HCPSSNews Stories
Pre-Spring Break Update
April 3rd, 2020
Next week is Spring Break for our students. I know this won’t be the typical Spring Break that we always look forward to. Many have had to cancel travel plans, and we are all feeling strained by the anxiety and restrictions over the last few weeks. I hope these days give you an opportunity to relax and get outside for a breath of fresh air. Please know that HCPSS food distribution for students will continue next week. There will be no meal service April 10 or 13; meals for those days will be distributed Thursday, April 9, with instructions for storage and preparation. This year will be a shortened Spring Break for staff, who next week will continue taking part in professional learning to prepare for the teacher-led instruction that will begin later this month.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: April 2, 2020
April 2nd, 2020
Today I want to update you on our progress on some of our efforts underway to support families and share some details about our work to answer one of the most commonly asked questions: “How will we celebrate and recognize the work our high school seniors have done?” This closure has created a lot of uncertainty and many schools have had to postpone or cancel senior activities that had been scheduled. Although many other questions await guidance from the Maryland Department of Education, I wanted to share some details about the work of HCPSS staff and students to celebrate seniors.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: April 1, 2020
April 1st, 2020
This message provides an update on grading for the 3rd quarter marking period, which was previously scheduled to end this Friday, April 3. Our decisions on how grading will be handled for this quarter are based on three primary goals, which are consistent with our goals for the overall instructional program.
Third Quarter Grading for the 2019-2020 School Year
April 1st, 2020
The State Superintendent suspended classes for all Maryland students beginning March 13 and continuing through April 24, 2020, in an effort to protect communities during the COVID-19 crisis. HCPSS provides an update for how it will handle grading for the 3rd quarter marking period, which was previously scheduled to end on April 3, 2020.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 31, 2020
March 31st, 2020
This week marks the start of Phase 2 of our Continuity of Learning process. Teachers have begun virtually reconnecting with students and families to support learning, and they are starting to prepare for the formal, remote instruction that begins later this month. You can find complete information on our website about each phase of our Continuity of Learning plan.
Elementary Distance Learning to Begin Monday, April 20, 2020
March 30th, 2020
Today begins the first day for teacher supported distance learning during this unprecedented closure and I know many of you are beginning to hear from teachers regarding this next phase of our continuity of learning plan. As you know, we have been working for several weeks to quickly adapt our instructional program to a virtual learning model. Our goal throughout this preparation period has been to re-engage students in formal, teacher-led instruction as soon as possible, while ensuring that learning is equitable and effective for all students to the greatest possible extent.
Bright Minds Foundation Launches Access to Learning Fund
March 30th, 2020
Bright Minds Foundation, the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System, and HCPSS have launched an emergency Access to Learning Fund to raise money for critical education access supports for HCPSS students during the extended coronavirus school closure.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 27, 2020
March 27th, 2020
On Monday we will begin the second phase of the Continuity of Learning implementation process that I shared yesterday. Next week, teachers will begin reaching out to you and your child to share information and support students and families while learning continues at home, using the skill-building and enrichment resources provided on our Continuity of Learning website. At the same time, teachers will begin to plan and take part in professional learning in preparation for the more formal, teacher-led phase of instruction that starts for high school students on April 14.
Howard County History Day to be Judged Virtually, Winners Announced April 10, 2020
March 27th, 2020
HCPSS is excited to announce a virtual Howard County History Day competition. Between now and April 6, History Day judges will review projects virtually in order to evaluate submissions and determine who will represent Howard County in the Maryland History Day competition in May. Winners of the HCPSS competition will be posted online by April 10.
HCPSS Continuity of Learning Overview and Timeline
March 26th, 2020
Yesterday we learned that schools would be closed at a minimum until April 24, 2020. My superintendent counterparts across the state and I continue to work together with the Maryland State Department of Education to address baseline expectations of what districts will be required to provide, possible changes to graduation requirements and the impact it could have on the plans of current seniors, expectations on delivering special education services and support, requirements for grading, and many other questions that require guidance from the State. I also know that many of our families have questions that we have not been able to answer during this unprecedented closure. All 24 Maryland school districts are implementing continuity of learning that is unique to that district, driven by available technology and resources.