HCPSSContinuity of Learning Updates, May 14, 2020
May 14th, 2020
HCPSS Outdoor Facilities
As of noon on Friday, May 15, HCPSS tracks and tennis courts will be open and available for public recreational use. This is in alignment with Governor Larry Hogan’s actions this week to ease the stay-at-home restrictions, and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks decision to reopen some outdoor recreation and athletics facilities.
Allowing access to tracks and tennis courts will offer an additional outlet for community members to get outside and engage in healthy activities while continuing to stay safe. In order for these HCPSS facilities to remain open, all users must:
- Strictly adhere to proper social distancing practices
- Refrain from potentially unhealthy practices, such as activities involving physical contact or sharing of equipment
- No organized activities or large gatherings of more than 10 people may occur on HCPSS property
- Please note that HCPSS basketball courts and playgrounds remain closed
It is the responsibility of visitors to adhere to all county and state guidelines.
Meal Pickup Guidelines
HCPSS has already served over 650,000 free meals to provide essential nutrition to children during the school closure. Grab-N-Go meal services will continue at our 14 meal distribution sites throughout the county for as long as schools remain closed.
Some families may find it difficult to pick up meals for their children at the locations or times when meals are served. In order to offer convenience for families while complying with government requirements, the guidelines for meal pickup have been revised to allow a designee to pick up meals:
- Parents/guardians may pick up meals for their own children and those of up to one other family, without any documentation needed.
- An authorized designee may pick up meals for up to four families. Each family must complete a Meal Request Form naming the designee.
- HCPSS is unable to provide meals for more than five families to any individual.
The Meal Request Form form and complete information are provided on the HCPSS website.
Distance Learning Enhancements
Now that distance learning is well underway for all students, many teachers and parents have asked that additional opportunities for student-teacher interaction be provided. Beginning Monday, May 18, the elementary distance learning schedule will include additional weekly check-in times, as well as opportunities for teachers, including related arts teachers, to host optional office hours. The secondary distance learning schedule will include opportunities for teachers to host optional virtual office hour meetings each week. Parents and guardians will receive specific scheduling details from their child’s school.
Schedule for Friday, May 15 – Half Day for Students
This Friday is scheduled as a half day for students. Teachers will be participating in professional activities that afternoon and will be unavailable for instruction. Student assignments are still due by Friday at 10 a.m. All additional instructional activities will conclude by 11:30 a.m.