HCPSSNews Stories
Access to Learning Fund Donations to Be Matched
May 1st, 2020
Bright Minds Foundation and HCPSS announce a new matching donation opportunity for the emergency Access to Learning Fund, which is raising money for education access supports for HCPSS students during the coronavirus school closure. As of May 1, 2020, donations received will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000, thanks to The Kahlert Foundation.
2020-21 SMOB Election to be Held Online June 2-3, 2020
April 28th, 2020
The Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) will hold its general election for the 2020-21 Student Member of the Board online June 2-3. All 6th-11th grade HCPSS students are eligible to vote in this year’s SMOB election.
HCPSS Class of 2020 Celebration Plans
April 27th, 2020
Plans are underway for virtual graduation ceremonies to allow all seniors to participate in this wonderful tradition. Online ceremonies will be held between Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 9, with specific dates and other details to be provided as soon as plans are finalized. Additionally, every school will host an in-person celebration, to be scheduled at a later date, to give seniors the opportunity to come together with their classmates.
Continuity of Learning Updates April 24, 2020
April 24th, 2020
This has been a very special week for elementary and middle school teachers and students. While middle school students reconnected with teachers and classmates in virtual classrooms, elementary students became acclimated to distance learning routines and procedures and are ready for online check-ins beginning on Monday, April 27. Overall, phase 3 of continuity of learning has been going very smoothly, a reflection of our careful preparation and deliberate intentionality in ensuring teacher preparation, technology readiness and equitable access for all students.
Attendance During 2019-2020 Continuity of Learning
April 23rd, 2020
Beginning Monday, April 27, 2020, teachers at all levels will document student attendance during Continuity of Learning using a point system based on student participation in learning activities each week.
Student Device Update, April 22, 2020
April 22nd, 2020
Devices are being sent via FedEx to families of elementary and middle school students who have requested to borrow them, as well as any high school students who have not yet received a requested device. Unfortunately, FedEx backlogs have delayed delivery of some devices for students. In error, parents may have received an email regarding the assignment of a Chromebook that they have not yet received.
HCPSS Budget Savings Cover Continuity of Learning Costs While Reducing Health Fund Deficit
April 20th, 2020
The Howard County Board of Education has approved a year-end categorical budget transfer of $3.25 million. $1.8 million of these funds will be combined with a budget savings of $4.5 million, allowing the school system to manage the unplanned technology costs for continuity of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HCPSS Seeks Citizen Members for Ethics Panel, Apply by May 8, 2020
April 17th, 2020
The Howard County Board of Education is seeking citizens to serve on the Howard County Public School System’s Ethics Panel. The deadline for submission is May 8, 2020.
Extended School Closure
April 17th, 2020
State Superintendent of schools Karen Salmon just announced that all Maryland schools will remain closed through Friday, May 15. We anticipated this extension and I want to assure our families and staff that no matter the end date of the closure, we are well positioned to continue our continuity of learning plan as long as it is needed.
State-Mandated School Closures Extended To May 15, 2020
April 17th, 2020
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon on April 17 announced today that all Maryland public schools will be closed until May 15, 2020. As a result all HCPSS schools will remain closed during this time.