BCPS Board Approves Remote Classes Plan


The Baltimore County Public School Board of Education approved the school systems’ Reopening Plan for the Fall of 2020. Eastbaltco.com reported on the plan earlier today.
The school year would still start on Tuesday, Sept. 8 but the year will start virtually for everyone for the first two quarters until Friday, Jan. 29.

According to the plan, the amount of online class time for this remote learning will increase compared to the remote learning in the spring as schools will follow a bell schedule.
Students would receive two to 3.5 hours of class time each day and would have up to three hours for independent work.

“This decision was made based on the health and safety of students and staff,” said a statement from BCPS.

If better safety measures are in place for COVID-19 in January, a hybrid learning environment would start in the second semester where a student would receive in-person instruction at the school for a few days a week on a rotating basis.

Parents and students would still have the option of full-time remote learning in the second semester after Jan. 29.

Olszewski Orders Face Coverings Indoors


As jurisdictions in Maryland and across the country see increasing COVID-19 cases, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch has issued a new public health order requiring all individuals ages 2 and over to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces, and also strongly encouraging residents to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces wherever six-foot social distancing is not possible.

This new public health advisory supplements existing state orders (PDF), which currently require residents to wear masks in some indoor locations.

“The advice of scientific experts is clear: face coverings work. This commonsense step will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I want to thank our neighbors and businesses who continue to take the necessary steps to keep our loved ones safe. We must all do our part, or we risk jeopardizing the progress we’ve made together.”

Despite current prevention measures, Baltimore County is experiencing the highest seven-day average of 97 community cases per day—exceeding the previous peak of 94 cases per day over a seven-day period in May. Meanwhile, Baltimore County’s positivity rate has increased since July 7 to 5.92 percent, demonstrating continued community transmission of COVID-19. On Sunday, Maryland saw the largest number of cases reported in a single day in nearly two months.

CDC guidance has demonstrated the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing transmission of COVID-19 by symptomatic, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The suppression of COVID-19 will be critical in supporting future school reopening, continuing Baltimore County’s economic
recovery, and safeguarding public safety.

“Our fight against this virus is not over. Without a vaccine or a cure we must continue to follow the science and the evidence which shows that face coverings—paired with social distancing and avoiding large gatherings—can slow the spread of this disease,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Our data is beginning to show initial troubling signs. To keep us from losing ground, we must act now.”

Face Covering Requirements
Beginning Thursday, July 23 at 9 a.m., Baltimore County residents ages 2 and up will be required to wear face coverings in any indoor business, service, organization, or establishment that serves the general public. This includes, but is not limited to, retail establishments, recreational establishments, houses of worship, and other locations open to the public.

Residents are strongly encouraged to wear masks in outdoor public areas where social distancing of at least six-feet is not possible.

Individuals will not be required to wear a mask if:

Eating or drinking while seated at food service establishments. In accordance with Governor Hogan’s orders, face coverings are still required when otherwise moving in or about a restaurant or bar premises.
A face covering cannot be worn due to a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability.
County to Swiftly Act to Protect Health
Additionally, under the order issued today, the Baltimore County Health Officer may also issue a warning, modify operations, or immediately shut down any business or place of assembly that presents an immediate threat to public health or demonstrates unreasonable risk of exacerbating the spread of COVID-19.

“We’ve focused on education before enforcement with our business community, because we understand how hard they have been hit by this pandemic. While the vast majority are doing their part, we will do whatever is necessary to protect the health and safety of our people,” Olszewski added.

Olszewski Calls on Hogan to Reconsider Indoor Dining
Following nationwide COVID-19 spikes, over a dozen other states or localities have taken steps to re-close bars and restaurants. County officials noted that, similar to statewide trends, young people now account for the majority of cases. Over the past three days, 53 percent of Baltimore County cases are residents under the age of 35.

County Executive Olszewski
called on Governor Hogan to limit bars and food service establishments to outdoor dining and takeout or delivery service.

“Maryland’s increasing case numbers are troubling and public health officials have consistently warned us about how indoor dining and congregating in bars can play a significant role of increased COVID-19 case counts. We have also seen that patchwork approaches to determining which businesses should be opened don’t work. I urge Governor Hogan to reengage with local leaders so that we can work in partnership to take statewide action to protect public health and save lives.

BCPS Plan Calls for Remote Learning Until Jan. 29


Baltimore County Public School released their Reopening Plan for Fall 2020. The proposal is expected to be voted by the Board of Education tonight.
Under the plan, the start of the school year would still start on Tuesday, Sept. 8 but the year will start virtually for everyone for the first two quarters until Friday, Jan. 29.

According to the draft, the amount of online class time for this remote learning will increase compared to the remote learning in the spring as schools will follow a bell schedule. Students would receive two to 3.5 hours of class time each day and would have up to three hours for independent work.

If better safety measures are in place for COVID-19 in January, a hybrid learning environment would start in the second semester where a student would receive in-person instruction at the school for a few days a week on a rotating basis.

