At-Home Learning On First 3 Inclement Weather DaysRequired Of HCPSS Students

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — When winter weather prevents buses from picking up students and conditions prove too hazardous for kids to walk to school, the Howard County Public School System will be able to use up to three inclement weather days as asynchronous school days.

That means students will be required to complete class assignments for an inclement weather day, but at their own pace and not with live online instruction.

According to Michael Martirano, HCPSS superintendent, this plan was created in accordance with state requirements and Howard County Board of Education policies, and was approved by the Maryland State Department of Education earlier this month.

"I know many of you, and your children, prefer traditional snow days. I am confident this plan will allow for that while also preserving the HCPSS academic calendar, including spring break," Martirano said in a letter sent to parents.

The asynchronous instruction days can be used for inclement weather conditions and other situations like a countywide internet outage. Once all three asynchronous instruction days have been used, the district will switch to traditional inclement weather days.

Asynchronous instruction day materials for elementary school students will be posted on the HCPSS website and updated each month. Schools will provide printed copies for students if needed. Middle and high school students have been provided an HCPSS-issued device and will access assignments via Canvas. All students will have up to 10 days to complete work, Martirano said.

Similar to current HCPSS operating status codes, one of two new codes will be used:

• Code Purple: Asynchronous Student Day; Buildings Open
• Code Pink: Asynchronous Student Day; Buildings Closed

To view the plan, visit HCPSS Inclement Weather Asynchronous Instruction Plan.