While PGCPS is working hard to overcome its staff shortage, Prince George's County Schools will lift the mandatory mask mandate, and become "mask optional" on September 6. Prince Georges County schools initially transitioned to a mask-optional policy in July. Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! I have known people who have taught in PG county and who are traumatized by the upper administration. The school system had kept the mandate in place and was not planning to lift it until the countys vaccination rate reached 80 percent, system leaders said previously. American students test scores have even plummeted to levels unseen for decades. UPPER MARLBORO, Md. American students test scores have even plummeted to levels unseen for decades. D.C. Public Schools new reading curriculum is designed to help improve literacy among the citys youngest readers. The PGCPS website recently notified parents that masking is now required of Prince Georges County Public Schools (PGCPS) students and employees. Some children who are learning English have struggled to keep up in classrooms because the masks prevent them from seeing their instructors mouths form words. Marshals Service involved in fatal shooting in Southeast DC, Southeast triple shooting suspect identified by police. DMV news: Most of Prince Georges students are scoring below grade level on district tests. 2023 WTOP. PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD Face masks must be worn in all schools and district buildings within Prince George's County Public Schools starting Aug. 15. Prince Georges County school system will end its mask mandate Sept. 6. On July 1, PGCPS announced it was lifting its mask mandate in public schools. School system CEO Monica Goldson announced the policy change in a newsletter to parents Monday evening, at the end of the first day of school. Joinhere! The AFRO knows what its like to endure challenging times. the county announced plans to reinstate its indoor mask mandate, initially transitioned to a mask-optional policy in July, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prince Georges Co. council votes to temporarily cap rent hikes at 3%, Millions invested into Blue Line corridor by Prince Georges Co. developers, Cardinal Gregory meets with descendants of slaves buried on Bowie church hillside, Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy, Virginia state superintendent Jillian Balow announces resignation, Maryland food bank braces for more hungry mouths after emergency benefits are reduced. Using This Site. Prince Georges has taken the most cautious approach to combating the virus among school systems across the D.C. region. In a poll of its members a few weeks ago, she said, around 60% favored the return of a mask mandate. For Read Across America Week, check out our many resources that encourage a love of reading. 6, Residents Budget Hearing For FY2024 Cycle Will Be March 13, 3 Bowie Area New Open Houses Coming Up Soon. 5425 Wisconsin Ave In a tweet on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, called . Communicating the official change in policy has not been entirely consistent. 5425 Wisconsin Ave Accessibility. It states the system was lifting its mask mandate an announcement that has not been clear to many parents. NEWS ALERT: California board denies parole for Robert F. Kennedy assassin Sirhan Sirhan, Alejandro Alvarez | [email protected]. All staff, students and families are encouraged to support personal decisions on mask-wearing. <> Regardless, Goldson said, were not going to put any pressure on anyone who wants to keep their mask on.. When responding to public health threats like COVID-19, Maryland school districts have the flexibility to determine mask-wearing policies," the school district posted on Facebook. WTOP has obtained a short. Site Map. ,;=d!DEJ\0 Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. Highlighting Kenmoor Middle School counselor Dr. William Clay and Heather Hills Elementary School counselor Monique Bartley, NBCT, Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan, 7:00 PM WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM. Maryland did not reimplement a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic, but some jurisdictions took precautions. Prince Georges, Montgomery, D.C. schools begin a new year. The change in policy was listed among other items about the upcoming school year, including immunizations, online learning and fall class registration. The county was severely affected by the virus, with the second-most reported deaths in Maryland. 1140 3rd St., 2nd Flr, NE Prince George's County Public School (PGCPS) will continue to mandate mask-wearing for all students, teachers and staff, regardless of . Numerous other parents posted in that same Facebook thread that they will be sending their students to school without masks. 31pCMS_DO` }kam~x1J`v3T`m(EAv>}uDIE -,0 WTOPs John Domen contributed to this report. