Maryland State Department of Education Releases 2024-2025 School Report Cards →
Final Opportunities for Input on the Boundary Review Process →
Meet Our New 2025-2026 Principals →
Year One Priorities in Special Education →
Boundary Review Process Continues with Upcoming Work Sessions and Public Hearings →
HCPSS Presents Fiscal Outlook for FY 2027 Operating Budget →
Create with Kindness Grant Fosters Conversations about Student Digital Well-Being →
Howard County families that have lost pay due to the federal government shutdown may apply for the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) program and the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will determine their eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that did not previously qualify could now be eligible due to the current loss of income.
ARL Career Academy Info Sessions, Nov. 11 and Dec. 10, 2025 →
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.
River Hill High School junior Penelope Tofigh has been named Howard County Youth Poet Laureate. During her one-year term, she will serve as an arts ambassador, helping to coordinate readings and literary events in Howard County.
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.
Barbara Baker is passionate about helping people use their strengths to overcome obstacles and unlock their potential. Learn more about Baker and how she uses this passion in her role as HCPSS’ Facilitator of Extended School Year Services.
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.
HCPSS