Back To School With Coronavirus Cautions: Take MD Patch's Survey

MARYLAND — In a time of uncertainty thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, teachers, parents and students prepared to start a school year unlike any other. Districts across Maryland were faced with agonizing decisions: Should classes be held in person or remotely? How to best handle the new required safety and sanitization practices? What about sports?

Eight of the state's largest districts are having classes online only and will re-evaluate in January, if not sooner. That disappointed Gov Larry Hogan, who wants some in-person instruction built in to school reopening plans. At a Thursday news conference he announced financial incentives for districts that bring students back into classrooms and leaders said jurisdictions with higher coronavirus case rates should be able to offer a hybrid model with some in-person instruction.

School started Aug. 31 in Baltimore City and Montgomery and Prince George's counties. It will begin Sept. 1 in Cecil County. The first day of school will be Sept. 8 for those in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.

Related: Maryland Schools May Begin Safely Reopening: Governor Hogan

So Patch wants to know: How are things going in your students' district? And how are parents and students feeling about the new policies and procedures?

The survey is not meant to be a scientific poll, with random sampling and margins of error, but is meant only to gauge the sentiments of our readers in an informal way.