Community Update

July 28, 2021

Dear MCPS Community:

Here are five things you need to know about the July 27 Board of Education meeting and what to expect this fall.

1. All MCPS students, staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings in school buildings this fall, regardless of vaccination status. This decision aligns with recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as local health officials. COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation and in Montgomery County, and students under 12 do not have access to vaccines. MCPS must ensure the safety of all students and staff as it prepares for a return to in-person instruction five days a week. Masking requirements will be reviewed regularly and are subject to change as the district reviews guidance from federal, state and local health officials. Face coverings are not required outdoors but are strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals.

2. Students will be required to wear masks on school buses. This aligns with the district’s current practice for students participating in summer school and the state’s requirements for public transportation.

3. All schools will return to their pre-COVID schedules, including bell times, bus schedules, number and length of class periods per day, lunch and recess. Schools will be open at 100 percent capacity for five-day-a-week learning for all students this fall. Roscoe Nix and Arcola elementary schools, the district’s Innovative Calendar schools, started their school year on July 12. Watch this video to see a preview of what to expect for all schools in the fall.

4. Resources for practice, preparation and review are available for all MCPS students. MCPS has prepared resources in math, literacy, and languages that will help students and families review content, practice skills, and prepare for the upcoming school year.

   Resources for Students >>

5. All meals will be provided free of charge during the 2021-2022 school year. MCPS will continue to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to all students in schools and at designated food distribution sites.