A new letter (#8) is being sent to parents, students, and staff today [Wednesday, October 16] from the superintendent. The letter is available at the link below.


Dear Parents, Students, and Staff:

We continue to make adjustments in school operations in response to events and circumstances. Decisions about outdoor activities continue to be made on a daily basis, but we have moved the timeline earlier so that people have more time to make alternative plans. Today, for example, we announced this morning that the prohibition on outdoor activities at schools is continued for the entire day tomorrow, Thursday, October 17, for both students and the community. On Friday, schools are closed for students because of statewide teacher conferences, and the decision about outdoor activities for that day and through the weekend will be made on Thursday.

The impact of not having outdoor activities is significant, especially for student athletes and others who cherish being able to move about freely on our playgrounds and ball fields. The long-term consequences of the canceled events are important to all of us, but more so for the players, coaches, and families who now face the potential of continued cancellations. They need our support and understanding as these events unfold.

In the meantime, classes continue. Homework still needs to be completed. Long-term projects, book reports, and final assignments for the quarter need to be finished. Yesterday, high school students took the PSAT in preparation for college. Today, the Maryland functional tests began as part of the state and county accountability programs. Tomorrow will bring new assignments from teachers planning the work for students over a long weekend. Even during this unprecedented crisis, the instructional program of our schools remains our core mission.

In the next week or so, every student’s family and all staff members will receive a copy of the new annual report for our school system. The report was written prior to the current events, but it contains the most recent information available on the academic progress of our schools, including the studies on kindergarten progress released earlier this month. The annual report presents the information in a thoughtful and concise manner, and I urge you to take the time to learn more about the continued improvement of teaching and learning in our school system. When the current crisis ends, it will be this core mission that will carry us forward.

Respectfully,

Jerry D. Weast, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools


P.S. For the latest announcements, see our web site at the link below.