Harford County Public Schools

The following message was sent to parents/guardians of students in Grades 1-9 on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. via email:

Harford County Public Schools is continuing to use the i-Ready Diagnostic assessments for reading and math. This assessment helps determine your child’s strengths and provides data for teachers that helps them better support your child.

The i-Ready Diagnostic is a computer-adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions based on student responses. Each question a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly more difficult questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier questions.

With i-Ready Diagnostic comes a feature called Family Center. If your child was tested during the fall window, their score report is now available. It is important to note that your child will need to log into their HCPS device for you to view their reports. Detailed instructions on how to access the Family Center once your child logs into their HCPS device are attached to this email, or you can click here. Spanish translated instructions can be found in the Resources for Parents page on hcps.org . Further information about these assessments can be viewed here. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.

The winter testing window will begin on January 5, 2026, and run through February 6, 2026. Testing dates may vary, as each school will schedule specific testing dates within the county window.

The following communication is scheduled to go to all contacts on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email, text message, and push alert.

This is an important calendar reminder.
Schools will dismiss students three hours early on Thursday, October 6, 2025. Early Learners and Learning Together programs do NOT meet on early dismissal days.
Schools will be closed to students on Friday, October 7, 2025, for Professional Development.
Calendar information for the entire 2025–2026 school year can be found at www.hcps.org.

The following communication was sent to families of students in grades 3 through 12, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, via phone call, email, and text message.

For over 20 years, Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) has administered Wellness Needs Assessments. The assessment results determine how HCPS staff can provide more direct and specific support to our students. We hope you will encourage your child to share their true thoughts and feelings as we look to provide as supportive and nurturing a school environment as possible for all students.
Students do not have to participate in the Wellness Needs Assessment and can let their teacher know at the time of the assessment if they do not want to participate. You may also send an email to your student’s school counselor to make them aware if you do not want your child to participate in the Wellness Needs Assessment. Click here to see a copy of the Wellness Needs Assessment.

The window of administration of the assessment is October 20 through November 17, 2025. If you do not wish your child to participate, please tell your child’s school counselor by October 13, 2024, or have them inform their teacher at the time of the assessment.

The following communication was sent to all families on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via phone call and email:

This is an important reminder that families must submit a new Meal Benefit Application for the 2025–2026 school year.

If your student was approved for meal benefits last year, those benefits will expire on October 14, 2025, unless a new application is submitted and approved. This is because the 30-day carryover period from last school year ends on that date.
Submitting your application ensures your child does not experience an interruption in meal benefits.
Access the online Meal Benefit Application here.
Additional information about the HCPS Food and Nutrition department is available here.
Thank you for taking the time to complete your application as soon as possible.

The following communication was sent to all parents/guardians in grades 4-11, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via phone call, email, and text message

You are receiving this email because your student may have participated in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments in the Spring of 2025 in Harford County Public Schools.
During the week of October 6, 2025, your student’s individual score report(s) will be sent home by their school. These reports provide a summary of your student’s performance overall and in specific areas.
If you have any questions about your student’s scores, please contact their school.

HCPS will continue to serve school meals during the federal government shutdown. According to USDA guidance, there is currently no immediate impact on school meal funding or operations.

Families may apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meal benefits at any time during the year. If your family has been affected by furloughs or a sudden loss of income, we encourage you to complete the application here: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict

HCPS Food and Nutrition Services will continue to monitor updates from USDA, MSDE, and the School Nutrition Association and provide information as needed.

The following communication was sent to all contacts, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. via email, and text message.

The proposed Harford County Public Schools 2026–2027 school year calendar was presented to the Board of Education of Harford County at the September 22, 2025, Board Business Meeting. Click here to watch the presentation.
The proposed calendar is now posted for 60 days of public comment. Please take a moment to review the proposed calendar and share your feedback before the Board of Education of Harford County holds a final vote on December 15, 2025.
Click here to review the draft calendar and provide your comments.

The following communication was sent to all high school, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via phone call, email, and text message.

The registration window for AP exams opens Monday, October 6, 2025, and will close on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are administered by the College Board and give students the opportunity to earn college credit and demonstrate mastery of college-level coursework.
During the 2025–2026 school year, students will register for AP exams online at CollegeBoard.org and make payments through Total Registration. Students in 11th or 12th grade, as well as those who qualify for free or reduced meals, may take exams at no cost. The cost for students in 9th or 10th grade who do not qualify for free or reduced meals is $104.
Your school’s AP coordinator will provide information about how to register for these exams. If you have any questions, please reach out to them for help.

The following communication was sent to all contacts, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email, text message, and push alert

The Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC) invites you to the commUNITY in Motion 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Harford Technical High School in Bel Air. Gates open at 9:00 AM and the race starts at 10:00 AM.
This student-run event is a way for families to enjoy fitness, have fun, and support HCPS student leaders. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Upper Chesapeake Health for Breast Cancer Care.
Registration fees are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Children under 5-years-old are free. Click here to register.

The following communication was sent to all elementary school families on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email and text message:

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, we are excited to share that the HCPS Patriot Program will be part of the instructional day in all elementary schools across Harford County Public Schools.
The Patriot Program seeks to foster civic-minded students with knowledge of the rich history of the United States, an appreciation for the democratic values that are the foundation of our society, and an understanding of the ways they can responsibly participate in and contribute to their communities. Through engaging lessons and activities, students in Pre-K through Grade 5 will explore important values such as pride, responsibility, and respect.
Program Highlights:

Official Launch: The program begins on Constitution Day, September 17, with a day of special lessons and activities.
Ongoing Learning: Throughout the year, students will explore nine areas of study, including civics, geography, history, art, music, physical education, media literacy, economics, and service learning.
Home to School Connection: Families will receive a Patriot Pathways newsletter at the end of each unit, offering ways to continue the conversation and learning at home.

Additional Opportunities:

While the Patriot Program will be taught during the school day for all students, PTAs may also offer “Beyond the Bell” Patriot activities as an optional, after-school program. They may also choose to sponsor activities or competitions alongside the Patriot Program to encourage students wanting to go above-and-beyond.
Schools will have flexibility to create their own celebrations and activities to make the Patriot Program special for their community.

We are proud to expand this program to every elementary school. Thank you for your support as we launch this exciting new opportunity for our youngest learners!

Parents and guardians: The Portable Communication Device Policy was updated in June 2025. If your school provides a student planner, it may have gone to print as early as April- before the policy was updated. This means your student planner may have an outdated version of the Portable Communication Device Policy. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you utilize the most up to date policy that is available here. This is the policy we will adhere to this school year.

The following message is being sent via email to all families and staff on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.:

We want to share important updates to two Board of Education of Harford County policies—Portable Communication Devices and Student Backpack Use—approved by the Board of Education on June 9, 2025. These changes go into effect for the upcoming school year and are designed to support a safe and focused learning environment.

Portable Communication Devices

Students may bring cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, and other portable communication devices to school; however, their use is limited during the school day:

Elementary School: Devices must be deactivated and stored in student bookbags upon arrival.

Middle School: Devices must be deactivated and secured in lockers for the duration of the school day.

High School: Devices must be kept in the student’s locker and deactivated during class time.

Smartwatches and similar wearables may be worn but must remain deactivated at all grade levels.

For more details and exceptions, please review the policy in its entirety via the attached document or on our website.

Student Backpack and Bag Policy

The updated backpack and bag policy outlines expectations for storage to ensure clear pathways, student safety, and emergency preparedness:

Bookbags do not need to be clear, but they must be stored appropriately.

Elementary School: Bookbags must be placed in designated classrooms or cubby areas upon arrival.

Middle and High School: Bookbags must be stored in lockers during the school day.

Students may carry a nontransparent bag no larger than 4.5x8.5-inch with them for personal hygiene purposes.

Athletic bags and musical instrument cases at all grade levels must be taken directly to the appropriate storage areas upon arrival and not carried throughout the school day.

For more details and exceptions, please review the policy in its entirety via the attached document or on our website.

What Families Should Do

Review these updated policies with your student before the first day of school.

Make sure your child knows where and how to store their devices and bags.

Both policies will be actively enforced at the start of the school year.

Thank you for your partnership in helping maintain safe, organized, and distraction-free schools.

Sincerely,
Dr. Aaron Poynton
President, Board of Education of Harford County