Message from the Superintendent, Jan. 7, 2022

Change has been the single constant throughout nearly two years of living with COVID-19. Our response to this pandemic has consistently prioritized in-person education and support for our children. While virtual instruction may become unavoidable for certain classes, cohorts or schools, it is a complex decision and requires careful review and consideration.

Update to Masking Guidance While Eating, Jan. 6, 2022

HCPSS has received questions regarding the updated masking guidance in schools and reached out to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). MDH confirmed to HCPSS that eating is exempted from the strict masking policy for early return from isolation or quarantine, because it is necessary for students and staff to unmask while doing so.

Staff Focus: Joshua Simmons, Custodian Day Supervisor, Mount View Middle School

Joshua Simmons is the custodian day supervisor at Mount View Middle School. Every day, he and his four-person custodial team perform a wide variety of tasks to ensure that students and staff have a clean space in which to learn and work.

Clemens Crossing ES Students Celebrate Hour of Code

Clemens Crossing Elementary School students recently participated in the Hour of Code, an annual event during which students around the world spend one hour engaging in coding activities that help broaden their understanding of computer science.

Nominations for Friends of Education Award Accepted Through Feb. 7, 2022

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Friends of Education Award. Any Howard County resident or non-profit group, organization, association, or business located in or serving Howard County may be nominated for the award. Previous award recipients are not eligible. The nomination deadline is Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.

HCPSS Teams Up with FB4K to Provide Free Bikes to Students in Need

HCPSS has partnered with Free Bikes 4 Kids to provide free bikes to children in need. At its most recent distribution event, FB4K gave away nearly 1,100 bikes.

HCPSS Job & Hiring Fair, January 24, 2022

HCPSS is hosting a hiring fair to address current staff shortages in multiple areas. No registration is needed to attend the event. Masking is required. To be interviewed, attendees must have completed and submitted the online application and meet minimum qualifications for the position(s) for which they have applied.

TikTok Challenge School Shooting Threats

HCPSS is aware of a new TikTok challenge encouraging students to make school shooting threats to schools. Howard County Police are aware and, at this point, there are no credible threats. However, even hoax threats create fear and cause disruption to the school community. HCPSS does not tolerate threats of any kind and will pursue disciplinary actions and legal consequences, as appropriate.

Update: Dec. 16, 2021 and Jan. 13, 2022 Board Meetings to be Hybrid Sessions

The Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 and Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 meetings of the Howard County Board of Education, recently announced as virtual meetings, will be held in hybrid format. Both meetings will begin at 4 p.m.

Proposed HCPSS Instructional Materials on Display through Jan. 12, 2022

Instructional materials recommended for the first time will be on display and available for review in the lobby of the Department of Education at 10910 Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City through Jan. 12, 2022. The materials will be displayed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Dec. 17, 2021 through January 12, 2022, excluding December 24, 27, and 30-31. Any community member may review displayed materials and express approval or requests for reevalulation.