Additional Information on the Parent Preference Survey

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Staff:

Tonight, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m., MCPS will host a virtual conversation on the plan for students to return to in-person learning beginning January 2021. The virtual conversation will be streamed live on the MCPS website, MCPS TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36 and RCN 89) and on YouTube. This virtual conversation will be available with Spanish interpretation on the MCPSTV en Español YouTube channel and Condado TV (Comcast 33, Verizon 35 and RCN 88). Submit questions in advance by visiting www.mcpssubmitquestion.org. MCPS leaders will answer questions about the plan and the parent preference survey.

The Parent Preference Survey launched Nov. 11 and the responses will play a critical part in our planning for the return of students.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:

• We will move forward with our return plan only if health metrics are met.
  
  
• We understand this is a difficult decision to make given that details on what in-person learning will look like are yet to be determined. We are asking parents to make a selection now because the number of students who want to return and other information shared through the survey will help inform the design of the in-person instructional model, the number of school buildings we can open and scheduling. This one-page guide was developed to help parents determine what works best for their specific family circumstances.
  
  
• Our planning is also dependent on staff availability. Staff have been asked to submit their requests for leave or accommodation based on qualifying health concerns or dependent care needs. Staffing numbers will impact the way we provide in-person instruction and could vary from school to school. For example, your child’s teacher may qualify for an accommodation and may not return to the school building, but will continue to provide instruction virtually. If you opt for your child to return to in-person learning, it is possible that they may not have their specific teacher in the building.
  
  
• On Nov. 6, we shared that families who select the in-person experience (which will still include some virtual components) can change to the all-virtual model at any time. Families that select the all-virtual option can only change their selection based on availability and unique circumstances.
  
  
• The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. All students and staff who are in school buildings will be required to follow our COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes, but is not limited to,  the use of face coverings, physical distancing of classroom desks, hand-washing and sanitizing, health screening protocols and enhancements to HVAC systems, where needed. 
  
  
• Families can expect to receive more information about their school-specific plan and instructional model in January.
  
  
• Available seats on school buses will be limited in alignment with safety protocols and we may not be able to provide transportation for all families who request it.

If you have read the one-pager guide and still have questions about the survey before you submit your response, please email mcpsinfo@mcpsmd.net with the subject “Survey” and we will make every effort to address your questions. Please note, we will not be able to answer specifics on what in-person learning will look like for your child. This can only be developed once we receive responses from all parents.  

Sincerely,
Montgomery County Public Schools