UPDATE: Based on waiver approvals from the Maryland State Department of Education, the last day of school for students in Allegany County Public Schools will be Friday, June 12, 2020. For the ACPS Continuity of Learning Plan, the last learning packets will be distributed next week, and principals will notify parents with dates and pick-up times. At the June 9th school board meeting, additional updates on the Continuity of Learning Plan and the ACPS recovery plan will be provided.

UPDATE ON SCHOOL CLOSURES: Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, announced today that all Maryland public schools will remain CLOSED through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. 

ACPS COMMUNITY HOTSPOTS: Allegany County Public Schools is providing community hotspots in community partner locations such as fire departments and churches.  Use the network called “ACPS-Hotspot” to connect.  The password is the ACPS Community Helpdesk number 3018769819.  A captive portal requests your compliance with the Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy and then provides you access to the Internet. As a community hotspot is ready with WiFi access, it will appear in the list to the right with a map showing exact access points. 

These community hotspots enable you to access the Internet easily.  This WiFi is intended for use by ACPS staff, students, and parents for instructional purposes.  All ACPS WiFi traffic is logged and filtered for CIPA compliance.  

The public should remain in their vehicles at all times adhering to  social distancing mandates as set forth by Governor Hogan. 

Published 5/21/20

Dear ACPS Graduating Class of 2020:

You entered your senior year anticipating challenges to overcome and milestones to experience. You knew you would need to study hard to earn good grades, and you looked forward to participating in clubs, extracurricular activities, and sports with your friends. You envisioned celebrating at your senior prom and, more importantly, at your graduation ceremony. None of us imagined we would be facing a worldwide pandemic and the disruption it has caused to everyday life. Despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, I promise every effort will be made to provide   you with the formal recognition you deserve as a graduate of Allegany County Public Schools. Class of 2020, your experience has been interrupted, but the finish line is still in sight.

One of our school district’s goals is that our students are college and career ready when they graduate from high school. Our teachers, administrators, and staff are dedicated to your success. You have proven you are ready, and we are going to do everything in our power to help you reach the finish line. I am proud of the determination and resolve you have demonstrated during these unpredictable and difficult times. I admire your ability to face adversity and keep moving forward. While it may not be the senior year ending that you had dreamed, you will still reap the rewards by meeting graduation requirements through the Continuity of Learning. Stay focused, stay positive, and be ready for your next chapter. Your administrators and I have heard your request to walk for your graduation and that a virtual ceremony is not desired. Although it is not possible to have a traditional graduation ceremony, we have developed a plan to make this special time in your life as normal as possible. As long as conditions allow, we are happy to announce that you will have the opportunity to walk for your graduation! Details are listed below.

In closing, Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.” These last few months have proven who you are and what you can overcome. Rise up and prepare for better days ahead.

With Anticipated Congratulations, 

Mr. Jeffrey S. Blank, Interim Superintendent of Schools

2020 GRADUATION/CERTIFICATION CEREMONY PROCEDURES

If conditions allow, the following steps will take place. If conditions do not allow, step fourteen (14) will be followed.

