Parent-Student Handbook - Harford County Public Schools

Parent-Student Handbook
and Calendar 2010-2011

Vacant
Mark M. Wolkow
President
(Abingdon/Edgewood) g Leonard D. Wheeler, eler
er Ed.D.
Vice President
(Aberdeen)
Ruth R. Rich
(North Harford)
(Joppa)
Donald
R. Osman
(Havre de Grace)
NOTE: All
Board of
Education
meetings
listed in this
calendar are
handicap
accessible
and are open
to the public.
Alysson son L. Krchnavy
(Bel Air)
Thomas P. Evans
(Fallston)
Caitlin R. Dooling
(Student Rep)
(C. Milton Wright)
On the Cover:
LEFT - Students from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council pose for a group photo. This council meets four times a year to discuss
how decisions affect students throughout Harford County Public Schools. The students in this program are selected for demonstrating
outstanding leadership, academic excellence and uncommon maturity within their schools and communities.
TOP RIGHT - Students from Harford Technical High School’s (HTHS) ESOL Center (English for Speakers of Other Languages) pose by the
school marquee with the 2010 Harford County School Nurse of the Year Debra J. King, RN, BSN, HTHS School Nurse.
LOWER RIGHT - Fountain Green Elementary School fi fth graders in Ms. Oldewurtel’s class had the opportunity to work with chemists from
Aberdeen Proving Ground on Friday, January 29th. The chemists are part of a program called Kids & Chemistry, which is sponsored by the
Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center. Left to right, Hannah Everhart and Amanda Polley, work diligently on the project at hand.
Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Items listed in this handbook are subject to change without
notice after the July 1, 2010 printing date.
The Harford County Public School System does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,
or disability in matters affecting employment or in providing access to
programs. Inquiries related to the policies to the Board of Education of
Harford County should be directed to the Manager of Communications,
410-588-5203.

Mission
The mission of the Harford County Public Schools is to foster
a quality educational system that challenges students to
develop knowledge and skills, and to inspire them to become
life-long learners and good citizens.
Vision
Harford County is a community of learners where educating
everyone takes everyone. We empower all students to
contribute to a diverse, democratic, and change-oriented
society. Our public schools, parents, public offi cials,
businesses, community organizations, and citizens actively
commit to educate all students to become caring, respectful,
and responsible citizens.
Dear HCPS Community:
This handbook is published each year to provide parents, students, and employees of
Harford County Public Schools with essential information. It includes the school calendar,
school system rules and regulations, and other pertinent information, as well as
artwork by some of our outstanding students. I trust you will fi nd the contents of this
handbook to be informative and useful.
On the inside back cover, there are instructions on how you may get answers to questions
or concerns that may arise. Additional assistance may be obtained by calling 410-
838-7300; and by logging on to the HCPS website at www.hcps.org. Also, the school
system and individual schools will continue to employ a rapid telephone notifi cation
system this year to convey emergency and other important information to parents. The
school system will also continue a new email information system which parents can
automatically receive by listing a valid email address on the emergency card that comes
home with your child on the fi rst day of school. More information on the email system
may be obtained by logging on to our website.
I wish your child and you a successful 2010-2011 school year.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
HCPS 2010-11 Teacher of the Year
Lisa C. Mullen, language arts teacher at North
Harford Middle School is the 2010-11 Harford
County Public School Teacher of the Year. A
previous Harford County Teacher of the Year
fi nalist, Ms. Mullen earned her master’s (4.0
GPA) in Leadership in Teaching from the
College of Notre Dame where her thesis was
accepted with honor. In addition, she has
30 credits beyond her master’s. A 22-year
veteran, she has written curriculum for the
English department, presented professional
development programs and performed as a
mentor for student teachers. She has served
as a Team Leader, Team Recorder and as
a School Improvement and School-Based
Instructional Decision-Making team member.
Visit www.hcps.org for details on Harford’s
Teacher of the Year and to check out Lisa’s Teacher of the Year Blog!
Harford County Public Schools
About 39,000 students are enrolled in Harford County’s public schools. The school
system has the eighth largest student enrollment of the 24 public school systems in
Maryland. Approximately 5,500 people are employed by the school system to provide
the necessary educational programs and supporting services for the students.
Currently, in the Harford County Public Schools, there are 32 elementary schools, nine
middle schools, nine comprehensive high schools, the John Archer School (a special
school for students with disabilities), Harford Technical High School and the Alternative
Education Program -- making a total of 53 schools.
Based upon fi rm beliefs in the value of youth and the obligations of public education to
educate each of them effectively, the Harford County Public School System provides a
comprehensive instructional program and related student activities for the youth who
are currently enrolled. Prekindergarten classes are available for four-year-olds at 17
of the Harford County public elementary schools. A systemwide kindergarten program
begins public education for the fi ve-year-old with all 32 elementary schools offering allday
kindergarten. A carefully planned and appropriately sequenced curriculum extends
learning from the primary and intermediate grades of elementary school through middle
school and high school grades to graduation. Special programs and services are provided
to accommodate the unique needs of each student, including those who possess
exceptional abilities, talents, and/or disabilities.

Admission Into Prekindergarten/Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Early Entrance into Kindergarten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Gradual Entrance For Prekindergarten/Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Advanced Placement Into First Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Alcohol/Metal Detectors & Surveillance Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Alternative Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Attendance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Aligning Enrollment With Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Boundaries (Attendance Areas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Boundary Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Child Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
“Child Find” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Discipline Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Behavior Which Has Taken Place Off School Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Defi nitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Verbal Or Physical Threat And/Or Physical Attack On Staff, Dangerous
Weapons, And Arson/Fire Policies And Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Student Possession, Use, Or Transference Of Controlled Dangerous
Substances, Medicines, And Alcohol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Use Of Tobacco Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Meaning Of Key Words And Phrases In Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Penalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Discrimination/Harassment Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Prohibition of Gang Related Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Portable Communication Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Drug Detecting Dogs In Secondary Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Educational Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Eligibility Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Food & Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Graduation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Exceptions to the Regular High School Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Health Services Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Guidelines For Medications For Students While In School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Home And Hospital Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hours of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Inclement Weather Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Integrated Pest Management And Notifi cation
Of Pesticide Use In A Public Building And On School Grounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Notifi cation Of AHERA Inspection & Management Plan Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Notifi cation Of Planning For Incidents At The Peach Bottom Power Station . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Notifi cation Of Sampling For Lead In Drinking Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Parent/Community Involvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Personal Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Policy For Instructional Grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Policy For Internet Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Handbook Table of Contents
Preparedness Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Privacy Rights Of Parents And Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Policy And Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Defi nitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Privacy And Disclosure Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Notifi cation of Rights Under the Protection Of Pupil Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Maintenance Of The Educational Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Inspection And Review Of Educational Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Additional Rights Of Parents Of Children With Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
FERPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Directory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Promotion And Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Registering Your Child For School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Immunization Compliance Criteria For Maryland Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Proof Of Residency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reporting Student Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Rights And Responsibilities of Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Use Of School Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Patriotic Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Student Search And Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Grievance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Student Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Corporal Punishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Nondiscriminatory Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Parking Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Student Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Student Backpack Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Special Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Student Accident Insurance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Student-Parent Survey To Identify Federally-Connected Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Student Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Transportation Rules For Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Discipline Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Parental Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Responsibilities Of Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Title IX Complaint Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Visiting Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Wellness Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Where To Get Answers To Your Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Telephone Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
The contents of this handbook are meant as a summary of frequently used Board of
Education policies. For a detailed list of Board policies, please access the Board Policy
Manual on our website, www.hcps.org.

