MCPS Suspends Out-Of-State Field Trips, Athletic Events

Silver Spring MD

12 March, 2020

1:27 PM

Description

Updated 5:17 p.m. SILVER SPRING, MD — On Thursday, Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will be closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). MCPS will be closed from March 16 to at least March 27. (Original post) SILVER SPRING, MD — Effective March 16, all out-of-state field trips and athletic events for Montgomery County Public Schools are suspended. In a message to the MCPS community, school officials said the out-of-state events will be suspended until further notice. All scheduled trips and athletic events in Maryland, however, will continue as planned. Don't miss updates about precautions in Silver Spring as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters. Six Montgomery County residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19) as of Wednesday evening. This brings the state's total of confirmed cases to 12. MCPS said it won't be shutting its doors, despite growing concerns from parents and students. "As a reminder, decisions about school closures during a public health crisis are made by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. If a decision is made to close schools, it would be shared with the community-at-large as soon as we are made aware," MCPS wrote. If schools shut down, school officials said they are prepared to teach children remotely. Students would access grade-appropriate educational videos and other instructional materials through the MCPS website and their Google for Education accounts, school officials said. MCPS also said it would make accommodations for those who need food. "Depending on the length of time schools are closed, we are prepared to provide meals at several schools as regional meal sites. Information on the sites will be shared with the community once it is finalized," MCPS wrote. Spring break is still on from April 6 to 13. School officials said they would provide an update to the community if there are any changes. SEE ALSO: MD Coronavirus: 12 On Cruise Ship; MVA, Nursing Home ChangesMCPS Coronavirus Plan: Remote Teaching, Food AccommodationsMD Coronavirus Patients Were At 2 Public Events, Hogan ConcernedHow Ready Is Montgomery County For Coronavirus?Montgomery Outlines Coronavirus Preparedness Efforts, Tips