HCPSS News

The Board of Education recently approved its requested operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 (FY 2026). The request goes to the Howard County Executive for consideration. His requested budget then will go to the Howard County Council.

System

HCPSS Strategic Plan

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

Help With College Planning and Financial Aid

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.

Celebrations

Finalists for Student Member of the Board Announced

Congratulations to River Hill High School junior Erin Alistar and Reservoir High School junior Jeremy Wong, selected as the final candidates to serve as the 2025-2026 Student Member of the Board (SMOB). Alistar and Wong will compete in the SMOB election on April 30

Two Schools Recognized for Military Family Support

Bollman Bridge and West Friendship elementary schools have been named Purple Star Schools by the Maryland State Department of Education in recognition of their strong services and support for students from military-connected families, having demonstrated a dedicated military liaison, accessible digital resources, a student-led transition program, and staff training on the unique needs of military families.

Lisa Smith, Tyrone Page, and Natalie Pretzello.

HCPSS Names 2025 Principal and Teachers of the Year

Join HCPSS in celebrating the school system’s Principal of the Year Lisa Smith (Hammond Middle School), and Teachers of the Year Tyrone Page (Oakland Mills Middle School) and Natalie Pretzello (Hammond Middle School).

Congratulations to these outstanding staff members!

New Options for Reporting Hate Biases

Recent updates to the HCPSS Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation form allow users to report hate bias incidents as a type of harassment, and provide space for greater description of the type of hate bias to help inform HCPSS staff decisions on how to best support students and staff members.

Students

Early College Program Prepares Students to Pursue Cyber Careers

HCPSS’ Early College Program in Cybersecurity allows students to earn a high school diploma, a CompTIA Network+ certification, and at least 30 credits toward an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Cybersecurity from HCC.

Families

Canvas Features Support 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.