We continue to be focused on the safety of our students and staff.  As such, we value social distancing to the extent possible in classrooms, hallways, and on school grounds.  We aim to have at least 3 feet between individuals in classrooms.  However, there will be cases when students will be closer due to space constraints in hallways or small spaces.  Masking of students and staff in conjunction with social distancing will help to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our schools and on school grounds.

Elementary students will participate in 30 min of recess daily when school begins in the fall.  Students will primarily be taking part in recess outdoors unless rain or sever cold precludes us from offering outside recess.  There will also be choices such as board game play, clubs, or Friends & Fun social time available during recess block for small groups of students to choose on a rotational basis throughout each week. 

Playground structures, balls, hoops, and other recess equipment will be available for student use.  Students will be expected to wash or sanitize their hands immediately before and after recess to maximize health safety for all.

Yes, teachers will be allowed to interact with students.  However, we do have to remember that we are still social distancing.  If a student needs help with something, certainly a teacher or TA will be able to assist them.  Students will be able to move about the classroom, but their home base will be at their desk.  Teachers and students will be able to work in literacy centers and participate in reading groups.  They will be able to get up to interact, but we will be supporting mask-wearing at all times, the washing of hands or hand sanitizing regularly, and social distancing.

They will be able to work in teams, but we will be mindful of the need to socially distance.  Teamwork may be accomplished with partners who are sitting approximately 3 feet apart, partners at literacy centers for relatively short time periods, or they may be in teams who are formed on Google Meet using their Chromebooks.

Social distancing will be honored in accordance with CDC and Anne Arundel County Department of Health guidelines.  Students desks will be placed apart from one another in the classroom to maximize social distancing of students. To the extent possible, desks will be placed 3 feet apart from one another.

When students travel to and from lunch, cultural arts, and recess, students will be socially distanced and will be masked.

During the 2020-21 school year, we had a suite of 14 Future Planning Committees (FPCs) with stakeholders from AACPS staff, students, parents, and our partner organizations working on all aspects surrounding the reopening schools, including the importance of social distancing to support student well-being and safety.  Their work has been reviewed and edited accordingly to serve the needs of students returning to school in the fall of 2021.

NOTE: The 14 Future Planning Committees (FPCs) are divided into three areas.  The FPCs’ focus areas are:

Whole Child

• Equity
• Academics
• Student Services
• Special Education
• Co-Curriculars-Athletics-Performing Arts
• Instructional Data & Instructional Technology

Infrastructure

• Human Resources & Employee Relations
• Safety & Security
• Facilities
• Technology
• Food, Nutrition Services & Transportation
• Communications

Community

• Child Care
• Community Partnerships