On August 31, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), which includes Greenbelt schools, began the 2020-2021 school year with online distance learning. Not only is this required because of the ongoing pandemic, but it is also part of the district shift toward one-to-one personalized technology-based instruction.
“With the onset of distance learning, we have an opportunity to transform education in Prince George’s County,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson in a press release. “Students and families consistently express a desire for instruction that better utilizes technology and meets individual needs. By going one-to-one we will deliver more personalized learning and equip all students with the academic tools and resources needed for success in a digital learning environment.”
Classes will be conducted in real time for all students. Bell schedules are as follows:
• Greenbelt Elementary School:
9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
• Magnolia Elementary School: 9:15 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
• Springhill Lake Elementary School: 7:45 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.
• Greenbelt Middle School: 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
• Dora Kennedy French Immersion School: 9:15 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
• Eleanor Roosevelt High School: 8:45 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
In order to make the process easier for students and families, PGCPS introduced different methods.
The Office of Technology has provided students with laptops and tablets to participate in online learning; however due to the national shortage of devices, every student has not yet received their devices. From August 31 through September 18, to keep students who do not have devices engaged and involved, lessons will air on PGCPS-TV (Comcast channel 96, Verizon channel 38 or PGCPS-TV online) for Pre-K through fifth grade. The lessons will cover reading, math, science and social studies. In addition, art, dance, music, language immersion and Montessori moments will be broadcast as well.
For students in need of meals, the food and nutrition service is offering grab-and-go meals that will be served two days a week. On Monday, students can pick up two meal packages and on Wednesday, three meal packages will be available for pickup. The meals consist of a full breakfast and lunch. Meals will be distributed between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“This school year we are virtually together,” said Goldson. “We are embarking on new territory and I am confident that our students and teachers will face this challenge head-on. Whether learning at home or in the classroom, our standard remains the same: high-quality teaching and learning.”
Parent Distance Learning Support Centers opened August 31 to assist with tech support, navigating aspects of distance learning and accessing instructional packets. These facilities are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are located at various schools in the county (see pgcps.org/Samuel-P-Massie/Parent-Distance-Learning-Support-Centers/ for a list of Parent Center locations). In addition, PGCPS has set up a Distance Learning hotline Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with any issues. Parents can call 240-696-6229 to get help with any distance learning question.
Back to School 2020: Distance Learning Enabled by Technology
Leonora Beatrice Gaschick begins First Grade at GES. She is holding a Schultüte or a school cone as a tradition in Germany (since she is half German/half Filipino) when they first enter the elementary school.