2025 Wellness Needs Assessment
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.
10/7/2025 5:00 PM
Meal Benefit Applications
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.
10/6/2025 5:00 PM
MCAP Assessment Individual Score Reports
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.
10/2/2025 5:00 PM
Schools Meals During Government Shutdown
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.
10/2/2025 10:00 AM
HCPS 2026-2027 Calendar Proposal
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.
10/1/2025 5:30 PM
AP Exam Registration Window Opens Soon
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.
10/1/2025 5:00 PM
HCRASC commUNITY 5K
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.
9/29/2025 5:00 PM
Patriot Program to be part of Instructional Day at all HCPS Elementary Schools
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!
9/16/2025 5:00 PM
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) Information
The following (full letter attached) is being shared with families who have Kindergarten students in HCPS, on behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE):
KRA Parent Notification Letter_English_updated HCPS.pdf
KRA Parent Notification Letter Spanish updated HCPS.pdf
This fall your student will take the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). The KRA is an assessment that measures a student's knowledge, skills, and abilities in literacy, mathematics, and social and emotional development. It is given to all kindergarten students enrolled in public schools in Maryland by October 10th each year. The purpose of the KRA is to provide teachers and caregivers with information about what students know and can do, as well as to identify areas where they might need additional support. The assessment has three components:
• Star Early Literacy - 10-minute computer adaptive assessment of early literacy skills
• Star Math – 15-minute computer adaptive assessment of math skills
• SAEBRS (Social Academic Emotional Behavior Risk Screen) – 19-question survey completed based on
teacher observation
Most students will take the literacy and mathematics components of the KRA on a computer or tablet. The test will be read out loud to students who will use a mouse or touchscreen to select answers. Paper tests, ASL interpretation, and other accommodations are available for students who need them. Teachers will complete the social and emotional component of the assessment after spending the first few weeks of school getting to know students and completing observations.
Caregivers will receive information about how their student performed after the assessment has been administered. The results provide information about a student's mastery of the content and skills that will support their success in kindergarten. Performance on the KRA does not prevent a child from entering or remaining in kindergarten. The KRA results are only one piece of data, and scores should be understood in the context of other information, including feedback from a student’s teacher.
If you have questions about the KRA please speak with your student’s teacher.
Sincerely,
Erika McCrea
Executive Director of State Assessments
9/4/2025 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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