St. Mary's County
Public Schools
Covid 19 Info
ARCHIVED COMMUNICATION AND NEWS
This page provides archived information and communication related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the SMCPS response.
Archives
2021 Recap
Communications
As the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) grows in our area, SMCPS and the St. Mary's County Health Department are working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the situation. SMCPS remains committed to providing all families, staff, and students with up-to-date and accurate information regarding the impact on our school operations.
Updated Timeline
Moving towards the 4th Quarter
03/25/21
On March 25th, 2021, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 03/25/21 | En Espanol
Further, the superintendent shared our timeline for returning students and staff to our schools at the March 24th Board Meeting.
01/27/21
On January 28th, 2021, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 01/28/21 | En Espanol
Further, the superintendent shared our timeline for returning students and staff to our schools at the January 27th Board Meeting.
01/22/21
On January 22nd, 2021, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 01/22/21 | En Espanol
01/06/21
On January 6th, 2021, The Superintendent presented an update on our return to school status.
The presentation materials can be found here.
And the presentation can be watched here.
Update: December 31, 2020
On December 31, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 12/31/20 | En Espanol
Update: December 18, 2020
On December 18, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 12/18/20 | En Español
Update: December 1, 2020
On December 1, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 12/01/20 | En Español
Update: November 13, 2020
On November 13, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
"Therefore, St. Mary’s County Public Schools will continue to deliver all instruction virtually for the next three weeks, November 16 - December 4, 2020"
read more:
Letter from the Superintendent - 11/13/20 | En Español
Update: November 8, 2020
The following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - Online Learning Nov 9-13 - 11/08/20 | En Español
Update: October 29, 2020
The following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - Phase 2 Update - 10/29/20
Update: October 2nd, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - Updated Timeline - 10/02/20
This fall, we have remained committed to bringing students back for in-person instruction. Two weeks ago, when we “pushed pause” on the first phase of our return for students, we did so with the understanding that this was only temporary and that we would move forward with our return plan for the second marking period. Wednesday, at the Board of Education meeting, we shared our revised timetable for our students’ return. This new schedule is consistent with the phased-in plan provided earlier this year, with minor adjustments to provide a more gradual transition with the first cohorts of students.
Update: September 16th, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - UPDATE on Return to School - 09/16/20
On Monday, September 14, 2020, the Chief of Staff was notified of an employee at George Washington Carver Elementary School (GWCES) who tested positive for COVID-19 as a result of participating in a non-school related social event outside of St. Mary’s County. Through the process of contact tracing, and in coordination with the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), several employees at multiple sites who attended the event and others considered close contacts were placed under quarantine and sent for testing. Testing revealed that additional school system employees who participated in the social event were positive for COVID-19. As a result, GWCES will be closed for all staff through Friday, September 18, 2020. GWCES teachers will continue to provide instruction through the Schoology platform during this time. This decision was made in full consultation with local public health officials. As a further precaution, St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) will begin immediate mitigation efforts for the school building to include extensive cleaning. Food and meal services at this site will also be closed at GWCES through Friday.
Update: September 3rd, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - Return to School - 09/03/20
Yesterday afternoon, we shared important information in our Town Hall meeting about next steps in our Fall 2020 Safe Return to School Plan. Over the last several months, we have provided ongoing communication about the SMCPS Recovery Plan for bringing our students back into our schools for in-person instruction.Yesterday afternoon, we shared important information in our Town Hall meeting about next steps in our Fall 2020 Safe Return to School Plan. Over the last several months, we have provided ongoing communication about the SMCPS Recovery Plan for bringing our students back into our schools for in-person instruction.This summer, we outlined the plan for opening schools online, with a process for phasing in groups of students in a gradual and gated process to allow for a safe and monitored return.
Update: August 28th, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - Back to School - 08/28/20
Dear SMCPS Staff and Families: We are finishing a busy week which comes at the end of a very busy summer. Teachers and support staff have been in schools these past five days getting their virtual and actual classrooms ready for students. We want to thank all those parents and community members who welcomed them back and showed them how much they are appreciated and respected. We also want to thank all the parents who picked up materials and devices at their children’s schools in preparation for the first day of school.
