Full details on providing consent are available online.

For students under age 18, parents/guardians can provide consent by completing the following steps:

The COVID-19 Testing Program is voluntary and consent is required. If a school-based staff member or student develops COVID-like illness or are identified as close contacts while they are in a school building, they will be sent home regardless of whether or not they consent to the test.
 

An antigen test is frequently referred to as a rapid test. This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes.

Update: Aug. 27, 2022

HCPSS is offering a voluntary K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program that will provide free COVID-19 tests for students and school-based staff who develop COVID-like symptoms while they are in a school building. Parents/guardians should not send their children to school, and staff should not report to work if they are presenting COVID-like symptoms. 

The program includes two components:

Yes; students who are interested in the HCPSS JumpStart dual enrollment program may do so through Howard Community College. Students enrolled in the Digital Education Center will not have access to JumpStart courses with teachers at their designated home school.

When families complete the enrollment commitment form in the late spring, they are selecting the virtual option for the entire 2021-2022 school year to allow for planning and staffing. Once the commitment form has been submitted, the DEC will begin creating a schedule for the student. The family will be asked to review and confirm the child’s schedule prior to receiving a letter enrolling the student in the DEC.

Update: May 5, 2021

The Digital Education Center will be a no-cost option for current HCPSS students.

The DEC priority commitment period closed May 5. Families who are interested in committing to the DEC at a later time may have the opportunity to participate if space is available in the program after final budget approval.

When a student is virtual, the student will join the class using Google Meet at assigned times. The student will be using the Chromebook for at least part of the lesson. Instruction will consist of a combination of synchronous and asynchronous work through teacher-led lessons, assignments, group work and homework.

Sample schedules for elementary, middle and high school will be shared at level-specific virtual information sessions and posted online in April.