Administrative Guidelines for Evaluating Boundary Exception Requests

What is a boundary exception?

The policy of the Board of Education of Harford County stipulates that students will attend the schools that serve the area in which they reside with their parent(s) or legal guardian. A boundary exception is special approval for a student to enroll at a school outside of the student's designated attendance area.

For what reasons can a boundary exception be requested?

Each boundary exception request is investigated and evaluated for approval on an individual basis. The following are the most common reasons for approval:

• Child care for an elementary student in an attendance area out of the home school area.
• Curriculum pursuit of a secondary program unavailable at the student's home school.
• Hardship circumstances of an unusual and adverse nature which precludes the student's enrollment in his/her home school.

In all cases supporting documentation will be required.

When can a boundary exception be submitted?

Initial applications may be submitted throughout the calendar year. Reapplications are processed after March 1 for the upcoming school year.

What is the review process for a boundary exception request?

The office of Student Services will review the reasons for the request and determine whether any limitations apply such as:

• School enrollment/capacity
• Class size
• School staffing
• Impact of supporting services such as special education
• Program eligibility (curriculum, Pre-K request)

If the request meets the guidelines and no restrictions apply, the boundary exception is approved. A decision is usually made within 10 business days.

Are there any special conditions when a boundary exception is approved?

The following conditions are imposed when a student attends a school on a boundary excpetion:

• Approval is granted for one year only.
• Parents are responsible for transportation.
• Special conditions may be determined by the Director of Student Services in unique cases.
• Satisfactory attendance, behavior, and achievement is required.

Can a boundary exception be revoked?

A boundary exception can be revoked when:

• The stated reason for the boundary exception is no longer valid.
• False information was given at the time of the boundary exception request.
• There is non-compliance with special conditions or school policies.

Can I appeal a request which has been denied?

If your request for a boundary exception has been denied, you may appeal the decision. Appeals should be addressed in writing to the Superintendent of Schools within 15 days following notification of denial or termination of a boundary exception.

If you are in need of additional information regarding boundary exceptions:

Please contact the Pupil Personnel Worker who serves your school:

• Aberdeen Area: 410-273-5514
• Bel Air Area: 410-638-4143
• Edgewood Area: 410-612-1521
• Fallston Area: 410-638-4124
• Havre de Grace Area: 410-939-6612
• Magnolia Area: 410-612-1531
• North Harford Area: 410-638-3662
• Patterson Mill Area: 410-638-4215
• Southampton Area: 410-638-4153
• Central Office: 410-588-5282

Home and Hospital Teaching Brochure

What is Home and Hospital Teaching?

Home and Hospital Teaching provides education for Harford County students who are unable to attend school due to physical or emotional condition.

MSDE - Home and Hospital Teaching Branch

Who is eligible for Home and Hospital Teaching Services?

Any student who is unable to attend school due to a properly verified physical or emotional condition is eligible for services. Applications can be obtained from the guidance department at your home school.

Does a student have to be out of school four weeks before they are eligible?

No. If a doctor or school anticipates that a student’s absence may be for a period of several weeks, the application process may begin.

What is the difference between Home and Hospital Teaching and Home Schooling?

Home Schooling is a school program administered at home by the student’s parent or guardian. The student on home schooling is not enrolled in a Harford County School. Home and Hospital Teaching is a temporary service available to any county student who is unable to attend his/her school due to physical or emotional crisis.

Who are the teachers assigned to Home and Hospital Teaching?

There are currently eighty teachers assigned to the Home and Hospital Teaching Program. Other teachers are hired as the need arises.

Do I ever get to meet my teachers?

Yes. Your teachers will visit you to bring materials and for individual tutoring sessions. A parent or responsible adult, 18 years or older, must be present when your teacher visits.

Will I be doing the same work as my classmates in my home school?

If you are receiving one-to-one instruction at home, your teacher will contact your regular teacher for materials and instruction. In treatment facilities, usually the parent(s) bring work from the home school.

Do students graduate from Home and Hospital Teaching?

No. although some students may be using the Home and Hospital Teaching service for an extended period of time, they graduate from their home school.

Do students graduate from Home and Hospital Teaching?

No. although some students may be using the Home and Hospital Teaching service for an extended period of time, they graduate from their home school.

Who gives the Home and Hospital student a grade?

Home and Hospital students receive a grade from their Home and Hospital teacher. That grade is sent to the parent and to the home school. The home school teacher averages the grade earned at Home and Hospital with the grade earned at the home school. If the student was in Home and Hospital for the entire quarter, then the home teacher will place that grade on the report card. Excused and unexcused absences will also be noted. Home and Hospital Teaching follows the Harford County Public Schools attendance policy for grading as indicated in the Home and Hospital Teaching Handbook.

How do I turn in my work?

Each teacher has different requirements. Some teachers grade oral responses. Others require written work to be sent to the school using electronic mail, fax, or US postal services. Work may also be hand-delivered or picked up by the teacher.

Do I have to take HSA exams?

Yes. Usually the exams will be taken at your home school, unless there are extenuating medical circumstances. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to contact the home school and make arrangements for the student to take final exams.

Why does it take so long for a student to get on the program?

The length of time depends on how long it takes the parent, the doctor, and the school counselor to accurately complete and submit the required referral forms to the Home and Hospital Teaching Program administrator (Pupil Personnel Worker) in your area.

What do I do about the work I missed from my home school before placement in Home and Hospital Teaching?

A student is responsible for completing his/her work at his home school until he/she begins Home and Hospital Teaching.

Home and Hospital Teachers are Needed!

Harford County residents are being sought as applicants for non-contracted home & hospital teaching positions for the current school year.

Click Here to Apply

Home Instruction Frequently Asked Questions Brochure

Mission

The mission of the Home Instruction Program is to promote quality education for K-12 home schooled students. Home Instruction reviews are conducted twice a year to ensure that thorough, consistent instruction is occurring.

Do I need to set up a classroom in my home?

You need to provide an educational area. This should include a desk or work area with suitable lighting and ventilation. Resource and instructional materials should be available to your child.

Must the parent be the teacher or can a tutor be hired to take care of the instruction?

The Bylaw is quite clear that the parent is to be the primary provider of the instruction. Other adults can assist with a special area of interest, but not replace the parent. The teaching by another adult or group of adults constitutes a school, which must seek accreditation approval through the State Department of Education.

Am I required to be a certified teacher?

No, not under present regulations.

How much time should be spent on instruction each day?

Generally, six (6) hours of instruction, Monday through Friday, for approximately 36 weeks is recommended. Parent can make adjustments to the schedule, based on the needs of the child.

Do I have to follow the public school calendar?

You need to specify the hours, days, and length of your instructional year during the portfolio review. Weekends, evening hours, and summertime may also be part of the schedule if you desire. The portfolio review should reflect a comprehensive program appropriate for the age and functioning of the child.

Should I develop a planning book for instruction?

Evidence of your planning is part of the portfolio review.

Should I keep a record of attendance and evaluations/grades given to my child?

Yes.

What areas of instruction are mandatory in my program?

Evidence of instruction in all of the following areas is required: English/Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spelling, Art, Music, Health, & Physical Education.

What samples of my child’s work should be available during the portfolio review?

Examples of the child’s writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests must be saved for the review. In addition, work should be dated as it is completed.

How often are portfolio reviews to take place?

Generally, such reviews can occur two (2) times per school year. There can be a maximum of three (3) reviews permitted by the Bylaw each academic year.

What happens if the school system personnel are dissatisfied with the home schooling program?

If there are deficiencies in the program resulting in the child not receiving a regular, thorough instructional program conforming the Bylaw, the parent will be notified of this deficiency and must provide evidence within 30 days that the deficiency has been corrected. If the deficiency is not corrected, the child must be enrolled promptly in a public or nonpublic school.

What would the process be if I should decide to place my child back in school at some future date?

Your child would be most welcome to enroll. At that point, a conference should be arranged with the school principal to make placement decisions. An evaluation will be made to determine proper placement. This evaluation could include review of the portfolio materials, standardized testing, and/or interviews with the student to determine grade level and ability grouping.

Will a high school diploma be issued by Harford County Public Schools if I elect to have my child remain on a home schooling program through grade 12?

No. Diplomas cannot be issued to students who are not enrolled in our school system.

Must I reapply for permission to continue home schooling each year?

A new Home Schooling Notification Form is not necessary. However, you will be sent the Annual Home Schooling Verification Form each July which asks about your intent to continue home schooling or to enroll your child in school.

Can my child take part in some aspects of the school instructional or extracurricular programs while receiving home schooling?

No. Home schooling is an “all-or-nothing” program. However, if a child has been identified through the Child Find process to be eligible for special education services, HCPS will provide services as consistent with his or her identified service plan.

Will the school system provide books and materials for a child receiving home schooling?

No. Books and materials cannot be issued to a student who is not enrolled in our school system.

May my child participate in the standardized testing program offered by the school system even though he/she is not enrolled?

Yes. Upon request of a parent or guardian, a child receiving home schooling may participate in the regularly scheduled standardized testing programs that are administered in the public school where the child is eligible to attend. Arrangements must be made prior to testing dates and the child must be brought to the assigned school by the parent. Parents are reminded that these tests are not administered at every grade level.

