As we complete the fourth week of our transition to the hybrid instructional model, I am deeply appreciative of the hard work and cooperation between staff and families! The success of this model was dependent on the meticulous planning by staff and the willingness of staff, students and families to adhere to safety protocols and procedures. Thank you to everyone, and let's continue to follow safety protocols and procedures going forward.

Planning continues for 4th quarter, spring events, summer sessions, and the 2021-22 school year! We have received many questions about next steps. In every situation, we are looking at Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C because we have learned that during the pandemic, circumstances change quickly! Whether it is a press conference introducing new executive orders, or concerning health metrics that force a change in plans, our staff must be able to respond quickly and flexibly. And sometimes, we need clarification on mandates before we can definitively provide an answer. 

So, let’s address a few key questions coming our way right now.
 

1. Will we have graduation ceremonies?
   We are planning to host outdoor graduation ceremonies with graduates and spectators socially distanced. The details of those ceremonies will be dependent on the capacity requirements set forth by the governor and Frederick County’s Board of Health for our school stadiums. Recent changes in the governor’s executive order are promising. We are working with the county to determine compliance with county regulations as well.
    
2. Will we have proms?
   The capacity limitations on indoor venues are more restrictive. Additionally, the requirement to socially distance is still in effect. These factors make it challenging to hold a traditional “prom” for students and therefore, FCPS has indicated that we will not be hosting proms for students.
    
3. Can we bring students back to school five days a week?
   Currently, the plan is to continue with our hybrid model for this school year and to look at the 2021-22 school year for the return to five days of in-person instruction. This is based on the current social distancing guidance for maintaining six feet.
   
   There is much speculation that the distancing guidance will change to be three feet. Thus, we are looking at how that would affect our options for Quarter 4 and the 2021-22 school year. The Board of Education will be discussing these options at Board Meetings from March 24 through June. Please watch these discussions and share your input.
    
4. Will you increase the number of spectators at sports events?
   The governor’s latest executive order did increase the opportunity to have more spectators at sports events. The Return to Play Committee indicated that we were going to have two spectators per student athlete and would monitor the implementation. The Return to Play Committee meets regularly and will review the new executive order.  We will communicate any change to the spectator plan as soon as possible.
    

I hope this week’s update addresses some of the most pressing questions. And again, I appreciate the understanding from the community as we grapple with new directives and guidance. It is our goal to provide the optimal learning environment for our students and staff with health and safety remaining a priority.

Please continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, maintaining social distance and frequently washing hands. These mitigation strategies, coupled with more people getting vaccinated, are what will make it possible for us to move forward in fully opening our schools!