Admission Into Prekindergarten/Kindergarten
Age of School Attendance
Prekindergarten programs are provided to support qualifi ed four-year-olds with formal schooling. A child admitted to the
prekindergarten program in the public schools shall be four years old on or before September 1st of the school year in
which he/she applies for entrance.
For entrance to kindergarten, children admitted to the kindergarten program in the public school system shall be fi ve years
old on or before September 1st of the school year in which they apply for entrance.
Exceptions to the age entrance policy are considered only in very extraordinary circumstances. The standards are
rigorous to ensure that children are not frustrated by the advanced placement.
The request for Early Admission into Kindergarten may be made beginning the fi rst Friday in May through the fi rst Friday
in June. Parents should communicate with the school to obtain the specifi c procedures for initiating the early admission
process.
Early Entrance Into Kindergarten
Although not encouraged, exceptions to the age of entrance policy are granted by the Harford County Public School system
when it is clearly evident that the precocious four-year-old will be effectively served by a rigorous, standard-based curriculum
in kindergarten. A child with exceptional abilities may be considered for early entrance into the kindergarten program upon
the request of a parent/guardian. Exceptional abilities refer to your child being able to read the newspaper, magazines or
books. For mathematical ability, word problems should be solved without prompting. Word problems indicate the child’s ability
to construct abstract thought.
The procedure for early entrance into kindergarten is as follows:
1. For the child to be eligible for early entrance into kindergarten assessment, the child must turn fi ve years old by October
15th and be a resident of Harford County.
2. The application process begins the fi rst Friday of May and ends the fi rst Friday in June. Assessments will be
administered in May and June of the current school year.
3. Obtain the Early Entrance into Kindergarten packet from the attendance area school and complete the Parent
Information Profi le and other forms. The parent/guardian composes a letter stating reasons for consideration and obtain
a letter of recommendation from a professional (pediatrician) qualifi ed to judge the child’s developmental capabilities. If
the child has attended a preschool program or special program, a letter from the school teacher is required. Employees
of HCPS may not supply a recommendation or reference for this process.
4. Send this information to the Executive Director of Elementary Education, 102 S. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD 21014. Upon
review of the Parent Information Profi le and related documents, the Executive Director will forward the application
package to the Offi ce of Early Childhood for a response to the parent/guardian.
5. If the information provided indicates that a child is to be considered for early entrance into kindergarten, a specialist will
contact the parent/guardian to schedule a language and mathematics assessment.
6. For early entrance consideration, the child must achieve a score of at least 90% on both parts of the assessment.
Assessments are administered by the specialist without parent/guardian presence and lasts approximately two hours.
A child may be assessed only one time for early entrance determination. *It is important to note that if early entrance is
denied, the denial is not an automatic acceptance into the prekindergarten program.
7. If early entrance is recommended, the principal or designee of the attendance area school will schedule a conference
with the parent/guardian to discuss the request. At this conference, the parent/guardian should be prepared to share
information about the child’s previous group experiences and special strengths and needs. A plan for early entrance will
be developed at that time.
8. Placement will be for a thirty (30) day probationary period pending the child’s satisfactory social-emotional adjustment as
determined by the classroom teacher.
9. Upon completion of the probationary period, a fi nal letter of placement will be sent to the parent/guardian from the Offi ce
of Early Childhood. If acceptance into kindergarten is recommended, all relevant kindergarten policies and procedures
will apply including daily school attendance.
The intent of the above procedure is to make kindergarten available to
younger students who are capable of working in a classroom setting with
children one year older. The standards for entrance to the program are very
high to ensure that children are not frustrated by the advanced placement.
Gradual Entrance For Prekindergarten &
Kindergarten
Gradual entrance for prekindergarten and kindergarten is a procedure that
began with the addition of these programs to the educational continuum.
There are two purposes for gradual entrance: (1) to provide time for parents
to meet their children’s teachers and learn about the program, and (2) to
provide the opportunity for children to adjust to the school setting. The
procedure for gradual entrance for prekindergarten and kindergarten is the
same; however, prekindergarten will begin TWO DAYS AFTER the opening
of school.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. - One-half of the kindergarten class will attend.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Remainder of the kindergarten class will attend.
Children will be accompanied by parents; NO BUS TRANSPORTATION WILL
BE PROVIDED.
SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL
Regular schedule for all kindergarten children. BUS TRANSPORTATION
WILL BE PROVIDED; the professional staff will assist children in getting on
the buses.
THIRD DAY OF SCHOOL
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. - One-half of morning prekindergarten children will attend.
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. - Remainder of morning prekindergarten children will
attend.
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. - One-half of afternoon prekindergarten children will attend.
2:15 - 3:30 p.m. - Remainder of afternoon prekindergarten children will
attend.
Children will be accompanied by parents; NO BUS TRANSPORTATION
WILL BE PROVIDED.
FOURTH DAY OF SCHOOL
Regular schedule for all prekindergarten children. BUS TRANSPORTATION
WILL BE PROVIDED; the professional staff will assist children in getting on
the buses.
Advanced Placement Into First Grade
Although not encouraged, exceptions to the age of entrance policy are
granted by Harford County Public School when it is clearly evident that
the precocious fi ve-year-old will be served more effectively in the fi rst
grade rather than in kindergarten. A child with exceptional abilities may be
1

considered for advanced placement to fi rst grade upon the request of a parent/guardian.
The procedure for advanced placement into fi rst grade includes the following steps:
1. For the child to be considered for advanced placement to fi rst grade, the child must
turn six years old by October 15th and be a resident of Harford County.
2. The application process begins the fi rst Friday of May and ends the fi rst Friday in
June. Assessments will be administered in May and June of the current school year.
3. Obtain a packet for Advanced Placement into First Grade from the attendance area
school and complete a Parent Information Profi le and other forms. Complete the
profi le packet and return it to the Executive Director of Elementary Education, 102
S. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, Maryland 21014. For consideration, all information must
be complete with parent signatures.
4. After reviewing the information you provide, the Executive Director will make a
decision to honor or decline your request and notify you. If your request is honored,
the information will be kept on fi le until the child completes the assessment part of
the application packet.
5. If you wish to pursue advanced placement for your child, (s)he will be given a
reading and language arts assessment as well as a mathematics assessment. A
specialist will contact the parent/guardian to schedule the assessment.
6. In order to be considered for advance placement, your child must score at least
90% on both parts of the assessment. Assessments are administered by the
specialist without parent or guardian presence and lasts approximately two hours. A
child may be assessed only one time for advanced placement determination.
7. If advanced placement is recommended, the principal or designee of the
attendance school will schedule a conference with the parent/guardian to discuss
the request. Be prepared to talk about your child’s previous group experiences and
special strengths and needs as you have described them on the Parent Information
Profi le.
8. Placement will be for a probationary period of thirty (30) school days pending the child’s
satisfactory social-emotional adjustment as determined by the classroom teacher.
9. Upon completion of the probationary period, a fi nal letter will be sent to the parent/
guardian. If acceptance into fi rst grade is recommended, all relevant school
policies and procedures will apply including daily school attendance. However, if
the child is denied advanced placement into fi rst grade, the child will be placed in
kindergarten.
The intent of the above procedure is to make the fi rst grade program available to
younger students who are capable of working in a classroom setting with children a year
older. The standards for advanced placement in fi rst grade are very high to ensure that
children are not frustrated by the advanced placement.
Alcohol/Metal Detectors &
Surveillance Cameras
As a means of further enhancing school safety and security, school administrators
have been trained in the use of a device that detects the odor of alcohol and in the
use of hand-held metal detectors. With reasonable cause, students may be subject to
the use of the alcohol-detecting device or the metal detector during the school day or
at after school events on school property. Also, some schools may be equipped with
surveillance cameras in interior common areas and outdoor locations surrounding the
building to help monitor student behavior.
Alternative Education
A program of alternative education is provided at the Center for Educational Opportunity. Secondary school
students who have long-term suspensions from school are eligible to enroll in the alternative education
program and will receive credit for satisfactorily completed work. In addition, secondary school students
whose educational, emotional, fi nancial, physical, or other needs are such that they cannot be met in the
regular school program are eligible to apply for admission to the alternative program.
Attendance Policy
The Harford County Public School’s Student Attendance Policy is based on the overriding premise that
success in school is dependent upon continuous and consistent classroom instructional experience. In
addition to participating in educational experiences that cannot be duplicated outside the school atmosphere,
students need opportunities to develop an appropriate sense of self-worth and to establish satisfactory
peer relationships. Schools are being held accountable not only for effectiveness in teaching state selected
curricula, but for the regular attendance of students.
• Students should be expected to attend school and all classes regularly and to be punctual. Upon
returning to school from an absence, a student is required to bring a written note from his or her parent/
caretaker stating the reason for each absence.
• There is a signifi cant relationship between regular attendance and academic achievement and
completion of a school program.
• Regular attendance assists students in the development of self-discipline and good work habits. These
habits generally remain with the students as they enter the world of work. It is essential to teach the
benefi ts of and encourage good attendance and punctuality during a student’s educational career.
• Regular attendance is a shared responsibility by the community, the home, students, and school
personnel, and we must work together to promote it to the fullest extent possible.
Rules, Regulations, and Procedures
I. General Regulations
Attendance
A. Each child who resides in this state and is fi ve years old or older and under sixteen years of age
shall attend a public school regularly during the entire school year unless the child is otherwise
receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the
public schools to children of the same age.
B. A student is considered in attendance at school when participating in school-sponsored activities
during the school day, and when that participation is approved by the local superintendent of
school or the school principal, or their designees.
II. Lawful/Unlawful Absences and Tardiness
Lawful Absences
A. Death in the immediate family. The immediate family shall include parent, siblings, grandparents,
a person who is the primary care provider, or anyone who lives regularly in the household of the
student and others as determined by the school principal.
B. Illness of the student. The principal may require a physician’s certifi cate from the parent(s)/
caretaker(s) of a student reported continuously absent for illness. (Continuously absent means
either a number of consecutive absences or a total absence in excess of the standard for regular
attendance for which, in the principal’s judgment, medical documentation is required.)
C. Court Summons
D. Hazardous weather conditions. Hazardous weather conditions which would endanger the health or
safety of the student when in transit to and from school.
E. Work approved or sponsored by the school, the local school system, or the State Department
of Education, accepted by the local superintendent of schools or the school principal, or his/her
2

designees, as reason for excusing the students.
F. Observance of a religious holiday. The absence of a student to participate in the observance of a major religious
holiday shall not prevent him or her from achieving a “Perfect Attendance” certifi cate or other appropriate
recognition for attendance. Major tests, fi eld trips, the taking of student pictures, and similar activities should not,
insofar as possible, be scheduled during religious holidays.
G. State emergency
H. Suspension
I. Lack of authorized transportation. This shall not include students denied authorized transportation for
disciplinary reasons.
J. Other emergency set of circumstances which, in the judgment of the superintendent or designee, constitutes a
good and suffi cient cause for absence from school.
Family Vacation or Family Trip. A family vacation or a family trip during the school year is strongly discouraged
as the loss of class time may have a negative impact on the student’s academic progress and record. It is also
recognized that, on some occasions, working parents have little control over the time of the year when vacations or
trips may be taken.
However, a parent/guardian must submit the request to have a student’s absence lawfully excused to the principal or
designee in writing at least ten (10) school days in advance of the proposed absence.
In making the determination as to whether the request shall be approved or denied, the principal or designee will
review all relevant facts to include the student’s attendance and academic record.
If approved, the maximum number of lawful days for family vacations and family trips for any school year shall not
exceed fi ve (5). If a family vacation or family trip is not approved, the parent may follow the appeals process in Section
VIII. Requests that exceed fi ve days per year may be approved by the superintendent’s designee.
Unlawful Absence
A. An absence, including absence for any portion of the day, for any reason other than those cited as lawful are
presumed to be unlawful and may constitute truancy.
B. Truancy. A truant is a student who is absent without lawful cause as defi ned above from such attendance for a
school day or portion thereof.
C. Habitual Truant. A student is a habitual truant if he or she is unlawfully absent from school for a number of days
or equivalent days in excess of six percent of the school days within any marking period, semester, or year.
1. Repeated unlawful absences will require a school conference between the appropriate school personnel
and parent(s)/caretaker(s) and may result in a referral to the pupil personnel worker.
2. Any student who meets or exceeds fi ve days of unlawful absence in a quarter must be referred to the pupil
personnel worker.
Tardiness
Any student/s arriving up to two hours late to school shall be considered late to school. Two hours or more late would
be considered absent one-half day. Students arriving with less than two hours remaining in the school day would be
considered absent the entire day. Students leaving school with more than two hours remaining would be considered
absent one-half day.
III. Standard for Regular Attendance and Actions or Consequences for Not Meeting the Standard
The standard for regular attendance is the minimal requirement for student attendance in order to foster continuity
in the instructional program. The standard includes both lawful and unlawful absences within a marking period,
semester, or school year. The minimal standard is no more than four (4) total days absence per quarter.
The actions taken when the standard is not met should refl ect a continuum of consequences for increasing
absenteeism. School offi cials may waive these actions when they are aware of circumstances beyond the student’s
control such as documented chronic illnesses, etc.
A. All Schools
1. Beginning with the fi fth absence and/or tardiness, the parent will be notifi ed in writing.
2. Continuing absence and/or tardiness of the student will result in the initiation of one or more of the
following actions:
• Conference with the parent, student, and the principal
or designee
• Referral to student services team and/or the pupil
personnel worker for appropriate intervention
• Probationary time period - verbal agreement
• Written contract
• After-school detention
• Saturday school (nonteaching day attendance)
• Removal of school privileges
• Restriction of extracurricular activities
• In-school suspension (due process procedures
followed)
• Consideration of the alternative education program
• Referral to student services for possible outside referral
to court for violation of the compulsory attendance law
or to Juvenile Services for intake services.
B. High Schools
1. Following the second day of unlawful absence in a
semester course, the parent will be notifi ed in writing of
the imminent danger of loss of the one-half credit for the
course. On the fi fth day of unlawful absence, the student
loses credit for the semester course. Parents will be
notifi ed in writing of the loss of credit and made aware of
the appeals process.
2. Following the sixth day of unlawful absence in a fullyear
course, the parent will be notifi ed in writing of the
imminent danger of loss of the full one credit for the
course. On the eleventh day of unlawful absence, the
student loses credit for the full-year course. Parents will
be notifi ed in writing of the loss of credit and made aware
of the appeals process.
C. Elementary and Middle Schools
Students who have been absent twenty (20) days by the
end of the third quarter must be reviewed for possible
retention during promotion/non-promotion conferences.
IV. Procedures to Monitor Attendance and Verify Absences/Tardiness
The principal of each school shall review the prescribed procedures in the
Harford County Public Schools’ Administrative Handbook, page 1611 (REV.
1994). These procedures are the minimal expectations related to student
accounting.
A. Student Accounting on a Daily Basis
Accurate and close checking of student attendance requires
attention, period by period. The two keys to successful accounting
of students are (a) the teacher and (b) the direction or plan given
by the principal. The following procedures may be used to facilitate
accurate student accounting.
1. At the beginning of the day, the homeroom teacher will send a
list of all absentees to the offi ce.
2. The offi ce will issue, by the end of period one, a list of all
3

absentees for the entire school.
3. Each period the teacher will check his/her class roll against this offi ce list. Any
student absent from class and not included on the list from the offi ce will be
recorded on the appropriate school form. This form should be returned to the
offi ce at the end of the day.
4. The follow-up checking on absentees will be handled by the principal, assistant
principal, or some other administrative assistant who has been assigned this duty.
5. Further reporting of chronic absenteeism will be made to the pupil personnel
worker. (Chronic absence means recurring, not necessarily consecutive,
absence over time; i.e., habitual absence.)
B. Attendance - monitoring procedure
1. Record-keeping format
All schools will collect attendance data in terms of race, sex, and grade level. A
systemwide attendance keeping format to comply with state and school system
policy and regulations has been developed and will be incorporated in the
student database.
2 Reporting absences
a. A daily attendance record will be maintained of each student’s tardiness or
absence from school and all classes.
b. A record of each student’s lawful and unlawful absences from an individual
class will be recorded and maintained.
c. Upon returning to school from an absence, a student is required to bring
a written note from his or her parent/caretaker stating the reason for each
absence.
d
Each course grade received by a secondary school student will include a
report of his or her absence(s) for that course.
3. Intervention strategies and procedures for dealing with absenteeism
a. Recognition of problem by teacher, administrator, or data processing.
b. Student referred to guidance counselor.
c. Parent conference.
d. Referral to school pupil services team.
e. Referral to Pupil Personnel Worker.
f. Referral to appropriate agencies.
C. Each school shall develop additional procedures to verify absences and tardiness. A
copy of each school’s current procedures must be on fi le with the Director of Student
Services. In developing these procedures consideration might be given to the
following:
1. Place the burden of verifi cation for any absence or tardiness on the part of the
student and parent(s)/caretaker(s).
2. Establish a maximum time limit that a student and parent/caretaker can have
to verify an absence/tardiness after which the absence/tardiness is coded as
unlawful or truancy.
3. Specify a time limit that a written explanation will be acceptable upon a
student’s return from an absence.
4. Require a written explanation of a student’s tardiness from the parent/caretaker
or eligible student the next school day following the tardiness.
5. Require that the parent/guardian call the school on the morning of the
absence(s) followed up with a written explanation.
6. Establish a procedure for a medical verifi cation of long term, consecutive, or
repeated absences due to illness.
7. Establish a procedure to accept an absence/tardiness verifi cation from an eligible student
(18 years or older) who lives with parent(s)/caretaker(s) or lives independently.
8. Establish procedure for appropriate school staff when excessive absence/tardiness is
verifi ed as unlawful or truancy.
9. Establish a process to insure that all students and their parent(s)/caretaker(s) are informed
of the procedure to verify absence/tardiness.
V. Make-up Work Requirements
A. There shall be no make-up work given to students who have been unlawfully absent.
B. The make-up policy for short term (fi ve days or less) lawful absence shall be:
1. It will be the responsibility of the student/guardian to request missed assignments.
2. Students will be given the number of days equal to the number of days absent to turn
in completed make-up work. Assignments may be provided when possible in advance
of a lawful absence if requested by parent/caretaker at least fi ve days in advance of
the absence and approved by the principal or designee. Submission of the make-up
work provided in advance is required upon the return of the student to school unless
extenuating circumstances have been documented.
C. The make-up work policy for extended (six days or more) lawful absence shall require that
the parent/caretaker request designated school offi cials to arrange for make-up work.
1. The teacher will provide the required make-up work in a method chosen by the
teacher and will collect and correct the make-up work. A reasonable timeline for the
completion of the work will be established. It is recommended that this exchange of
completed and newly assigned work be done on a weekly basis.
2. The student will be accountable to complete all assigned make-up work.
D. All make-up work will be graded in accordance with the regular classroom grading policy
as long as it is completed within the established timeline.
E. It is the responsibility of the student and the parent/caretaker to initiate the request and obtain
work from the teachers and return the completed work within the allocated time frame.
VI. Attendance Recognition
Each school shall establish strategies to encourage regular school attendance.
VII. Information Dissemintation
Students and parents/caretakers will be provided information regarding the Student Attendance
Policy at the opening of school each year. Procedures will include:
• a student attendance policy brochure developed for systemwide use which outlines the “Student
Attendance Policy.”
• information to be included in parent/student handbook, school handbooks, newsletters, school
announcements, bulletin boards, etc.
• articles and news releases in local newspapers.
VIII. Appeals Process
Procedures for parent(s)/caretaker(s) in order to appeal attendance violation decisions related to the
“Student Attendance Policy” at both the school and central offi ce level:
Step I.
The parent(s)/caretaker(s) contact the school principal to arrange for an appointment
to discuss their concern.
Step II. If the problem is not resolved at Step I, the parent(s)/caretaker(s) contact the
appropriate director to discuss the matter.
Step III. If differences still exist, the parent(s)/caretaker(s) may elect to submit a written appeal
to the Superintendent of Schools.
4

