For a second time this school year, Wicomico County education officials will attempt a return to in-person learning, beginning next week.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin said students will return to schools in stages, starting Tuesday. The schools will enforce rules requiring physical distancing, mask wearing and other health and safety precautions for students and staff.

Wicomico schools attempted modified in-person teaching last fall, but a quick spike in the number of positive Coronavirus tests scuttled that effort, sending students and teachers back to sole on-line learning.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan last week urged school systems to make immediate plans to phase in hybrid in-person learning no later than March 1. The Governor, as well as state Superintendent of Schools, said state health and education officials recently shared adjusted guidance for school systems, along with additional research indicating that they believe it is possible to have schools safely open for students.

The current return schedule:

• Week of Feb. 2 -- Hybrid in-person instruction resumes for students who were in schools last fall in small groups or in grades Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd Grade. Teachers and other school staff members serving these students will be back in school buildings as of Monday.
• Week of Feb. 8 -- Hybrid in-person instruction begins for grades 3rd through 8th. Teachers and other school staff members serving these students will be back in school buildings as of Feb. 1.
• Week of Feb. 16 -- Hybrid in-person instruction begins for grades 9th through 12th. Teachers and other school staff members serving these students will be back in school buildings as of Feb. 8. 

Fully virtual learning will continue to be an option this school year for students in all grade levels, and many of our students and parents have chosen this option, schools officials said.

Parents who had previously committed to the virtual option for a student and now wish to change to the hybrid option should communicate with the school. The school will work with the family on the request.