From the Superintendent

Dear MSD Community:
 
I am pleased to present the Maryland School for the Deaf’s Reopening Guide for the 2023-2024 academic year. As MSD resumes full-capacity school operations, this guide outlines our comprehensive plans to create a healthy and safe learning environment for all students and staff. This plan also includes contingency plans should health conditions necessitate adjustments to our daily operations and instruction.
 
While the ongoing presence of COVID-19 remains a public health concern, MSD continues to uphold its commitment of curbing its spread. Our priority is to provide accessible learning opportunities for our students while maintaining effective precautions. Our commitment remains steadfast in promoting equity, fostering relationships, nurturing a culture of respect, and upholding high standards for our students.
 
Our strength as a community rests on collective understanding and cooperation. It is crucial that we all adhere to recommended safety protocols and policies. By doing so, we aim to safeguard our students' well-being and minimize disruptions to their educational journey. Parents and guardians, please ensure that if your child is unwell, they remain at home. Likewise, if a staff member is feeling unwell, it is essential to stay home to prevent potential virus transmission.
 
The Reopening Guide serves as an ongoing roadmap for our journey. MSD's Pandemic Response Team is dedicated to monitoring metrics in our local counties, our school, and across the state. We continuously review guidance and data from authoritative sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state health department. As new information surfaces, we will implement best practices. We sincerely appreciate your patience and support, especially as health and safety protocols evolve throughout the year.

As a state requirement, we plan to review and update this Reopening Guide bi-annually until September 2024. As always, we value your input. On our reopening webpage, you will find a link to submit a form with your feedback. Our Pandemic Response Team will respond to you once they have had the opportunity to review your input.
 
Our dedication remains resolute to our mission of empowering and educating our students and staff. We anticipate embracing a sense of normalcy in the safest manner possible.
 
Welcome back.
 
John A. Serrano
Superintendent