1. Diplomas and certificates will be arranged for distribution from your school administrator. This will take place the week of May 18th. At that time, students will confirm their participation in the ceremonies. Please bring your diploma to your graduation ceremony. Center for Career and Technical Education students, please bring your certificates to your ceremony.
2. The graduation/certification ceremonies will take place on the originally scheduled dates: Center for Career and Technical Education (gowns only) - May 21, 2020; Mountain Ridge High School - May 26, 2020; Allegany High School - May 27, 2020; and Fort Hill High School - May 28, 2020.
3. The ceremony will take place outside of your school. Each graduate will be permitted one (1) car only.
4. The ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
5. With the help of our school safety employees, the graduate will be informed when it is your turn to exit your car with your diploma and instructed to walk to an area that is designed to maintain appropriate distance.
6. No one else will be permitted to leave their vehicle.
7. Your family will be directed to move their car to the front area of the stage to observe and celebrate your graduation.
8. Your name will be called, and you will walk to our outside stage and stand between your principal and me for your graduation picture to be taken by a professional photographer. With the help of the maintenance department, we have designed a stage with glass partitions which will create appropriate barriers. You will already have your diploma with you; unfortunately, we will be unable to shake your hand.
9. After the picture, Allegany, Fort Hill, and Mountain Ridge students will move their tassels and walk to another designated area on the other side of the stage.
10. When your group of five or less have completed the graduation walk, your vehicle will be dismissed to pick you up so the next group may move forward.
11. We are prepared to use canopies in order to shield us from weather (sun or rain).
12. Your school administrator will provide you with a specific time to arrive at the school throughout the day of your graduation ceremony with the first designated group beginning at 10:00 a.m. When you arrive at the school, our school safety employees will direct you to the location for you to wait your turn. It is recommended that you do not arrive earlier than your designated time to ease traffic flow and avoid causing congested travel areas.
13. All ceremonies will be optional for our graduates.
14. A virtual video tribute will be available the night of each ceremony. This video will include your principal’s welcome, every graduate's name and picture, and a message from those seniors chosen to give a message to their classmates.

* ACPS will premiere a video prior to all ceremonies and graduations to recognize students who are receiving awards and scholarships, similar to school accolades/awards banquets. Students will be notified in advance by their administrators if they will be receiving an award or scholarship and will be featured in this video.

Published 5/12/20

ACPS WIFI ACCESS IN PARKING LOTS: Allegany County Public Schools is providing an Internet connection that is accessible from your vehicle in parking lots at our schools.  Starting Friday, May 8, 2020, ACPS will provide external WiFi access in several locations. Please monitor the ACPS crisis management website periodically for these school locations.

Please use the network called “ACPS-ENT” to connect.  USER ID is “hotspot” and the PASSWORD is “acps”.

The parking lot WiFi capability enables you to access the Internet easily.  This WiFi is intended for use by ACPS staff, students, and parents for instructional purposes.  All ACPS WiFi traffic is logged and filtered for CIPA compliance.  Additionally, all exterior areas of the school campus are subject to video recording.

The public should remain in their vehicles at all times adhering to social distancing mandates as set forth by Governor Hogan.

Published 5/8/20

ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS: As you know, Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, announced on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, that all Maryland public schools will remain CLOSED through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. 

ONLINE LEARNING/LEARNING PACKETS UPDATE: Please know that the online learning materials (for May 4th-15th and through the end of the school year) may contain new learning in some of the content areas, and the learning packets will also have new learning in some of the content areas to match the online learning. This new learning is allowed per the MSDE if it addresses the Continuity of Learning directions, which were identified to be the most critical standards students need to have in preparation for their next course in a sequence.  Supervisors are working with their content teams to determine how this new learning will be accomplished.  They have been given some flexibility in the number of pages allowed and they are working with their teachers on providing clear instructions for parents/students, as well as guided instruction to the extent possible. If a parent has a specific content area question or needs assistance, he/she should contact his/her child's teacher during a scheduled office hour or via email. A parent may also choose to contact a content supervisor via email for any questions or clarification needed.  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

GRADING UPDATE FOR GRADES K-11: School districts are permitted to make local decisions about grades.  Some districts are selecting a Pass-Fail (P-) or Pass-Incomplete (P-I) option.  The ACPS is electing to award grades.  In some cases it may be necessary to award an incomplete (I) to a student in grades K-11 in the short term if the student DID NOT participate in any form of online learning or pick up a learning packet. However, students will be given the opportunity to complete the work if they are given an Incomplete. In addition, ACPS will release their grade reporting information for grades K-11 as soon as the MSDE provides feedback that it has been approved. 

Students who are enrolled in advanced courses such as Honors, AP, and early college will earn the weighted grades/credits as normal.

