safe environments across more than 200 school communities. Educators, administrators and support staff must be able to deliver in-person instruction and other activities in conditions that prioritize their own health, as well as the well-being of the school community. The increased positivity rates have significantly challenged the ability to do so, causing anxiety among many school communities and disruption to the school day," Goldson said.

Parents who need to pick up instructional items can do so Monday. Meal distributions will take place Dec. 20 and Dec. 22 between 10 a.m. and noon.

"I strongly encourage all of you to take every precaution against COVID-19, follow social distancing protocols and get vaccinated," she said.

On Wednesday, Goldson told parents and guardians they would be shutting down three buildings in Prince George's County and switching those students to virtual learning: Benjamin Tasker Middle School, EXCEL Public Charter School and Kettering Middle School.

"I am alarmed by the rising numbers across our schools: A two-day total last week consisted of fewer than 100 cases. This week, we saw a high of 155 cases reported in a single day," Goldson said in a letter shared with the community Wednesday.

As of Dec. 16, there were 102,418 total confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,700 deaths in Prince George's County. For the week ending Nov. 27, there was an additional 524 COVID-19 cases diagnosed.