HCPSSHCPSS Partnership Supports Mental Health and Well-Being
April 21st, 2026
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) recently signed a partnership agreement with Blossoms of Hope, formalizing the groups’ commitment to work together to support student, staff, and family mental health and well-being.
HCPSS and Blossoms of Hope initially connected three years ago when Blossoms of Hope was looking for ways to help address mental health concerns in the community. Blossoms of Hope reached out to HCPSS to understand the school system’s needs and identify ways it could make a meaningful impact. In the process, Blossoms of Hope learned about HCPSS’ community schools program, which leverages partnerships to promote student achievement and well-being, and saw an opportunity to get involved.
Blossoms of Hope met with leaders at Stevens Forest Elementary School (SFES) to learn about the school’s specific needs. In response, Blossoms of Hope supplied self-regulation tools, sensory items, visual aids and other materials for designated “regulation spaces” within the school.
“Regulation spaces provide [an area] in every classroom where students have access to a consistent set of tools to help them regulate their emotions,” explains Brittany Fitzpatrick, SFES’ Community Schools Site coordinator. “They enable students to address their emotional needs while remaining engaged in learning and to put into practice skills and lessons they learn around emotional regulation during social-emotional learning time.”
Two years ago, Blossoms of Hope extended its support to Laurel Woods Elementary School (LWES). There, they provided materials for regulation spaces (referred to as “zen dens” at LWES) in all instructional spaces and donated to the Laurel Woods Family Resource Center, which collects and distributes household items and other resources to students and families.
“Blossoms of Hope has been wonderful to work with,” says LWES’ Community School Site Coordinator Alesia Richter. “Their community of volunteers and support have been true assets to LWES.”
Fitzpatrick agrees.
“Blossoms of Hope is an outstanding example of a school partner. They understand where our needs and theirs align and have worked with us to meet those needs in a meaningful way,” she says.
Under the terms of the new partnership agreement, Blossoms of Hope will continue its work to support school-based programs and activities at SFES and LWES; support staff appreciation efforts; provide internship opportunities for qualified high school students; and offer opportunities for HCPSS staff to apply for grant funding for mental health-related projects. Blossoms of Hope will also serve on HCPSS’ Mental Health Community Advisory Council and collaborate with the district’s Student Well-Being leadership team on topics and sessions for their fall and spring Seeds of Hope Mental Health Summits for middle and high school students and families.
“Blossoms of Hope has chosen to support HCPSS in these ways because they are practical, responsive, and rooted in the real needs of students, families, and educators—allowing us to make a meaningful impact on mental health and wellness across the community,” says Blossoms of Hope Executive Director Vera Simmons.
The HCPSS Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants.