HCPSSNews Stories
Looking Ahead
May 29th, 2020
I want to share with you some insight on our planning for when school resumes in the fall. Our current Continuity of Learning (COL) plan was built to carry on teaching and learning through the end of the current school year, not to serve as a solution moving into next school year. We recognized early on that we will need a far more robust and long-term solution in anticipation that the pandemic will continue its impact into the fall. With nearly three months until the scheduled start of the fall semester, our reality at that time will likely be different than our current state – perhaps significantly. We need to prepare for an array of possibilities for the return to schools and then progressively narrow the scope as we learn more throughout the summer.
Food Distribution Update
May 29th, 2020
No child in Howard County should have to go hungry. HCPSS is committed to strengthening our food delivery service so we can provide healthy and well-balanced meals to children during the school year and other breaks. During the extended closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have risen to the challenge of adapting to this unprecedented situation and providing students with much-needed meals.
Preparing for the 2020-2021 School Year
May 29th, 2020
In this message, Superintendent Martirano outlines how Howard County public schools will approach redesigning teaching and learning processes in preparation for school to resume, in some form, in the fall.
Celebrating HCPSS Staff During Continuity of Learning
May 28th, 2020
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, HCPSS buildings have been closed since mid-March; however, the school system has been anything but shut down. On the contrary, countless staff members across the system have gone above and beyond their normal duties, demonstrating their innovation and commitment to supporting student success.
Final Update for the 2019-2020 Academic Calendar
May 28th, 2020
The Maryland State Department of Education approved HCPSS’ request for a waiver of five school days. As a result, the last day of school for students is Tuesday, June 23, 2020.
Annual Senior Art Show & Junior Portfolio Development Exhibition, Online
May 27th, 2020
Artwork from the 30th annual Senior Art Show & Junior Portfolio Development Exhibition can now be viewed online.
Guest Voices: How Mentoring Helps Students Win in Life
May 22nd, 2020
Emerson Davis mentors students at several schools through a partnership between the church and HCPSS. In this Guest Voices piece, Davis writes about the partnership and why other organizations should consider establishing one with the school system.
Continuity of Learning Updates, May 22, 2020
May 22nd, 2020
Summer 2020 Online Programming, graduating seniors, final grades, celebrating our 5th and 8th graders, 4th quarter grading and attendance.
Grading Procedures for Final Grades
May 22nd, 2020
In April 2020, the Board of Education unanimously approved recommendations for temporary grading modifications to avoid penalizing students during emergency situations, such as the school closure caused by the coronavirus. The additional decision to eliminate final exams for the 2019-2020 school year also impacts the calculation of the final grade. Grade ranges used to calculate final grades have been modified to mitigate the effect of the loss of points that students could have earned through strong performance on the final exam.
Virtual School Visits, May 18-June 12, 2020
May 20th, 2020
Students and families attending a new school for the 2020–2021 school year are invited to a Virtual Student Visit Day to meet school administrators and learn more about the school. Schools will communicate details to impacted families.