COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: April 23, 2020

The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School Calendar

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) submitted a request for the state superintendent of schools to waive five (5) student days from the required 180-day school year. That request has been approved.

Currently, the last day of school for students is Wednesday, June 10.

This date applies whether students are back in school or distance learning is ongoing.

Distance Learning

The need for students to actively engage in enriching, meaningful learning experiences is important to their future success in education. Researchers are already speculating that the learning loss from these school closures could be significant and long lasting. WCPS teachers will continue to guide instruction, and we hope parents can support daily learning at home.

We recognize families are in the midst of unexpected circumstances. We believe it is also important to support the social-emotional needs of students and be flexible with how and when they learn.

If you have any questions about distance learning, please contact the school principal. Remember to visit the Distance Learning @ WCPS website to find helpful resources that will assist parents and students in making the most of the online learning experience.

While principals continue to work in schools, all WCPS schools and facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. Families may go to schools with meal sites or to pick-up and return learning packets. If visitors need to come to the school for any other reason, they should contact the school principal.

School Counselor Support

The transition from learning in a school setting with teachers and peers to an online learning environment is not easy for all students. School counselors are available to connect with students online or on the phone. Click here to be directed to a list of school counselors by school location with their email address.

Student Grading

As we continue with the implementation of the Distance Learning Plan, teachers will be grading student work. You will soon be able to see your child’s grades on ParentVUE and StudentVUE if you have not already. Please know those grades will be used to calculate fourth marking period grades.

WCPS staff are pleased that your child is participating in distance learning either through online class(es), downloading and uploading assignments, or completing the assignments provided in paper packets. We are focused on being fair to students and encouraging their participation and learning. Due to the ever-changing circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, if there are any changes with the grading process, families will be notified.

WCPS wants to give students every opportunity to make up and complete work before assigning a final grade. More information about this topic will be provided at a later date.

Graduation Requirements

The State develops and implements standards and policy for local school systems across Maryland, including graduation requirements. At their most recent public meeting, the State Board of Education approved several waivers pertaining to graduation requirements:

If you have any questions about these waivers or any graduation requirements, contact the school principal.

Graduation Ceremonies

WCPS is incredibly proud of the Class of 2020, not only for the achievements they have made over the years, but for the resiliency they have shown through this school closure. Although we would prefer to have live graduations, it appears unlikely such large gatherings will be possible. For now, we are still preparing for both live and virtual graduation ceremonies.

Our seniors deserve the best to celebrate their success, and we are prepared to do so under the circumstances.

Currently, the last day of school for seniors is Thursday, May 28.

If graduations occur as an online celebration, they will be held the week of June 1.

Prom

WCPS regrets to announce that all high school proms, including those scheduled after May 15, are cancelled.

This was a difficult decision to make, as we recognize the significance this high school tradition holds for our students, their families, and even our staff.

Students who have already purchased prom tickets will receive a refund. More information about refunds will be sent by individual high schools.

Pre-k and Kindergarten Registration

Pre-k:

For students who will be four years old by September 1, 2020, parents can print the pre-k application and fax or mail the completed form to the fax number or address listed on the application. Families can also make arrangements to pick up a hard copy of the application by calling any elementary school. If this is not possible, WCPS will work closely with families to ensure schools have the necessary information for students to enroll for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. When the application is received and processed, families will receive an enrollment packet in the mail. When complete, please call the school as school staff are prepared to work with parents through a virtual enrollment process.

Kindergarten:

For students who will be five years old by September 1, 2020, parents can begin the process to have their child enrolled in kindergarten. Parents should contact the school where their child will attend and request the enrollment forms. When the forms are completed, parents should contact the school and be prepared to provide other necessary forms. To follow updates on the enrollment process, please visit the Kindergarten Enrollment page.

If you’re unsure which school your child will attend, contact any school principal or enter your address in the WCPS School Locator.

Questions?

If you have questions while schools are closed, please contact the school principal or your child’s teacher. It is recommended to reach principals by email during this time.

General questions about WCPS’ response to the COVID-19 closure can be directed to [email protected]

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Please stay tuned to www.hagerstown.org for the latest information on COVID-19 relief resources, local restaurants that remain open for business, and more!

Upcoming Webinars

Friday, April 24, 10-11:00 a.m.

COVID-19: Update on PPP and the U.S. Chamber’s Path Forward

Hosted by the MD Chamber of Commerce

Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will provide updates on the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including the status of congressional action to replenish the fund. They will also discuss the U.S. Chamber’s recently released “The Path Forward,” an initiative to address how Americans and businesses can return to work safely, successfully and sustainably.

Friday, April 24, 12-1:00 p.m.

Free Webinar by Congressman Trone: “Protecting Yourself Against Coronavirus Scams”

COVID-19 related scams are on the rise. I have heard of many scams in our community, including bad actors who sell fake COVID-19 testing kits, offer the delivery of cleaning supplies, and impersonate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) personnel. These scams occur online, over the phone, or in person. It’s important to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from these scams.

During this webinar, you will learn about how to identify, stop, and report fraudulent activities or scams and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Tuesday, April 28, 11:30 a.m.

Emotional Well-Being and Your Workforce in the Time of COVID-19: Taking Care of Your Employees – Hosted by the MD Chamber of Commerce

Representatives from Kaiser Permanente will discuss how to maintain emotional well-being in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include understanding stress and anxiety and how they impact your workforce, as well as tools and resources to care for your employees.

Thursday, April 30, 11:00 a.m.

FREE Webinar hosted by The Fort Detrick Alliance: “New Challenges & Hurdles for Contractors in the COVID-19 Era”

Learn how to best navigate government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Hear from Jeremy Scholtes, Attorney at Miles and Stockbridge; Jerome Maultsby, Assistant Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at Fort Detrick; and Sara Langdon, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, HQ.

This webinar will be moderated and there will be time for participants to ask questions of the panelists.

This event is open to members and non-members of the Alliance. Please pass along to anyone who might be interested or benefit from this opportunity. The webinar link will be provided to registrants the day before the event. Attendees will be able to video conference or call in depending on preference.

Friday, May 1, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

COVID-19: Economic Outlook and Prospects for Recovery – Hosted by the MD Chamber of Commerce

Join us for a conversation with Tom Barkin, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Mr. Barkin will discuss the Federal Reserve’s recent and unprecedented actions and share his thoughts on the U.S. economy, including what the Richmond Fed is learning through business outreach, and the key components to a successful recovery.

Attention Employers:

Expansion of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Under the New CARES Act

The federal government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which includes an expansion of unemployment insurance benefits for Marylanders. Please read our CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions for more information about benefit eligibility, duration, and amounts.

On Friday, April 24, Labor will be launching a new, one-stop unemployment insurance application to allow Marylanders to file claims for all unemployment programs entirely online. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, and those who were previously required to file by phone like federal employees, members of the military, individuals who have worked in multiple states, and those who have worked for more than 3 employers in the last 18 months.

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor opted into providing ALL three of the expanded unemployment insurance programs offered through the provisions of the CARES Act. For More Information CLICK HERE

Starting Friday, April 24, those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, or have insufficient work history will be able to apply online. To receive an e-mail with additional information and instructions once the new application is ready, please CLICK HERE and scroll to the “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)” section halfway down the page.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

Planning & Code Administration Department (PCAD) Director Kathleen Maher shares a message about what PCAD is doing differently during the Declaration of Civil Emergency to keep development and investment projects moving forward in the City.