Frequently Asked Questions

The FCPS COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily with the latest COVID-19 positive cases reported by school. We also share terminology definitions, Frederick County health metrics data, and Maryland school outbreaks, which is provided by the Maryland Department of Health.

The Board of Education of Frederick County voted to encourage face coverings but no longer require them at a Feb. 23 meeting.

Face coverings are encouraged but not required.

When a student or staff member tests positive for or is diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual will be advised to isolate at home according to CDC and MDH guidelines. Contact tracing and case investigation will no longer be conducted within FCPS schools,  but FCPS will continue to provide notification to parents/guardians when positive cases of COVID-19 are reported in their child’s classroom.

Yes. When the number of COVID-19 cases in a classroom/cohort or whole school meet the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) criteria of an outbreak, FCPS reports the information to MDH who will determine the outbreak’s status (i.e. cohort or school). Once an outbreak has been confirmed, FCPS sends a FOF communication to the affected school community with information about the outbreak. MDH will add the school to its outbreak dashboard.

This is referred to as concurrent teaching. To the greatest extent possible, teachers are not teaching students both in-person and virtually. The blended virtual program is staffed by separate administrators and teachers who specialize in virtual learning.

Students can still take part in extracurricular activities at their “home” school. For example, if a student in the virtual program would typically attend Tuscarora High, then that student could take part in extracurricular activities at Tuscarora High School.

Some co-curricular activities require enrollment in a specific course at the home school, so participation in these co-curricular activities may not be possible.

Multiple services and accommodations for students with an IEP or 504 plan are available in the blended virtual program. If a student has an IEP or 504 Plan, the home school for the student will convene a meeting to discuss the appropriateness of the virtual program. The IEP or 504 team will outline the necessary accommodations, supplementary aids, and services to support eligible students in the virtual program.

Services for English Learners are provided through the virtual program. Families will have to weigh whether or not the virtual program will benefit their child given a student’s specific language level. School-based and central office staff can support families in making the decision that is best for their child.

Food and nutrition services will still be available to students via their home school site.