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the schools student newspaper. This year, when the omicron variant hit regional schools hard, Prince Georges chose to extend its winter break beyond any other school systems to slow the spread of the virus. PGCPS had transitioned to a mask-optional policy in July, the first time it had dropped mandatory masking since the onset of the pandemic. WTOP was the first to report on the policy change. Bradley Beal hits season high as Wizards fight to the finish in Atlanta, For Ovechkin in winter, a deadline sell-off makes sense this spring, Commanders cut Carson Wentz and Bobby McCain, clearing cap space, coronavirus booster shots are now available for children as young as 5, 10.5 million children have lost one or both parents, students test scores have even plummeted, ACT and SAT testing have rebounded modestly, Prince Georges students are scoring below grade level, D.C. Public Schools new reading curriculum. Prince George's County school system will end its mask mandate Sept. 6. Alejandro Alvarez joined WTOP as a digital journalist and editor in June 2018. Joinhere! ACT and SAT testing have rebounded modestly since the massive disruptions early in the coronavirus pandemic, and many colleges are also easing mask rules. In schools with a COVID-19 outbreak, students and staff identified as close contacts of a positive case must quarantine, regardless of vaccination status or the presence of symptoms. ACT and SAT testing have rebounded modestly since the massive disruptions early in the coronavirus pandemic, and many colleges are also easing mask rules. Students can now benefit from free virtual medical visits with Hazel Health! The same day, the system also published its policy change on their website. Juanita Miller, chair of the countys school board, directed questions about the new policy to CEO Monica Goldson, who is in charge of day-to-day operations for the school system. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if the facilities are not prepared for students. Related: CDC Eases COVID Restrictions: What Remains In Maryland. PGCPS will continue to make health and safety decisions in consultation with health experts. Fast, informative and written just for locals. School officials indicate they reserve the right to change the masking mandate at any time. 1 0 obj All rights reserved. Prince George's County Public Schools CEO Monica Goldson said she expects students to be required to wear masks at her schools until COVID-19 "no longer exists," WTOP reported Monday. Masks will be required inside Prince George's County Public Schools again starting Monday, Aug . Read More Questions? The new policy notes that mask-wearing rules could change based on guidance from local or state health officials, or if there is additional guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prince Georges County Public Schools in Maryland will end its indoor mask mandate next week, CEO Monica Goldson said in a note to the school community. The vaccination rate in the county for residents 5 and older is 81.5 percent, according to state health department data. 1 of 2. WTOPs John Domen contributed to this report. The guidelines for those who test positive remain unchanged. Students will return to school in Prince George's County on August 29. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Aug. 11 is no longer recommending people quarantine when exposed to someone with COVID-19, and is also dropping its guidance for people to stay 6 feet apart. The county has the lowest transmission rate in Maryland at 44.98 . This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The decision comes as some school systems have considered reviving their mask mandates as coronavirus variants have led to rising case numbers. Earlier this month, the county announced plans to reinstate its indoor mask mandate,noting the high transmissibility of the omicron subvariant. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Prince Georges County infection rates throughout the pandemic have been consistently among the highest rates in Maryland. Heres what you should know. The AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found. PGCPS continuera prendre des dcisions en matire de sant et de scurit en consultation avec des experts de la sant. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. Fast, informative and written just for locals. The school system said it made the decision to require masks at the start of the year based on a recommendation from county health officials. Get The 7 DMV newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning. Great stories teach, transport and transform! UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - Schools in Prince George's County will be bringing back its masks requirements starting Monday, August 15 due to spreading coronavirus cases, according to schools officials. Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member subscribers are now members! On July 7, PGCPS also announced the new policy within an email newsletter to parents. On Tuesday, the Prince Georges County website still stated masks are required on public transportation, in public schools, and in businesses that choose to require them., The state of Maryland says 81.5% of residents 5 and older in Prince Georges County are considered fully vaccinated.. Prince Georges County is the only D.C.-area jurisdiction that had a mask mandate on the first day of classes. Donna Christy, president of Prince Georges County Educators, said Prince Georges County teachers are supportive of returning to a mask mandate if infection rates require it. Deadline to submit application is Friday, March 10, 2023. Learn about the latest metrics from our county, building closures and more. Many of the conspiracy theories contradict each other and the findings in the Energy Department report. Uline Arena Building Prince George's County is the only D.C.-area jurisdiction that had a mask mandate on the first day of classes. 