If you are in need of additional information regarding home schooling:

Please contact the Pupil Personnel Worker who serves your school:

• Aberdeen Area: 410-273-5514
• Bel Air Area: 410-638-4143
• Edgewood Area: 410-612-1521
• Fallston Area: 410-638-4124
• Havre de Grace Area: 410-939-6612
• Magnolia Area: 410-612-1531
• North Harford Area: 410-638-3662
• Patterson Mill Area: 410-638-4215
• Southampton Area: 410-638-4153
• Central Office: 410-588-5282

REGION	SCHOOLS	PUPIL PERSONNEL WORKER
Aberdeen	Aberdeen Middle Bakerfield Elem. Church Creek Elem. Hall's Cross Roads Elem. George D. Lisby Elem. at Hillsdale	Evonne Alberter Aberdeen Pupil Services 410-273-5514 email: Evonne.Alberter@hcps.org
Bel Air	Bel Air Elem. Bel Air Middle Bel Air High Emmorton Elem. Homestead/Wakefield Elem. Patterson Mill High Ring Factory Elem.	Robin Walker Bel Air Pupil Services 410-638-4143 email: Robin.Walker @hcps.org
Edgewood	Abingdon Elem. Deerfield Elem. Edgewood Elem. Edgewood High Edgewood Middle	Keesha Alexander Edgewood Pupil Services 410-612-1521 email:  Keesha.Alexander@hcps.org
Fallston	Fallston High Fallston Middle Forest Lakes Elem. Harford Technical High John Archer Youth's Benefit Elem. Red Pump Elem.	Greg Smith Fallston Pupil Services 410-638-4124 email:  Gregory.Smith@hcps.org
Havre de Grace	Darlington Elem. Havre de Grace Elem. Havre de Grace Middle Havre de Grace High Meadowvale Elem. Roye Williams Elem.	William Novakoski Havre de Grace Pupil Services 410-939-6612 email:  Bill.Novakoski@hcps.org
Magnolia	Joppatowne Elem. Joppatowne High Magnolia Elem. Magnolia Middle Riverside Elem. William S. James Elem.	Monica Contee-Brown Magnolia Pupil Services 410-612-1531 email:  Monica.Contee-Brown@hcps.org
North Harford	Dublin Elem. Forest Hill Elem. Jarrettsville Elem. Norrisville Elem. North Bend Elem. North Harford Elem. North Harford High North Harford Middle	Nathan Smith North Harford Pupil Services 410-638-3662 email:  Nathan.Smith@hcps.org
Patterson Mill	Aberdeen High Patterson Mill Middle William Paca/Old Post Road Elem. Alternative Education Program @ CEO	Pamela Smith Patterson Mill Pupil Services 410-638-4215 email:  Pamela.Smith@hcps.org
Southampton	C. Milton Wright High Churchville Elem. Fountain Green Elem. Hickory Elem. Prospect Mill Elem. Southampton Middle	JoEllen Barnes Southampton Pupil Services 410-638-4153 email:  Joellen.Barnes@hcps.org

For additional information regarding home instruction legal requirements and a listing of nonpublic entities registered to supervise home instruction, please use the following links.

COMAR Requirements

List of Registered Programs

Student Services Brouchure

What are Student Services?

Harford County Public Schools provide a variety of specialized services intended to optimize learning for all students. Coordinated Student Services support the instructional programs within our schools by addressing barriers to learning and promoting the healthy development of students.

What types of Student Services are available?
Direct Services:

• Counseling
• Assessment and Appraisal
• Classroom Instruction
• Prevention and Management of Health Problems
• Crisis Intervention
• Program Adjustments or Placements
• Home and Hospital Teaching

Indirect Services:

• Staff and Parent Consultation
• Case Management and Monitoring
• Collect and Analyze Data
• Referral to Community Services
• Workshops and Presentations

When might Student Services be needed?
Educational:

• Failing grades
• Poor work habits and study skills
• Career development counseling
• Classroom Accommodations and modifications
• Screening for students who may be disabled

Personal/Social:

• Aggressive behavior
• Truancy/School refusal
• Frequent discipline problems
• Withdrawing behavior
• Unsatisfactory school and/or home relationships

Health:

• Medications
• Emergency assistance
• Vision, Hearing and Scoliosis Screenings
• Assistance for students with medical disabilities

Other:

• Special Enrollments: Boundary Exceptions and Caretaker Situations
• Registration for Home Schooling/Instruction

How are these services obtained?

Referrals for Student Services typically originate in the local school Pupil Services Team Conference, which is held on a regular basis. This team concentrates on exploring alternatives that may help students function more effectively. After a review of the case, the team may recommend that one or more specialists be assigned for appropriate service. In some cases, an individual intervention plan will be developed for the student.

