HCPSSNews Stories
Update on Statewide Masking Requirements, Feb. 22, 2022
February 22nd, 2022
On Feb. 22, 2022, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) voted to rescind COMAR 13A.01.07 Face Coverings in School Facilities and return masking requirements to local control, pending approval by the Maryland General Assembly’s Administrative, Executive & Legislative (AELR) review committee. Following approval by the AELR committee, HCPSS will no longer require universal masking in our buildings, and additional details will be shared at that time.
HCPSS Minimum Wage Raised to $14 per Hour
February 17th, 2022
The Board of Education voted to raise the minimum wage for hourly Howard County Public School System staff to $14 per hour. The new wage will be implemented for the pay period beginning on Feb. 24, 2022, and will be funded as part of the HCPSS FY22 Operating Budget.
Mayfield Woods MS Counselor Named Howard County Counselor of the Year
February 16th, 2022
The Professional School Counselors of Howard County (PSCHC) recently named Mayfield Woods Middle School (MWMS) Counselor Susan Bradley as its School Counselor of the Year.
The annual award is presented to a Howard County school counselor who has worked as a counselor for at least five years; been responsible for innovation and leadership in counseling programs; and provided outstanding service to their school or community.
Hanover Hills ES’ Jeff Leard Named Howard County School Psychologist of the Year
February 16th, 2022
Hanover Hills Elementary School (HHES) Psychologist Jeff Leard has been named School Psychologist of the Year by the Howard County School Psychologists Association (HCSPA). The annual award is given to a school psychologist with at least five years of experience who works directly with students to provide a full range of psychological services, and who excels in each area of the National Association of School Psychologists Practice Model.
HCPSS/TCOE Virtual Community Academy: Substance Abuse Prevention, March 12, 2022
February 15th, 2022
Saturday, March 12, 9-10:30 a.m. Participants in this virtual community academy will receive information regarding substance abuse prevention and behavioral health within the Howard County community.
Behind the Scenes with HCPSS’ All-County Improv Troupe
February 11th, 2022
All-County Improv is open to all Howard County high school students who have been recommended by their Theatre teachers. Auditions for the group are typically held in May, and rehearsals are held weekly for the first half of the year and twice per month in the second semester. Most years, ACI hosts a Winter Show and one to two smaller shows in the spring.
Updates: 2022-2024 Academic Calendars Approved, Masking Updates, School Start Times & Superintendent’s Contract
February 11th, 2022
The following items were announced during the Feb. 10, 2022, meeting of the Howard County Board of Education: 2022-2024 Academic Calendars Approved, Masking Updates, School Start Times, and Superintendent’s Contract
Howard County Board of Education Renews Contract for Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano
February 10th, 2022
At its Feb. 10, 2022, meeting, the Howard County Board of Education voted to renew the contract of Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano through the 2025-2026 school year.
HCPSS & The Council of Elders 2022 Social Studies Academy Workshops
February 8th, 2022
The Council of Elders and the Howard County Public School System have partnered to sponsor the a social studies workshop series, The Essence of Us: Chronicling the Black American Experience.
Behind the Scenes with HCPSS School Counselors
February 7th, 2022
From custodians and nurses to teachers and administrators, HCPSS students have a wide range of school-based staff available to support them and help address their needs. School counselors are a critical part of that support team, helping students navigate everything from peer relationships and academic challenges to the college application process.