HCPSS Congratulates 174 National Board Certified Teachers →
Scholars Leadership Honors Program Conference, March 8, 2025 →
Update to Student Access to Spotify, Effective Feb. 14, 2025 →
New Options for Reporting Hate Biases Now Available →
Waverly ES School Psychologist Named Howard County School Psychologist of the Year →
Early College Program Prepares Students to Pursue Cyber Careers →
HCPSS Support for LGBTQIA+ Students and Families →
Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action Board of Education Resolution →
Student Safety in Winter Weather →
Process for Unexpected State and Federal Representatives to Schools →
Multilingual Parent Leadership Program Application Deadline Feb. 18 →
Friends of Education Nomination Period Open Through Feb. 19 →
March2Future Planning for After High School Webinar Series →
Volunteers Needed to Interview Students at Passport to the Future Event, March 6 →
3rd Grade Art Showcase Through March 25 →
Howard County Youth Orchestra to Perform with Ben Folds, May 18 →
HCPSS Graduation Window: May 19-30 →
Enjoy the 2024-2025 Performing Arts Season at HCPSS Schools →
2024-2025 HCPSS and The Council of Elders Community Academies →
System
Superintendent Bill Barnes recently presented his proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 (FY 2026), totaling $1.219 billion. The proposed budget, which retains all current employees, class sizes, programs and services, also maintains class sizes and does not propose impacts to programs and services.
System
HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes in January launched the HCPSS 2024-2029 strategic plan: Together we will be great! The plan establishes the system’s vision and mission, elevates the shared values of the community, and details five primary priorities that will influence system work.
Partnerships
In a new partnership with College Aid Pro, the organization will offer a free, monthly webinar series with topics including navigating senior year; planning, paying, and preparing for college with confidence; maximizing scholarships; getting a head start; and more.
The U.S. Department of Education recently recognized Worthington Elementary School as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Worthington was selected for the Exemplary High Performing Schools category, which honors the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Nearly 400 Howard County students took part in HCPSS’ BSAP Summer Institute, which provides a combination of academic acceleration and enrichment opportunities to students entering grades kindergarten through ninth, helping to prepare them for the new school year.
Veterans Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Christian Pensiero has received the American Civic Education Teacher Award (ACETA) for 2024. She is one of only three teachers nationwide to win the award, which recognizes exceptional elementary and secondary civic education teachers.
Students
HCPSS’ “Navigating the Margins” extracurricular writing program provides opportunities for high school students to work with author-mentors and to explore and enhance their writing skills. Applications for participation in the 2024-2025 program are being accepted through Oct. 23.
Staff
Held annually before the school year begins, HCPSS’ New Educator Orientation is designed to welcome new educators to HCPSS, help build them relationships with colleagues, and provide them with essential information and resources to start the school year off strong.
Families
HCPSS Connect is made up of several tools, including Synergy, Canvas and Family File, all of which provide access to a variety of student information and classroom instructional tools. Learn more about Canvas, HCPSS’ Learning Management System, through which parents/guardians and students can find upcoming assignments, grades, announcements and more.
HCPSS