SMCPS Update 3

Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning. This is not our normal way of doing business, so there are many questions. We will provide ongoing updates for these questions.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced that all Maryland public schools will remain closed through Friday, May 15, 2020. The SMCPS Calendar has been modified and April 27 and 28 are days when school is "in session" for the continuity of learning. SMCPS will continue our Continuity of Learning Plan through the online learning platforms. Additional information about connecting to the online resources, as well as troubleshooting guidance, is posted at www.smcps.org/dci/online.

The Department of Student Services has prepared guidance and suggestions for families in working with students and supporting them during this period of extended school closure. This document includes suggestions for managing behavior and attention issues, as well as academic coaching tips.

During this time of distance learning, scheduling for next year’s classes will be done electronically. A form was sent to sent via email to parents of students in Grades 5-8 which allows students to select their preferred course electives for the 2020-2021 school year. We are asking that these surveys be completed and submitted by May 4, 2020. The students at both Great Mills HS and Chopticon HS were sent surveys to complete for course registration. Leonardtown High School counselors are completing course registrations with their students through email communication.

Wifi Access: Free WiFi access is now available to all students and staff in the parking lots of nine St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS).

• Ridge Elementary
• Evergreen Elementary
• George Washington Carver Elem.
• Dynard Elementary
• Great Mills High
• Chopticon High
• Leonardtown High
• Lettie Marshall Dent Elem.
• Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center

Access is restricted to individuals with an official SMCPS email address. Students and staff can log in with their SMCPS credentials. Visit www.smcps.org for details.

SMCPS continues to offer meals for students, Monday-Friday, at Greenview Knolls Elementary, Leonardtown Elementary, Lexington Park Elementary, and Margaret Brent Middle School from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. Meals will be offered to all children 18 years and younger free of charge. Parents and children can drive up to these locations and receive meals that they can take home during our current school closures. For more information visit our website.

SMCPS is hiring! If you are looking to join our team or know someone who is, please check out our Employment Opportunities page on the SMCPS website.

Census 2020 is underway, and it's important that we make sure our families and communities are counted. The U.S. census — a once in a 10-year count of U.S. residents — determines how and where federal funding will be spent over the next decade. For each person counted in St. Mary's County, we receive more than $18,000 in federal funds, which pay for our schools, public services, and many other programs that directly impact our community. Visit my2020census.gov, or call into 1-844-330-2020. It takes less than 10 minutes for you to fill it out. Will you take the pledge to complete your census form and help spread the word?

Email: webmaster@smcps.org
Website: www.smcps.org
Location: 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-475-5511
Facebook: www.facebook.com/smcps.org
Twitter: @smcps_md