February 4, 2026, Engage for Education Listening Session Cancelled
The Board of Education of Harford County’s Engage for Education Listening Session originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, has been cancelled.
1/30/2026 12:00 PM
Board of Education of Harford County Business Meeting Rescheduled/Notice of Open/Closed Session
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HARFORD COUNTY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PARTICIPATION
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Due to Inclement Weather:
The 4:45 PM Open/Closed Session has been moved to
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM and will be held virtually.
The 6:00 PM Business Meeting is Cancelled.
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HARFORD COUNTY
NOTICE OF BOARD OPEN/CLOSED SESSION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
OPEN SESSION: 6:00 PM – 6:05 PM
This open session will be conducted in a virtual fashion. The open session will be streamed live and archived for later viewing on the HCPS Website.
*The only item the Board will consider during this open session is consideration of meeting in a closed session.
CLOSED SESSION: 6:05 PM – ADJOURNMENT
*The next regular Board meeting is set for Monday, February 9, 2026.
1/25/2026 1:00 PM
CTE Family Night - February 26
Harford County Public Schools invites students in grades 4-7 and their families to CTE Family Night on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Patterson Mill Middle/High School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will run from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026.
This fair-style event will provide students and families with opportunities to explore the comprehensive, Magnet, and Signature programs of study offered in HCPS high schools. Students and families will circulate through the event to speak with representatives from each MSDE-recognized Career Cluster, including Maryland Youth Apprenticeship and Harford Youth Workforce Investment.
Current students and teachers will be available to engage students in demonstrations, showcasing how Career and Technology Education (CTE) innovatively prepares students for opportunities beyond high school. Students from various CTE Student Organizations will be highlighting additional opportunities to participate in experiential learning through co-curriculars such as Future Business Leaders of America, SkillsUSA, FFA, and Engineering and Robotics clubs.
For more information about the event and the programs offered within Harford County Public Schools, visit the CTE webpage on hcps.org.
1/14/2026 3:30 PM
Device Protection Plan Deadline - January 31
The deadline to purchase a Device Protection Plan for the 2025-2026 school year is January 31, 2026.
Plans cost $50. Without a plan, device repairs cost $150. Students approved for free or reduced meals automatically receive the device protection plan.
For more information, watch this video or click here for a downloadable copy. Questions? Email studentdevices@hcps.org.
1/14/2026 3:00 PM
Scholarship Opportunities and FAFSA Deadline
High school seniors: Maryland's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline is March 1, 2026. The FAFSA is required to qualify for federal student aid, including grants, work-study programs, and loans. Many colleges and scholarship programs also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
The 2026-2027 FAFSA opened on December 1, 2025. Students and families can complete the application at studentaid.gov. HCPS school counselors are available to assist with questions about the FAFSA process.
In addition to federal aid, hundreds of local and national scholarship opportunities are available to Harford County students. HCPS maintains a scholarship database with current opportunities and application deadlines. Students can browse available scholarships and sign up to receive notifications about new opportunities by visiting https://www.hcps.org/departments/studentservices/SchoolCounseling.aspx#ScholarshipsAnchor.
For questions about scholarships, financial aid, or the FAFSA process, contact your school counselor.
1/14/2026 3:00 PM
A Message from Board of Education of Harford County President Dr. Poynton
The following message is being shared on behalf of Board of Education of Harford County President, Dr. Aaron Poynton.
HCPS Community,
As many of you are aware, it has been reported by various media outlets that our superintendent may have been involved in a reported robbery while on a work-related trip in 2024. This has understandably raised questions regarding the nature of the incident and whether any Harford County Public Schools property or student information may have been compromised.
An internal review confirms no student data was compromised. The Board has now ordered an independent investigation into the entire matter.
The attention and distraction surrounding this reported incident has created challenges for the school system at a time when our focus must remain squarely on students, staff, and the uninterrupted operation of our schools. After careful consideration and a majority vote, the Board has determined that the best course of action at this time is for our superintendent to be placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
In the meantime, Dr. Dyann Mack, our current Deputy Superintendent, will serve as Acting Superintendent to ensure continuity, stability, and effective leadership across the district.
The Board has full confidence in our leadership team and remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and the highest standards of governance. We will continue to focus on what matters most: supporting our students, empowering our educators, and serving the families and community of Harford County.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
Dr. Aaron Poynton
President, Board of Education of Harford County
1/7/2026 7:36 PM
MSDE Comprehensive Health Education Framework Survey
The following wass sent to all contacts via email on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has asked us to share that they are accepting public comments on the proposed revisions to COMAR 13A.04.18 and the Comprehensive Health Education Framework.
