HCPSS Releases Proposed 2021-2022 Academic Calendar

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Board of Education was presented with the 2021-2022 academic calendar at its Nov. 19 meeting. The proposed calendar reflects recommendations by the academic calendar planning committee and HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano.

The proposed academic calendar allows for continuity of HCPSS instructional programs, provides teachers with time to engage in professional work and growth activities, reflects the school system’s respect for religious observances and recognizes the need for students, staff and families to have a traditional break from school work during the spring and winter.

Under the proposed calendar, the first day of school for students for the 2021-2022 school year would be Aug. 30, 2021, and the last day of school for students on June 14, 2022. Five inclement weather makeup days have been incorporated into the calendar recommendation to account for weather/emergency related school closings. The five inclement weather makeup days immediately follow the last scheduled day of school for students in June.

Half-day pre-kindergarten/RECC students are unable to attend school in person on early closing days due to transportation conflicts, so the superintendent has recommended that virtual instruction be provided to the pre-kindergarten/RECC students on the three high school early dismissal days in January. However, full day pre-kindergarten programs would have in-person school on early dismissal days, since they follow the kindergarten through 5th grade schedule.

The proposal reflects mandates embedded in Maryland law and/or the HCEA negotiated agreement including:

• 180 student school days
• 1,080 instructional hours for elementary and middle schools
• 1,170 instructional hours for high schools
• 193 school staff days
• State-mandated school holidays
• A school day must be a minimum of three hours long

A public hearing on the proposed 2021-2022 academic calendar is scheduled for Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. The board is scheduled to take action on Jan. 7, 2021. The full calendar proposal can be viewed online.