The Maryland State Department of Education provided expectations that all Maryland public school districts will provide a minimum of 180 days of in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year.
Please see this FAQ for information on students receiving special education services.
HCPSS is currently experiencing a shortage of bus drivers, as are school districts around Maryland and throughout the United States.
In order to continue to provide transportation services to all eligible students, using the existing buses and drivers we have available, bus routes and bus stops may look different than what you are used to seeing.
Update: March 18, 2022
Mask wearing is optional when students are in the cafeterias.
Elementary school students will have assigned cafeteria seating, which will facilitate close contact identification for the younger students if contact tracing becomes necessary. HCPSS is exploring ways to provide separation between students at cafeteria tables.
Hand sanitizing stations are in place throughout the school building, including in the cafeteria, so all students have a chance to use them before and after eating.
Update: Sept. 17, 2021
While a student is in quarantine, there are several opportunities for them to remain engaged in learning and receive supports. Though COVID-related absences are considered excused absences, it is important that students take advantage of these opportunities so they are able to return from quarantine and easily transition back into in-person instruction.
Update: August 26, 2021
Any student who needs one will be provided with a face mask. If a student has a medical condition that prohibits the wearing of a mask, that student's parent/guardian will need to submit a physician letter to the school nurse or health assistant.
Yes, middle and high school students will have access to their lockers every school day. Schools will provide specific information on what may or may not be brought to classrooms.
Update: August 9, 2023
The current HCPSS device deployment implementation plan is:
Visitors are permitted in school buildings and offices. Details and information about school visitation is available online.
The Howard County Board of Education has revised the academic eligibility standards for participation in fall athletics and extracurricular activities.
Effective immediately, and continuing through the first quarter, students are eligible to participate in fall athletics and extracurricular activities for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year if they:
Districtwide resources and information related to the 2021-2022 school year can be found online at www.hcpss.org/2021-2022.
