HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: April 1, 2020

April 1st, 2020

The following update was sent to the HCPSS community by Superintendent Michael Martirano on April 1, 2020:

This message provides an update on grading for the 3rd quarter marking period, which was previously scheduled to end this Friday, April 3. Our decisions on how grading will be handled for this quarter are based on three primary goals, which are consistent with our goals for the overall instructional program:

• Providing meaningful feedback on student achievement
• Ensuring equity of opportunity for all students, by removing barriers to success
• Ensuring fairness in assessing student work for the quarter

For all students, 3rd quarter grades will be based on work assigned on and prior to March 13, 2020, the last day schools were in session, because the majority of the quarter had already taken place when schools were closed.

• Teachers will continue to grade work assigned prior to March 13 that has been received, and will continue grading through April 24, allowing students to submit 3rd quarter work that was due by March 13 but had not yet been submitted. This will allow students to improve their grades, if desired.
• IEP and 504 plans will be honored in the completion of all work.

Additionally, for middle and high school students:

• Students may, at the direction of their teacher, complete work assigned between April 14–24 to improve their 3rd quarter grade. No new assignment submissions will negatively impact the grade earned by March 13.
• Work assigned or completed between April 14–24 will not impact 4th quarter grades.

Additional details on 3rd quarter grading are provided online.

I am saddened to share that our Simulated Congressional Hearings program has been canceled for this school year. This program is a cornerstone of our 5th Grade social studies curriculum and a highlight of the year for many in our school system and community, including myself. Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold the hearings this year: a decision that was made with heavy hearts, like so many of the difficult decisions that have become necessary in the wake of the COVID–19 crisis. We understand how hard students and teachers have worked throughout the year to prepare for the hearings. We are very proud of your commitment, and know that the skills and knowledge about our government that you have been building all year will continue to serve you well in the years to come.

I want to remind families to access the learning resources that are provided for each grade level on the HCPSS Continuity of Learning website for the period between March 30 and April 10 for high school students and for the period between March 30 and April 17 for middle and elementary students. These resources were developed to ensure continuity of learning for our students while our teachers, administrators and staff complete professional development training to prepare to provide the next phase of distance learning.

Finally, today is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and I’d like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to all of the HCPSS paraeducators who serve our students, staff members, parents and the community with such dedication and commitment.

Thank you again for your flexibility and support as staff continue to learn and adapt to new modes of teaching and learning.

The following information provides additional information for families and staff.

Student Technology Survey Support for International Families

Please complete the Student Technology Survey in English, using the Chinese, Korean and Spanish language translations as reference. If you need support in filling out the survey, please contact the Call Center:

• Chinese: 410–313–5920
• Korean: 410–313–1592
• Spanish: 410–313–1591

For assistance in all other languages, please contact Monica Ranta at 410–313–7102.

Expanded Meal Distribution

HCPSS is providing free Grab-N-Go meals through April 24 to anyone age 18 and under and/or any HCPSS student, regardless of age, at locations countywide. Deep Run Elementary will be added to site locations beginning Thursday, April 2. Meals are available from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., weekdays. Participants receive a snack, lunch and dinner for that day, as well as a breakfast for the following day, and are encouraged to bring a bag to carry home meals each day. Friday distributions at school locations also will include weekend meals. Parents have the option of collecting meals for their children, who do not need to be present.

Access to Learning Fund

Bright Minds Foundation has launched an emergency Access to Learning Fund to raise money for critical education access supports for HCPSS students during the extended COVID–19 school closure. Find more information on the Bright Minds website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID–19 FAQ section of the website has been expanded and is being updated regularly with additional answers to questions. Please visit the FAQ page on a regular basis for additional information.

Counseling Services for Students, Families and Staff

The COVID–19 pandemic has made this an especially stressful time for many, especially those already impacted by mental health concerns. Find information about local and online resources for counseling and mental health supports for you and your family on our website.