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HCPSS / NEWS

Getting Ready for 2026-2027: Prepping for Day One

August 19th, 2026

Preparing for the First Day | New This School Year | Events | Additional News & Reminders

Preparing for the First Day

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct is updated for the 2026-2027 school year and can be found online. Updates to the Student & Parent Handbook are being made and families will be notified once those are completed.

Transportation

The online HCPSS bus stop locator is now available on the HCPSS Transportation webpage and in HCPSS Connect Synergy (More Options > Homeroom/Transportation/POS). Please review your child’s bus number and be sure they know it and check before boarding any bus. Bus routes are subject to change; times shown in the locator are the most up to date. Families whose schools are served by Zum buses can download the company’s free mobile app to track buses and/or receive notifications.

The 2026-2027 student walk area maps are being updated and will be posted to the footer of each school’s website as soon as possible.

Student Meals & Payments

HCPSS will continue to use LINQ Connect, a secure, online portal that allows families to make online payments to their child’s meal account, monitor their child’s account, schedule automatic recurring payments, set up low balance alerts, submit a Free and Reduced Meals program application, and more. Complete information on the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Services program is available online.

Health Services

Health Services information can be found online and will be continually updated. All students, staff and visitors should perform daily health checks and may not enter an HCPSS bus or building if they exhibit any signs of a communicable disease. 

New This School Year

Additional items new or updated for the 2026-2027 school year may be found online.

School Meal Prices

Daily meal prices apply for students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced meals, and have increased by $0.20 per meal this school year.

Free and Reduced Meals Enrollment

Changes to federal law may have impacted students’ Free and Reduced Meals Program (FARMs) eligibility for the 2026-2027 school year, and families that previously received direct certification this year may not be automatically enrolled. All eligible families are urged to complete a FARMs application, available online or via paper form.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports Implementation

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a proactive, data-informed framework that helps ensure every student receives the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to succeed. In HCPSS, MTSS is not an add-on. It is how we strengthen learning for every student by providing high-quality instruction for all and timely, targeted support when needed.

Student Reading Improvement Plans

Aligning with the State’s Comprehensive PreK-3 Literacy Policy, HCPSS students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 who demonstrate difficulties in reading will receive a Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIP), a personalized plan that includes assessment information, reading goals, targeted instruction, and progress monitoring to support a student’s continued literacy growth. If an SRIP is implemented for a student, school staff will provide details to parents/guardians.

State Readiness Testing

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is transitioning to a new testing program this year. In the spring of 2027, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) tests will be replaced with the new Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MSTAR) for students in grades 3-8. High school MCAP, Science and Social Studies assessments remain unchanged for one more year. HCPSS is working closely with MSDE to prepare for the transition and will provide additional information throughout the year.

Parent Lunch Visits

Parent lunch visits are no longer permitted at any HCPSS school. Limiting access during the school day ensures safe and secure school communities by removing unnecessary access to students and school buildings, reducing disruptions, supporting student routines, and minimizing non-essential traffic in student areas. Parents are encouraged to communicate with school staff to stay engaged in their child’s learning and seek opportunities to volunteer in an official capacity at the school.

Board of Education Policies

Families are reminded of the following policies with updates effective this year:

  • Policy 1040 Safe and Supportive Schools
  • Policy 2010 Student Representation
  • Policy 2020 Policy Development and Adoption
  • Policy 3010 Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • Policy 6020 School Planning/School Construction Programs
  • Policy 8010 Grading and Reporting: Prekindergarten through Grade 5
  • Policy 8015 PreK-12 Promotion, Retention, and Accelerated Placement (new)
  • Policy 8020 Grading and Reporting: Middle and High School
  • Policy 9000 Student Residency, Eligibility, Enrollment, and Assignment
  • Policy 9270 Student Assault and/or Battery on Employees
  • Policy 10030 Contests Sponsored by Outside Organizations

All policies are available online.

Events

Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) Meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

SECAC will hold its first meeting of the school year. Topics include the HCPSS Special Education Strategic Plan and the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Additional News & Reminders

Take Action! Complete Your Family File Today

HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to supply emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child every year.