Schools Closed Beginning March 16
All MD public schools closed to prevent spread of COVID-19
Governor Hogan Issues Executive Order
During a press conference today, Thursday, March 12, Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Karen Salmon ordered all public schools in Maryland to be closed from Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 27.
While there are still no known cases of Coronavirus in Washington County, we are following this closure to prevent the spread of the virus in our community and throughout the state.
Please note with the closure of schools, there will be no athletic, extra-curricular, or inter-curricular activities. WCPS buildings will not be open to the general public or community groups during the closure. This includes childcare providers.
We encourage you to send your students to school for a normal schedule tomorrow - Friday, March 13 so children can bring home options for continued learning over this time. Students will have opportunities to bring home devices and chargers, check out library books, and gather supplies for learning.
It is our hope that families will support students in engaging in learning during the closure, but there is not an expectation for students to learn new content at this time.
We recognize the valuable services that students receive in our schools. We are currently evaluating plans to provide meals to youth ages 18 and under over this period in a similar fashion to the summer meals program.
School systems are awaiting additional information around the State's announcement. At this time it is unclear whether these 10 school days will be required to be made up or if the state will issue a waiver. We will continue to keep families updated when details are finalized on this issue.
Be assured schools will be staffed with employees who will continue our efforts of deep cleaning and sanitizing all schools, buses, equipment, and facilities.
If you have questions about WCPS' response to the Coronavirus, we have established an email hotline. Email your question to COVID-19@wcps.k12.md.us, and a staff member will respond to your inquiry.