MESSAGE FROM HCPSS:

HCPSS In-Person Opportunities Suspended Beginning Thursday, November 19, 2020

Dear HCPSS parents/guardians,
 
Due to rapidly increasing health metrics across the county, and in consultation with the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), all current HCPSS in-person opportunities will be suspended and students will return to a fully virtual environment beginning Thursday, November 19, 2020. There will be no change to meal services, which will continue at all school meals locations. All in-person special education assessments and appointments are suspended. The December 5 administration of the SAT and the December 12 administration of the ACT are also canceled at HCPSS locations.
 
Today, the County Executive announced that Howard County has surpassed a 5% COVID-19 test positivity rate and has a case rate of more than 19 per 100,000. These metrics push HCPSS into a much higher risk of COVID-19 being spread in our school buildings and it is the opinion of the HCHD that the current trends will continue for the foreseeable future.
 
The county’s health metrics will be reevaluated on Monday, November 30. HCPSS will communicate a plan for resuming in-person opportunities as soon as the health environment allows. The first day that in-person opportunities may possibly resume is Thursday, December 3.
 
Please know that we take the safety and well-being of all of our students, staff and families very seriously, and hope that you are staying safe during this difficult time. Please visit the HCHD website for more information about the COVID-19 virus and how to remain safe.
 
Our school teams will continue to provide instruction and supports for your child and we encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers, counselors or school administrators with any questions or if additional support is necessary. Thank you for your understanding and continued collaboration as we stay safe, healthy and able to focus on teaching and learning.

Thank you.