HCPSS News
Dates to Remember!
Enjoy the Arts at HCPSS →
Board of Education Public Hearing on Redistricting Added for Nov. 20, 2025 →
Parent-Teacher Conferences In Person Nov. 24, Virtual Nov. 25-26, 2025 →
High School Advanced Research Program Information Night, Dec. 9. 2025 →
ARL Career Academy Info Session, Dec. 10, 2025 →
Nominations for HCPSS Principal and Teacher of the Year Due Jan. 7, 2026 →
Apply for JROTC by Jan. 16, 2026 →
HCPSS Class of 2026 Graduation Window, May 18-June 4, 2026 →
System
The Board of Education directed HCPSS to initiate the boundary review process outlined in Policy 6010 to consider redistricting selected schools that are outside the capacity utilization range of 90-110%. Changes as a result of this process will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
System
HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes in January 2025 launched the HCPSS 2024-2029 strategic plan: Together we will BE GREAT! The plan establishes the system’s vision and mission, elevates the shared values of the community, and details five primary priorities that will influence system work.
Partnerships
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Lambda Gamma Zeta Chapter partnered with Wilde Lake Middle School (WLMS) to host a coat drive and a school supply drive. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will also support WLMS by donating items and providing meals to support staff appreciation.
Celebrations
In 2025, Glenelg High School student Diya Shah earned first place at the National Speech and Debate Association Chesapeake District Tournament in Original Oratory. In this feature, Shah shares her experience participating on the GHS Speech and Debate Team.
HCPSS welcomed five new principals this school year. While each one brings a different set of experiences to the job, they all share a passion for serving their students, staff, and communities.
Destined for a career in medicine since the age of five, Mt. Hebron High School nurse Debra Berry is adept at handling the emergencies and urgencies for her school community.
Read more about HCPSS Staff →
Students
Recent updates to the HCPSS Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation form allow users to report hate bias incidents as a type of harassment, and provide space for greater description of the type of hate bias to help inform HCPSS staff decisions on how to best support students and staff members.
Students
In alignment with Howard County Board of Education Policy 3000 Religious Observances, a student absence for observation of a religious holiday is considered a lawful absence. Additionally, the HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook details the accommodations for religious observances.
Families
HCPSS Connect is made up of several tools, including Synergy, Canvas and Family File, all of which provide access to a variety of student information and classroom instructional tools. Learn more about Canvas, HCPSS’ Learning Management System, through which parents/guardians and students can find upcoming assignments, grades, announcements and more.