233 E. Redwood Street Suite 600G The Centers for Disease Control rate of transmission for the BA.5 variant indicates that the county is experiencing a low rate of transmission, but the rate was designated as high when the decision was made for PGCPS to restart the masking policy. The mandate extends to all indoor public locations at all. PG county officials, focus your attention on making our schools better and stop putting distractions like a mask mandate," Abrams continued. Soldier. Although the city's mask mandate was lifted on March 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser did not lift the school mask mandate for public and private schools. When the school year ended in late June, students and staff were still required to wear a mask inside all school buildings. Neighboring Montgomery County, Maryland, dropped its mask mandate in public schools back in March after a unanimous vote by its school board. endobj In light of the highly contagious COVID-19 BA.5 variant, Prince Georges County Public Schools (PGCPS) will return to a mandatory mask policy in all schools and facilities until further notice, effective on Aug. 15, according to the website. School officials announced the decision on Facebook Friday. John started working at WTOP in 2016 after having grown up in Maryland listening to the station as a child. Tous les membres du personnel, les lves et les familles sont encourags soutenir les dcisions personnelles concernant le port du masque. Prince George's schools where the last in the region to drop their mask mandate in July. Prince George's County Public Schools PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD Face masks must be worn in all schools and district buildings . While the school district turned the commenting feature off on its Facebook post announcing the switch back to mandatory face masks, others posted their unhappiness with the decision elsewhere on the school's social media account. Prince George's County school system will end its mask mandate Sept. 6. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has re-instituted a mask mandate for the county starting Sunday August 8. Quick Links. Higher education: College and university enrollment is nowhere near pandemic level, experts worry. Report a Website Problem /QuickLinks.aspx. May 12: Health Department Recommends Voluntary Mask-Wearing in Indoor Public Places March 16: County Updates COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Locations February 25: County to Lift Indoor Mask Mandate Lift (PDF) / Spanish (PDF) February 18: COVID-19 Vaccination Update February 8: COVID-19 Vaccination Update / Spanish (PDF) Now they're the first to bring it back. WTOP has obtained a short email, dated July 1, that PGCPS sent to teachers and staff. Con la disminucin de las tasas de positividad de la COVID-19 a nivel local, la Dra. Prince Georges County public schools are requiring masks again ahead of the new academic year, citing the spread of a highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron subvariant. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. Prince George's County Public Schools announced Friday that masks will once again be mandatory at all schools and facilities starting on Monday. The new policy for Prince Georges went into effect July 1. The mandatory mask-wearing policy was put back in place due to the "highly contagious BA variant 5 COVID-19," the district said, and is a change from its mask-optional policy that took effect July 1. 3 0 obj To date, more than 10.5 million children have lost one or both parents or caregivers during the coronavirus pandemic. Prince Georges schools will be mask-optional for 2022-2023. (veradavidovacuz/unsplash), AFRO endorsements for the 2022 midterm elections, A time to dance: Rev. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. The email stated: Effective immediately, all PGCPS schools and facilities will be mask optional. Prince George's County is the only D.C.-area jurisdiction that had a mask mandate on the first day of classes. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019. . 9:15 PM, PGCPS tops all Maryland districts in total number of green schools certifications, 10 schools under construction or to be delivered in next 4 years, Prince George's County Public Schools Goldson has previously said she exercises an abundance of caution when making decisions about coronavirus protocols. READ MORE: Prince George's County recommending mask-wearing in indoor public places as COVID-19 cases rise. % This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The community levels are determined by the number of hospital beds being used by covid-19 patients, the level of covid-19 hospital admissions and the total number of new cases in an area. PGCPS continuar tomando decisiones relacionadas con la salud y la seguridad en consulta con los expertos en el rea de la salud. (7News) Prince George's County will lift its indoor mask mandate Monday, Feb. 28, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Friday. In a newsletter highlighting moments from the first day of school across the county, Marylands second-largest school system said it plans to implement a mask-optional policy beginning Sept. 6. 2 0 obj Wearing a mask is optional for students in Montgomery County. By NBC Washington Staff Published August 12, 2022 Updated on August 15, 2022 at 11:22 am. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. $50K Reward Offered For Information In Men's Shooting Death: Police, Teen, D.C. Man Fatally Shot In Separate Cases: Prince George's Police, $769M In Investments Popping Up Along Blue Line Corridor, Masterworks IV: Mahler's "Tragic" Symphony No. As for the schools, the. Guidelines from the CDC recommend that schools enforce universal masking when virus levels are high, although most school districts across the country have abandoned masking requirements. Prince George's County Public Schools the last system in the D.C. area that required students and staff to wear masks lifted that mandate in early July. D.C. Public Schools new reading curriculum is designed to help improve literacy among the citys youngest readers. Officials in Prince George's County have announced that students will start the 2022-2023 school year with masks on. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. Home. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. 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