UPDATE FOR SENIORS: Principals and teachers received the grading requirements for the 4^th marking period and the grading window timeline for seniors. Seniors will conclude the continuity of learning via the online platform or learning packets on Friday, May 15, 2020. Online assignments are due before midnight on Sunday, May 17, 2020. Currently, the MSDE is still NOT allowing the collection of learning packets. Parents are encouraged to photograph the weekly graded assignments from the learning packets and send the photographs to the teacher or principal via email. Please make sure that the student’s name and school are visible in the photographs. Any parent of a SENIOR who is unable to photograph and send the weekly graded assignments via the learning packets should contact the school principal no later than Monday, May 18, 2020.  Principals will be contacting seniors regarding pick up for yearbooks and graduation materials. Information will be forthcoming regarding graduation plans.

Parents are reminded to consider completing the survey about online learning. The survey will close on Friday, May 8, 2020. Click here to complete the survey.

UPDATE FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-11: As previously reported, the ACPS has submitted a waiver to the MSDE to waive five (5) school days for students per the direction of the MSDE. Once the waiver has been approved, information on the last school day for students will announced.

The ACPS submitted the Continuity of Learning Plan to the MSDE.  The plan contained seven required sections, including grading and accountability. The MSDE plans to review each plan and provide feedback, as needed.  The ACPS, in coordination with the MSDE, will continue to provide more information about the continuity of learning, grading, and the final grade-reporting window over the next few weeks.

Additionally, the MSDE will be providing guidance to school districts for a recovery plan that will help districts determine how to move forward with the collection and/or distribution of items. More information will be forthcoming as plans are finalized and guidance and approval is received from MSDE.

Published 5/7/20

UPDATE ON SCHOOL CLOSURES: Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, announced today that all Maryland public schools will remain CLOSED through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. 

Published 5/6/20

ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: The closure of all schools in Maryland that began on March 13, 2020, through the current time period continues to be unprecedented for all of us. The coronavirus pandemic and resulting quarantine have changed our daily lives in so many ways.  We recognize the hardships that the school closures and this crisis have caused you and your family. Over the past few weeks, we have been working to provide students with access to technology and individual hotspots, as well as to provide Internet connection via external WiFi access points.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through these uncharted roads together. Many of you have taken the opportunity to send emails or leave phone messages regarding the online learning.

Parents and guardians are asked to click here to complete a voluntary survey that will give you the opportunity to provide additional information. The intent of the survey is to gather information to improve our consistency and delivery of online services. While the survey is voluntary, I encourage you to complete it.  It will take about 15-20 minutes to complete unless you have a lot of feedback to provide. The survey will be open through May 8, 2020. 

You and your family matter to us. If you need assistance from the "Help Desk," send an email to: ITHelpdesk@acpsmd.org.   If you need to contact a school counselor or a school-based administrator, use this link to find the contact information: https://www.acpsmd.org/domain/82.

May you and your family continue to be healthy, strong, and well.

Sincerely,

Kim Kalbaugh, ACPS Chief Academic Officer

Published 5/4/20

SERVICE-LEARNING CREDIT REMINDER: The deadline for seniors who are working towards earning the service-learning elective credit is May 8, 2020. Students can email the forms to Kara Kennell at kara.kennell@acpsmd.org or they can be emailed to your school's service-learning coordinator or guidance counselor.

Published 4/29/20

ATTENTION STUDENT ATHLETES: The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), after careful review and consultation with the Maryland State Board of Education and the Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, is officially announcing the cancellation of all MPSSAA events for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  This includes the remainder of the 2020 Boys and Girls Basketball State Championships and all spring sports, as well as spring State Championships.  The MPSSAA will in turn begin focusing all efforts on aligning the return of interscholastic athletics with the Maryland Strong Road Map to Recovery and the multi-phased approach within each stage of the recovery. 

