All Maryland Public Schools are CLOSED through April 24, 2020. 

A MESSAGE TO THE ACPS COMMUNITY FROM THE INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:

As we continue providing enriching educational experiences through the ACPS Continuity of Learning Plan, I wanted to express my appreciation to each of you involved with this new method of learning during the extended school closure.  Our school community consisting of our employees, parents, and students are overcoming hurdles presented by this pandemic and proving that we will move forward.  We will implement a new form of technology and document-based learning.   We will engage our students in meaningful learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom.  We will continue to show our students that we care and are here for them through these challenging times.  It is truly inspiring to see us, as a community, united to do whatever is necessary to overcome.

As you and your students utilize the Continuity of Learning platform, you may also communicate  with your child’s teacher and administrator to answer any questions or to receive assistance with assignments and activities.  The ACPS Continuity of Learning Plan is accessible through the this crisis management website. ACPS has also established an Instructional Technology Help Desk number to offer assistance for computer problems and accessing online instructional resources.  The helpdesk is live from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  If you need assistance outside of these hours, please email ITHelpdesk@acpsmd.org.

During these difficult and unprecedented times, our community has continued to support our students and public school system. Our county always rises to the occasion in times of need, which I have seen consistently as a life-long resident. Please continue to encourage and support one another as we face challenges presented by this pandemic.  Together our community will make a difference.  United we are strong.  Stay Home, Stay Safe. 

Sincerely,

Jeffrey S. Blank
Interim Superintendent of Schools

Published 4/3/20

Attention ACPS Parents/Students. Here are a few friendly reminders from ACPS:

1. If do not have technology and/or Internet access, it is important to call your child’s school to order a learning packet today. If you have already called and reserved a packet, please do not call the school again as they are experiencing a high volume of phone calls.  
2. A district level phone message will be sent when packets are ready for pick up at schools. Please do not call the school about a pickup date/time. That information will be provided by the end of next week.
3. Online learning officially begins this Monday, April 6, 2020. Parents and students need to log onto the appropriate platform on Monday to view all of a student’s classes. If a class is missing, please email the teacher or call the ACPS IT Community Help Desk.
4. For online learning, teachers will release lessons on a weekly basis. Teachers have the discretion to release lessons for the entire week or to release the lessons daily. Student submissions will be due each Sunday by midnight. Students are encouraged to work on the lessons each day.
5. Also, please continue to review the ACPS crisis management website,https://www.acpsmd.org/Page/3146, for information and updates.  

Again, we request that all communication that you have with ACPS employees is respectful. We are better and stronger when we all work together. This is a new process for everyone, but we can get through it together.   Everyone on the ACPS team continues to work diligently to ensure continuity of learning for your child.

Published 4/3/20

ACPS IT Community Help Desk: 301-876-9819

ACPS has established an Instructional Technology Help Desk number to offer assistance for computer problems and accessing online instructional resources. The helpdesk is live from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please email ITHelpdesk@acpsmd.org. If you are on a broadband connected Windows 10 computer, we may ask for remote access to your computer via Microsoft Quick Access.  

Published 4/1/20

ATTENTION ACPS PARENTS AND FAMILIES: 

Online learning will OFFICIALLY begin on April 6, 2020, for those students who have access to technology and Internet connectivity. Teachers will utilize Google Classroom for Grades 3-12 and Class Dojo for Grades PreK-2. We strongly encouraged parents/students to use the online learning platforms that are available if you have technology and connectivity. They are easy to learn and directions will be provided. In addition, an IT Community Help Desk is available for parents and students if there are questions as is a parent’s guide to Google Classroom.

These online learning platforms enhance your child’s connection to his/her teachers. Supplemental activities will also be available within the teacher’s Google Classroom for students who want to extend their learning. Online learning is the preferred method for the continuity of learning if students have Internet connectivity and access to technology.

Please note that with online learning, parents do not need to print documents and materials if their child is using an online classroom platform such as Google Classroom or Dojo. All work and readings will be viewed on the computer, and all work submitted will be directly submitted through the online computer platform to their child's teacher. ACPS encourages parents and students to use the online classroom platforms so that participating in instruction, turning in work, and getting feedback can occur in a timely manner.  Please call the Community Help Desk if you need assistance or support. 

Learning packets will not be available for pick up at schools until the week of April 13^th pending any further restrictions from the Governor or the Maryland State Department of Education. This delay was a result of further restrictions imposed by Governor Hogan. Please do not go to your child’s school until the principal has sent a phone message providing information on the date and time frame to pick up learning packets. In the meantime until learning packets are available, we encourage you to read at home with your child, practice writing or drawing, math and spelling skills, play or make music, create art projects, or just participate in any type of activity at home that will support and enhance learning.

If you will need a learning packet, please remember that you must call your child’s school this week (no later than April 3^rd) and leave a message to reserve a learning packet. Again, please do not reserve a learning packet if your child can access the online learning platform. The online learning platform allows your child to post assignments and receive grades in a timely manner.

