HCPSSNews Stories
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.
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.