Montgomery County Public Schools will begin a return to in-person learning on March 1. The gradual return to classroom instruction, approved by the county school board Tuesday, will start with a small group of special education students and students in career and technical education programs. Then, beginning March 15, additional groups of students will return to in-person instruction in phases, starting with some of the youngest students and prioritized groups like English language learners and students in alternative education programs. According to the school system’s plan, all students whose families opt for in-person instruction will be back in classrooms in some form by April 26.
“When students return, it will look and feel much different from what they previously experienced in school buildings,” says the district’s announcement explaining the reopening process. “Face coverings, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing will be required to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, how frequently a student attends school in-person and how they engage with their teacher, other staff members and peers will be different.”
Families have the option of remaining with all-virtual instruction if they choose, and the county estimates that about 40% of students will return to classrooms under the reopening plan. Article Source Jenny Gathright WAMU Radio
JENNY GATHRIGHT