The MPSSAA has also cancelled its Student-Athlete Leadership Conference and the Minds in Motion Scholarship banquet.  The MPSSAA will continue to honor senior scholarship winners through its Minds in Motion Scholarship program and will announce each of the $1,000 scholarship winners online in the coming weeks. 

With this announcement, the MPSSAA wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude and admiration to all of our member schools’ graduating seniors, underclassmen, coaches, administrators, and extracurricular athletic and activity sponsors who have dedicated countless hours to these programs.  The MPSSAA and the Maryland State Department of Education, share your collective desire for the return of these highly beneficial educational programs when it is safe for all school communities.     

Published 4/28/20

REMINDER: The next learning packet distribution, for those who requested them, is scheduled for the week of April 27, 2020. Principals will send out school messages to let parents know their pick up dates and times. Please be reminded that schools are unable to collect completed learning packets per the direction of the State Superintendent of Schools. Thank you for your continued cooperation. Stay safe!

Published 4/20/20

UPDATE: Dr. Karen Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, announced today that all Maryland public schools will remain CLOSED until May 15, 2020.

ACPS will reclaim Tuesday, April 28, 2020, as a make-up day. Schools and offices were originally scheduled to be closed for Election Day. Teachers and students will continue with the continuity of learning on April 28th through online learning platforms and with learning packets.

Published 4/17/20

ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:

ACPS encourages and highly recommends that parents wear masks/cloth face coverings during meal and/or packet pickups to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus.  In a recommendation released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity, and they would recommend wearing a mask or cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. 

The recommendation is less about preventing the wearer from contracting the coronavirus themselves than it is about limiting asymptomatic people from unknowingly spreading the disease. Wearing cloth masks, the CDC said, could “help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”

Published 4/17/20

ATTENTION SENIORS: 

College Signing Day is an opportunity to celebrate students committing to pursue their education beyond high school, whether to obtain a two-year degree, a four-year degree, a certificate or industry-recognized credential, as well as students entering the military.

Traditionally, schools celebrate seniors' decisions on their postsecondary option they will attend in the fall in May. Under the current circumstances, in-person signing day celebrations are not allowed; however, ACPS would like to utilize social media as a way to highlight students and their accomplishments.

We are asking our students to share photos of themselves wearing college gear and holding signs to celebrate their postsecondary decision to post to the ACPS Facebook and Twitter pages. Photos can be emailed to the ACPS Public Information Officer, Mia Cross, atmia.cross@acpsmd.org. 

Published 4/16/20

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRESS REPORTS UPDATE: Due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in the pre-kindergarten programs will not receive progress reports for the second semester of the 2019-2020 school year.  Teachers will continue to communicate with families and provide feedback through their online platforms (Class Dojo, SeeSaw, etc.) and/or phone calls. If parents have questions regarding their child’s progress, they can contact their child’s teacher through email (see ACPS Directory), the teacher’s online platform, or by contacting the home school office and leaving a message for the teacher.  Students with IEPs will continue to receive quarterly progress reports related to their IEP goals.   

Published 4/14/20

School Counselor & Mental Health Support Services

ACPS is offering a continuity of mental health support services. All staff members have regular hours during the normal school day. If you need to contact your child’s school counselor, mental health counselor, pupil personnel worker, school psychologist, or behavior specialist, you may email them directly. There are resources available on the ACPS website as well as the online platform for your child’s school. If you do not have access to email and need to get in touch with any of the service providers, you should call the school. The school staff will give the message to the school counselor, mental health counselor, pupil personnel worker, school psychologist, or behavior specialist who will call you back.

If your child has been receiving any services at school, the service provider will be contacting you and your child. If possible, please answer your phone or set up your voicemail so that the service provider can leave you a message with further information. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

We recognize that this may be a very challenging time for students and families. Feelings of worry and anxiety are common for us all in times of crisis. We are here for you. If you need someone to talk to, please contact your school and a counselor will be happy to get in touch with you.

