HCPSSNews Stories
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 25, 2020
March 25th, 2020
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon this morning announced that she is extending the closure of all public schools in Maryland for an additional four weeks. Consequently, all HCPSS schools and office buildings will remain closed and all school-related activities are canceled through Friday, April 24.
State-Mandated School Closures Extended Four Weeks
March 25th, 2020
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced today that all Maryland public schools will be closed until April 24, 2020. As a result all HCPSS schools will remain closed during this time. Please stay tuned as additional information regarding the next phases of HCPSS’ continuity of learning plans will be shared this evening and tomorrow by e-mail, and will be posted to the HCPSS website.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 24, 2020
March 24th, 2020
Today, I would like to give you an overview of all of the ongoing collaborative effort that has been occurring daily among HCPSS and county and state leaders to provide continuity for learning and support the well-being of all children and families during the COVID–19 outbreak. Every county in Maryland is facing the same issues and challenges, and we are all better equipped to handle this crisis by moving forward collaboratively.
UPDATE: Board of Education to Hold Virtual Meeting, March 26, 2020
March 23rd, 2020
Due to the public health emergency, the Board of Education Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 4 p.m. will be held virtually and will be broadcast live on Verizon 42 and Comcast 95 and live streamed online for anyone interested in accessing and attending the meeting. The meeting will include a limited agenda, with no public forum.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 23, 2020
March 23rd, 2020
As we begin our second week of our school closure, I wanted to reach out to you about our plans as we continue through what may be an extended period of closure.
Planning for Continuity of Learning
March 20th, 2020
As we wrap up the first week of this unprecedented closure, I hope you have been able to tend to your physical and mental health and focus on the important connections we need during a time like this. I have encouraged our staff to take this time as well, however, the work of the school system has not shut down during this closure. I want to focus today on current efforts to continue instruction from home and share some details with you on what’s ahead.
Important COVID-19 Message from the Superintendent
March 19th, 2020
Late this morning, we learned through a press conference held by Governor Hogan that a Howard County child was diagnosed with COVID–19. It saddens me greatly to know that this pandemic has now hit this close to home. We can confirm that the child is an HCPSS student attending Elkridge Elementary School, however, to protect their privacy, we cannot reveal any other information. I have been in touch with Principal Mike Caldwell who will be reaching out to Elkridge Elementary School families and staff via email and has spoken with the family of the student.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 18, 2020
March 18th, 2020
I’ve had the opportunity to check in at a few of our meal distribution sites, where I have been proud to observe our Food Services staff members hard at work ensuring children continue to have access to nutritious meals while schools are closed. Today on our second day of distribution, 5,304 meals were served at our nine sites. I am grateful that HCPSS is able to provide this service and I’m even more pleased that we have been able to expand our typical meal offerings to include three meals each day. I encourage all families to take advantage of this service.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 17, 2020
March 17th, 2020
As we complete our second day of our school closure, I hope you and your family are finding ways to adjust to new routines. This situation is uncharted water for us all, and I appreciate your messages of support as we face this challenge together. I also encourage you to check regularly for announcements of new guidance and information being shared nearly every day at the local, state and national level.
HCPSS School Closure Daily Update: March 16, 2020
March 16th, 2020
We just completed our first day without school due to the Coronavirus COVID–19 pandemic and state-mandated closure. Please know that while schools are closed, the school system is not completely shut down and many staff members are continuing to work, specifically planning for contingencies and responding to the hundreds of questions and comments we are receiving. We will continue to use our website to provide answers and information, and provide a daily update at the end of each weekday with helpful resources.