BCPS Reopening Plan: Two Groups May Return For In-Person Classes

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Some students in Baltimore County Public Schools may return to the classroom for in-person instruction by mid-November, officials said Thursday.

School has been conducted virtually since the fall semester began Sept. 8.

State Schools Superintendent Karen Salmon ordered Maryland schools closed in mid-March to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, but she and Gov. Larry Hogan in late August encouraged local school districts to begin reopening for in-person instruction.

"The state stands ready to assist school systems that make the decision to bring students back in person and have $10 million in grant funding to be available for systems who are able to move towards in-person instruction at the end of the first marking period," Salmon said.

Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Darryl Williams shared the outline Thursday for a partial reopening in the next two months, stating the school system has been committed to protecting public health and promoting academic progress since the pandemic began and is considering a targeted reopening with small groups of students.

"We have been particularly concerned about students who might benefit most from in-person instruction – students with disabilities and our youngest learners," Williams said. "Our new timeline for staff and student reentry focuses on providing in-person services to those two groups of students. ”

These two groups will be prioritized for returning to the classroom, according to Baltimore County Public Schools:

• Students with disabilities attending public day schools and self-contained regional programs
• Students in preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten

Small groups of students are slated to return for in-person instruction by Nov. 13, following a survey of parents Oct. 2 to 9.

Here is the proposed reopening schedule:

Teachers were able to return to teaching in school buildings by request starting Monday, Sept. 14, officials said, and all teachers and staff will return by Oct. 19.

More than 1,500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade will attend Academic Support Centers, which are run by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, the Y of Central Maryland and local child care providers, officials said. The centers will provide space for virtual learning, recreation and meals.

See Also:

• Maryland Schools May Begin Safely Reopening, Governor Says
• BCPS Updates Reopening Plan For Fall 2020 Semester