HCPSSNews Stories
HCPSS Family Empowerment Academy Supports Student Success, Sessions to Be Held March 2026
February 3rd, 2026
The Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) new Family Empowerment Academy, offered through HCPSS’ Black Student Achievement Program, is designed to equip parents and guardians with practical strategies, resources, and insights to support their children’s academic, social, and emotional success. The academy will take place on four consecutive Saturdays (March 7-28) from 9-10:30 a.m. at […]
Student Safety in Preparation to Return to School Following Inclement Weather Closures
February 1st, 2026
The information below is provided in an effort to ensure student safety during winter weather. Additional guidance on student safety in winter weather is available online. HCPSS Operations staff, County partners and neighborhood communities have worked extremely hard all week and over the weekend to clear parking lots, paths, and sidewalks. However, less than ideal […]
BLM Instructional Resources
January 29th, 2026
To align with the Howard County Board of Education’s Resolution to promote the Black Lives Matter (BLM) at School 2026, HCPSS has created five optional lessons for middle and high school classes that teachers may implement under the direction of their school-based administration. Lesson One – Students are introduced to the historic context for and […]
Dance & Music Performances for Jan. 31 Rescheduled for Feb. 7, 2026
January 29th, 2026
Due to Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school closures and continued inclement weather, several dance and music performances scheduled for Saturday, January 31 have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 7. This includes: Howard County Dance Festival Solo & Ensemble Festival Please note the Elementary School Cantus and Lyric Concert has been canceled and will […]
Howard County Reports Graduation Rate for Class of 2025
January 28th, 2026
The Maryland State Department of Education on Jan. 27 released graduation and dropout rates for the Class of 2025. The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Class of 2025 achieved a graduation rate of 91.3%, 4.9 percentage points higher than the State average of 86.4%. Both HCPSS and state graduation rates saw a slight decrease […]
Howard County Dance Festival, Rescheduled for Feb. 7, 2026
January 26th, 2026
This event has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 7 The public is invited to attend the 2026 Howard County Dance Festival, featuring performances by all 13 high school dance companies and the 2025-2026 All-County Dance Performance Ensemble. The event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 7-9:00 p.m. at Guilford Park High School […]
Gemini AI for High School Students
January 21st, 2026
Effective Jan. 27, 2026, all high school students will have access to Gemini AI, an HCPSS-approved digital tool that helps students explore ideas, solve problems, and engage in creative and critical thinking. AI is an essential and evolving part of the modern workplace and daily life. By safely integrating Gemini AI, HCPSS aims to: Help […]
HCPSS Superintendent Presents Proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget
January 8th, 2026
On January 8, 2026, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent William J. Barnes presented his proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 (FY 2027) to the Board of Education. In total, the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget is $1.278 billion, which reflects an increase of $61.9 million, or 5.1% over fiscal year 2026. The proposed budget […]
Judges Needed for Howard County History Day, to be Held March 21, 2026
January 7th, 2026
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is seeking judges for its 22nd District National History Day competition on Saturday, March 21 at Guilford Park High School (8500 Ridgleys Run Road, Jessup). Howard County’s district competition is part of the Maryland History Day program, which serves as the official affiliate for National History Day, a […]
Proposed HCPSS Instructional Resources on Display through Jan. 9, 2026
December 18th, 2025
In accordance with Howard County Board of Education Policy 8000 Curriculum, new instructional resources that are being recommended for use in an upcoming school year must be displayed for public review. Newly recommended instructional resources for the 2026-2027 school year are on display for review in the lobby of the Department of Education, 10910 Clarksville […]