Please continue to be patient and understanding as we work through all of these necessary transitions to an online learning platform and learning packets. Keep in mind that we have to adhere to all restrictions required by the Governor and the State Superintendent of Schools.  Again, it is important to note that it is just not possible for teachers to return calls or emails immediately, and we ask that you please accept that communication make take up to 48 hours or longer. Our teachers are working remotely from their homes due to Governor Hogan's Executive Orders and are doing their very best to have everything ready for next week. It is critical that we all work together to get through this very difficult time.

OTHER IMPORTANT UPDATES:

ACPS will reclaim Thursday, April 9, 2020, as a make-up day. Teachers and students will continue with the continuity of learning on April 9^th through online learning platforms and with supplemental work.   ACPS will be CLOSED on Friday, April 10, 2020, through Monday, April 13, 2020, for the Easter break.  Brown bag student meals will not be available on Friday April 10^th or Monday, April 13^th.  

ACPS adjusted the 3^rd marking period to end on March 10^th. Report cards will be posted in Aspen on April 24^th. The Maryland State Department of Education will be providing guidance about grading during the 4th nine weeks and final grades, and they are currently scheduling statewide workgroups to examine grading.  Until ACPS receives guidance from the MSDE, teachers will record grades the same way that they have graded assignments all year long. 

Published 4/1/20

ACPS PARENTS AND FAMILIES: ACPS respectfully asks that you remain patient and understanding with teachers and school administrators during this crisis.  It is just not possible for teachers to return calls or emails immediately, and we ask that you please accept that communication make take up to 48 hours or longer. Our teachers are working remotely from their homes due to Governor Hogan's Executive Orders and are doing their very best to have everything ready for next week. It is critical that we all work together to get through this very difficult time. Thank you. 

Published 3/30/20

A MESSAGE TO ACPS FAMILIES FROM INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: 

Yesterday’s announcement, by Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, to extend the closure of all public schools in Maryland through April 24, 2020, was a necessary action in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The health, safety, and well-being of our employees, students, and families are more important than anything else. 

The announcement gives us an extended date in which to execute our continuity of learning plan. Moving forward, it also leaves many questions unanswered and decisions that will need to be made as we navigate through these unfamiliar and difficult times. Most of the questions, as well as decisions, will be made with guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education.  In the meantime, please take advantage of information provided on the ACPS crisis management website at https://www.acpsmd.org/Page/3146. This information will be updated regularly.

We will provide more information on decisions that impact you and your child(ren) as soon as possible.  Thank you for your patience and support. Please be vigilant in keeping you and your family safe by following the CDC guidelines.    

Sincerely,

Jeffrey S. Blank

Interim Superintendent of Schools

Published 3/26/20 

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS:On Monday, March 30, 2020, ACPS early college students will begin or resume completion of their Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) spring semester college course(s) via an online platform. ACM is requiring this action as a result of the recent closure of ACM and ACPS due to the coronavirus pandemic. Early college students must finish their coursework through the online platform and must obtain a passing grade to earn college credit(s) from ACM. This also includes P-TECH students who are taking a college course(s) through ACM for the spring semester. 

ACPS early college teacher(s) has/have been instructed to contact their students regarding each early college course that he/she is taking during the spring semester. Students are encouraged to please check their ACM email accounts and Brightspace for information from their teacher. If a student does not hear from an early college teacher by Monday, please contact the appropriate ACPS content supervisor listed below:

• Dr. George Brown- Social Studies/Psychology- George.brown@acpsmd.org
• Katie Buskirk- English/Lit/Speech- Kathryn.buskirk@acpsmd.org
• Dr. Steve Thompson- Mathematics/Statistics- Stephen.thompson@acpsmd.org
• Eric VanSlyke- Science- Eric.vanslyke@acpsmd.org
• Melissa Kaye- P-TECH Cybersecurity- Melissa.kaye@acpsmd.org
• Joe Brewer- Computer Science (non P-TECH students)-Joseph.Brewer@acpsmd.org

Students needing assistance regarding course content or anything related to this information should email their early college teacher or contact the content supervisor listed above.

Students without Internet access or a device to complete course work should contact their early college teacher or the content supervisor listed above.

Published 3/25/20

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, has just announced that all Maryland Public Schools will be closed for an additional four weeks through April 24, 2020. Allegany County Public Schools will be adhering to this directive. ACPS has been working on a plan for the continuity of learning, and once the Maryland State Department of Education provides a timeline for the implementation of the continuity of learning plans, it will be communicated to the ACPS staff, parents, and students.   

Published 3/25/20

On behalf of the Allegany County Public School System, please know that the physical, emotional, and mental health of our students remains our top priority. Thanks to everyone for the outpouring of support and offers of help. We continue to work closely with local and state authorities to make sure that we continue to make the best use of all of our resources to best support our students. Please note that the decision to extend this current school closure is not ours to make - we will take our direction from the State. As soon as that guidance has been provided, we will notify parents and the community to ensure transparency and to provide our plan for ensuring the continuity of instruction and a sense of normalcy for students. Please continue to be safe and stay well. 

Published 3/24/20

On, Thursday, March 12, 2020, Dr. Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, closed all Maryland public schools from March 16, 2020, through March 27, 2020. To the extent possible teachers were asked to provide students with assignments or resources that could enhance past and/or current learning during the next two weeks. Content supervisors have also provided information about online resources, which can be found on the school system's website under the Parents and Students tabs here:https://www.acpsmd.org/domain/18.