'We Don't Know': HCPS Superintendent On School Closure End Date

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Approaching the weekend that was to mark spring break, Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Sean Bulson checked in with families by way of YouTube.

"We want to recognize that this is a really unusual spring," Bulson said in a video posted Thursday afternoon, in which he communicated messages about the school closures, remote learning plans, grading, senior celebrations and mental health.

"We don't know if we're going to be closed the rest of the year," Bulson said in the video. "We are waiting for that word just as everyone is."

He added: "That is a decision that is being made outside the county."

To slow the spread of the new coronavirus, State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon ordered public schools in Maryland to close from March 16 to March 27.

In late March, she extended the closures at least through April 24.

It is up to her to make a decision about the status after that.

"Just stay tuned," Bulson said Thursday, April 9.

Senior Activities

Bulson had a special message for seniors in Harford County Public Schools who are at home during their senior spring because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We want to recognize that this is a really unusual spring," Bulson said. "I don't think anyone has experienced anything like this."

He did not go into detail but said that people were working on ways to address the trappings associated with senior year.

"We definitely want to celebrate your educational careers with us," Bulson said. "We have a team working on how we can do a celebration that might look different."

Remote Learning Plans, Wi-Fi Hot Spot

After the break, students will begin remote learning plans. Teachers will provide lessons early in the week and then students can work on them, with support provided as needed, he said.

"We know not everyone has access," Bulson said, referencing electronic communication.

A hot spot has been installed in the parking lot at North Harford High School to provide free internet access for those who need it.

"We know that internet access up there is one of our greater challenges in the county," Bulson said. "That is now live and functioning."

Park in the upper parking lot up on the road, he advised.

For students who cannot participate electronically, packets will be mailed out, Bulson said.

Grading

"We've been looking at our grading," he said, and plans will be communicated soon.

"Essentially, for students in grades 6 through 12, we're looking at averaging the first three quarters' grades and then noting a pass, fail or incomplete based on the work students are completing during fourth quarter," Bulson said.

For elementary school, parents will be asked to participate in remote parent-teacher conferences.

Mental Health For Students, Parents

"Staying mentally healthy during this time is so incredibly important," Bulson said. "We've set up a hotline where people can request to speak with a social worker."

On days school would normally be in session, the service will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Tuesday, April 14. Email mentalhealthsupport@hcps.org with name and phone number to get a call from the school social worker within 24 hours (Monday through Friday).

People with a mental health emergency who need immediate attention should call 911.

Harford County Public Schools is providing a virtual parent academy offering "strategies for staying healthy in these unusual circumstances," Bulson said. Presenters will be the coordinator of the Harford County Public Schools Parent Academy as well as the school system's mental health coordinator.

After thanking all those providing services for the community during the pandemic, Bulson said he would be in touch next week.

Here are additional resources:

• Website: hcps.org/coronavirus
• Email: COVID19questions@hcps.org
• Phone: 410-809-6336