MCPS Athletics, Fine Arts, Student Leadership and Extracurricular Activities will conduct engaging virtual programs for students throughout the first semester. During the second semester, pending approval and additional guidance from state and county health officials, our hope is to be able to offer in-person activities and programs for Athletics, Fine Arts, Student Leadership and Extracurricular Activities. All students are academically eligible to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities for the first semester during the 2020-2021 school year.
The Student Leadership and Extracurricular Activities Unit is working on a new webpage that will outline independent activities, as well as school-based and local school partnership programs. This will include student-to-student content, a leadership development series and additional means for students to build their personal and professional skills.
Information regarding the return of in-person programming for MCPS Athletics is available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage. In-person activities will be offered to the extent possible. Competitive seasons and calendars will operate consistent with the designated seasons established by the MPSSAA.
An overview of second semester operations for MCPS Athletics is provided in the Second Semester Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan. The plan outlines the calendar and timeline for each season. Detailed information regarding the spring season and winter sports will be provided later in the semester.
Procedures and protocols regarding the safe return of in-person activities are outlined in the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan. The plan aligns with the guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), and Montgomery County, including the following:
Guidelines and procedures will be revised as needed, as guidelines change.
To the extent possible, activities will incrementally return and include conditioning/training, skills-based activities, and in-season team-based practices and competition, beginning with schools in the same geographic region.
As MCPS Athletics continues the implementation of the Return to R.A.I.S.E. Strategic Plan, the following guiding principles will drive operations. The guiding principles incorporate the R.A.I.S.E. core values of MCPS Athletics. MCPS Athletics is committed to:
The return to in-person extracurricular activities may begin in April for some activities where students are able to follow all appropriate COVID safety protocols. This delayed return to in-person extracurricular activities is similar to the approach schools use at the beginning of a traditional school year where students and staff are able to establish school routines before adding the beyond the bell experiences.
Guidance for the safe return to operating in-person extracurricular activities include: arrival and departure procedures, proper management of materials, and accommodations needed to ensure the safety of students and staff. These guidelines and procedures will be revised as needed, as health metrics and/or MCPS operations change.
The virtual delivery of the MCPS athletics program is outlined in the R.A.I.S.E. Reimagined plan, which has been approved by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA). Highlights of the plan include: