When do I have to complete payment for enrollment in a 2020 Summer Program?

Payment deadlines for BSAP Summer Institute, G/T Summer Institutes for Talent Development, and Innovative Pathways High School are extended through May 29.

Due to school and office building closures, payments are not accepted in person. Payments may be made online via MySchoolBucks or by mailing a check. Details on making payments can be found online.

Will programs scheduled for the summer of 2020 be held?

HCPSS summer programs include Academic Intervention, Extended School Year (ESY) Special Education, BSAP Summer Institute, G/T Summer Institutes and Innovative Pathways High School.

All 2020 HCPSS summer programs will be offered virtually, in compliance with state and local guidelines for the safe recovery of operations. Virtual programs will have a modified schedule that will incorporate both live sessions and digital content to be accessed online.

Will high school seniors be recognized in any other ways?

In addition to online and in-person graduation ceremonies, each high school, Cedar Lane School and the Homewood Center will hold a virtual senior awards ceremony to highlight the many accomplishments of its Class of 2020 and announce the recipients of school and community awards and scholarships.

Yard signs honoring seniors have been ordered by all of the schools and are, or soon will be displayed at the homes of high school seniors. School PTSAs, Boosters, Senior Class, and other organizations supported this initiative.

Will graduation ceremonies be held for the class of 2020?

Yes! HCPSS is planning for both online and in-person graduations.

Virtual graduations will be held June 4-9. A full schedule and details on how to view the celebrations can be found online.

The virtual graduations will be pre-recorded but closely aligned to the programs that were already planned to include student speeches, student performances, commencement remarks by the county executive, recognition of the graduates by the superintendent, awarding of diplomas by a Board member, and the turning of tassels.

Can I/my child receive accommodations on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams during the COVID-related school closures?

Students will be able to use their approved accommodations for 2020 AP Exams. The way accommodations are provided may be different because the exams are shorter and will be taken online at home.

Students may only use accommodations that they’ve been approved for by the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Details on student accommodations are available on the College Board website.

How can I retrieve items I/my child left at school prior to buildings being closed for the COVID-related school closures?

Aligning with the Maryland State Department of Education’s decision to close all schools through the remainder of the current school year, all Howard County Public School System schools will remain closed to public access.

Each school is coordinating retrieval of items left behind in order to ensure safe and healthy social distancing and adherence to health guidelines. Please email your school principal with any questions.