Step IV. If parent(s)/caretaker(s) are not satisfi ed with the Superintendent’s decision, they may
submit a written request within ten days of receipt of the decision of the Superintendent
of Schools for a hearing before a committee of the Board of Education.
Step V. The decision of the Board of Education will be fi nal.
Aligning Enrollment With Capacity
The Board of Education of Harford County believes that it is in the best interest of students for the system to balance
enrollments with capacities in order to: assure the quality of educational experiences; provide consistency in curriculum,
instruction, and programs; and maintain safe schools and promote the uniform and effi cient use of school facilities
and resources. With the advice of the Superintendent, the Board of Education shall annually review options for better
matching school enrollments with the established state rated school capacities.
Each year the Superintendent will prepare a report that contains an analysis of enrollment relative to state rated
capacities. The report will contain recommendations and alternatives, with rationales, for addressing imbalances; and
the report will be presented to the Board of Education in October. The Board of Education may direct the Superintendent
to develop additional information and/or develop other alternatives for its consideration, or the Board of Education may
propose other specifi c alternatives. (The complete policy is available on the HCPS website, www.hcps.org).
Boundaries/Attendance Areas
The attendance area for each public school in the county is designated by the Board of Education. Students must attend
the school in the area in which they reside. The residence of the student is considered to be the same as the residence
of his/her parent, legally appointed guardian, or caretaker. If there are questions concerning the boundaries of a school’s
attendance area, log on to the HCPS website (www.hcps.org) to access the “School Locator”/Attendance Area Boundary
maps or call the school system’s Transportation Offi ce at 410-638-4092.
Boundary Exceptions
The Board of Education recognizes that circumstances may arise that cause parents or legal guardians to request
permission for a student to attend a school outside their home attendance area. The Superintendent of Schools will
develop and implement administrative guidelines for evaluating boundary exception and school transfer requests.
The Superintendent of Schools shall submit the Administrative Guidelines for Evaluating Boundary Exception/School
Transfer Requests along with recommended changes to the Board of Education for review on an annual basis. The
review will occur each winter prior to the March 1st application period for the next school year.
Child Abuse
The Maryland child abuse and neglect laws mandate that any person who believes or has reason to believe that a child
may have been abused or neglected must report such reasons both orally and in writing to the Department of Social
Services or to a local law enforcement agency within 48 hours.
Educators (teachers, school counselors, or other professional employees of the school system), as well as volunteers
working in the schools, are also required to report the incident to the principal of the child’s school.
Those reporting in good faith are immune from any civil liability or criminal penalty.
MD Code Ann.Fam.Law Section 5-701 defi nes child abuse as “the physical or mental injury of a child by any parent
or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by
any household or family member, under circumstances that indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or at
substantial risk of being harmed; or sexual abuse of a child, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.”
According to the law, “neglect means the leaving of a child unattended or other failure to give proper care and attention
to a child by any parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision
of the child under circumstances that indicate: that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or placed at substantial risk of
harm; or mental injury to the child or a substantial risk of mental injury.”
The law also defi nes sexual abuse as “any act that involves sexual molestation
or exploitation of a child by a parent or other person who has permanent or
temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any
household or family member. Sexual abuse includes: incest, rape, or sexual
offense in any degree; sodomy; and unnatural or perverted sexual practices.”
The law defi nes a child as any person under the age of 18 years.
Experts who regularly work with abuse problems are concerned by the
increased incidents of child sexual abuse. This type of abuse may occur with
strangers or within the family structure which further complicates the prompt
identifi cation, care, and treatment for both the abused and their offenders. The
Protective Services Division of the Department of Social Services can provide
assistance and should be contacted by calling 410-836-4713.
“Child Find” A Search For Children In Need Of
Special Education Services
“Child Find” is the name given to the Harford County Public Schools’ campaign
to locate children who are in need of special education.
This special project is designed to identify all children from birth through the
age of 20 who have special education needs and to provide them with special
education and related services. Children’s needs are identifi ed through a
variety of evaluation procedures.
If you know of any child from birth through age 20 who may be in need of
special education services, call 410-638-4386 and ask for the “Child Find”
contact.
Discipline Policies
The Board of Education has established the following policies and procedures
to regulate (1) verbal or physical threat and/or physical attack on staff; (2)
dangerous weapons; (3) arson/fi re; (4) controlled dangerous substances,
medicines, alcohol, and inhalants or other intoxicants; (5) wireless
communication devices; (6) tobacco products; (7) sexual harassment; and
(8) other matters of student behavior which will apply to all students in every
school. These policies and procedures are in effect while students are on any
property of the Harford County Public Schools or while they are participating in
any school-sponsored event.
In addition to these policies, the school principal has the right and authority
to discipline students including suspension and referral to the Superintendent
of Schools for further action for other behaviors including but not limited to
physical attack on a student, verbal or physical threat to a student, fi ghting,
extortion, bullying, sexual assault, sexual activity, false alarms/bomb threats,
explosives, disrespect, insubordination, harassment, classroom disruption,
inciting or participating in a disturbance, class cutting, tardiness, truancy,
academic dishonesty/cheating, theft, trespassing, unauthorized sale or
distribution, vandalism/destruction of property, and refusal to obey school rules.
The Superintendent may deny attendance to any student who is currently
expelled from another school system for a length of time equal to that
expulsion. Also, information relating to the discipline of a student, including
5

information on an expulsion of a student, will be forwarded to another school system upon
request.
Behavior Which Has Taken Place Off School Property
Further, students may be disciplined, including suspension or expulsion, for behavior
which has taken place off school property and/or beyond the school day. If the behavior is
determined by the principal to impact the educational environment of the school, the safety
and/or welfare of other students and/or staff, and/or the maintenance of school order and
discipline, the principal may suspend the student for up to ten school days. If the nature and
severity of the off-school property behavior warrants it, the principal may refer the student to
the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools with the recommendation for further disciplinary
action. If the Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the principal, a long-term suspension/
expulsion may be imposed.
Behavior which has taken place off school property and/or beyond the school day for which
a student may be subject to school disciplinary procedures includes, but is not limited to:
committing or attempting to commit murder, rape, assault with a deadly weapon, a serious
assault, robbery, threat or extortion, arson, distribution and/or sale of controlled dangerous
substances or alcohol, other criminal actions, or other actions which could be subject to
criminal prosecution by law enforcement or juvenile authorities whether prosecution has or
does take place.
Restitution...If a student is determined to have violated these discipline policies or a school
regulation and in the course of that violation damaged or destroyed school property or the
property of another on school property, the principal shall require the student or the student’s
parent to make restitution. The restitution may not exceed $2500. The principal may assign
the student to a school work project if the principal determines that this is an appropriate
means to provide restitution for all or a part of the damage to property.
Definitions
School-Sponsored Event...all curricular and extracurricular activities which are a part of the
school’s overall program. These activities include fi eld trips; athletic, music, and theatrical
events; club meetings; conferences; dances; class trips; and all other activities for which the
school provides supervision.
Suspension...means that a signifi cant period of school time will be lost by the student.
Depending on the length of the suspension, the student will either be permitted to make up
work lost during the suspension period or, in the case of secondary students, be required to
enroll in and satisfactorily complete the Harford County Public Schools’ Alternative Education
Program. A suspension late in the school year, if of signifi cant length, could possibly be
extended to the next school year.
Expulsion...student has been excluded from school for at least the remainder of the school
year and no alternative education services are provided. The student may be required to
repeat the school year. High school students cannot earn credits for any subjects in which
the student is enrolled at the time of expulsion. (See next column for reference to Gun-free
Schools Act of 1994).
Verbal Or Physical Threat And/Or Physical Attack On Staff,
Dangerous Weapons, And Arson/Fire Policies And Procedures
All students and employees and agents of Harford County Public Schools have a right to
expect that reasonable safeguards, policies, and procedures will be established to protect
their health and safety while on the property of Harford County Public Schools, at school-sponsored or
supervised events, and while riding a school bus. Certain student offenses such as verbal or physical threat
and/or physical attack on staff directed toward employees or agents of the school system, possession and/or
use of a dangerous weapon, and/or acts of arson/fi re jeopardize the health and safety of not only individuals
but the student population and staff in general.
A. Verbal Or Physical Threat And/Or Physical Attack On Staff
Definitions
Verbal Or Physical Threat means either verbal or physical conduct which places a school employee in
reasonable fear of a physical attack as defi ned below whether or not such physical attack occurs.
Physical Attack means an intentional harmful or offensive physical touching of a school employee or
touching, whether intentional or unintentional, of a school employee who is intervening in a fi ght or other
disruptive activity.
If the principal of a school determines that a student has committed an act of verbal or physical threat and/
or physical attack on staff toward an employee or agent of Harford County Public Schools, the principal will
suspend the student for ten school days and refer him/her to the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools
with the recommendation for further disciplinary action. If the Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the
principal, a long-term suspension/expulsion will be imposed after considering the nature and severity of the
behavior and other factors related to the student’s school record. In addition, the appropriate police agency will
be notifi ed promptly.
B. Dangerous Weapons
Definition
Any object which reasonably could cause physical harm or injury to a person, or an object which is
represented to be and a reasonable person would conclude was a dangerous weapon, and for which there
is no reasonable or legitimate cause for the student to possess or use on the property of the Harford County
Public Schools. Dangerous weapons shall include, but are not limited to, the following: any fi rearm of any kind,
whether loaded or unloaded, operable or inoperable, including any object which is a look-alike of a fi rearm,
even though incapable of operation; knives of any kind (including, but not limited to, a switchblade knife, a
star knife, a dirk knife, a hunting knife); a straight razor; a spiked glove, spiked wristband, or spiked ring; metal
knuckles; nunchaku; explosive devices; chemical mace, tear gas, or pepper spray.
If the principal of a school determines that a student has or has had in his/her possession or has used a
dangerous weapon on school property, the principal will suspend the student for ten school days and refer
him/her to the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools with the recommendation for further disciplinary action.
If the Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the principal, the Superintendent may extend the suspension
or expel the student after considering the nature and severity of the behavior and other factors related to the
student’s school record. In addition, the appropriate police agency will be notifi ed promptly.
Further, in compliance with the Gun-free Schools Act of 1994 and Section 7-305 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland, a student who has been determined by the Superintendent of Schools to have brought a fi rearm
onto school property may be expelled for a minimum of 365 consecutive days. For purposes of enforcement of
the penalty required in this paragraph only, a fi rearm means a fi rearm as defi ned in 18 U.S.C. 921, that is:
• Any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the
action of an explosive;
• The frame or receiver of any weapon described above;
• Any fi rearm muffl er or fi rearm silencer;
• Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, including a bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant
charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than
one-quarter ounce, mine, or similar device;
6

• Any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of a propellant, and
which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter;
• Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device
described in the two preceding examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
The Superintendent of Schools may specify, on a case-by-case basis, a shorter period of expulsion for a student who has
brought a fi rearm onto school property. Any student expelled under the provisions of the Gun-free Schools Act of 1994 will not
be permitted to enroll in the Alternative Education Program.
C. Arson/Fire
Definition
Attempting to, aiding in, or setting fi re to a building or other school property.
If the principal of a school determines that a student has committed an act of arson/fi re to a school building or property,
the principal will suspend the student for ten school days and refer him/her to the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools
with the recommendation for further disciplinary action. If the Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the principal, the
Superintendent may extend the suspension or expel the student after considering the nature and severity of the behavior
and other factors related to the student’s school record. In addition, the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s offi ce will be notifi ed
promptly.
Student Possession, Use, Or Transference Of Controlled
Dangerous Substances, Medicines, And Alcohol
School personnel are obliged to ensure the constitutional rights of individual students and to protect the privilege of students
to attend public school and school-sponsored events free of illegal activities. It is diffi cult to maintain a balance between the
constitutional rights of individual students and the right of students to obtain a free and appropriate education. In recognition
of the problem of drug and alcohol use and demonstration of its determination to deal fi rmly with offenders and to protect the
rights of other students, the Board of Education instructs its employees, and, in particular, school administrators, supervisors,
and teachers, to implement the following policies and procedures:
1. Students who are suspected to be under the infl uence of a controlled dangerous substance, alcohol, or an inhalant
or other intoxicant will be referred to the principal of the school. If the investigation of the matter yields no material
evidence, but if the principal has reasonable cause to suspect that the student is under the infl uence of a controlled
dangerous substance, alcohol, or an inhalant or other intoxicant the principal will contact the student’s parents/
caretakers and a mandatory conference will be held. The Superintendent of Schools will be advised in writing of the
incident and of the results of the parent conference.
2. Students are not permitted to possess or use prescribed or over-the-counter medication on school buses or on school
property. All medication must be properly registered, stored with, and administered by designated school personnel.
Exceptions to this article, with supporting documentation from the student’s physician, may be granted by the Nurse
Coordinator. Violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action to the student, with a parent conference available
immediately to clarify this policy. A second violation will result in a ten-school-day suspension of the student by the
principal and a referral to the Superintendent of Schools with a recommendation for further disciplinary action. If the
Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the principal, a long-term suspension/expulsion will be imposed after
considering the nature and severity of the behavior and other factors related to the student’s school record.
3. If the principal of the school determines that a student is under the infl uence of a controlled dangerous substance,
alcohol, or an inhalant or other intoxicant, the principal will suspend the student for ten school days and will refer the
student to the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools for further disciplinary action. If the Superintendent concurs with
the fi ndings of the principal, a long-term suspension/expulsion will be imposed after considering the nature and severity
of the behavior and other factors related to the student’s school record. In addition, the appropriate police agency will be
notifi ed promptly.
4. A student who has been found to be either in possession of or to be using a controlled dangerous substance, alcohol,
an inhalent or other intoxicant, or to be in possession of paraphernalia or a substance misrepresented to be a controlled
dangerous substance or alcohol, will be suspended for ten school days by the principal and referred to the offi ce of the
Superintendent of Schools for further disciplinary action. If the Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the principal,
a long-term suspension/expulsion will be imposed after considering
the nature and severity of the behavior and other factors related to the
student’s school record. In addition, the appropriate police agency will be
notifi ed promptly.
5. If the parent(s) and the student agree to participate in a substance
abuse evaluation at the Harford County Mental Health and Addictions/
Adolescent Addiction Services and agree to follow the recommendations
for treatment made as part of that evaluation, at no cost to the Harford
County Public Schools, the Superintendent of Schools will reduce the
length of the suspension which would otherwise be imposed. This option
is for a fi rst offense only and will not be offered for transference or a
second offense of the drug and alcohol policies. Further, this option
is contingent upon the continuing availability of funding to the Harford
County Mental Health and Addictions/Adolescent Addiction Services to
enable that agency to provide this service.
6. The second offense for the possession or use of a controlled dangerous
substance, alcohol, or an inhalant or other intoxicant, or for possession
of paraphernalia or a substance misrepresented to be a controlled
dangerous substance, alcohol, or an inhalant or other intoxicant will
result in a suspension for ten school days by the principal and referral
to the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools for further disciplinary
action. If the Superintendent concurs with the fi ndings of the principal,
the Superintendent may extend the suspension or expel the student after
considering the nature and severity of the behavior and other factors
related to the student’s school record. In addition, the appropriate police
agency will be notifi ed promptly.
7. Any offense for the actual transference of a controlled dangerous
substance, medicine, alcohol, an inhalant or other intoxicant, or
paraphernalia, or substance misrepresented to be a controlled
dangerous substance, medicine, alcohol, an inhalant or other intoxicant
or paraphernalia will result in a ten-day suspension of the student by the
principal and a referral to the offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools with
the recommendation for further disciplinary action. If the Superintendent
concurs with the fi ndings of the principal, the Superintendent may extend
the suspension or expel the student after considering the nature and
severity of the behavior and other factors related to the student’s school
record. In addition, the appropriate police agency will be notifi ed promptly.
8. When a student is determined to be in violation of these drug and alcohol
policies, parent(s) and the student will be provided with information
regarding available resources in the community and encouraged to seek
appropriate evaluation and treatment for the student.
Use Of Tobacco Products
Definitions
A. Tobacco means products derived in the tobacco plant that are smoked,
chewed, sniffed or otherwise consumed.
B. School property means any building or land owned or leased by Harford
County Public Schools/Board of Education.
C. School day means 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. of each day of the calendar
year.
7

Use of tobacco products in Harford County Public School buildings, property, or school buses
(including leased vehicles) is prohibited 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visit www.hcps.org for
the entire procedure.
With respect to students who violate this rule, the following disciplinary procedure shall be
followed.
1st
offense
2nd
offense
3rd
offense
a. The school administrator will schedule a required conference with the parent/
guardian during which the student, parent and administrator will discuss the violation.
b. The student shall receive a one-day suspension.
c. The student shall attend a one-session, one-hour tobacco education awareness
program offered or approved by the Harford County Health Department.
d. The student shall provide appropriate documentation of completion of the
tobacco education program.
e. Failure to attend or successfully complete the tobacco education program shall
result in the student receiving an additional four-day suspension.
a. The school administrator will schedule a required conference with the parent/
guardian during which the student, parent and administrator will discuss the violation.
b. The student shall receive a fi ve-day suspension.
c. The student shall attend a three-session (six-hour) tobacco education awareness
program offered or approved by the Harford County Health Department.
d. The student shall provide appropriate documentation of completion of the
tobacco education program.
e. Failure to attend or successfully complete the tobacco education program shall
result in the student receiving an additional fi ve-day suspension.
a. The student shall receive a ten-day suspension from school and a referral to the
Superintendent of Schools for further disciplinary action. The Superintendent of
Schools shall, thereafter, determine the extent of any additional suspension at his/
her discretion.
Meanings Of Key Words And Phrases In Policy
Controlled Dangerous Substance - Controlled dangerous substances include, but are not
limited to, the substances listed in Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article. In addition, substances,
and this includes medicine not registered with the school nurse, which are intended, implied,
or are thought to produce the same or similar effects as substances listed in the Code are also
regarded as controlled dangerous substances.
Medicine - Any preparation used in treating disease or illness. This includes prescription and
over-the-counter drugs.
Inhalant or Other Intoxicant - Any compound or substance (such as glue and solvents) which
may cause a loss of self-control or inebriation.
Under the Influence - A principal may suspect or determine, depending on the evidence, that
a student is under the infl uence when in any setting in which the student’s responsibility is
charged to a school authority:
1. Information has been received from another student, a bus driver, a teacher, or any other employee of
the school system that the student had been seen taking the drug, or
2. The principal observes unusual behavior on the part of the student such as drowsiness, dilated or
contracted pupils, motor imbalance, slurred speech, unaccountable excitability, aggressive behavior,
hallucinations, needle marks, vomiting, blank expression, etc., or
3. Evidence shows that the student used or consumed a controlled dangerous substance, drug, and/
or alcohol, except for such drugs as authorized by a physician and which meet the provisions of the
Harford County Public Schools policies on medication.
Material Evidence - Drugs, alcohol, substances misrepresented to be drugs or alcohol, medicine not
registered with the school nurse, and/or paraphernalia used in taking controlled dangerous substances.
Possession or To Be Using - The student has or has had in his/her possession or has used a controlled
dangerous substance.
Possession of Paraphernalia - The student has or has had in his/her possession paraphernalia which
indicates that its presence is for the intended use of a drug. Typical paraphernalia would be pipes for the
smoking of marijuana, manufactured paper, homemade clips or wire-formed devices used for holding
marijuana “roaches,” gelatin capsules, measuring spoons, scales, strainers, and other items as defi ned by
law.
Substance Misrepresented - A substance which a student misrepresents to be a controlled dangerous
substance, or thinks to be a controlled dangerous substance, implies is a controlled dangerous substance,
or will produce the effects of a controlled dangerous substance.
Transference - To pass to another person or to make reasonably available to another person a controlled
dangerous substance or medicine or alcohol or paraphernalia or a substance misrepresented to be a
controlled dangerous substance.
Remember...
The law protects students who seek help to overcome a drug or alcohol problem. Admission of drug abuse
is not a criminal offense. Students will not be punished for seeking help and school offi cials are required
under the law to maintain the confi dentiality of any information students share with them in their efforts to
overcome the problem.
But...
When it is determined that a student is using, in possession of, or transferring a controlled dangerous
substance, a student will be suspended or expelled from school in accordance with the policies of the
Board of Education.
Penalties
Suspension and Expulsion
A. Suspension for not longer than ten school days.
1. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the county board, each principal of a public
school may suspend for cause, for not more than ten school days, any student in the school
who is under the direction of the principal.
2. The student or his parent or guardian promptly shall be given a conference with the principal
and any other appropriate personnel during the suspension period.
B. Suspension for more than ten school days or expulsion. At the request of a principal, a county
superintendent may suspend a student for more than ten school days or expel him/her.
C. Procedure for more than ten-day suspension or expulsion.
1. If a principal fi nds that a suspension of more than ten school days or expulsion is warranted,
he immediately shall report the matter in writing to the county superintendent.
2. The county superintendent or his/her designated representative promptly shall make a
8

thorough investigation of the matter.
3. If after the investigation the county superintendent fi nds that a longer suspension or expulsion is warranted,
he/she or his/her designated representative promptly shall arrange a conference with the student and his/her
parent or guardian.
4. If after the conference the county superintendent or his/her designated representative fi nds that a suspension
of more than ten school days or expulsion is warranted, the student or his/her parent or guardian may (i)
appeal to the county board within ten days after the determination; (ii) be heard before the county board or its
designated committee; and (iii) bring counsel and witness to the hearing.
5. Unless a public hearing is requested by the parent or guardian of the student, a hearing shall be held out
of the presence of all individuals except those whose presence is considered necessary or desirable by the
board.
6. The appeal to the county board does not stay the decision of the county superintendent.
7. The decision of the county board is fi nal.
Discrimination/Harassment Policy
Harford County Public Schools is committed to providing an educational environment for all students that is safe, optimal for
academic achievement, and free from any form of discrimination or harassment including sexual harassment. Members of
the school community are expected to treat each other with mutual respect.Visit www.hcps.org for specifi c policy.
Harrassment Reporting Form - If you are the student victim, the parent/guardian of a student victim, or a close adult
relative of a student victim, and wish to report an incident of alleged harassment or intimidation (bullying) on school property,
the school bus, school event or on the way to or from school, you are asked to complete a harassment or intimidation
reporting form and return it to the principal at the student victim’s school. The form is available on the HCPS website (www.
hcps.org) or at any school. Contact the school for additional information or assistance at any time.
Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and Retaliation
Harassment, intimidation, bullying, and retaliation are prohibited and not tolerated by the students, volunteers or employees
of the Harford County Public Schools.
If you believe your child has been the victim of bullying, harassment, or intimidation, you are asked to complete a Bullying,
Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form and return it to the principal at the student victim’s school. The form is available
on the HCPS website (www.hcps.org) or at any school.
Prohibition of Gang Related Activities
Defi nition - Gang means any ongoing organization, association or group of three or more students, whether formal or
informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of criminal acts or violations of school discipline policies and
having a common name or common identifying signs, colors, or symbols.
Students shall not engage in any act furthering the interest of any gang or gang activity including but not limited to the following:
• soliciting, with or without coercion, membership in or affi liation with any gang;
• painting, writing, or otherwise inscribing gang related graffi ti, messages, symbols, or signs on school property;
• engaging in violence, extortion, or any other illegal act or other violation of school discipline policies in furtherance
of gang activity;
• soliciting any person to engage in physical violence against another person in furtherance of gang activity;
• wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, or items
which evidence membership in, identifi cation with or affi liation with any gang and/or is representative of any gang;
• engaging in any act, either verbal or nonverbal, including gestures or handshakes which demonstrate membership
or affi liation in any gang and/or is representative of any gang.
Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary actions including suspension pursuant to Section 7-305 of the
Education Article.
Portable Communication Policy
Portable communication devices provide the facility to send and receive information utilizing radio frequencies.
Such devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, pagers, personal
data assistants (PDA), laptop computers with cellular/phone capability, and
two-way radios.
Instructional use of wireless communication devices in Harford County
Public Schools shall be determined in accordance with the needs of students
as jointly agreed upon by the child’s parent/guardian and school. The parent
and school shall, in accordance with the student’s individual education plan
or as jointly established, agree upon the use of a wireless communication
device by a student with specifi c educational concerns or disabilities.
The Board of Education prohibits the use of certain wireless communication
devices, which in its opinion, have limited or no educational value or their use
creates learner distraction and learning environment disruption.
In light of this concern, the Board of Education prohibits student possession
of pagers on school property at all times.
The Board of Education permits high school students to possess cell
phones during the regular school day (as noted below); however, students
are prohibited from using cell phones during the regular school day for any
reason. Student possession of cell phones shall conform to the following
restrictions:
• students shall not use cell phones or otherwise be capable of
receiving an activation signal at any time while riding any form of
Harford County Public Schools provided transportation.
• during the course of the regular school day for students, cell
phones shall not be used to transmit or receive calls and shall be
turned off or rendered incapable of activation.
Students enrolled in high schools only may possess Portable
Communication Devices (PCD) on school grounds and buses during the
regular school day provided:
• the student keeps and maintains the PCD so it cannot be seen by
others;
• the student does not use or activate the PCD in any fashion.
Students enrolled in high schools only may use a PCD on school grounds (but
not on buses) before the regular school day and after the regular school day.
Students who violate the above restrictions shall be deemed to have created
a disruption to the instructional environment and be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action.
Drug Detecting Dogs In Secondary Schools
The Board of Education of Harford County permits the use of drug detecting
dogs in secondary schools. Drug detecting dogs may be used in school
buildings and on school parking lots during the day when students are
present. Drug detecting dogs may be used randomly or at the request of the
principal based on reasonable suspicion that drugs might be in the school.
Under no circumstances will a drug detecting dog be used to sniff any
individual person. When, in the opinion of the dog’s handler, a drug detecting
dog has alerted on a locker or other property in the school, a search may be
conducted by the principal or his/her designee. When, in the opinion of the
9

dog’s handler, a drug detecting dog has alerted on a vehicle, a search may be conducted by a
police offi cer. Students who are in possession of controlled dangerous substances and other
items that constitute a violation of the policies of the Board of Education will be disciplined in
accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Educational Field Trips
Schools sponsor educational fi eld trips for students to provide learning experiences that are
not possible in the classroom. The most frequent educational fi eld trips are taken during the
normal school day; however, sometimes circumstances warrant that a trip be conducted
beyond the school day or on a non-school day. Occasionally, trips are also authorized which
require overnight accommodations. In every case, a fi eld trip must be approved by the school
administration and meet the guidelines established by the Board of Education.
All fi eld trips are planned well in advance to fi ll specifi c purposes in the instructional program.
In general, trips are not taken which require students to pay an admission charge. However,
occasionally some of these have unusual merit and are permitted.
All students must have prior written permission from a parent or guardian to take part in a fi eld
trip. Students are expected to observe commonly accepted rules for good school citizenship
and, since nearly all trips are taken on buses, they are expected to obey all pertinent bus
transportation rules (as listed in this handbook). A teacher and other chaperons are present on
each bus to supervise the students.
When educational fi eld trips extend beyond the end of the normal school day, additional
measures are taken to ensure adequate provision for the notifi cation of parents in case of an
emergency. Also, parents must make arrangements to meet their children at school when the
buses return.
In certain instances, the Board of Education has authorized the Superintendent of Schools
to give approval for overnight fi eld trips. Trips of this nature might be taken to such events as
state-sponsored athletic tournaments, exchange programs, class trips, musicals, conferences,
seminars, and other similar activities that have the sponsorship and offi cial support of state
agencies and/or parent organizations.
Parents are notifi ed well in advance about the goals and objectives of overnight trips, the
specifi c activities that will take place, and the degree of supervision that is planned. Students
are not required to participate in overnight fi eld trips.Field trips may be canceled without prior
notice if emergency or other circumstances require.
Eligibility Policy
In order to participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities in any Harford County Public
School, students shall be offi cially registered and physically attending a Harford County
Public School. A student may be declared ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities
for reasons based on scholastic status and/or citizenship. A student will be declared ineligible
when the student has received a failing grade in any subject on a quarterly report card. For a
complete listing of eligibility rules, please refer to individual school handbooks.
Food & Nutrition
School food prices are subject to change pending an annual review of revenue/
expenses.
All Harford County Public Schools conduct breakfast and lunch programs. Menus are distributed
through the schools, published in local newspapers, announced over local radio and television
stations, and are on the Harford County Public Schools website (www.hcps.org).
Participation in the Federal Government School Food & Nutrition Program has also made it possible to
provide some Harford County Public Schools students with free or reduced price meals. Application forms
and guidelines for determining a student’s eligibility to receive free or reduced price meals are distributed to
each child in August. One application can be completed for the entire household when all family members
are listed. Applications for the program are available in school offi ces and parents may apply for benefi ts at
any time during the school year.
Cafeterias are equipped with computers, which allow parents to deposit money which may be specifi ed for
prepaid breakfasts, lunches, or snack items. Deposits can be made directly to the cafeteria staff or online at
the following website: www.cafeprepay.com.
Cost of each $1.05 elementary & secondary
prepaid breakfast: $.20 reduced price elementary & secondary
Cost of each: $1.70 elementary
prepaid lunch $1.90 secondary
$.40 reduced price elementary & secondary
$ no charge for free meal benefi t
A la carte items: Any amount can be deposited. Snacks range from $.40 to $.75 in elementary and $.20 to
$1.50 in secondary schools.
If you do not designate whether your deposit is for a specifi c amount of breakfasts, lunches, or a specifi c
dollar amount for a la carte, then the deposit goes into the “on account” category and can be used for any of
the three purchases.
Students using personal identifi cation numbers (PIN) can withdraw money for food purchases.
Graduation Requirements (For the class of 2011)
Subject
Diploma
English 4
Social Studies+ 3
Science^ 3
Mathematics++ 4
Fine Arts 1
Technology Education 1
Physical Education 1
Health
½
Career Pathway 4
Foreign Language OR Advanced Tech OR
Successful Completion of State approved career/tech program
Elective
½ - 2 ½
Total 26
+ 1 in World History, 1 in U.S. History, 1 in Local, State and National Government
++ 1 with fundamental or advanced algebraic concepts; 1 with fundamental or advanced
geometric concepts
^ Must include one credit in Biology
2
4
10

