Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) has been monitoring our community’s COVID-19 health metrics on a daily basis at: https://governor.maryland.gov/recovery-schools/. As of the writing of this message, the State of Maryland posted the following metrics for Washington County on November 24, 2020:

Positivity rate: 8.89%
Case rate per 100,000: 54.95

Due to the current metrics, WCPS is extending the date when in-person classes may resume from December to January.

In-person classes may resume no sooner than Monday, January 11, 2021, depending on community health metrics. 

The reported positivity rate over the last week has ranged from 7.58-8.89%. The number of positive cases continues to rise. Based on these metrics, students will not return to in-person learning on the original anticipated December date. 

WCPS will continue to follow the governor's guidance regarding the potential January return date (see chart below). School systems are advised to follow these metrics when welcoming students back to schools.

During this pause in the WCPS Return to Learn Plan, WCPS continues to enhance distance learning while planning for the return of students. WCPS will provide additional information regarding in-person learning in an announcement to our community on January 4, 2021.

It is the goal of WCPS to return students to in-person instruction when there are improved COVID-19 metrics in Washington County. During the eight weeks students were back in schools, WCPS saw very low transmission of the virus in our buildings, which may be attributed to the health and safety protocols implemented among students and staff. WCPS will continue to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

Opening of Winter Sports Season

With the pause in in-person activities, the fall sports season has concluded. WCPS congratulates our cheerleading, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and volleyball teams for the efforts of all student athletes and coaches during this exceptional season.

Virtual conditioning may begin for winter sports on December 7, 2020. Virtual practices may begin as early as December 14, 2020. An announcement will be made regarding in-person practices as WCPS continues to monitor the community health metrics for COVID-19.

Our Thanksgiving Wishes

WCPS wishes our students, staff, and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving! Our school system is incredibly grateful for the continued cooperation and assistance of our community through the COVID-19 pandemic. WCPS appreciates our determined students, our dedicated staff, and the families who are supporting our learning community through this time. WCPS is thankful to be part of an amazing community!

As a reminder, WCPS schools and meal sites are closed Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. Classes will resume with all WCPS students engaged in distance learning on Monday, November 30.