Worcester CountyPublic Schools

There is much speculation across our communities about what is considered an “appropriate” education for the young people of Worcester County.

This is Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. As we head into our spring break, I wanted to share an important update to our Responsible Return 2.0 plan which will go into effect when we return back to school on Tuesday.

I am calling this evening with another update to our Responsible Return 2.0 plan. Last week, we received updated guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Health.

Yesterday evening I contacted you to share that our Responsible Return 2.0 plan has been changed from requiring face coverings to making the wearing of face coverings optional, but strongly recommended, in our schools.

I am calling you this evening to give you an update on the information I shared with you earlier this week. As you know, the State Board of Education voted on Tuesday to repeal the statewide mandated requiring face coverings in school settings.

I am calling you this evening to let you know that the State Board of Education met today to discuss current COVID-19 metrics as well as the statewide face covering mandate.

As I have been able to regularly visit our schools to talk with our school leaders, teachers and staff, and our students, I am so happy to see that while we may not have completely returned to "normal," our classrooms are alive with learning like I have never seen before.

I am sending this message tonight to let you know of some very important changes that have been made to our plan for distance learning should our schools close as a result of inclement weather.

Beginning tomorrow, January 12, several changes to our Responsible Return 2.0 plan will go into effect.

Tonight, I am reaching out to you tonight to let you know that the Board of Education has approved a change to this school year’s calendar.

I am calling tonight to let you know of a change we have made to our Responsible Return 2.0 protocols regarding student quarantine. Following consultation with the Maryland Department of Health and our local health officials, beginning on Monday, November 15, Worcester County Public Schools will add a 7-day modified quarantine option for students who meet specific eligibility requirements.

In our efforts to be fully transparent with our families and community at large, we have established a new COVID-19 dashboard as a part of the Responsible Return 2.0 hub of our website, www.worcesterk12.org.

I wanted to send a brief message to you tonight to express my sincerest thanks for your help and support in making our first two weeks of school so successful.

Since the very beginning of this pandemic, our leaders here in Worcester County Public Schools have been dedicated to making sure our students have the best educational opportunities we can provide. Because of this commitment, we have made every effort to make safe, consistent, in person learning a reality for our students.

Good evening families, this is your Superintendent Lou Taylor, and I have some very important information to share with you in advance of students returning to school next month.