In accordance with the recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the decision was made by the HCPSS Division of Operations in May 2020 to provide MERV 13 air filters in HVAC units wherever possible and to maximize outdoor air ventilation by verifying proper operation of outdoor air dampers, airside economizers, and exhaust fans. 

HCPSS recognizes the impact of the pandemic on our students’ learning and the additional supports that will be needed as students return to classrooms. Staff is working to develop a robust program to support learning recovery and acceleration for all students, and will soon present a plan to the Board of Education.

RECC program schedules will be designed and shared as soon as student participation data is available. HCPSS will make every effort to provide students with the full frequency and duration of programming.

For students in Group E (five days per week): preschool, half-day pre-k, MINC-PS programs will attend four days per week (AM or PM). Wednesdays will remain virtual for family coaching. MINC-PK and MINC-EL will attend four days per week for full day programming. Wednesday will remain virtual for family coaching.

There are different social distancing procedures in place depending on the location in and around the building. 

Social Distancing Entering and Exiting the Building

Students who have been provided with a school-issued Chromebook should bring the device and power cord, as well as any external keyboard/mouse they may opt to use. Students without an HCPSS device should bring their own device and power cord. Students who have headphones are encouraged to bring them.

Students should come to school fully prepared with any necessary school supplies (e.g. pencils, notebooks, etc.) Students may check with their teachers for any required supplies on a particular day, especially for related arts.

As HCPSS gathers commitments for children to receive instruction in-person or virtual, class rosters will be analyzed to determine whether all students requesting in-person instruction can safely attend two days per week based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. The school system recognizes that families may prefer to only send students in-person if they will receive in-person instruction for two days per week, whereas other families may prefer to send students in-person even if it is for one day per week.

Update: Aug. 27, 2022

Face masks in HCPSS buildings and/or on school buses are voluntary. Health experts continue to recommend consistent use of well-fitting face masks to reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. A limited supply of masks are available in HCPSS schools and offices.

Please note, anyone who visits a school health room and presents COVID-19 symptoms will be required to wear a face mask.

Update: March 2, 2022

For matters related to isolating and quarantining, HCPSS follows the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Howard County Health Department. The most up-to-date information can be found online.

See also:

Parents/guardians who opt for their student to remain fully virtual may request to switch to the hybrid in-person model at any time during the 2020-2021 school year. However, approval of that request is dependent on available space, social distancing guidelines, and other factors.