HCPSSNews Stories
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.
Electric School Bus Pilot Program Supports HCPSS Environmental Commitment
June 29th, 2020
HCPSS is introducing two electric school buses in a pilot program supported by a grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment and through partnership with bus contractor MBG Enterprises and BGE. Powered by electricity, the two zero emissions vehicle school buses and charging stations will replace two diesel powered vehicles currently in use, delivering a significant improvement to air quality.
Fall Planning Update, June 25, 2020
June 25th, 2020
The HCPSS internal planning team is already hard at work on all of the preparations we need for learning to resume in the fall, including teaching and learning processes, student supports, transportation and other operational considerations, and many other factors that must be considered in our plans.
Burleigh Manor Middle School Students Excel at the National Science Bowl
June 23rd, 2020
Burleigh Manor Middle School students won the Maryland State Science Bowl competition in early March and recently placed sixth in the National Science Bowl.
HCPSS Congratulates 22 National Board Certified Teachers
June 22nd, 2020
HCPSS recognizes 22 teachers who achieved certification during the 2019-2020 school year—15 first-time achievers and seven who renewed their certification. National Board Certification (NBC) is the highest-level credential in the educational profession.
Howard County Board Joins Class Action Lawsuit Against JUUL Labs, Inc.
June 19th, 2020
The Howard County Board of Education has joined a lawsuit against JUUL Labs, Inc. for the company’s role in cultivating and fostering an e-cigarette epidemic that disrupts the education and learning environment across the District, interfering with District property and public resources.
Juneteenth Recognition
June 19th, 2020
On Juneteenth, a national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, Superintendent Martirano asks the community to join acknowledge the historic pain caused by racial injustices, and celebrate racial diversity in the Howard County Public School System.