Are the Class of 2021 graduation ceremonies still available for viewing?
HCPSS streamed each graduation live online. Archived videos are available at www.hcpss.org/commencements by selecting the applicable school on that page.
How will I provide input for the decision-making process for Compensatory Education/Recovery Services for my child?
For students receiving services through an IEP, there is a collaborative, data-based process in place to make individual decisions for students. Parent/guardian input is critical to the process of deciding a child’s need for compensatory education/recovery services as a result of the COVID-19 school closures. Before HCPSS makes any determination (offer) of these services, you will be asked to provide your input.
Will there be a state playoff and championships for the 2021 spring athletics season?
Championships and playoffs are governed by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, which voted to allow administration of Spring state championships between June 5 - 19, 2021.
The MPSSAA plans included culminating events on June 18 and 19th for high school baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, tennis, and track and field. The tennis and track and field tournaments include a sectional regional and regional round for qualifying to the state meet.
How can I view my/my child’s 2021-2022 courses?
Update: June 9, 2021
Middle and high school courses for the 2021-2022 school year are available to view in HCPSS Connect Synergy through Tuesday, June 15.
It is recommended that you and your child review the courses. If there is an error or you would like to adjust a course, please contact your assigned school for the 2021-2022 school year. Please note this is not the final schedule and there may be future adjustments due to course availability and/or staffing.
Will students be in person for the 2021-2022 school year?
Yes, with the exception of those K-6 students enrolled in the Digital Education Center.
HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano on August 12, 2021 reiterated, "Howard County public schools will be open, in person, five days per week beginning on the first day of school."
Can students be provided with Extended School Year services to satisfy the requirement for Compensatory Education/Recovery Services?
While both services can be provided during the summer/school breaks, services designated as ESY services cannot satisfy the requirement for Compensatory Education/Recovery Services. The purpose of Compensatory Education/Recovery Services is to address the loss of a FAPE during the extended closure of school buildings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of ESY services is to ensure that the student maintains the critical life skills growth achieved during the regular school year in the following school year.
How will the determination of the need for Compensatory Education/Recovery Services be documented?
Parents will receive a Compensatory Education/Recovery Services offer from the HCPSS. Parents will have the option to:
- Agree with the proposed Compensatory Education/Recovery Services offer;
- Submit additional input and/or requests for consideration;
- Submit disagreement with the offer;
- If the above process is followed and the parents remain in disagreement, they can request an IEP team meeting to address their concerns.
How does the IEP team determine if Compensatory Education/Recovery Services are required?
In alignment with MSDE guidance, school team members will need to examine these data points for each student after they have returned to in-person learning and data related to potential regression and recoupment has been collected.