Parents who feel that their student has need of specialized services should contact the student's school or the Office of Student Services (410)588-5334.

• Procedures for Implementation of Education for Homeless Children
• Know Your Rights (Facts about Education for Homeless Children & Youth) | Español Versión
• McKinney-Vento Act | Español Versión
• Parent Community Involvement Policy ( English  | Español Versión )
• Title I Parent Involvement Procedures( English  | Español Versión
• Please take the Parent Involvement Policy / Procedure Survey

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The local liaison serves as one of the primary contacts between homeless families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers, and other service providers. The liaison coordinates services to ensure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically.

Local liaisons must ensure that:

• Homeless children and youth are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies;
• Homeless students enroll in, and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in, the schools of the LEA;
• Homeless children and youth and their families receive educational services for which they are eligible, including Head Start, Even Start, and preschool programs administered by the LEA, and referrals to health, mental health, dental, and other appropriate services;
• Parents or guardians of homeless children and youth are informed of educational and related opportunities available to their children, and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children;
• Parents and guardians and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, including transportation to and from the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing transportation services;
• Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act; and
• Public notice of the educational rights of homeless students is disseminated to locations where they receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act.

In meeting these responsibilities, local liaisons must assist homeless children and youth with such activities as the following:

• Enrolling in school and accessing school services;
• Obtaining immunizations or medical records;
• Informing parents, school personnel, and others of the rights of homeless children and youth;
• Working with school staff to make sure that homeless children and youth are immediately enrolled in school pending resolution of disputes that might arise over school enrollment or placement;
• Helping to coordinate transportation services for homeless children and youth; and
• Collaborating and coordinating with State Coordinators for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and community and school personnel responsible for providing education and related support services to homeless children and youth.

Office of Pupil Personnel Services (410-588-5282)

The Student Services Division is an articulated continuum of programs and services designed to provide the opportunity for all students to achieve maximum benefit from their educational experience.

NASP Handouts

• Academic Motivation: A Handout for Parents / (Spanish)
• ADHD: A Primer for Parents
• Asperger's Disorder: A Handout for Teachers and Parents / (Spanish)
• Attention Problems: Strategies for Parents / (Spanish)
• Back-to-School Transitions: What Parents Can Do
• Bullying Prevention: What Schools and Parents Can Do
• Bus Safety: A Handout for Parents and Teachers
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Disorders: Roles for School Personnel
• Grade Retention and Promotion: Information for Parents
• Homework Survival Guide / (Spanish)
• Response to Intervention: A Primer for Parents
• Self-Esteem: A Handout for Parents
• Social Skills: Promoting Positive Behavior, Academic Success, and School Safety
• Spanking: Alternative Discipline Strategies - A Handout for Parents
• Sports Participation for Children: A Parent's Guide
• Stress in Children: A Handout for Parents / (Spanish)
• Study Skills: A Handout for Parents / (Spanish)
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and teachers
• Times of Tragedy: Preventing Suicide in Troubled Children and Youth
• What is a School Psychologist? / (Spanish)
• School Based Mental Health Services and School Psychologists
• School Dropout Prevention / (Spanish)

Students with Special Needs

• Families and Advocates Partnership for Education
• Rights and Responsibilities of Parents of Children with Disabilities

Maryland School Assessments

• Reading Sample Items and Information
• Math Sample Items and Information
• High School Assessment

No Child Left Behind

• US Department of Education NCLB Homepage
• NCLB Parents Guide

Additional Links

• Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers

New Teacher Resources

• Survival Guide for New Teachers
• What to Expect Your First Year

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

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• Educational Technology
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• Vocational Education - Technology and Trade

Maryland School Assessments'

• Reading Sample Items and Information
• Math Sample Items and Information
• High School Assessment

No Child Left Behind

• US Department of Education NCLB Homepage
• NCLB Parents Guide

• American Library Association's Great Websites for Kids - Lists of hundreds of educational websites for kids on every academic subject.
• The Awesome Talking Library - Quoted from the website: "By adding a voice to web pages, children and teens can learn to pronounce words as they read them. Awesome Talking Library (Awesone Talkster) inclues an anumated character, providing synchronized highlighting so that children
  can follow along even more easily. This multi-sensory approach is a powerful method for improving reading skills."
• FunBrain.com - Play interactive, educational games on the web that may help your math, science and grammar.
• The Little Animals Activity Center - Interactive educational games for primary school kids.
• States and Capitals - Site offering information on all 50 states and their capitals.
• PBS Kids - Homepage for PBS Kids. The site includes information about their programming, interactive games, stories, music and coloring.
• MD Kids Page - Everything you ever wanted to knw about Maryland.
• A Yahoo search engine just for kids.
• Disney Online Games - Disney interactive games for kids.