School closures due to COVID-19 have brought a number of challenges to Prince George’s County students and their families. Prince George’s County Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson released information to provide clarity to public school students and their families. Some of these issues concern graduating high school seniors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams, Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) testing, cleaning and disinfection of school buildings, continuity of instruction and use of distance learning technologies.
Goldson stated that, for graduating high school senior proms and graduation, “we do anticipate postponing those celebrations for all high schools. We hope to hold graduation ceremonies later this summer and we are working with venues on rescheduling senior proms. I know how much these celebrations mean to our students and families, all of whom worked very hard to get to this point.”
Goldson had good news for students preparing to take Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams: “Many students are scheduled to take Advanced Placement exams in May. The College Board announced last week that in-person tests will be replaced by online exams. [PGCPS] will make sure that every student has access to the requisite technology – computer, tablet or smartphone – to complete these important exams. Many of our schools also host International Baccalaureate programs, known as IB. Those exams, also scheduled for May, are now cancelled. Students will not need to take the exam to receive an IB diploma or certificate of completion.” The MCAP, a set of tests given to third grade through high school students, “will not be given this spring nor be required for graduation.”
Goldson announced that, because of extra hard work from building maintenance and central garage staff members, all buildings and buses have been cleaned and disinfected according to the best practices set out by the Centers for Disease Control.
In terms of special technology being used at this time, Goldson reported that, while teachers may be using technology and other innovative methods to stay connected to students, “they are not required to do so during this emergency school closure.” PGCPS has provided student enrichment activity packets, remote instruction, and arts and culture resources. “We will continue to provide resources utilizing every available tool: our website, e-blasts, text messages, social media channels and PGCPS-TV (Verizon 38 / Xfinity 96). Please continue to visit pgcps.org/coronavirus for the latest updates and information,” Goldson added.
To ensure continuity of instruction, the school system has surveyed students to assess technology access, determined where there are gaps in technology and has plans to get devices to students, possibly helping cover broadband costs. In addition, Wi-Fi access will be available at designated schools beginning on Tuesday, April 14, for anyone with a PGCPS email account. Because there are some students who do not currently have the necessary computer equipment or internet access, students unable to submit work will not be penalized for missing assignments. Although the quarter ended March 30, students have until April 3 to submit completed assignments. Missing assignments from students without internet access will be considered exempt and will not count toward quarter grades. Regarding ERHS assignments, McNeill stated, “The staff at ERHS is working to make sure that assignments are given to students and teachers are available during normal work hours to answer questions. We are trying to strike a balance between keeping students engaged and not overwhelming them. I encourage students to stay engaged and attempt to complete the assignments in a timely manner.”
Greenbelters React
Two Greenbelt mothers with students in local schools gave their reactions to how school closures have affected their families.
Amanda Larsen has four children, ranging from preschool to high school. She stated that, for her family, “home learning has gone remarkably well. We occasionally have a few more people who need computer access than we can accommodate at a time, but it really hasn’t been a problem. The kids have all been self-driven and have finished their assigned work without a problem.” Larsen stated, “For my middle and high schoolers, most of their teachers already had an online platform in place before this happened and they have just increased the amount of work posted on that platform.”
Larsen’s middle schooler had some teachers who were not already set up for online work. For those classes, a packet was provided that was intended to include enough work to last for two weeks. Larsen’s elementary schooler was given worksheets along with a reading textbook. Larsen stated, “He has a Zoom meeting with his teacher and class scheduled for tomorrow. That will be exciting for him! I appreciate how his teacher has checked in with families periodically without adding more schoolwork.”
Larsen’s preschooler attends Mom’s Morning Out, a preschool program offered by Greenbelt Recreation, where teacher Gaye Houchens provided a useful packet of work. Larsen appreciated that Houchens “sent out lots of ideas for online learning and play. We received the packet on the same day that we were making schoolwork schedules with the other kids. Ms. Gaye always goes above and beyond to make her students feel special.”
Ingrid Cowan Hass has two children who are working from home, and said, “Our schedule is upended, and I am finding it difficult to get anything done for our work while the kids are at home. I’m now wearing the hat of teacher and have extra cooking and cleaning. There is always a new app to organize, a new screen time to include in the day. I’m not thrilled about all the screen time.”
On the plus side, Hass reported, “We have enjoyed extra time outside and [my daughter] and I are going on nature walks almost every day. We often take a sketch pad and learn about local plants and trees. The weather is beautiful this time of year! Both kids are putting in more music practice, which is great, but their group activities are lacking, like band and orchestra.” Music groups are challenged because most distance learning software is not set up to compensate for different lag times among participants who are trying to perform together in unison.
Some material for this article is drawn from a PGCP press release.