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HCPSS / NEWS

Update on the 2018-2019 Academic Calendar

February 11th, 2019

Update: Tuesday, April 23

The Maryland State Department of Education today approved HCPSS’ request for a waiver of one school day. As a result, the last day of school for students is Friday, June 21.

The final, updated calendar for the 2018-2019 school year includes:

HCPSS requested the waiver because all four days reserved for inclement weather make up days were used, plus one additional day. Maryland state law requires schools to be in session for a minimum of 180 days each year, and waivers to this requirement must be approved by the Maryland State Board.

The updated and final HCPSS 2018-2019 calendar is available online.

Update: Tuesday, April 9

As of Tuesday, April 9, all four inclement weather make up days have been used, plus one additional day. HCPSS has applied for a waiver of one day with the Maryland State Department of Education. MSDE is scheduled to meet Tuesday, April 23, and we expect a decision shortly thereafter.

If the waiver is granted, the last day of school for students will be Friday, June 21, with June 19-21 all three-hour early dismissals. If the waiver is denied, the last day of school will be Monday, June 24, with June 20, 21 and 24 as three-hour early dismissals. We will communicate to the public when any final calendar decisions have been made.

Update: Tuesday, February 19

As of Wednesday, February 20, Howard County public schools will have closed due to inclement weather five days this school year: November 15, January 14 and 30, February 11 and February 20. That is one day more than the four inclement weather days identified on the 2018-2019 academic calendar. The last day of school is currently scheduled to be Friday, June 21, with the final three days dismissing three hours early.

The Board of Education will have discussions on how to account for the fifth inclement weather day used, and any necessary subsequent days, at a future public meeting. Maryland state law requires schools to be in session for a minimum of 180 days each year, and waivers to this requirement must be approved by the Maryland State Board. These are not automatically granted even when a State of Emergency is in effect.

HCPSS will continue to update parents, staff and students on any future adjustments made to the academic calendar.

The current HCPSS calendar is available online.

Update: Monday, February 11

As of Monday, February 11, Howard County public schools have been closed due to inclement weather on four days this school year: November 15, January 14 and 30, and February 11. As a result, all four of the inclement weather make-up days reserved on the school calendar will be used. The last day of school is now scheduled to be Friday, June 21. The final three school days, June 19, 20 and 21, will dismiss 3 hours early. The updated HCPSS calendar is available online.

The opportunity for winter weather still lies ahead and additional inclement weather closing days may be required. However, there are no additional make-up days built into the Board of Education approved school calendar for the current school year. Maryland state law requires schools to be in session for a minimum of 180 days each year and waivers to this requirement must be approved by the Maryland State Board; these are not automatically granted even when a State of Emergency is in effect.

As winter progresses and should additional inclement weather days occur, the Board of Education will have discussions on how to proceed to account for those days. HCPSS will continue to update parents, staff and students on any further calendar adjustments.