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 This means your student planner may have an outdated version of the Portable Communication Device Policy.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
Applicants Sought for Ethics Panel- DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
The Board of Education of Harford County is seeking applications from interested county citizens to
fill an opening on the school system’s Ethics Panel. The Ethics Panel reviews inquiries concerning
potential violations of ethics on the part of school employees or Board members, provides advisory
opinions regarding ethics issues and reviews financial disclosure forms required to be filed by
Board members and certain Board employees.
Ethics Panel members serve for a term of five years appointed at staggered intervals. Members are
appointed by the Board of Education and may serve two full terms. Ethics Panel members serve
without compensation but are reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to their service.
Applicants should send a letter of interest accompanied by a biographical sketch either by USPS
mail to: Kimberly H. Neal, Esquire, General Counsel, Board of Education of Harford County, 102
S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland, 21014, or by email to Tayler.Welling@hcps.org, before close
of business on September 12, 2025.
For more information, please email Tayler Welling, Administrative Support Coordinator for Legal
Counsel at tayler.welling@hcps.org.
8/28/2025 11:22 AM
A Welcome Message from Dr. Bulson and the Board of Education of Harford County
The following message was sent to all contacts on Tuesday, August 27, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. via email, text message and push alert.
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! Click here to listen in as Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson shares his excitement for the year ahead and outlines key district priorities, including expanded career programs, enhanced mentoring opportunities, and a focus on student voice and engagement.
Click here as the Board of Education President, Dr. Aaron Poynton, Vice President, Lauren Paige and Student Member, Trae McVicker welcome students. and discuss their three main priorities: school safety, academic achievement, and stronger community partnerships.
We hope you have a fantastic 2025-2026 school year!
8/27/2025 6:15 PM
PSAT Registration Opens August 27, 2025
The following communicaiton was sent to parents and guardians of all students in grades 10 and 11 via email, phone call, and text message on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
The registration period for the PSAT opens on August 27, 2025, and runs through September 17, 2025.
The PSAT is an optional test administered by the College Board and is designed to give students opportunities to prepare for the SAT, a college admissions test. It also provides schools with valuable information about your student’s potential for success in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.
During the 2025-2026 school year, the PSAT will be administered during the school day in October.
There is a $20.00 registration fee. Students who are eligible for free or reduced meals may select a waiver during registration to take the PSAT at no cost.
Your school will provide information about specific dates the test will be offered and how to register for this exam. After receiving that information, please reach out to the school test coordinator or counseling office if you have any questions.
8/25/2025 5:30 PM
Harford Glen Pier Closed Until Further Notice
The following is being sent via email to all HCPS contacts:
We want to make you aware that the pier at Harford Glen is closed for the foreseeable future following an incident that caused damage to portions of the structure.
As many community members enjoy visiting the Harford Glen grounds during the summer, we are sharing this message to ask for your cooperation in avoiding use of the pier until it has been assessed and deemed safe for public access once again.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for all.
8/5/2025 4:12 PM
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
HCPS 2025-2026 Color-Coded Calendar Available Online
The 2025-2026 Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Color-Coded Calendar is available online.
You can view all available calendar information here.
1/10/2025 2:19 PM
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