Dear MCPS leaders and Board of Education members,
Thank you for all your work planning for the upcoming coming school year. We truly understand that there are many competing priorities with limited resources in one of the largest school systems in the country.
We appreciate your commitment to using outdoor spaces and urgently need a more detailed plan for using outdoor spaces during unmasked lunchtime.
In the 2021-2022 Recovery Guide released today, August 13, MCPS committed to: "[e]ncourage the use of outdoor spaces for unmasked educational and social experiences for our students" and also that "[s]tudents will be able to eat breakfast and lunch in cafeterias and other available eating areas. When cafeterias are used in elementary schools, each class will be assigned to sit at a designated table. Schools will receive support in considering ways to maximize outdoor spaces."
We, as parents and potential vital support for many school implementations, are eager to also see these support resources to help maximize use of outdoor space.
Endorsement of outdoor innovation is an essential first step, and the next move is systematic investment in making it possible for principals to establish outdoor innovation. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is over 18 times lower outdoors. And, the CDC says "Eating meals outside is best." Lower risk of transmission means a safer environment for staff and students and likely fewer disruptions to in-person instruction. We have many local public schools taking their meals and learning outside:
* Arlington Public Schools - Outdoor Lunch
* Fairfax Public Schools invest in outdoor learning
* Baltimore City Schools - Outdoor Learning Model
* Green Schoolyards America - Taking School Meals Outdoors...
