PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Public Schools have plans to return to in-person learning when Winter Break ends on January 3.

CCPS Superintendent Dr. Daniel Curry announced in a letter to parents on December 31 that plans to return after the new year were still on track. The full letter reads:

“Dear CCPS Staff and Families, 

As the holiday break comes to an end and we look forward to the new year ahead of us, we hope that everyone has had time to relax and rest with family and friends, and most of all, we hope that you and your families have remained healthy. As we celebrate the entrance of the new year, it is important to share that Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) will return to school as planned on Monday, January 3, 2022.

While we recognize that COVID-19 positive cases are rising in Calvert County, the decision to open all schools was made after careful consideration and ongoing collaboration with the Calvert County Health Department (CCHD). Our goal continues to be to successfully keep schools open for in-person learning five days per week through the end of the school year.

CCPS will continue to implement the following mitigation measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Masking
Masking continues to be required for all staff members and all students in all Calvert County Public School buildings.

Ventilation
Calvert County continues to monitor ventilation standards, HVAC equipment and air scrubbers to ensure optimal performance.

Distancing to the greatest extent possible
Since we have returned fully, schools have provided distancing to the greatest extent possible. In the next 2-3 weeks, it will be important for school administrators and teachers to continue to be vigilant regarding distancing protocols.

During the winter break, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised quarantine protocols that were subsequently adopted by the CCHD and CCPS. CCPS will continue to record positive cases in our schools and notify the community of positive cases. We ask that families evaluate and communicate illness with their child’s school. Students and staff who are sick should remain at home, get a COVID test, and report the illness to the school nurse and/or their supervisor.

Every positive COVID test will result in a 5-day quarantine period, and individuals must be symptom-free before returning to school or work. Those who must quarantine under the direction of the CCHD, or another agency will also do so for five days. There is no early test-out option, and those who must isolate, or quarantine must also mask in all settings for five days after the conclusion of that initial five- day period.

Students and staff who are healthy and remain asymptomatic will be permitted to attend school provided they consistently and properly wear a face covering and remain symptom free.

We continue to impress on our school community that vaccinations are important. Get vaccinated and get boosted!

Happy New Year,
Daniel D. Curry, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools”