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.

HCPSS staff must have at least 15 years of cumulative service in HCPSS to be eligible for HCPSS Retiree Benefits. Additionally, visit the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System website for more information or call 410-625-5555. For retirement counseling, call 410-625-5555 or 1-800-492-5909.

Staff with a documented disability may qualify for accommodations. All applications for ADA accommodations are considered and decisions are made based upon the facts of the case. Please note that the age of the employee and disabilities of family members are NOT factors that qualify for ADA accommodations. 

For specific information about extended leave options, view the HCPSS master agreements. 

• Extended leave information can be found in:
• Article 18 of the HCEA Master Agreement 
• Article 7 of the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement 
• Article XIII of the HCAA Master Agreement  
• Articles 8 and 9 of the AFSCME Master Agreement

Staff can find resignation information online, including step-by-step instructions for resigning, which can be completed in Workday. Staff who resign will be released from their contracts without prejudice since their resignation is due to a pandemic. 
 

Yes, HCPSS employees are expected to return to work with or without having been vaccinated.

All HCPSS staff will have an opportunity to receive the vaccine. The planning of the vaccine distribution to HCPSS staff is a coordinated effort between the school system and Howard County Health Department (HCHD) that will continue in the weeks ahead. 

HCPSS School Nurses and Health Assistants have received training on how to administer the vaccine and will support the process to vaccinate our staff and community.

 No. Pregnant staff will have the option of continuing to teach or work virtually. Pregnant staff members are encouraged to discuss individual circumstances with their health care provider, and should request that they complete the ADA accommodation medical questionnaire. 
 
Staff should also complete the return to workplace commitment form (staff login required) by Friday, February 5 to inform HCPSS of their plans.
 

Parents/guardians should keep their children home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease. For people with chronic conditions such as asthma, the symptoms should represent a change from baseline.

A student should NOT come to school with any of these symptoms: