On Wednesday, July 15, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) CEO Monica Goldson announced the plan for the 2020-21 academic year. She revealed that after reviewing input from families, employees and community members, PGCPS will continue distance learning through January 2021. Goldson explained that since Prince George’s County has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 public health crisis in Maryland and there are health disparities in larger communities such ours, there is a “significant public health concern if schools were to reopen this fall for in-person instruction.”
“During this global pandemic, we cannot ignore the health and safety of our students, parents and educators,” said Dr. Goldson. “We recognize that no scenario is perfect or comparable to a traditional school year. While it is a difficult decision to not reopen our school buildings for in-person instruction, it is necessary to keep our students and communities safe.”
In the upcoming semester, PGCPS will enhance the distance learning program with specialized learning software, include more live instruction blended with pre-recorded lessons and make meals available for distribution at all schools. The school system will also establish Parent Support Centers throughout the county to assist families with technology support and other aspects of distance learning such as by providing devices and internet connectivity for families in need. Classes will be held five days a week and will also be broadcast on PGCPS-TV for younger students.
Next week, PGCPS will release a report outlining how it will support all students, especially English language learners, those with special needs and youth from low-income families.
August 31 will be the first day of school for all grade levels. If health conditions allow, PGCPS will offer hybrid instruction during the second semester. This would include two days of in-person learning and three days of distance learning. Full-time distance learning would continue for those students who opted in.