Latest News
Updated Timeline
On December 31, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 12/31/20 | En Espanol
On December 18, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 12/18/20 | En Español
On December 1, 2020, the following letter was sent by the Superintendent:
Letter from the Superintendent - 12/01/20 | En Español
Información en español
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Mental Health | Meal Services | Online Schooling | Schoology | SMCPS Connect
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.
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. Read more.
Update: July 30th, 2020
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.
Letter from the Superintendent - Online Learning - 07/30/20
UPDATE: June 17th, 2020
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. Read more...
UPDATE: May 8, 2020
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. Read more...
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
This 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.
April 17, 2020 Letter from the superintendent
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
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.
Resources
- CDC Resources
- Talking to Children about COVID-19
- Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes - Kids
- Handwashing Guide
Social Distancing
What does it mean?
Social distancing is the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of infections or diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings, and canceling events.
The St. Mary's County Health Department has provided this flyer with additional information.
Social Distancing Do's and Don't
| Avoid: | Use Caution when: | Safe to: |
|---|---|---|
| Group gatherings | Visiting a local Restaurant | Take a walk |
| Sleepovers | Visiting a grocery store | Go for a hike |
| Playdates | Getting Take out | Complete yard work |
| Concerts | Picking up Medications | Play in your yard |
| Theater Outings | Playing Tennis in a park | Clean out a Closet |
| Athletic Events | Visiting the library | Read a good book |
| Crowded Retail Stores | Church Services | Listen to Music |
| Malls | Traveling | Cook a meal |
| Workouts in Gyms | Play family game night | |
| Visitors in your house | Go for a drive | |
| Non-essential workers in your house | Group video chat | |
| Mass Transit Systems | Stream a favorite show | |
| Call to check on a friend/family member |