HCPSSNews Stories
HCPSS Announces Grant Awards; Acceleration of 1:1 Device Deployment
August 4th, 2020
The Howard County Public School System has been awarded over $13 million in COVID-19 Federal Relief Funds, which will provide critically needed dollars to support the 2020-2021 Reopening Plan, especially to meet technology needs for virtual instruction.
MPSSAA Postpones 2020-2021 Fall and Winter Athletic Competition Seasons
August 3rd, 2020
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) on September 11, 2020, finalized its plan for a two-semester return to athletics. With this plan, athletic practices and competitions will not resume until the second semester.
SAT in HCPSS Schools Canceled for August 29, 2020
July 31st, 2020
HCPSS school facilities will not be available for the Saturday, August 29 administration of the SAT as additional time is needed to collaborate with the CollegeBoard on health and safety guidance.
HCPSS Postpones Fall High School Athletic Season
July 29th, 2020
MPSSAA or the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) have not yet announced any changes regarding the fall athletic season. HCPSS has made the decision that fall athletic programs will not begin on August 12, 2020, which is currently designated as the MPSSAA start date. As we await more direction, HCPSS will delay the start of the athletic season until at least September 8, 2020, when students are scheduled to begin virtual instruction.
Board of Education Work Session, Superintendent’s Opening Remarks, July 16, 2020
July 16th, 2020
The following remarks were delivered by HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano at the Board of Education virtual work session on fall reopening, July 16, 2020
Important 2020-2021 School Year Updates
July 10th, 2020
At its Thursday, July 9 meeting, the Howard County Board of Education reviewed proposed options for the 2020-2021 school year, and made several important preliminary decisions.
HCPSS 2020-2021 Academic Calendar Revised
July 10th, 2020
The Howard County Board of Education approved a delayed start for the 2020-2021 school year. Tuesday, September 8 will be the first student day, and school staff will begin on August 25. Spring break will be shortened to April 2–6, 2021. The last scheduled day of school is June 15, 2021.
Mayfield Woods Student Takes Outstanding State Entry Award at National History Day Competition
July 9th, 2020
Mayfield Woods Middle School eighth grader Kendall Madison was awarded top honors at the virtual National History Day competition last month at University of Maryland, College Park. Her Junior Individual Exhibit entry entitled, “Elizabeth Blackwell: Breaking Barriers for Women in the Medical Field,” was ranked as a finalist and the outstanding Maryland state entry.
Planning Update for the 2020-2021 School Year
July 6th, 2020
HCPSS staff and stakeholders continue to work toward a comprehensive and flexible solution for the fall that considers the health and safety recommendations from county, state and federal health partners, input provided by stakeholders, and requirements and guidance provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many factors must be included in these plans, including teaching and learning processes for all students, including those with special needs; supports for students and staff, including well-being needs, and transportation and other operational considerations. The main priorities for all planning considerations are equity, safety, operations and instruction.
JumpStart Dual Enrollment for the Fall 2020 Semester
July 6th, 2020
JumpStart is a dual enrollment program, offered in partnership between HCPSS and Howard Community College (HCC), that offers expanded options for students to earn college credits in an inclusive and nurturing environment. Many courses within the program fulfill both HCPSS graduation requirements and undergraduate general education requirements. JumpStart is available to all HCPSS students in grades 8–12.