JUST IN: Wicomico Co. Schools extend virtual learning through January 29

WICOMICO CO., Md. – On Tuesday, the Superintendent of Wicomico County Public Schools notified families and staff that all students will now continue with virtual instruction through January 29th, the end of the first semester.

“We are now hopeful to have hybrid in-school instruction for all grades starting the week of February 2nd. Should this new target date be feasible based on the health metrics, teachers and all school-based staff would return to schools as of January 25th to continue to prepare,” says Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin.

School officials say Wicomico County’s current positivity rate is 13.97 percent, the fourth highest in the state. The new case rate is 52.53 per 100,000. In accordance with the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland State Department of Education, both rates are far above the recommended levels for in-person learning. “The Health Department agrees that with community COVID-19 numbers this high, now is not a safe time to re-establish the broad network of staff, students and families that makes in-school hybrid learning possible.”

“Each and every person involved in education in Wicomico County wants nothing more than to have face-to-face learning in the classroom again. Unfortunately, Wicomico County’s current COVID-19 numbers do not allow us to continue with our planned dates to have hybrid learning for Prekindergarten through 8th Grade starting the week of January 19th,” says Dr. Hanlin.

WCPS plans to offer a new update during the week of January 19.