LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) announced Friday that the county’s schools will be returning to a sense of normalcy in their operations next year. In a letter to parents and staff, Superintendent James Scott Smith wrote that normal operations would begin this summer.
Next year, SMCPS will be returning to a normal schedule with in-person instruction each day. SMCPS is also offering a fully virtual learning environment for grades 3-12.
This comes after Governor Larry Hogan announced on June 15, the COVID-19 State of Emergency would be ending in Maryland. The ending of the State of Emergency brings an end to requirements for face coverings, social distancing, and limits on group gatherings. All emergency mandates and restrictions will end as of July 1.
The letter sent to SMCPS parents and staff emphasized that the schools would still prioritize a clean and healthy environment. SMCPS said that hand sanitizer would be readily available and that they encouraged people to wash their hands.
Most notably, SMCPS ended the mask requirement but stated that anyone who wants to wear one can and that disposable masks would be available at the schools. The superintendent wrote, “For students in the programs, this may be the first time for students and staff to see each other’s smiles in over a year.”
The letter also addressed concerns about transitioning back into the more normal learning environment. In addressing this, the superintendent wrote, “This will be exciting for many, while others may be nervous or anxious about the return to normal operations. Our focus will be on creating welcoming and understanding environments to help everyone through this transition.”
Schools will open on August 30 for students.
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