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Superintendent Presents 2020-2021 Third-Quarter Timeline for In-Person Small Groups

January 7th, 2021

Superintendent Michael J. Martirano presented a timeline for the return and expansion of in-person small groups to the Board of Education during the Howard County Board of Education’s January 7, 2021, COVID-19 Update/2020-2021 School Year Status work session. The Board of Education also held a discussion regarding priorities for a fourth quarter instructional model.

The third quarter timeline presented by the Superintendent is dependent on the health environment allowing a return of students and staff based on the metrics approved by the Board:

January

February

March

The Superintendent also renewed his intention for many traditional senior activities such as prom, senior awards and graduation to take place in person, if it is safe to do so. Central office staff, high school administrators and senior class representatives and advisors are working in preparation of that goal.

Additionally, the Superintendent reiterated that any decision to initiate in-person small groups will be driven by data, including the health metrics that were determined by the Board.

To date, the Howard County Public School System has implemented strict protocols for notification of positive cases and potential exposure, and will continue to work with the Howard County Health Department and follow CDC guidelines. Students and staff in buildings must follow strict precautions including the use of appropriate face masks, social distancing, and regular hand washing and sanitizing. Hand sanitizing stations and plexiglass have been installed in all appropriate areas to support the safety of students and staff.

Following the Superintendent’s presentation of the timeline through March, the Board engaged in a continuing discussion of priorities for an instructional model to be implemented for the fourth quarter.

Resources from, and video of the January 7, 2021 Board of Education meeting may be viewed online. Video may take up to 24 hours before it is available to view online.