Return to Learn Update

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) students will begin the 2020-2021 school year with all students in grades pre-k through 12 engaged in distance learning. The Board of Education unanimously agreed to adopt a model of full distance learning beginning August 31, 2020 and continuing until it is safe for students to physically return to school.

WCPS fully understands this decision presents many challenges for our families, particularly for those whose children will require daycare. We hope that knowing this plan now will allow families to prepare for the fall. More specific details regarding the distance learning and school operational plans will be shared with the community as decisions are made.

WCPS appreciates all parents who completed the survey to offer feedback about the upcoming school year. This survey was thoughtfully designed to gather input that will assist us in supporting our students for online or in-person learning. Your feedback is being used as we plan for the fall, and the information will be shared with the community in the future.

The distance learning your children experienced in the spring was implemented as an emergency response to the sudden school closure. This summer, we have many groups of learning community stakeholders who are directing their primary focus to re-invigorate and renew our distance learning strategies. Distance learning this fall will be planned, purposeful, and productive. Teachers will be instructing students in virtual classes from their physical classrooms at school, where they have access to all of their learning materials.

The WCPS operational plan for the 2020-2021 school year will be presented to the Board of Education at the public business meeting on Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m. The plan will also be posted to the WCPS website by August 14, 2020. We are confident we can work together and determine the best ways to navigate another challenging, yet successful, school year.

It continues to be a priority for WCPS to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to promote the health and wellness of the greater Washington County community. We encourage our families to continue social distancing, wear masks in public, limit group gatherings, and wash your hands frequently.

We all look forward to the day when students can safely return to classrooms. Please be assured that in the midst of our distance learning preparations, we will also be monitoring health guidance and best practices so that we will be ready for students to come back to a safe, healthy, learning environment in our schools.