All Baltimore County Students Will Return To In-Person Learning 4 Days A Week Starting Monday
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County Public Schools is reopening its buildings 4-days a week for students in all grade levels on Monday, May 24.
"I feel that the parents and the educators feel more comfortable with the systems to keep everyone safe," said Haley Speight, a parent of two.
Elementary Schools and the County's Separate Day Schools have already returned 4-days a week. This latest decision opens it up to middle and high school students, who have been splitting their week between virtual and in-person instruction.
"It's a continuation of the planning already underway," explained Charles Herndon, a spokesperson with Baltimore County Schools.
"Even though we only have a month left of school, certainly this will afford the opportunity to students that have been looking forward to a 4-day week," Herndon said.
The head of the Baltimore County Teacher's Union told WJZ that her concern is that teachers have not been given very much advanced notice.
"One of the biggest concerns we're hearing about, is the logistical concerns," said Cindy Sexton, with the Union. "Just, how are we going to get those students into their classrooms, which have been set up for 6-feet or 3-feet of social distancing. And, given the quick turnaround, just really three workdays, not knowing who is going to be there on Monday."
Seventh-grade student, Julia Treger, from Ridgely Middle School told WJZ it can be distracting working exclusively online. So, she's excited to be back in person. "I get to see a lot of friends, instead of being split up into different groups," she said.
Baltimore County Schools said it's hoping to reopen 5-days a week in the Fall with as few COVID mitigation efforts as is possible.