BCPS Reopening Plan Updated For 2021

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County Public Schools is preparing to open in hybrid format when coronavirus community transmission decreases.

"We will be ready to welcome students back into school buildings when local COVID-19 transmission is low," Superintendent Darryl L. Williams said in a statement Thursday, Jan. 7.

The school system has not scheduled a return to school buildings, according to a statement from Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS).

"At this time, students are not scheduled to return to school buildings," according to BCPS. "When invited to do so, families of identified students may choose through an online questionnaire to begin hybrid learning or to continue virtual learning."

The recovery plan, updated Jan. 7, states a hybrid model could be introduced in February, if metrics allow.

Here is an excerpt:

If metrics permit, BCPS plans to offer a hybrid model that incorporates both in-person and virtual learning from February to June. Full-time virtual learning will remain an option.

See the reopening plan from Baltimore County Public Schools, updated Jan. 7.

It contains new information for certain students in particular, according to BCPS:

• Appendix N gives guidance for students in Grades 3 – 12 whose Individualized Education Programs include a least restrictive environment primarily outside the general education classroom setting. The plan also includes students in select Career and Technical Education programs that require hands-on learning to earn professional licenses or certifications.
• Appendix O focuses on the remaining students in Grades 3 – 12. Together with already released sections focused on students at public separate day schools (Appendix L) and students in Grades Preschool through 2 (Appendix M), the BCPS Reopening Plan now includes all students.

“I commend the educators and leaders who developed these crucial portions of our Reopening Plan, as we look ahead to the time when it will be safe to phase in in-person instruction for small groups of students,” Williams said in a statement.

The plan outlines guidance for things like ventilation, transportation, class layouts, special education and models for ESOL.

Previous efforts to reopen were put on hold as coronavirus positivity and case rates climbed in Baltimore County.

Battle Monument, Maiden Choice, Ridge Ruxton and White Oak were slated to reopen for staff on Nov. 9 and students on Nov. 16, but an uptick in coronavirus cases and positivity led to a Nov. 4 decision to postpone the move.

The superintendent cited Nov. 3 health data that showed Baltimore County's daily positivity rate was 4.6 percent, and the number of cases per 100,000 residents was greater than 18.

As of Jan. 8, the Maryland Department of Health reports Baltimore County's positivity rate is 7.25 percent and the case rate is 36.29 per 100,000 residents.

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