HCPSSContinuity of Learning Updates, June 5, 2020
June 5th, 2020
The following update was sent to the HCPSS community by Superintendent Michael Martirano on June 5, 2020:
Our first three virtual 2020 Commencement celebrations took place yesterday, with events continuing today and next week. Each year, commencement is a bittersweet experience, mingling pride in our graduates’ accomplishments, anticipation as they step into adulthood, and the sadness of saying farewell. If you aren’t able to watch a virtual celebration in process, all graduation videos are archived for viewing on our Commencement webpage. I wish every member of the Class of 2020 a lifetime of health and fulfillment.
Today’s message provides several important updates that will be helpful to families:
2020–2021 School Year Update
As I shared with you last week, we continue to work on our preparations for school to resume, in some form, in the fall. Our school system central office planning teams are meeting daily to work through the many factors and logistical issues that are involved, and considering the guidance provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). At this point there are still many unknowns, so we are preparing for an array of possibilities and will progressively narrow the scope as we learn more throughout the summer.
Our plans will include extensive engagement of students, staff and families as we look to put a plan in place that will support continued learning. The well-being of students, staff and families is at the forefront of all of our planning, and the input and feedback of our stakeholders will be a primary consideration.
Additional information on the considerations involved in developing a solution for the fall are provided on our website, and we will have more details to share with you soon. We will continue to keep you updated and provide timelines and schedules for these engagement sessions as well as when the recommendations will be brought to the Board of Education in future messages.
Retrieving and returning school property
Each school is coordinating retrieval of items left behind in order to ensure safe and healthy social distancing and adherence to health guidelines. Students who will return to an HCPSS school next year and are in possession of textbooks, instruments, media center books, Chromebooks or other HCPSS property are asked to keep the materials until school resumes and school buildings reopen. Students who are not returning to HCPSS in the fall should return Chromebooks to the Logistics Center. More information is provided online. Please email your school principal with any questions about retrieving your belongings.
Senior grades
Senior 4th quarter grades are now available for parent/guardian viewing in Synergy. Period attendance will not appear on the report card, and only the Principal’s Honor Roll will appear for students who have passed all classes. Find instructions for viewing and more information online.
I hope your weekend is healthy, peaceful, and offers opportunities to relax and unwind.