HCPSS Will Continue To Offer Meals To Students During Closure

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — With the closure of all Maryland public schools through the rest of the current school year effective May 6, Howard County Public Schools Superintendent Michael Martirano reassured parents that school leaders had already anticipated the extension of the closure and has plans in place to support students and staff through the remainder of the school year.

"Phase 3 of the HCPSS Continuity of Learning program, currently underway, was developed to support learning through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. HCPSS will continue to operate remotely during this time while all school and office buildings and outdoor areas remain closed," Martirano said in a statement.

Food distribution to students will continue at 14 designated local sites while schools remain closed. The last day of school for seniors still be May 20. Leaders will review the school calendar and make decisions regarding the official last day of school for all other students.

"Now that the decision has been announced regarding the remainder of this school year, there are several updates that we will be providing to you in the near future. These include updates related to the process to enable students and staff to retrieve any items left behind in schools and offices. In addition, as we receive further guidance from MSDE regarding summer school programs and other instructional items, those details will be provided to you. We will continue to review our COL instructional model, looking to learn from our teachers about opportunities for enhancement. Planning is underway for graduation and senior celebrations, and additional details will be shared with students, families and staff as soon as possible," said Martirano.

Martirano reassured parents that school leaders and staff are planning for the next "recover of learning" phase and the eventual reopening of schools. The superintendent also urged all families and staff to "stay at home and remain safe."

"This pandemic is far from over and we must all do our part to slow the spread of this disease and flatten the curve," he said.