When a bus has a double run, they pick up and drop off students on one route, then turn around and pick up and drop off students on a different route. There are two different routes so a student must only board a bus at their assigned time and stop to ensure they are safely transported to the correct location. Double runs will continue to be evaluated and eliminated as more drivers are hired.
Update: Dec. 17, 2021
There are instances in elementary schools where students eat breakfast in their classroom and are not wearing masks. If a student tests positive for COVID, contact tracers will reach out to the student and their family to identify others who may be identified as a close contact. Contact tracers also may reach out to the teacher or other staff member if they are not able to accurately identify close contacts from the student and family.
No. HCPSS is currently participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program for the 2021-2022 school year. Through this program, all school meals are free for the 2021-2022 school year as long as we adhere to the requirements of the program. As part of the program, all students must be offered a full meal which includes milk or juice in order for the food service program to receive federal reimbursement.
HCPSS is currently participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program for the 2021-2022 school year. Through this program, all school meals are free for students as long as HCPSS adheres to the requirements of the program. As part of the program, all students must be offered a full meal in order for the school system to receive federal reimbursement.
Emergency closings, including inclement weather days, are listed online at https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/#emergency. The list of days used is updated no later than the next business day following an emergency/weather event.
The Maryland State Department of Education considers a full school day when the school is open for instruction for a minimum of three hours.
On scheduled half days, all schools dismiss no more than three hours early, leaving a 3 ¾ hour instructional day for middle and high schools and a 3 ½ hour instructional day for elementary schools.
On non-student days (schools closed for students), teachers and staff report but students do not. These days are used for parent-teacher conferences, professional development and learning for teachers, and to give teachers time to grade exams, write or revise student support plans, and meet in teams within and among schools.
Professional development for teachers is critical to implementing research-based instructional practices to improve student achievement.
Maryland law requires that all public schools be closed on the following days:
The state of Maryland requires that students attend school for a minimum of 180 days each year. Local Boards of Education have the option to require more than 180 days of instruction but not less.
A proposed calendar is developed by a Calendar Committee, which includes representatives of the Howard County Education Association, support staff, principals, central office staff, students, parents, and representatives from community organizations. Input from stakeholder groups is solicited throughout the committee’s deliberations.
