Can I/my child receive credit from an online class that is not affiliated with HCPSS or the JumpStart dual enrollment program?
Current HCPSS students who are interested in enrolling in a non-HCPSS fully online class, other than a college level course, during the 2020-2021 school year should review the following information to ensure the course(s) meet MD COMAR and can be awarded high school credit. Board of Education Policy 8200 Digital Education specifies the eligibility criteria under which HCPSS students may enroll in HCPSS digital education.
What supplies are needed for the 2020-2021 school year?
Elementary and middle school supply lists for the 2020-21 school year can be found online:
All elementary schools will use a single supply list, as will all middle schools. High schools do not have general supply lists, as classes may have unique requirements.
My child is new to the school system. How do they log in to HCPSS computers and applications?
Parents/guardians with students new to HCPSS and whose registration has been finalized have been emailed student account credentials, which will be used to log in to HCPSS computers and applications.
When can families of high school students expect to receive their courses?
High school administrators, school counselors and data clerks have been putting together new course lists for each student in the new 4 x 4 framework. Some schools will begin sending out their scheduled classes beginning Friday, August 14, while others are still finalizing a few items specific to their schools and will have them to families during the week of August 17. This staggered timeline is necessary due to the move to the 4 x 4 schedule. Students and families are encouraged to reach out to school counselors to change courses, if needed.
What is the benefit to using an HCPSS-provided Chromebook?
Providing HCPSS devices will allow the school system to provide a reliable, safe, consistent, secure learning platform. We encourage all students to borrow an HCPSS Chromebook (as they become available) for a number of reasons:
How can my child participate in a "pod" in our community?
“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.