HCPSSGetting Ready for 2025-2026: The Basics, Forms and More
August 7th, 2025
This is the first in a series of back-to-school information items. Additional information related to the 2025-2026 school year can be found online, and will be continually updated as details become available.
Back to School Basics
HCPSS Calendars
The school year is scheduled to begin for K-12 students Monday, Aug. 25, and for prekindergarten/RECC students on Thursday, Aug. 28. View, download and/or subscribe to the HCPSS academic calendar online. Within the online calendar are A/B days for middle and high schools, and related arts color days for elementary schools. Additional calendars for athletics and special education events are linked online. School-specific calendars can be found on each school’s website.
Back to School Nights and New Student Orientations
Back to School nights and student orientation schedules are available online. All dates are subject to change. Please check with your child’s school prior to the event to verify the date and time.
School Supplies
Elementary and middle school supply lists are available online. High school teachers will inform students of any necessary supplies at the start of the school year. HCPSS is aware of the high costs of supplies and encourages families to recycle and reuse gently used supplies. Please contact your child’s school if you are in need of support.
Student Schedules
From Aug. 8-15, high school students and their parents/guardians can log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy to view a list of scheduled courses only without details (no teachers or periods). Beginning Aug. 20, all students and parents/guardians can log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy to view schedules including courses, teachers, and room numbers.
Free and Reduced Meals
Many families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, program fees and many others. Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year. Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program, including a link to apply, are available online.
Transportation Information
The online HCPSS bus locator application is scheduled to be available Wednesday, Aug. 20. At that time, eligible families can access bus stop locations, and pickup/dropoff times.
Action Items! Required Forms
Emergency Information in Family File
HCPSS utilizes Family File for families to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians can now access and complete Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect, selecting Online Registration/Family File at the top right of the page and then selecting Family File Verification. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year.
Enrollment/Registration
All students new to the school system must be registered prior to the first day of school. Enrollment requirements can be found online.
Immunizations
All students must have the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school. Details on immunization and health form requirements can be found online.