The Comprehensive Health Education Standards & Frameworks Validation Committee (SFVC) webpage on MSDE’s website has direct links to drafts and MSDE's online survey. You can also access the drafts and survey links below:
Draft MSDE Revised Regulations
Draft MSDE Revised Framework
MSDE Online Survey
MSDE has noted that all comments must be received by February 9, 2026. For additional information, including the submission of formal letters from an organization, please email healthandpe.msde@maryland.gov.
*This feedback request is being sent on behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Any feedback should be directed to MSDE as outlined above.
12/15/2025 5:00 PM
HCPS Inclement Weather Information for the 2025-2026 School Year
The following information was sent to parents, guardians, and staff on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 via phone, email, and text message
As we enter inclement weather season, a few reminders for returning families, and important info for new families.
HCPS staff evaluate weather conditions daily. When HCPS operates, approximately 5,000 staff members and approximately 40,000 students are on Harford County roads. This can be via a personal vehicle, riding a bus, or walking to school. To ensure the safety of staff and students, HCPS has several options to adjust operating schedules in the case of inclement weather.
DELAYS:
CLOSURES can be determined:
Please note: Closures need to be made up, and HCPS will utilize inclement weather days that are built into the end of the school year (blue outline on the color-coded version of the calendar).
1-, 2- and 3-hour delays do not need to be made up; when schools are open, it counts towards the state mandated 180-day school year.
With a delay, take your students' normal schedule, and add the delay time to adjust your schedule. For example, if you normally arrive at the bus stop at 6:30 a.m., with a 1-hour delay, arrive at 7:30 a.m. On a 2-hour delay, arrive at the bus stop at 8:30 a.m. and on a 3-hour delay, arrive at the bus stop at 9:30 a.m.
Early Learner and Learning Together Programs:
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1-hour delay - Early Learners and Learning Together will also delay one hour
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2-hour delay - NO AM Early Learners and Learning Together; PM WILL meet.
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3-hour delay - NO Early Learners and Learning Together.
When schools are delayed, every effort will be made to make a reassessment by 5:45 a.m. for a 1 Hour Delay, by 6:45 a.m. for a 2 Hour Delay, and by 7:45 a.m. for a 3 Hour Delay. Communication will ONLY be sent if there is another change to the operating schedule.
The decision to dismiss early for inclement weather will be made as close to 9:30 a.m. as possible for any variation of time for an early dismissal, whether 1-, 2-, or 3-hours early.
Where will this information be posted?
As soon as the Communications Office is made aware of operational changes due to inclement weather, written messages will be posted, followed by direct messages. Please note: if you download the HCPS app, you will get the push notification FASTER than the phone call! Also, closures and delays that are provided the night before, or morning of, are not sent to emergency contacts. We WILL utilize emergency contacts, if students are at school and sent home early to ensure someone is aware that they will arrive home before their normal dismissal time.
Want to download the HCPS app?
Click here if you have an Android device
Click here if you have an Apple device
12/3/2025 12:18 PM
Optional Device Protection Plan
The following message was sent to select families who have not yet purchased a Device Protection Plan, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via email, phone call and text:
Good evening,
All Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) students were assigned an iPad, Chromebook, or Dell laptop for the 2025–2026 school year. Your student’s device came with a Student Device Agreement and Protection Plan. As stated in the agreement, parents or guardians are responsible for any damage or loss to the school-owned device, whether it happens at school or at home.
HCPS offers an optional device protection plan to help cover accidental damage. You can purchase it in your School Cash Online account. If you have already purchased the plan, the option to purchase a plan will no longer appear in your School Cash Online account.
Important Information:
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Cost: $20 through October 31, 2025, or $50 from November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026.
The protection plan covers two incidents of accidental damage per school year, if the device is submitted for repair with the service tag visible. It does not cover intentional damage, lost devices, or stolen items.
Replacement costs for items not covered by the device protection plan:
We encourage you to review the optional plan and decide if it’s right for your family before the due dates. Click here to watch a short video about optional purchases for families.
Click here for a downloadable copy of the Student Device Agreement and Protection Plan.
If you have questions, email studentdevices@hcps.org.
10/23/2025 5:00 PM
i-Ready Diagnostic Assessments
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.
10/13/2025 5:00 PM
Student Planners- Policy Updates!
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.
9/2/2025 11:34 AM
Updated HCPS Policies: Portable Devices and Backpacks
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:
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:
For more details and exceptions, please review the policy in its entirety via the attached document or on our website.
What Families Should Do
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
7/31/2025 5:00 PM
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