PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Maryland Public Schools to Remain Closed Through May 15 By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill ANNAPOLIS — Maryland schools Superintendent Karen Salmon announced state schools will remain closed through May 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic, as state officials continue to balk at ending the school year like neighboring jurisdictions D.C. and Virginia. The previous date for schools to remain closed until was April 24. “I feel that this is one of those decisions we need to make incrementally to see where we are,” Salmon said during
an April 17 press conference in Annapolis. “We don’t know what’s going to happen and I certainly don’t want to dash the hopes of many children and parents that there might be some other ways to recover school going forward.” Salmon said high school graduation ceremonies are overseen by local superintendents but must adhere to executive orders set by Gov. Larry Hogan. During weekly meetings with superintendents, Salmon said “creative” ideas offered for ceremonies included virtual celebration for high school seniors. “I don’t think that we’re going to be seeing the types of ceremonies at this point that we have in the past,” she said.
Cheryl Bost, president of the Maryland State Education Association, said in a statement that Salmon’s decision ensures students and educators remain safe while students continue distance learning. “We know that this type of learning is no substitute for in-person learning, and we will need to be thoughtful and serious about how we help students recover from this crisis,” said Bost, an elementary teacher in Baltimore County. “Everyone’s safety is paramount, but we remain hopeful that educators and students will be able to spend time together again at their schools before this school year is over.” In the meantime, distance learning will continue for nearly 900,000 students statewide. Salmon reiterated that school system leaders must present a “continuity of learning” plan with a description on how to address equity for special education students, English language learners and homeless students. It must also address technology and other resources available. In Prince George’s County, which has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, Wi-Fi hot spots are available at more than three dozen schools. Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students can receive virtual lesson on PGCPS-TV. Instructional packets can also be
5 Maryland schools Superintendent Karen Salmon speaks during an April 17 press conference in Annapolis to announce that state schools will remain closed through May 15 amid the global coronavirus pandemic, as Gov. Larry Hogan (second from right) looks on. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)
picked up in limited quantities at school meals sites on Mondays and Wednesdays. The distance learning scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. attempts to not only overwhelm students for a full day of instruction without in-person interaction, but public schools CEO Monica Goldson said some students are either at home by themselves or watching siblings while their parents work at essential jobs. In addition, she said the time frame allows educators to spend time with their children.
Hospitals Expand Service for Coronavirus Patients in Prince George’s By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill As Prince George’s County continues to lead Maryland in confirmed coronavirus cases, local hospitals prepare to expand service and treat patients. Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center, which has 37
beds, now houses three modular tents to accommodate 10 patients each at the site. Two the three tents comprised corrugated metal and equipped with electricity, mini air conditioning units and nurses’ stations opened Saturday, April 18. According to county data based on zip code, Fort Washington ranks among the top five areas in Prince George’s with confirmed cases.
5 Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center began to house coronavirus patients April 18 inside one of three tents on its site. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
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“We’re finding future needs … to increase the beds at Fort Washington Medical Center to 120 beds to [become] a true hospital,” said Council member Monique Anderson-Walker (D-District 8) of Fort Washington. “We also want to get more medical physicians into the region so that we can have a great, strong front line.” Other hospitals in the county plan on adding more beds and staff in the majority Black jurisdiction that contributes to at least 25 percent of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The virus remains personal for County Council member Deni Taveras (D-District 2) of Adelphi. At least four family members in New York City have died and another 14 who reside there are being tested. According to a John Hopkins University dashboard, New York City has recorded the highest COVID-19 death rates in the country and fifth-highest in the world. “I haven’t been able to sleep properly. My nerves are a little on edge.
Come up on me the wrong way, I may tell you what I think,” Taveras said Saturday. She uses humor and watches comedy programs like “The Daily Show” to relax. “I need to laugh. It’s rough out here,” she said. On a serious note, Taveras and others highlight the pandemic has created unemployment among thousands of residents who continue to struggle financially and cannot afford necessities such as food. That’s why civic associations and churches in her district helped provide a list of those in need not of not only food, but also face masks. Some of the residents, Taveras said, are front-line workers. She praised Gerson Lopez, who runs Megamart Supermarket with four stores in Prince George’s, for distributing almost 5,000 bags of food. The local Latino chain provided customers with $30 store vouchers when no more bags became available.
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One of the main aspects she, educators and some parents had to learn is the use of technology. “I’ve done more video conferencing and meetings than I can count,” Goldson said. “It has changed how we all look at technology and how we do business moving forward. Our kids are always using technology, so it was very quick for them to adapt. It’s adults who had to change.” For students, parents and other county residents with questions or concerns, Goldson hosted the first of three telephone town halls that began Tuesday, April 21 with student board member Joshua Omolola. The call, which had roughly 1,000 listeners, designated the first 30 minutes for high school seniors. Goldson said the last day for seniors will be May 15, the final day Maryland schools are scheduled to remain closed. After speaking with the most of the senior class presidents, she said the one event they want is commencement ceremonies. Goldson said the school system remains willing to host a formal graduation “no matter when it takes place.” “We have to adhere to the guidelines established by our governor and our county executive in terms of making sure that everyone remains safe,” she said. “When we do get out of the pandemic, we believe that our role will be phased back in. It will probably be a minute before we get everyone in a location where we can make sure your parents can watch you walk across the stage.” The next tele-town hall will be Thursday, April 23 for employees. The final session on Wednesday, April 29 for parents and the school community. WI
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