Face-To-Face Classes Open Up For Select HCPSS Students

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Public School System will offer in-person support and services to small groups of selected students. While HCPSS students are engaged in virtual instruction for the first semester of 2020-2021, some students are needing more.

HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano shared that the district will be offering half-day or full-day in-person small group programs to be phased in over the next several weeks for the following students:

• Special education services for children receiving the most intensive services 

• School-Based Learning Centers for students who are experiencing significant barriers to attendance or virtual learning, or who need intensive mental health or behavioral support

• Family conference opportunities to address barriers to student learning

• Teen parenting program

• Homewood Bridges program

Each school will identify the students who would most benefit from the in-person programs and will reach out directly to their parents/guardians with a survey that will provide detailed information and ask their interest in participating. Schools will also assess the availability of appropriate staff to support each program, based on anticipated student participation. In cases where there are not enough staff available to offer a specific in-person program at a school, eligible students may be able to participate at another school where space is available.

"We realize many students would benefit from face-to-face instructional support; however, due to limitations of space, staffing availability and health and safety requirements, HCPSS is currently only able to offer in-person small group supports for students who most critically need these services. HCPSS will continually assess and refine the programs based on these initial experiences, with the goal of expanding in-person offerings and participation," Martirano said in a statement.