HCPSSA Winter Break Message from the Superintendent
December 19th, 2024
The following letter was sent to the HCPSS community by HCPSS Superintendent William J. Barnes on Dec. 19, 2024:
I want to extend my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season to all our students, colleagues, and families.
As I have visited schools and offices this year, I have witnessed the extraordinary effort and commitment students are dedicating to their learning. I see students working hard to make the most of their time at school. Their hard work is commendable and inspiring. I am similarly impressed by the high levels of instruction and support being provided by school-based and non-school-based staff. Working in a school district and for a community that prioritizes student success has been a privilege.
Of course, the progress being made in schools would be impossible without the important and impactful partnership of families and community members. The entire Howard County community is a “family” that plays a major role in the growth and success of every one of our students. To families, loved ones, and community members, thank you for doing everything you can to ensure our students show up ready to learn.
This is a wonderful time of year to extend gratitude, grace and empathy toward our friends and neighbors, and especially those who may be struggling. Our shared effort to ensure our students and their families have basic needs speaks to the heart and soul of our community. Thank you for coming together to make a difference.
Finally, I encourage you to take time during winter break to unplug, rest and recharge, and return ready to tackle the second half of the school year. There is so much to look forward to during the end of winter and early spring as we head toward high school graduations and the end of another school year.
It is an honor serving as the Superintendent of Howard County public schools, and I wish you nothing but the very best and a happy new year.