Baltimore County Public Schools plan to begin the fall semester with virtual learning. According to a draft of the plan approved by the Board of Education the school year will start on September 8 and there will be virtual instruction through at least the end of the first semester. Schools will keep a bell schedule and the amount of teacher instruction will increase from last year. In addition, traditional grading will be used and attendance will be taken daily. The Board says increasing coronavirus rates and challenges to safely implement in-person or hybrid learning led to the decision for distance learning. There may be a move to hybrid learning when it is safe to do so.
Baltimore City Public Schools will begin the year online. The district said the hybrid in-person option is being delayed until later in the fall. The district is also looking to have the first day of school be moved to September 8th. The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners has to approve that move.
Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Walden Universityis stepping up to help Baltimore children in need with heir distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic. The school donated tablets and 80 backpacks filled with food and hygiene products to children in need. In all, 650 devices were distributed to PreK-8th grade students. In addition, 300 custom learning kits were sent to PreK-2nd grade students.
Looks like computers, laptops and Chromebooks will be at the top of school shopping lists in Anne Arundel County. Superintendent Dr. George Arlotto made the announcement yesterday after conversations with health officials, school employees, and students. The school district says they are working around the clock to ensure that every student has a Chromebook and every teacher has a laptop for the robust instruction that they are vowing to provide. A board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. where administrators will have more details on the fall plans. Dr. Arlotto said that the online learning will be in place for at least the first semester of the school year.