DC area school district shifts to remote learning through mid-January due to 'stark rise' in COVID cases

One Washington, D.C. area school district has announced it is shifting to remote learning until mid-January because of a “stark rise” in coronavirus cases.

In an announcement, the Prince George’s County Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Monica Goldson said that the school system will shift to virtual learning starting on Monday, Dec. 20.

“In light of the stark rise in COVID-19 cases throughout our school system, all students will transition to virtual learning, effective Monday, December 20 through Thursday, December 23. Winter Break will proceed as scheduled, Friday, December 24 through Friday, December 31, and virtual learning will continue Monday, January 3 through Friday, January 14,” the announcement said.

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U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona visits Mary Harris “Mother” Jones Elementary School, which is within the Prince George’s County Public Schools. (Credit: Prince George’s County Public Schools)

In-person learning within the school system will resume on Tuesday, January 18. Students in the “K-6 Virtual Learning Program” will return on Jan. 31.

Goldson said that the increased rate of coronavirus cases has challenged the system’s ability to provide in-person classes.

“Educators, administrators and support staff must be able to deliver in-person instruction and other activities in conditions that prioritize their own health, as well as the wellbeing of the school community. The increased positivity rates have significantly challenged the ability to do so, causing anxiety among many school communities and disruption to the school day,” Goldson said.

Goldson added that parents could pick up instructional items for students on Dec. 20.