News Stories

HCPSS Transportation Update, Aug. 23, 2025

August 23rd, 2025

The safe and reliable transportation of students to and from school continues to be an issue in which the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has heavily invested, and families have great interest. This message expands upon the transportation reminders that were previously shared with families to provide additional assurances based on the months of […]

HCPSS Department of Special Education Launches New Strategic Plan

August 22nd, 2025

At the August 21 Howard County Board of Education meeting, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jennifer Webster and Acting Executive Director of Special Education (DSE) Jen Riccardi shared the department’s new strategic plan that will guide the department through 2030.

Getting Ready for 2025-2026: Prepping for Day One

August 21st, 2025

This part of 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. Student and Parent Handbook The Student & Parent Handbook is updated for the 2025-2026 school year and can be found online. The Handbook outlines districtwide […]

Getting 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 […]

3rd Annual “Stuff the Bus” School Supplies Drive, Aug. 15, 2025

August 6th, 2025

HCPSS’ education foundation, Bright Minds Foundation, is partnering with Prepare for Success, WBAL (WBAL-TV, 98 Rock, and WBAL News Radio), and Uno Pizzeria and Grill to host Dr. Tim Tooten’s Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive to collect school supply donations on Friday, August 15, 3-7 p.m. at the Uno Pizzeria and Grill in the Long Gate Shopping Center located at 4470 Long Gate Pkwy, Ellicott City.

Boundary Review Community Engagement Meeting Rescheduled for Aug. 13, 2025

August 4th, 2025

Español | 中文 | 한국어 The August 7 Boundary Review Community Engagement Meeting has been rescheduled for a new date and location of Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Middle School Cafeteria, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia. The information and scenarios that will be presented at this meeting are the three […]

New Features Available in Family File – Update Your Information Today!

August 3rd, 2025

HCPSS utilizes Family File for families to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year.

HCPSS Seeks Members for LGBTQIA+ Advisory by Sept. 26, 2025

August 1st, 2025

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is currently seeking members to participate on its LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee. Any community member who has an interest in supporting LGBTQIA+ initiatives within HCPSS is encouraged to apply for participation. Advisory members will attend four meetings during the 2025-2026 school year to provide feedback and concerns as well […]

UPDATED: HCPSS Boundary Review Report and Opportunities for Feedback

July 18th, 2025

Español | 中文 | 한국어 Boundary Review Community Engagement Meeting Rescheduled for Aug. 13, 2025 The August 7 Boundary Review Community Engagement Meeting has been rescheduled for a new date and location of Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Middle School Cafeteria, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia. July 25th Update to […]

HCPSS Special Education Update from the Superintendent, July 17, 2025

July 17th, 2025

The following message from HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes was shared with school system staff, families and the public on July 17, 2025.