Update: July 30th, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - Online Learning - 07/30/20
SMCPS will begin the 2020-2021 school year with all students completely online for the first quarter. Throughout the first quarter, SMCPS and the St. Mary’s County Health Department will monitor several local data points, including: percent of local population tested, positivity rate of those tested, and demographics and outcome data on confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St. Mary's County residents.
UPDATE: June 17th, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - 06/17/20
Thursday marks the end of the 2020 school year and I just wanted to say thank you for all your patience and support over these past three months. We have learned a great deal during this last quarter and so have our students.
UPDATE: May 8, 2020
Letter from the Superintendent - 05/08/20
This week, we learned from Governor Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Salmon that all Maryland Public Schools will remain closed through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
UPDATE: May 7, 2020
Yesterday, the State Superintendent commented on the status of the current school year.
Online Learning Continues
State Superintendent, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced on Wednesday, May 6, that all Maryland Schools will remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
Students will continue to receive credit for participation and progress, and teachers will continue to monitor students’ progress and provide feedback as they have done for the last several weeks.
Press Release: May 1st, 2020
May 1, 2020 School Lunch Hero Day
UPDATE: April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020 Letter from the superintendent
his afternoon, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed through Friday, May 15, 2020.UPDATE: April 16, 2020
UPDATE: April 9, 2020
Staff Preparation for the Continuity of Learning
UPDATE: April 2, 2020
Meal Services Offered Through Community Partners
UPDATE: March 27, 2020
Drive-Up Meal Service Available for Students Through the Summer Meals Program
UPDATE: March 25, 2020
March 25, 2020 Letter
UPDATE: March 19, 2020:
New Information below in system-wide communications.
UPDATE: March 13, 2020:
St. Mary’s County Health Department 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info
The St. Mary’s County government has been opened a community information line for St. Mary’s County residents needing more information about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Community members can call the center Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to speak with staff, obtain information about the disease or get their questions answered at: 301-475-4911
Community Engagement
Throughout the recovery planning process, St. Mary's County Public Schools has held a number of public information sessions, including Town Hall and Board of Education presentations.
Previous Town Hall Meetings & Updates from the Superintendent
Town Hall - September 13, 2020
On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, the superintendent of schools discussed the many factors that were taken into consideration when deciding to "hit pause" on the return of students to the classrooms as well as safety protocols in place when students return.
This is a copy of the presentation you can view.
You can watch the presentation here.
Town Hall Meeting - September 16, 2020 - 4 PM
LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. that discussed the return to school in Fall 2020. Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent, shared information with the community on the safe return to school beginning September 21, 2020, and what that will look like for students returning in the fall.
Town Hall - September 2, 2020
St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. that discussed the return to school in Fall 2020. Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent, shared information with the community on the first week of school, that included topics such as: COVID-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools, getting connected with technology resources, and Special Education.
This was the presentation material.
Town Hall - August 19, 2020
On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 4:00 pm, St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall meeting that discussed back to School 2020 plans to include topics such as: Daily Student Schedules, Technology Update, Materials Distribution, and Notification and Contact Tracing Protocols.
Board of Education Meeting - August 12, 2020
On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the Board of Education for St. Mary's County Public Schools met to discuss a number of topics including the safe return to school and the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
Town Hall - July 29, 2020
On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 4:00 pm, St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall meeting that continued addressing the requirements of the Maryland Recovery Plan for Education and planning the safe return of students and staff to schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
Board of Education Presentation - July 22, 2020
SMCPS Update on Recovery and Safe Return to School Planning presented at July 22 Board of Education Meeting.
This was the presentation material.
Town Hall - July 15, 2020
On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, 4:00 pm, St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall meeting that continued addressing the requirements of the Maryland Recovery Plan for Education and planning the safe return of students and staff to schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
This was the presentation material.
Town Hall - June 24, 2020
On Wednesday, June 24, 2020, 4:00 pm, St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted a virtual town hall meeting addressing the requirements of the Maryland Recovery Plan for Education and planning the safe return of students and staff to schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
This was the presentation material.
