The following is an open letter from Dorchester County Public Schools Superintendent W. David Bromwell.

Dear Dorchester Public Schools Community,
At Governor Larry Hogan’s press conference on Jan. 21, he strongly encouraged schools to return to in-person learning no later than March 1, and provided updated guidance to support reopening. Dorchester County Public Schools shares the Governor’s goals, and I’m happy to say that the county’s improving COVID-19 metrics allow us to take the positive steps described below.

All DCPS staff will report to their respective school assignments on Feb. 2.
As health metrics improve in Dorchester County, DCPS is prepared for a re-opening of schools for all groups of students as indicated in the chart.
Virtual Learning (C group) will remain an option for families who want their children to continue to learn at home. No changes will be made to their current schedule. Monday will continue to be an asynchronous day for all students.
Students will be assigned to an A1, A2, B1, B2 schedule by the school. Families will be advised by the school of their student’s assignment as soon as possible.

Students on the A1 schedule: Tuesday in the building for in-person instruction. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are at home for synchronous virtual learning.
Students on the A2 schedule: Wednesday in the building for in-person instruction. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are at home for synchronous virtual learning.
Students on the B1 schedule: Thursday in the building for in-person instruction. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are at home for synchronous virtual learning.

Students on the B2 schedule: Friday in the building for in-person instruction. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are at home for synchronous virtual learning.
Students on the D schedule: In the building Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for in-person instruction.
DCPS will continue to evaluate our schedules/plans with the goal of having students back in school for in-person learning as many days as possible, while continuing to be safe. We are excited to take these steps, and thankful that the improving COVID situation locally allows us to do so.

This is no time let up: I ask you to continue to wear a mask, maintain social distance, and wash your hands to keep our students, staff, and the community safe in our return to the school buildings.

Stay safe and healthy,
W. David Bromwell
Superintendent
Dorchester Co. Public Schools