If anyone in your home is having a crisis you should contact the national suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255. There is also a national text line, advertised as follows: "Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. We’re here to help."

If you have any additional questions, please call your school. The safety and well-being of ACPS families are our most important considerations.

Published 4/8/20
 

Dear Parents and Guardians of ACPS Students:

On behalf of the entire ACPS educational team, please know that we understand how confusing and frightening the past weeks have been for you and your child(ren). The closure of all Maryland public schools, that began on March 13, 2020, through the current time period, is unprecedented for all of us. We recognize the hardships that the school closures and this crisis have caused you and your family, and we are here to provide help and support for you and your child(ren). We are also here to answer your questions to the best of our ability during this crisis. We understand that there will to be concerns about Internet connection or the lack of Internet connection, access to technology, and a variety of other issues which can lead to feelings of frustration, stress, and helplessness.

For parents of our high school students, we understand your anxieties and fears about meeting graduation requirements, earning credits, losing athletic seasons, extracurricular activities, and senior events such as prom and graduation. This is a challenging time, and these concerns are weighing heavily on your minds. We are working very hard to problem solve and to come up with solutions to numerous issues caused by this pandemic, while still adhering to all of the orders provided by the state health department and the government.

Please know that the direction and guidance that we receive from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Governor Hogan can change very rapidly. ACPS, as well as every other school district in the State, was asked to determine a Continuity of Learning Plan. Our plan, like other districts, involves both online learning and learning packets for those without Internet connectivity and/or technology. Online learning officially begins this week (April 6th). School principals and members of their staff are assembling these learning packets for distribution after Easter break. Parents who reserved learning packets for their child(ren) will be notified of the pick-up date and times via a school-level phone message. We are requesting that you do not call the school regarding a pick-up date/times as schools are experiencing a high volume of phone calls.

Last week, Dr. Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, announced that while schools may distribute learning packets, using safety precautions in their preparation and distribution, schools may not collect learning packets once they are completed for health and safety reasons. Parents will need to maintain the completed packets until we receive additional guidance from the MSDE. Please know that we are required to follow the guidance of the MSDE. Several of our parents and guardians reserved learning packets because it seemed like an easier alternative to online learning. I encourage parents to reconsider and use the online learning platform if you have Internet connectivity and technology at your home. Our administrators, teachers, and support services through the IT Help Desks are here to assist and support you.

As you and your child(ren) navigate through online learning or learning packets, please be reminded that your child(ren) will need breaks during the day for play and relaxation. Students are not expected to work full days as they do within a regular school day. At most, students should be involved in their learning one to two hours per day, unless a student is enrolled in Advanced Placement Courses and/or Early College. These lessons may certainly take longer to complete. We know that many of you are working from home and need to use the technology for your business or work. Creating a daily schedule may help alleviate unnecessary stress. We understand that each student and his/her family have different capabilities and situations. Using technology will get easier. Everyone has a learning curve. You can do this. We are here to help. Please update teachers if you and/or your child is having difficulty. Teachers will have identified office hours to help and support students, which will be posted on the online platform. You may call the school regarding a teacher’s office hours.

In addition, our school counselors and other mental health service providers are working to provide their services through teleconferences and phone calls. Information on these services will be forthcoming. We recognize that the outbreak of the coronavirus disease may be very stressful. Fear and anxiety about the disease can be overwhelming to our parents and students. We want to help our students cope with the stressors that they may have. The ability to cope with stress will make you, your child(ren), the people you care about, and our community stronger.

We appreciate you. Thank you for your kindness, patience, and understanding as we navigate through these uncharted roads together. You and your family matter to us, and we will do our very best to help you during this crisis. We are better and stronger when we work together. May you and your family have continued health and wellness, and may you be strengthened to meet daily challenges.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kim Kalbaugh, ACPS Chief Academic Officer

Published 4/6/20

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.