Special Superintendent's Report
October 27, 2020
Dr. Bulson was unable to share his Superintendent's Report due to disruptions during the Board meeting last night. We're sharing a Special Superintendent's Report with you today.
- Return to In-Person Learning Plan Update: HCPS has welcomed many students back to the classroom. Students who are already part of in-person learning cohorts, whether five days per week or one day per week, will continue to attend in-person learning on their current schedule. We will add grade levels to the one day per week hybrid as described below.
We are providing an update this afternoon/evening to staff and families on the Return to In-Person Learning Plan. As shared when the plan was released, HCPS anticipated adjustments may need to be made. As a result of the current attendance numbers in our schools and the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) recommending six feet of social distancing, the timeline to begin two days per week of in-person learning must be re-evaluated. We do not anticipate the ability to expand the schedule for students currently attending one day per week to two days per week unless social distancing guidance is adjusted.
Looking ahead*:
November 4:- 1 day/week hybrid begins in Grades 3-5 (includes CSP students up to 5 days/week in those grades)
- 1 day/week hybrid begins in Pre-K
November 16:- 1 day/week hybrid begins in secondary schools (Grades 6-12)
- CSP program begins in middle school up to 4 days/week
TBD:- 2 days/week in-person learning
*Please note that all key dates are contingent on metrics staying within the target range for Moderate Transmission as well as the school system's ability to adhere to CDC and MDH guidance, like maintaining six feet of social distancing. Dates will be revised if needed.
If you have questions about operations, like transportation, meals, cleaning protocols, playground use, etc. in the buildings when students return, please review the Continuity of Learning Plan. The plan will continue to be updated as needed.
CDC Guidance: We anticipate the update to CDC guidance around the definition of “close contact” will cause an increase in the number of students and staff who are in isolation/quarantine.
Additional Masks Provided for HCPS Staff: Harford County Health Department held a business drive thru mask event. Through this event, they partnered with HCPS to provide 12,600 masks to be used by staff and community as needed in our schools and offices.
Free Meals to Continue Through June 2021: We’re excited to share that Free Breakfast and Lunch will continue to be provided through June of 2021. We still encourage parents/guardians to complete the meal benefit form if they qualify, as it does affect other programs. Questions may be directed to our Food and Nutrition Department. This information is on the website and social media pages.
Calendar Reminder: Schools are closed to students Monday, November 2, and Tuesday, November 3, as staff will be in professional development on Monday and the election is on Tuesday. Meal kits may be picked up on Friday, October 30, from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. since schools will be closed on Monday, which is our typical meal kit distribution date.
Community Flu Clinic: On Monday, November 2, the Harford County Health Department is hosting a Children’s Flu Clinic. Visit our Facebook page or theirs for more information about the required registration. It is intended for school-aged children between the ages of five and 19.
HCPStogether: So much valuable information is on our HCPStogether page on our website; be sure to visit there for important updates, including the systemwide COVID-19 dashboard that was released on Friday to provide data from our system on a weekly basis.
Office of Communications and Family Outreach
Email: HCPS.411@hcps.org
Website: www.hcps.org
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5213