Letter from Dr. Griffith 7-30-2020

Dear TCPS Families,

I hope you and your family are well.  I want to share with you our plan for returning to instruction this fall and some calendar changes.

This week, the Talbot County Board of Education voted to start the 2020-2021 school year in Phase 1 with virtual learning for all students the first week of school, with the goal to transition into Phase 2 by the second week of school. They also voted to move the school calendar to a September 8th start date for students.  Students will attend school with a phase-in model and all transitions of these phases will be pending the daily evaluation of health statistics with our local Talbot County Health Officer, Dr. Fredia Wadley.

Phase 1: All students will participate in virtual instruction four days per week. TCPS will provide a schedule for each level, lessons will be synchronous, and traditional grading and attendance practices will be in place. Teachers will provide asynchronous instruction one day per week. This is the RED MODEL and will start the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL on SEPTEMBER 8TH.

Phase 2: Priority special population groups will be offered face-to-face instruction some days per week with virtual instruction on the other days. This is the ORANGE MODEL and will start the SECOND WEEK OF SCHOOL on SEPTEMBER 14TH if surveys indicate sufficient participation.

Phase 3: Prekindergarten, kindergarten, Grade 6 and Grade 9 students will be offered face-to-face instruction two days per week on the AA/BB plan.  Virtual learning will take place on off-site school days. This is a transition of the HYBRID YELLOW MODEL which provides time for various groups new to a school setting to get acclimated to the learning environment.  This will start the FIFTH WEEK OF SCHOOL on OCTOBER 5th.

Phase 4: All students in prekindergarten through Grade 12 will be offered face-to-face instruction two days per week on the AA/BB plan. This is also part of the HYBRID YELLOW MODEL.  Virtual learning will take place on off-site school days. This will start the NINTH WEEK OF SCHOOL on NOVEMBER 9TH, WHICH IS THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND QUARTER.

Phase 5: All students in prekindergarten through Grade 12 return to face-to-face instruction five days per week.  This is the GREEN MODEL and this transition will only occur when authorized by the Governor and the Maryland State Department of Education.              
 
So much changed in our world this past March. What did not change was the way TCPS staff handled adversity while still doing what is right for children, and the unwavering commitment of the community to assist us in coming back this fall stronger.  I commend everyone for working with us in planning for recovery, connecting households, and feeding our children throughout the summer. This fall will definitely be different for both students and staff.  I would like to thank all families for your support and vote of confidence in working the plan!
   
The 2020-21 school year may look and feel different, but I am confident that TCPS staff will continue to be the difference for the children we serve.  We must!

Sincerely,
Kelly L. Griffith, Ed.D.
Superintendent