BOE Approves Hybrid Model for 2nd Semester and Passes Return to Play Schedule

During the Board of Education’s public meeting November 11, 2020, the Board voted that Frederick County Public Schools will move from the virtual learning model to the hybrid learning model for students in grades prek-12 beginning with the start of the second semester, Thursday, January 28, 2021. Parents will have the option to keep their children enrolled in the virtual learning model; FCPS will send communications to determine parents’ choices. The Board added that the schedule is subject to modifications by FCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban, who will collaborate with the Frederick County Health Department and consider metrics and guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland State Department of Education. 

Effective January 1, 2021, employment will resume for FCPS staff who were subject to the fall Reduction in Force. Those employees will report to work on Monday, January 4, 2021. All teachers and instructional staff will report back to work in school buildings on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 to facilitate the transition to the hybrid model. 

In addition, the Board voted to accept the Return to Play Committee's recommendations to implement modified sports seasons beginning on Monday, December 7, 2020. A Return to Play sub-committee will review and evaluate health conditions weekly to make an informed recommendation to the Superintendent regarding athletic activities. The health and safety of FCPS student-athletes, coaches and other athletic-related stakeholders will drive all recommendations and decision-making. The first practice dates for sports seasons are as follows but may change depending on health conditions:
  Monday, December 7, 2020 Winter Sports 
  Saturday, February 13, 2021 Fall Sports 
  Saturday, April 17, 2021 Spring Sports 

FCPS posts the most recent updates to the FCPS Plan for Reopening and Advancing Forward [outdated information removed] online and will continue to keep students, families and employees updated with the newest information via FindOutFirst email and online: [outdated information removed.]