Save the Date: 2026 HCPSS Family Academy Conference

January 5th, 2026

HCPSS families are invited to save the date for the 2026 Family Academy Conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Long Reach High School (6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia, MD).

This free, districtwide family engagement event will bring families, educators, and community partners for an evening of learning, connection, and access to resources that support student success. Families can look forward to a light dinner, a community resource fair, and interactive workshops focused on academic achievement, well-being, and family engagement. Free child care will also be provided. Please note that the deadline to register for child care is Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Workshops, described below, will include college and career readiness, special education supports, curriculum updates, hands-on learning strategies for use at home, and more. Interpretation services will be available.

Jump to: Workshops | Resource Tables | Register | For More Information |

Workshops

Join us for a series of interactive workshops created to equip families with practical tools, valuable insights, and meaningful connections. Workshops will be led by HCPSS staff experts, with the exception of “Families as Leaders,” which will be presented by representatives from The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE).

College & Career Readiness (Middle and High School): Wondering how to help your child plan for college, careers, and beyond? Get clear, step-by-step guidance on graduation requirements, academic pathways, and early college opportunities. Learn how to confidently support your child as they plan for college, careers, and beyond.
HCPSS Career and Technical Education Pathways (Middle and High School): Explore exciting hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and Career Academies that help students build real-world skills, earn certifications, and discover career passions early.
Special Education Supports (All Levels): Understand the special education process in clear, practical terms and walk away with strategies to advocate effectively for your child’s unique learning needs.
Maryland’s Comprehensive Math Plan (All Levels): Did you know the Mathematics course pathway is changing? Learn about recent updates to math course pathways and what they mean for your child’s learning journey. We’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and helpful for planning ahead.
Reading & English Language Arts Success (All Levels): Discover what strong reading and writing skills look like at every grade level- and leave with simple, practical ideas you can use at home to boost literacy and confidence.
Fostering Well-Being for Students & Families (All Levels): Learn how to recognize signs of stress and build emotional resilience- for your child and for yourself. Gain tools to create a supportive, balanced home environment.
Families as Leaders (All Levels): Your voice matters! Learn how to get involved in advisory councils and committees that help shape HCPSS programs, policies, and decisions.
Hands-On Learning at Home (All Levels): Experience a fun, interactive strategy you can easily use at home to reinforce classroom learning- no special materials required!
Empowering Students with Gemini AI Tools (All Levels): Artificial Intelligence is no longer a thing of the future; it’s in our pockets and our classrooms. But what does it actually do, and how is it being handled in HCPSS? This session will cover AI lessons embedded in the curriculum and ways families can support their students ethically and safely while using AI.

Resource Tables

The following community groups and organizations will have resource tables at the Family Academy Conference:

Register Online

For More Information

Download the 2026 Family Academy Conference flyer