HCPSSNews Stories
A Message from the Howard County Board of Education on Eid al-Fitr
March 31st, 2025
The Board of Education sincerely apologizes to members of the Muslim community for our communication failures around the decision to open schools on March 31st. The process and subsequent communication were insensitive, lacked transparency, and ultimately undermined the spirit of inclusivity and respect that the Board is committed to upholding. While our intention was to […]
Expectations for Eid al-Fitr in HCPSS Schools and Offices
March 29th, 2025
The school system values the diverse religious and cultural community we have in Howard County. We are sad that we had to make an adjustment to the calendar and use March 31 as a make-up day for inclement weather, resulting in complications for our Muslim community. We apologize that our communications about the changes related […]
HCPSS Class of 2025 Graduation Dates Set, May 21-29, 2025
March 26th, 2025
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Class of 2025 graduation ceremony schedule is now available.
Class of 2025 Graduation Dates Forthcoming
March 25th, 2025
The following message was sent to families of students in grade 12 on March 25, 2025
A Message from the Superintendent on Belonging
March 19th, 2025
The following was sent to the HCPSS community by HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes on March 19, 2025.
Excused Absences for Religious Observances
March 3rd, 2025
In alignment with Howard County Board of Education Policy 3000 Religious Observances, a student absence for observation of a religious holiday is considered a lawful absence.
Superintendent Update on the Special Education Program Review, Feb. 20, 2025
February 21st, 2025
The following message was sent to the HCPSS community by HCPSS Superintendent William J. Barnes on Feb. 20, 2025: In November, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) was approved to perform the program review, and their work has been progressing. They have had several conversations with staff and developed a staff survey which was distributed and received […]
Special Education Careers Virtual Open House, March 12, 2025
February 21st, 2025
The HCPSS Office of Human Resources and Department of Special Education will host a free, virtual event Wednesday, March 12 from 4-5:30 p.m. for attendees to learn more about a career in special education with Howard County public schools.
HBCU College Fair, March 15, 2025
February 20th, 2025
Students, parents/guardians, educators, and counselors are invited to attend an HCPSS college fair focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Guilford Park High School, 8500 Ridgely’s Run Rd, Jessup.
Update to Student Access to Spotify, Effective Feb. 14, 2025
February 13th, 2025
Effective Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, HCPSS will block access to Spotify on the HCPSS instructional (student) network and on student Chromebooks. The change stems from parent concerns about students’ access to Spotify, a music and podcasting service that includes songs with explicit content. Staff determined that service is not integral to the HCPSS instructional program, […]