When Will AACPS Reopen? Officials Mull Potential Start Date

Annapolis MD

05 January, 2021

11:27 PM

Description

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Coronavirus metrics are rising in Anne Arundel County, but school officials are determined to safely return to the classroom. Superintendent George Arlotto is still shooting for a potential hybrid reopening when the spring semester starts on Feb. 2. If the county adopts a hybrid model, families could opt in to a schedule split between in-person and virtual learning. Students would still be allowed to continue distance learning if they prefer. At its Wednesday meeting, Arlotto will give a reopening update to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. School officials are still ironing out the logistics of possible hybrid classes. Coronavirus regulations would affect: Mask-wearing Bus capacityClass sizesDesk placementContact tracingSchool sanitation and more Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman will also offer guidance from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at the meeting. This is Arlotto's latest update in an ongoing series of reopening talks. The school board voted in October 2020 to offer hybrid classes to younger students starting in November of 2020. Teachers protested the decision with a car rally outside the offices of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The board eventually backtracked, voting to delay in-person instruction until the current February target date. With a potential start on the horizon, the county is still above Kalyanaraman's recommended health metrics. That could threaten a potential reopening. To catch up on the latest coronavirus trends in Anne Arundel County, read Patch's most recent update. Check out this press release to learn how to testify at the board meeting. The agenda is posted here. Wednesday's meeting starts at 6 p.m. It will be streamed via Comcast and Broadstripe on Channel 96, Verizon on Channel 36 and the internet on Anne Arundel County Public Schools' YouTube channel. Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Annapolis newsletters and real-time email alerts. RELATED: AACPS Delays Hybrid Classes; Anne Arundel Coronavirus Cases SurgeTeachers Protest Hybrid Classes, Threaten To Work Fewer HoursAACPS Adopts Hybrid Model, Eligible Students Can Opt InAnne Arundel Teases Hybrid School Plan At Coronavirus Town HallAACPS Reopening Talks Haven't Been Inclusive, Teachers Union SaysAACPS Works Toward Hybrid System; Here Are The Remaining KinksACCPS Acts 'Aggressively But Prudently,' Remains Online This FallMaryland Schools May Begin Safely Reopening: Governor Hogan Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.