Developing a Safe to Return Plan
Developing the SMCPS Safe to Return Plan
St. Mary's County Public Schools worked throughout the summer with stakeholder groups to develop its plan for the 2020-2021 school year. This plan addressed how the school system will:
- Recovery: How will we bring closure to the 2019-2020 school year and identify needs moving forward?
- Redesign: How will we rethink delivery models for instruction, programs, and student services?
- Return: How will we adapt and institute procedures for a safe return to school?
MSDE Recovery Plan
The Maryland State Department of Education introduced the K-12 Decision Matrix on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, to the MSDE State Board of Education. This process outlines 3 Steps to reopening schools. In working through this decision-making process, school systems must follow the guidance outlined in Maryland Together: Maryland's Recovery Plan for Education (MSDE, revised on June 23, 2020). This plan gives each school system the discretion to make decisions to reopen and determine schedules, calendar, and delivery of instruction.
As part of the Maryland Together plan, MSDE has provided a K-12 Decision Matrix, that outlines direction to school systems for the opening of schools as it aligns with the Governor's Roadmap to Recovery. This Decision Matrix outlines three steps:
- STEP ONE: The Governor’s Office, in coordination with members of the coronavirus recovery team and experts at the Maryland Department of Health, monitor key health metrics and identify the appropriate stage within Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery. The State Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the State Board of Education, subsequently determines the operational status of schools within each stage.
- In Step One, the impact on school systems is as follows:
- When the State is in Stage 1: All school activities are to be conducted online and through distance learning platforms.
- When the State is in Stage 2: Some in-person school activities may commence, in accordance with the Governor’s gating and social distancing measures.
- When the State is in Stage 3: In-person school activities may fully resume, and schools can begin normal operations.
- In Step One, the impact on school systems is as follows:
- STEP TWO: When the State is in Stage 2, each local school system must meet the Requirements for Opening Schools as outlined in the Maryland Together: Maryland’s Recovery Plan for Education.
- All decisions prior to step three can be reevaluated depending on emerging data and trends at the State level
- STEP THREE: Local school systems make determinations regarding which groups of students and staff will be able to re-enter buildings. Specific schedules, calendar modifications, and delivery of instruction are at the discretion of the local school system. School systems can be more restrictive than the requirements outlined in the State Recovery Plan, and the health and safety measures outlined by the Governor and MDH depending on conditions in their locality.
Four Pillars
Using the Maryland Together roadmap, St. Mary's County Public Schools will develop its Fall 2020 Safe Return to School plan based on four pillars: Instruction/Teaching & Learning, Student Services, Supporting Services, and Organizational and System Support.
Cross-Cutting Themes
The foundation of these pillars is the assurance of three key elements that cross each pillar's planning elements:
- Equity: Assuring equity has been addressed as a component piece of each planning element.
- Staff Development: Providing ongoing support for staff in the transition to new processes.
- Stakeholder Input: Providing multiple opportunities for stakeholders (students, staff, families) to provide input throughout the planning process.
Pillar 1 Instruction - Teaching & Learning
- Addressing learning gaps and developing a plan for success and recovery
- Ensuring the alignment of curriculum and instruction to State standards
- Providing ongoing professional development for staff
- Developing plans for the continuation of student programs
Pillar 2 Student Services
- Developing a system for monitoring attendance in blended and online environments, where needed
- Ensuring Special Education/504/ADA support for students
- Providing counseling and mental health services
- Coordinating with the Health Department for safe practices
Pillar 3 Supporting Services
- Ensuring clean and healthy environments
- Providing ongoing food and nutrition services
- Developing multiple transportation plans
- Developing plans for the deployment of instructional technology
- Developing plans for athletics and student performance groups
Pillar 4 Organization and System Support
- Providing ongoing communications and messaging
- Creating and healthy environments
- Developing multiple models for scheduling
- Developing plans for substitute and staffing support
Your Input
Complete the SMCPS Safe Return to School Survey.
COVID-19 Resources
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
As the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) grows in our area, SMCPS and the St. Mary’s County Health Department are working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the situation. SMCPS remains committed to providing all families, staff, and students with updated, accurate information regarding the impact on our school operations.
Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning. This is not our normal way of doing business, so there are many questions. We will provide ongoing updates for these questions.