Hybrid Classes Will Start In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's County Public Schools will start hybrid classes in April, an official announced Wednesday afternoon.

"While we have made substantial investments to implement a virtual learning experience for all of our students, we know that nothing can truly replace the experience of interacting with their educators and classmates in a classroom," PGCPS CEO Monica Goldson said in a press release.

Schedule

The reopening has two phases. These students may start in-person classes on April 8:

• Those in special education programs
• Those in pre-K through sixth grade
• Those in 12th grade

The remaining learners can head back to the classroom on April 15. Students will still have the option to continue distance learning.

Schools will send out a survey Wednesday, asking families whether their students will start hybrid instruction or continue online classes. Families must submit this form by Feb. 28.

Those who choose the hybrid model will get divided into two groups. One set of students will go to school for two consecutive days while the other takes classes from home. They will then switch and start the process over. Hybrid learners will have three days of virtual learning each week.

Goldson will host a telephone town hall Thursday evening to give more details. Families will get a direct call from the school system at 6 p.m., inviting them to the event. If your phone does not ring, call (855) 756-7520 and use the extension 71961#.

A Spanish-only call will be available at (508) 924-5155. Teachers and staff will have their own private meeting Wednesday night.

Spring break is still scheduled for March 29 through April 5. The last day of classes is June 15. Teachers' final day is June 16.

Sports are also cleared to resume. Outdoor workouts may begin on March 10. Practices for spring sports can start on April 6.

"We believe this plan prioritizes health, safety, equity and excellence," Goldson explained.

Precautions

Students will maintain social distance in schools. Personal Protective Equipment and coronavirus tests will be available to all students and staff regardless of whether they have symptoms.

PGCPS also said it will follow the air quality guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prince George's noted that it upgraded the air filters in all schools and offices. The county also mentioned that it will monitor the air quality in every school.

Should somebody catch coronavirus, cleaners will shut down their facility and disinfect it within 24 hours.

"As a school system, we have shown restraint in not rushing to reopen," Goldson added. "We will continue to adhere to metrics for safe school reopening based on COVID-19 indicators."

To see when you'll be eligible for the inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot. Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Prince George's County by heading to our latest numbers update.

RELATED:

• PGCPS Starts Vaccinating Teachers; CEO Considers Hybrid Classes
• PGCPS Delays Hybrid Classes; Classes Stay Online As Cases Spike
• 'Zoom Overload': PGCPS Tries To Find New Ways To Engage Students
• Most PGCPS Families Not Yet Ready For Return to Schools: Survey
• PGCPS Will 'Prioritize Our Students' Needs,' Keep Classes Online
• Classes Will Be Online Until 2021, Prince George's Schools Say

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