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.

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.

Workshops

Families will have the opportunity to attend the workshops listed below. All workshops will be led by HCPSS staff, with the exception of “Families as Leaders,” which will be led by representatives from The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE).

College & Career Readiness: Learn how to navigate graduation requirements, understand academic pathways, and explore early college options to prepare your child for a strong future.
HCPSS Career and Technical Education Pathways: Discover the wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and Career Academies available to students, equipping them with hands-on skills and real-world experience.
Special Education Supports: Gain clarity about the special education process and learn practical strategies to effectively advocate for your child’s individual learning needs.
Maryland’s Comprehensive Math Plan: Join us to learn about recent changes in math course sequencing and how these updates impact student learning and progression.
Reading & English Language Arts Success: Get familiar with key reading and writing benchmarks at all grade levels and take home ideas for supporting literacy development.
Fostering Well-Being for Students & Families: Explore ways to recognize signs of stress and promote emotional well-being and resilience for both students and their caregivers.
Families as Leaders: Discover meaningful ways to contribute your voice by participating in advisory councils and policy committees shaping HCPSS initiatives.
Hands-On Learning at Home: Participate in a hands-on demonstration of a fun, easy-to-implement learning strategy that families can use to reinforce classroom learning at home.
Empowering Students with Gemini AI Tools: Explore how students in HCPSS are beginning to use Gemini AI—an advanced set of digital tools that support learning, creativity, and productivity. This session will introduce families to key features, responsible use practices, and ways AI can enhance student learning across subjects.

Register Online

For More Information

Download the 2026 Family Academy Conference flyer