Parents and students would still have the option of full-time remote learning in the second semester. The draft of the plan is pictured below

High School Sports Still Hoping for Season


The end of July and early August means that the start of the school year is not far away and the start of the fall sports season is even closer.

This year there is a different feel as no one knows what is in store for the 2020-21 school year with COVID-19. However; high schools are still preparing for a fall sports season.

The Parkville High School Athletic Boosters Club reported that their fall season which includes Football, Boys/Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Cheer and Badminton was set to start with practices on Aug. 12.

Parkville Athletic Director Jeff Markle told EastBaltco News that no official decision has been made on the fall sports season but Parkville and all schools are preparing to start practice in August.

“I was told to gear up for an Aug 12th start date since the state made a comment back in June that everything would start on Aug 12th and that has not changed,” Markle said. “I think the start may be delayed, but we are still awaiting word.”

Kenwood head football coach Derrick Krumholtz said he too is hoping and preparing for a season and is hoping that his players will be ready if there is a season. Krumholtz explained that his staff has been allowed zero in-person contact with students.

“We have been in communication with them all spring and summer in order to drive home the point that it is their responsibility to continue to find ways to work out and stay in shape,” Krumholtz said to EastBaltco News.

“If/When practice starts, we have to commit almost all of our time to install and game planning, we won’t have time to set aside for ‘conditioning’ they need to do that on their own.”

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association listed a roadmap to the return of sports on July 7 with training regulations during this COVID period. That is roadmap expected to be updated as we get closer to Aug. 12.

Local rec. youth football is still set to have a season, but CCBC Essex had their fall sports seasons canceled.

Many school districts throughout the state has decided to continue remote learning until January. There is speculation that Baltimore County Public Schools will also have remote learning in the fall. Could that jeopardize the fall sports season?

“I have no idea if athletics can continue if we are in a virtual setting. I assume that would be up to BCPS and the State,” Markle said.

BCPS Could Make School Decision on Tuesday


The Board of Education of Baltimore County will meet virtually on Tuesday, July 21 at 5 p.m. There is speculation that the meeting will result in an announcement about the upcoming school year.

Many neighboring school districts have announced that their students will learn online until January. BCPS has not announced an official decision yet.

The board will then meet in closed session as permitted by law.
The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders.

Accordingly, all Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS website, or on BCPS-TV (Comcast Xfinity channel 73, Verizon FiOS channel 34).

Two Injured in Overlea Shooting Overnight


An early Sunday morning shooting in Overlea injured one adult and a juvenile victim.

Officers were called to the 4900 block of Hazelwood Avenue at 1:29 a.m. for a shooting.

One adult man suffered a gunshot wound to the lower body and a juvenile male victim suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body. Both were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ask anyone who may have additional information to call 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

Man Shot in Parkville Parking Lot Saturday


Baltimore County Police are investigating a robbery and shooting in Parkville Saturday morning.

On July 18, 2020, at 3:30 a.m. officers responded to the 7100 block of Darlington Drive in Parkville for a robbery. The victims said they were on the parking lot of the Dubai Hookah Lounge when two suspects approached them and robbed them.

During the robbery, a suspect shot one of the victims who ran toward a neighborhood and called 911. The shooting victim was transported to a local hospital and has been treated and released. This is an on-going investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information on this crime to contact detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit at 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

CCBC Essex Fall Sports Delayed Until Spring


The National Junior College Athletic Association announced that all fall sports will be delayed until the spring season. That means CCBC Essex will not have a sports season this fall until spring.

“Our greatest focus is and always has been providing the best opportunities for our student-athletes,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO.

“Through a unified effort from our Presidential Advisory Council, the Board of Regents, and leadership staff, our most recent plan of action provides a path that keeps our student-athletes competing at the highest level with proper safety measures in place. As we move forward as an association, we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful.”

CCBC Dundalk does not have any fall sports but CCBC Essex is the home to Men’s and Women’s soccer, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Volleyball during the fall. These sports are now slated to the spring season with baseball, lacrosse and other sports.

Towson University and UMBC announced their schools would not participate in fall seasons after a decision was made from their respective conferences.

Archdiocese Releases Statement for Catholic Schools


The Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools made an announcement about their plan for the 2020-21 school year.

The Planning Ahead Task Force for Catholic Schools has been working diligently to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe return of our faculty and staff on Aug. 24 and our students on Aug. 31st for instruction five days per week.

The Task Force is receiving technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to inform our plans to SAFELY return to in-person instruction for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Although most school facilities will be able to accommodate all students for five day, in-person instruction while safely social distancing; some schools, due to their size, will incorporate a “blend” of in-person and remote learning that maximizes in-person instruction.

Families who do not feel comfortable returning their child(ren) to in-person instruction will be able to have their child(ren) participate remotely from home. Detailed reopening procedures will be finalized and shared by July 24.