HCPSSNews Stories
Stevens Forest Paraeducator Receives State Recognition
December 1st, 2020
This fall, Stevens Forest Elementary School 4th Grade Paraeducator Randy Patterson was named the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Educational Support Professional of the Year. The MSEA ESP of the Year Award recognizes the contributions of ESPs to their schools, communities and profession.
Nominations for HCPSS Principal and Teacher of the Year Due January 8, 2021
November 30th, 2020
Nominations are now open for the Howard County Public School System Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards. All nominations are due no later than Friday, January 8, 2021.
HCPSS In-Person Opportunities Suspension Extended; Start of Winter Athletics Postponed
November 30th, 2020
All HCPSS in-person opportunities will remain suspended through winter break, with all instruction continuing virtually, due to the increase of COVID-19 infection rates across the county. Additionally, the winter athletic season, previously scheduled to start on December 7, 2020, is postponed until January 4, 2021.
Fifteen Staff Members Honored as Outstanding Possibilities in Action Partners
November 20th, 2020
Fifteen HCPSS staff members were recently named Outstanding Possibilities in Action Partners by the National Association of School Psychologists. The “Possibilities in Action” Partners Program seeks to help school psychologists promote children’s success in school and life.
HCC Virtual Shadow Day for Transitioning Students, Dec. 2, 2020
November 20th, 2020
HCPSS grade 11-12 students with IEPs or 504 plans and are seeking a diploma, and who are interested in attending Howard Community College (HCC) are invited to attend a virtual workshop on Google Meet, offered in partnership with HCC.
HCPSS to Remain Virtual Through April 14, 2021; Will Enhance In-Person Small Group Options
November 17th, 2020
During its work session on Monday, November 16, 2020, the Howard County Board of Education voted to continue the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) in a virtual instructional model through the third academic quarter, which ends April 14, 2021.
Staff Focus: Allison Whitney, Community and Workforce Engagement Specialist
November 17th, 2020
Allison Whitney, HCPSS’ Community and Workforce Engagement Specialist, leads the district’s staff well-being and recognition efforts. She also plays a large role in community engagement around major school system efforts, helping to support engagement opportunities and coordinating the work of various advisory committees.
All HCPSS In-Person Opportunities Suspended Beginning November 19, 2020; Instruction Will Be Fully Virtual
November 16th, 2020
Due to rapidly increasing health metrics across the county, and in consultation with the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), all current HCPSS in-person opportunities will be suspended and students will return to a fully virtual environment beginning Thursday, November 19, 2020.
Athletics In-Person Conditioning Canceled; Winter Athletics Scheduled to Begin December 7, 2020
November 13th, 2020
Due to the recent rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases in Howard County, and in consultation with the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), in-person athletic conditioning, previously scheduled to begin on Monday, November 16, is canceled.
COVID-19 Positive Case Communication and Parent/Guardian Expectations
November 11th, 2020
As HCPSS staff continue to prepare for, and work toward the return of students to our physical classrooms, it is important that parents/guardians understand when they will be notified of positive cases in their child’s school community, as well as the expectations for parents/guardians to promptly notify school staff if a family member tests positive or is displaying symptoms.