“Pods,” organized by families, are small groups of students that come together each academic day either in a home or an outside location to facilitate learning.

HCPSS schools do not facilitate the development of pods.

Several organizations in Howard County offer services such as tutoring and other supports and resources for students and families. The HCPSS Community News and Programs page provides information about non-profit organizations that provide services to support families and students.

The Maryland Department of Health has not lifted the requirement for immunizations, which are still required for entry into school and are vital for children’s overall health and wellness. On August 26, 2020, the Maryland State Department of Education shared that "After consulting with the [Maryland Department of Health] and MSDE Attorney General’s offices, it has been determined that school immunization requirements remain in effect whether students are in the physical school building or are participating through virtual learning."

This type of solution was discussed at the July 9 Board of Education meeting. Following hours of discussion and consideration, it became clear that this presented significant staffing challenges, disconnection from a student’s assigned home school, and limited course offerings. It also required families to make a decision for the entire school year because of the impacts that switching between solutions would have on staffing.

At the July 16, 2020, Board of Education meeting, HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano recommended a virtual start of the school year through the first quarter, which ends November 6. The Board voted instead to have a fully virtual start through the second quarter, which ends January 28.

The July 16 Board meeting, including the discussion on this issue and subsequent vote, can be viewed online.

The latest information and updates regarding the operations of the HCPSS interscholastic athletics program are available on the HCPSS Athletics webpage. This page is continually updated to reflect the latest resources and program operations.

Member high school teams may not compete in a recreational league or other developed league under the auspices of the high school team.

All member schools are expected to be in full compliance with COMAR 13A.06.03 unless operating within waivers as approved by the State Board of Education. These waivers for out-of-season practice require each member school to operate within the out-of-season participation plans developed by each LSS.

In light of the number of Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) member schools starting the 2020-2021 academic year in a virtual setting, a two-semester hybrid plan is being developed in consultation with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM). The plan is focused on student engagement options in the first semester and modified competition seasons for all sports during the second semester.

UPDATE: October 26, 2020: Today the Maryland State Board of Education approved a start date of December 7, 2020, for high school athletics. HCPSS advocated for this plan, which was crafted by district athletics supervisors and issued by Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland.

The HCPSS Return to Play Committee Plan provides the framework, guiding principles, and operating procedures for the interscholastic athletics program. The plan will incorporate national, state and local health guidelines and recommendations. The committee will be looking at how the first semester virtual and in-person athletic instruction may look.

The guiding principles of the HCPSS Return to Play include promoting our core values of equity and access to allow for the participation for all students.

Within Stages 1 and 2 of Governor Hogan’s Roadmap to Recovery, there will be segmented approaches for gradual resumption and administration of athletics and activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the segmented approach through a risk assessment.