Update: March 1, 2021
All student schedules will change effective Monday, March 1, regardless of whether the student is returning in-person or remaining virtual. Please note:
Parents/guardians were sent an email with the link to the commitment form, which also can be accessed directly at https://www.hcpss.org/connect/. If you are unable to access the link, or need assistance completing the commitment form, please contact your child’s school for assistance.
Update: February 25, 2021
Transportation will be provided for those students who are not identified as walkers and/or those who would have otherwise been provided transportation services.
To determine if your child is eligible for transportation services and/or to determine bus stop locations and times, please use the HCPSS School Bus Locator.
PLEASE NOTE: Pickup times and bus stop locations are updated as needed and are subject to change.
All HCPSS students will be offered the opportunity to return in-person. Some students may take part in a full-week program, including but not limited to students receiving Special Education services, those who were identified for the HCPSS small group program earlier in the year, and others as identified by school administrators. Other students may take part in a one- or two-day program.
Parents/guardians were given the following options, as applicable to each of their children:
Beginning March 1, the Howard County Public School System will begin a phased-in transition to a hybrid instructional model. Students will return on the following schedule:
Updated February 3, 2021
The correct supply of PPE has been provided to all schools based on the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The supply of PPE should not impact any rotation issues as long as staff follow the manufacturer’s care and use guidelines of the PPE. Staff will receive two reusable masks and additional supplies have been ordered to be able to provide masks to staff every eight weeks based on manufacturer’s guidelines.
The following will be provided to schools and offices:
The following operational modifications will be in effect when schools reopen in March 2021:
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.
