This week, HCPS joins schools across the country in celebrating the power of the arts in education. From music and theater to visual and digital arts, the arts inspire creativity, build confidence, and help students discover their voices.
Join the Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) for their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Networking begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting from 7:00–8:30 p.m.
The agenda includes a Co-Chair Election, Meet Your SECAC, and an HCPS Special Education presentation.
This meeting will be held virtually.
Click here to register.
The following is being shared with families who have Kindergarten students in HCPS, on behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE):
This fall your student will take the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). The KRA is an assessment that measures a student's knowledge, skills, and abilities in literacy, mathematics, and social and emotional development. It is given to all kindergarten students enrolled in public schools in Maryland by October 10th each year. The purpose of the KRA is to provide teachers and caregivers with information about what students know and can do, as well as to identify areas where they might need additional support. The assessment has three components:
• Star Early Literacy - 10-minute computer adaptive assessment of early literacy skills
• Star Math – 15-minute computer adaptive assessment of math skills
• SAEBRS (Social Academic Emotional Behavior Risk Screen) – 19-question survey completed based on
teacher observation
Most students will take the literacy and mathematics components of the KRA on a computer or tablet. The test will be read out loud to students who will use a mouse or touchscreen to select answers. Paper tests, ASL interpretation, and other accommodations are available for students who need them. Teachers will complete the social and emotional component of the assessment after spending the first few weeks of school getting to know students and completing observations.
Caregivers will receive information about how their student performed after the assessment has been administered. The results provide information about a student's mastery of the content and skills that will support their success in kindergarten. Performance on the KRA does not prevent a child from entering or remaining in kindergarten. The KRA results are only one piece of data, and scores should be understood in the context of other information, including feedback from a student’s teacher.
If you have questions about the KRA please speak with your student’s teacher.
Sincerely,
Erika McCrea
Executive Director of State Assessments
Families of HCPS fifth graders are invited to attend an Open House at Harford Glen Environmental Education Center. These events are an opportunity to explore the grounds and facilities, meet staff, and learn more about the Fifth Grade Residential Outdoor Education Program before your student participates in this unique overnight experience.
Open Houses are scheduled throughout the school year. To see a full list of dates and times, click here.
Reminders and important info to start the 2025-2026 school year:
The Back to School Checklist includes links to all the required and optional documents to start your school year!
The Student Handbook is a great resource for students, parents, and guardians.
The new webpage, Stay Connected with Your Student’s Learning, was made to help parents and guardians connect directly to their student’s curriculum and understand options to support their child’s learning. This includes the process to follow for opting out of specific elements of the curriculum.
HCPS parents are their child’s first and best teachers! The HCPS Parent Academy is here to support you with resources, tools, and newsletters designed to keep families informed and engaged.
Check out the Parent Connection newsletter archive here: https://www.hcps.org/parents/parentacademy/parentconnectionarchive.aspx
Click here to visit the Parent Academy webpage for even more parent resources.
GAME ON!
The first day of school is September 2, 2025, for most students and September 4, 2025, for Prekindergarten. Be sure to review the HCPS Back to School Checklist, complete required forms, and get important updates before the first day. Click here to view the full checklist and resources.
August 28th, 2025
3:30-5:30 P.M.
Welcome Back, Hickory Families! To help with parking, please follow the schedule and guidelines below.
Open House & Back to School Night Meet the teacher, visit the classroom, and drop off supplies. Students stay with parents. EPI Kits will be located in cafeteria for pick up!
3:30-4:15 PM- Open House
4:20–4:50 PM- BTSN Session 1
5:00–5:30 PM- BTSN Session 2
Attend either session — same info presented twice.
Parking by Grade Please park in your assigned lot: Lot A (Front Lot) – K & 1st Grade Lot B (Johnson Mill Side) – 2nd & 3rd Grade Lot C (Bus Loop by Ady Road) – 4th & 5th Grade Park based on your oldest child’s grade level.
Kona Ice will be sold at the event, 20% of proceeds will be donated to the PTA. See you there!
Harford County Public Schools is partnering again with the Aberdeen IronBirds for End of Summer Fest on Wednesday, August 20 at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the game begins at 7:05 p.m. The evening will feature back-to-school giveaways, local resources, and HCPS staff, plus a special opportunity for students to play catch in the outfield from 6:00 to 6:25 p.m. We look forward to seeing our families at the ballpark! Click here to purchase discounted tickets. After you click the link, enter hcps25 where it asks for a password.
Harford County Public Schools is requesting families share their input on the possible use of virtual instruction during inclement weather for the 2025–2026 school year. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and is open through Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. Parents and guardians will need their child’s Student ID number, which can be found on report cards or progress reports. Click here to complete the survey.
The updated backpack and bag policy outlines expectations for storage to ensure clear pathways, student safety, and emergency preparedness:
Bookbags do not need to be clear, but they must be stored appropriately.
Elementary School: Bookbags must be placed in designated classrooms or cubby areas upon arrival.
Elementary School: Devices must be deactivated and stored in student bookbags upon arrival.
Don't miss a special chance to check out a real HCPS school bus, which will be parked on the front bus loop during the event!
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Hickory Squirrels! 🐿️🎒🚌
