HCPSSNews Stories
Update on Continuity of Learning
April 9th, 2020
HCPSS has worked to develop a continuity of learning plan that builds a bridge between expectations in the traditional school setting and learning during a national state of emergency. Provided online are summaries of HCPSS work currently underway to implement continuity of learning and resolve issues resulting from the coronavirus-related school closure.
HCPSS Recognized as a 2020 Best Community for Music Education
April 7th, 2020
The Howard County Public School System has been recognized as one of the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education Districts by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.
HCPSS School Closure Update: April 6, 2020
April 6th, 2020
This week teachers are preparing for the transition to the next phase of our Continuity of Learning process, which begins April 14 for high school students, and the following week for middle and elementary students. Communication has been a top priority throughout this closure period, and up to this point I have emailed all families and staff each day to share new announcements and ensure that learning continues while schools are closed. As we shift to online teacher-led learning, you will receive frequent messages directly from teachers and principals to provide information specific to your student and school. I realize that at times you may feel overwhelmed with messaging, so rather than daily updates, I will start each week with an update on our progress and any new announcements, and we will end the week with a summary of system-level information.
Student Enrollment for 2020-2021 School Year During HCPSS School Closures
April 6th, 2020
Parents/guardians of new incoming students and those entering kindergarten in the 2020-2021 school year (who are not already enrolled) are able to begin the enrollment process online, followed by completion of the registration process when schools reopen.
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.