Frequently Asked Questions

• If we are staying virtual, but want to take the AP exams or SAT in the school can we go into the school to do that?

  • Yes, students will be able to come in person to take those assessments. For juniors who registered, SAT Day is in April. We are still waiting to hear about the format the AP exams will be.

• When will 10th graders return?

  • Information on this can be found on the "schedules" portion of this website. Currently 10th graders will be coming back April 26th. HOWEVER, the Board of Education will be discussing possibly making this earlier at their March 23rd meeting.

• What will music classes look like?

  • This is still being developed. The music teachers are working to plan in-person experiences that will allow students to play their instruments and/or sing. It will require distancing between musicians, the use of music specific PPE (special facemasks, covers for the bells of wind instruments)

• How can I change my selection of being in-person or staying at home virtually?

  • Have a parent/guardian call the main office and let us know or they can email an administrator or counselor.

• What will be different between instruction for in-person students and virtual students?

  • This will vary from class to class. The goal is to provide all students with high quality instruction. In many classes teachers will be teaching students in their classrooms with them while they also teach students at home. Students should be getting a quality education regardless of the model they choose.

• What should I do if I need a chromebook?

  • Students can pick up a chromebook at 45 West Gude in Rockville, MD between 9 am and 4 pm Monday through Thursday. More information can be found here.

• Can I eat lunch in a car instead of in a "base" location?

  • Currently students will be allowed to eat lunch in their "base" location or with teachers who agree to have students at lunch. We are looking at safe ways of allowing students to also eat outdoors on nice days as well.

• How will sports and pep rallies take place in this setting?

  • Athletics have been operating for a couple of weeks in a gradual build up and very controlled setting. Athletics is working up to the possibility of having games between schools. Currently we are bound by county and state guidance and the biggest restriction is gathering sizes. For example, with an outdoor gathering size of 50 you have to account for the athletes, coaches, officials, etc. You can find much more on athletics in MCPS by going to the MCPS Athletics Page. Currently, pep rallies the way we have hosted them in the past will not be able to be held.

• How serious will the consequence be for students who do not obey rules? Will there be detention, suspension, etc? Where do I go if I don't feel safe eating in the same room as other people who have masks off to eat?

  • We will be working within the school system Code of Conduct to address behavioral concerns. If there are concerns over eating in the base areas please see an administrator. Students in these areas will be spaced 6 feet apart and will be facing the same way. We are also exploring the possibility of allowing students to eat in various locations.

• Will students still be able to talk to each other at a safe distance when it is Bengal time, lunch time, or Breakfast?

  • We will be working through our processes as students enter. Many of these areas are set up for social distancing. We are working at providing opportunities for students to safely connect with their friends and peers.

• Finally, will the buses be sanitized and clean for the students/bus driver?

  • Here is additional information on bus safety with COVID-19.

• For someone who is new to the building, such as myself, is there a way for us to tour the building before hand, or get a map of some sorts, to prevent us from being lost?

  • We are working on plans for small group tours and guidance for students who are new to our building the first days they are in the building. Here is a map that students can use to start planning prior to coming back to school. We are also working on a virtual tour to allow students to get a feel for the building before coming in.

• When and how will we know which location we are assigned to for the morning and for lunch?

  • Students and parents will receive an email prior to their scheduled return to Blake.

• Does this mean that everyone will be returning on the new bi-weekly schedule, no matter grade? Or is the plan still to slowly let us back in by grade along with the new schedule.

  • Currently students will remain on an A-Week / B-Week schedule. This is done to help us to ensure we can socially distance students during the school day.