HCPSS is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, fosters equitable opportunities, and values diversity and commonality. 

Please visit our LGTBQIA+ Youth webpage.

In collaboration with the County Executive’s office, the Howard County Health Department, and Merriweather Post Pavilion, several measures have been implemented to allow commencement events to be held on site while maintaining COVID-safe practices. At this point, and in consultation with the Health Department, each graduating senior’s family will initially be provided two guest tickets for lawn seating.

The last day for seniors will be Friday, May 28, with the first graduation ceremony occurring that afternoon.

Schools will communicate specific details around senior last day and related information.

All ceremonies are scheduled to take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, with the exception of Cedar Lane School, which will be held at that school.

The schedule of graduation ceremonies is as follows:

HCPSS is required to maintain a mandatory permanent pupil record (“official record”) that includes a student’s legal name and legal gender. According to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the only official school records are Student Records Cards (1-7), transcripts and diplomas. On all documents and records other than those listed in the previous sentence, HCPSS shall use the name and gender preferred by the student with a process for masking.

High school interscholastic athletics are managed by the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association (MPSSAA) as part of the Maryland State Board of Education. The MPSSAA has determined that:

A school accepts a student’s sincere assertion of their gender identity. The only circumstance in which a school may question a student’s asserted gender identity is when school personnel have a credible basis for believing that the student’s gender-related identity is being asserted for some improper purpose. School administrators and student services staff will collaborate with students, families and other supporting adults.

Every student needs to feel safe and that their privacy is protected during restroom and locker room use. Accommodations will be made for any student who is uncomfortable or feels their privacy is being infringed upon.

Schools are reducing or eliminating the practice of separating students by gender (e.g., recess, choral groupings, physical education, etc.). In situations where students may be separated by gender for instructional purposes, such as for health instruction in puberty education, students are given the opportunity to choose their group.