Additional Requirements
• English courses in grades nine, ten, and eleven must be taken sequentially and a student may not enroll in the next
grade level until he/she has passed the preceding one. The exception is English 12, which may be taken simultaneously
with English 11, during the senior year.
• Eighth graders are given the option of registering for the Maryland State Scholars program. Check with local high school
counselors for more information.
• To be eligible for a high school diploma, all students must complete the Maryland State Department of Education student
service learning requirements as developed by Harford County Public Schools.
• Students must pass the applicable Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) at the end of the course in government,
English 2, algebra 1, and biology, with a combined score of 1602, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma.
Students have the following alternatives to meet the High School Assessment graduation requirements:
• The Combined-Score Option allows students to offset a lower performance on one test with a higher performance on
another. If students do not pass all four tests, they may satisfy the HSA requirement using the Combined Score Option.
The combined score on all four tests must be 1602.
• Modifi ed HSAs with altered test items are available for a small portion of students with disabilities.
• The Bridge Plan for Academic Validation is for students who have been unable to pass one or more HSAs, despite
assistance. Students must meet three general eligibility criteria: taken and failed the test at least twice, participation
in appropriate assistance, and satisfactory progress toward graduation. Students eligible for participation will meet with
school staff to determine the projects to be included in the student’s Academic Validation Project Package.
Exceptions To The Regular High School Program
Under certain circumstances, students may waive a fourth year of high school attendance. Upon receiving permission
from the school principal and the superintendent of schools, a student may be awarded a diploma after acceptance and/or
successful completion of one year of college or post-secondary education.
In addition to the regular school program, students may earn credits by attending summer school or Alternative Education.
Seniors may receive approval from the principal and the Executive Director of Secondary Education to earn one additional
credit beyond the credits earned during the regular school day.
Questions concerning “Exceptions to the Regular High School Program” should be directed to the high school counseling
offi ce.
Health Services Program
The Health Services Program is an integral part of the educational support system and maximizes every student’s learning
potential by promoting his or her optimum health.
The major responsibilities of school health services include:
• Maintain the health room to provide emergency care for the ill and injured school population.
• Provide for the prevention, identifi cation, assessment, and management of health concerns in the school setting.
• Assist students with special health care needs.
• Maintain the required health records.
• Coordinate all activities related to student medication.
• Implement health-screening programs as mandated by the State of Maryland: vision and hearing.
• Provide for the prevention and control of communicable diseases within the school setting.
• Monitor compliance of current Maryland immunization laws.
• Act as a resource to teachers, parents/guardians, and students on health education and safety issues.
• Participate in student services team conferences.
• Assist in the promotion and maintenance of desirable student attendance practices.
• Continue professional and personal growth by attending conferences, workshops, and inservice/graduate courses.
• Maintain and enhance a safe school environment.
Guidelines For Medications For Students While In School
When a student is taking a prescribed medication, parents/guardians should
make every effort to arrange for the medicine to be taken outside of the school
day. However, there are occasions when it is determined by a health care provider
that a student must receive prescribed medication during the school day, either
on a regular schedule or in the event of an emergency. When this circumstance
occurs, the following guidelines apply:
• All medication must be accompanied by a written health care provider’s
order. These instructions must contain: the student’s name, name of
the medication, the route of administration, the exact dosage, time and
circumstances of administration, length of time the medication is to be
continued, reason for administration, health care provider’s name, time and
frequency of administration and date of order. Parents/guardians must also
provide written authorization to administer medication to their child. For your
convenience, a form for this purpose is available from the school nurse.
No medication may be administered to a student without the required
health care provider’s order and parent/guardian permission. Faxed
medication orders are acceptable. In some circumstances orders written on
health care provider’s letterhead or prescription pad is acceptable.
• The parent/guardian should give the fi rst dose of any new prescription or
over the counter medication at home (except for emergency medication, e.g.
Epi-Pen®).
• Medication must be in its original prescription bottle, properly labeled by the
pharmacy. Pharmacies can provide a second labeled bottle to accommodate
medications that are given at school. Siblings may not share medication.
• Discretionary medications are available for occasional use only to
students who have a signed permission slip on fi le in the health suite.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, antacid tablets and cough
drops may be administered under the ordered protocols of the Deputy Health
Offi cer of the Harford County Health Department and at the discretion of the
school nurse.
• Over-the-counter medications that are required on a more than occasional
basis must be accompanied by an order from an authorized health care
provider and supplied and transported to the health suite by the parent/
guardian.
Parents/guardians or their designee must bring the medication to the school
personally. Students are not permitted to carry medication on the school
buses or the school grounds. Under extenuating circumstances there may be
exceptions. This is for the safety of all students.
• If the health care provider feels that your child must carry and self-administer
either an inhaler or Epi-Pen®, please have the health care provider complete
the “Permission for Students to Carry/Self Administer Medications” form,
stating the medical necessity for carrying the medication. The parent/
guardian must also sign the form. This completed form must be given to the
school nurse. The school nurse will notify all appropriate personnel when
such exceptions are granted, including bus drivers. A copy of this form will
be retained in the student’s confi dential health folder. The Contract for Self-
Administration of Medication must also be completed. Back-up medications
must be kept in the health suite.
11

• No medication will be stored over the summer. The parent/guardian must pick up all
medication by the end of the school day on the last day of school. Any remaining medication
not picked up by a parent/guardian will be destroyed. No medication will be sent home with a
student.
• A new health care provider’s order and parent/guardian permission form is required for
medications at the beginning of each new school year, and for any changes during the
school year.
• Students are permitted to carry cough drops, but must have written parent/guardian
permission. No health care provider’s order is required.
To ensure the safety of the student taking medications, as well as other students, the
following apply:
• All medications are kept in a locked cabinet in the health suite at all times.
• Medication must be taken in the presence of the school nurse, principal, or designee.
• Records are maintained documenting the medication taken, date, time, and the person who
administered it.
Immunization requirements can be found under Registering Your Child For School, page 17.
Home And Hospital Instruction
Home and hospital instruction is a teaching and learning temporary program when a child is
unable to attend school because of illness, accident, or emotional impairment.
FOR THE STUDENT . . .
• Students will be given a minimum of six hours of instruction per week.
• Books will be provided by the school.
• At quarterly intervals, progress will be assessed and will become part of the school
report card grade.
FOR THE PARENT . . .
• There is no charge for this service.
• The service is provided for physically and/or emotionally impaired students.
• A physician or psychiatrist/psychologist must verify that the child is unable to attend school.
• Home teaching will begin at the time of verifi cation of the need.
FOR THE SCHOOL . . .
• The school will be contacted by the home teacher immediately after being assigned.
• The school coordinator of home teaching will gather the lessons, plans, books, etc., for
the home teacher.
• Just prior to the end of each marking period, the school will receive grades from the
home teacher.
• Home teaching grades will be averaged into the grades earned while the student was in
school.
FOR THE HOME TEACHER . . .
• The home teacher will contact the school to make arrangements to pick up books and
materials.
• The home teacher will arrange with the student and her/his family a mutually agreedupon
schedule.
• The home teacher will be responsible for submitting progress reports to the school.
• The home teacher will notify the area Student Services Offi ce and the school of the
termination of the home teaching program.
• The home teacher will return all books and materials to the school.
Homework
Properly planned homework assignments should relate directly to class work and extend learning beyond
the classroom. Effective homework assignments teach students to become independent learners. While it
is recognized that student achievement improves signifi cantly when teachers regularly assign homework
and students conscientiously complete assignments, homework has other important purposes. Homework
provides the students valuable experiences in following directions, making judgments, raising additional
questions for study, and developing responsibility and self-discipline.
Additionally, homework is a means to communicate to parents regarding current class activities and topics
of study.
1. Appropriateness of Homework
Homework should be appropriate to the age, ability, and independent level of students. Student
characteristics including grade level, motivation, and study habits must be considered.
2. Assignment Characteristics and Initial Classroom Factors
Teachers should ensure that students understand the purpose of each homework assignment.
The amount of homework, the skills to be reinforced, and completion deadlines infl uence student
outcomes. Because homework is a valuable instructional tool, care must be taken to provide
materials which are readable and directions which are clear.
3. Types of Assignments
Taking into consideration the directions that students need in order to successfully complete their
homework, it is reasonable to expect that assignments can extend learning beyond the classroom in
a number of ways. Types of assignments may include the following:
a. The PRACTICE assignment reinforces previous learning and should be adapted to the ability
and progress of each student.
b. EXTENSION assignments allow students to go beyond memorization of content and provide for
the transfer of learning to a new situation which requires students to apply previously learned skills.
c. CREATIVE assignments ask students to integrate skills and concepts in order to generate a new
response.
d. REVIEW assignments enable students to clarify concepts and to gain an overview of material
that has been taught.
4. Approximate Hours for Homework Completion
At the primary level, homework should collectively range from two to three hours weekly but not
exceed one-half hour a night. At the intermediate level, homework should collectively range from
three to fi ve hours weekly but not exceed forty-fi ve minutes a night. In the middle school, homework
time should approximate a collective range from four to eight hours weekly but not more than two
hours per night. High school homework time should collectively range from fi ve to twelve hours
weekly but not more than three hours per night. Teachers should use these time approximations as
a reference when considering homework assignments. In addition, teachers should be mindful that
students who are accountable to more than one teacher will have homework from more than one
subject or class. Homework may be assigned over weekends.
5. Holiday Homework
Homework is not to be assigned over holidays when public schools are closed.
6. Classroom Follow-up
Teachers must consistently monitor and assess homework assignments. In addition to testing related
content or using assignments in class discussions, feedback should be provided in the form of written
comments, grades, or incentives.
12

Hours Of Operation
Starting Time Dismissal
High Schools 7:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Middle Schools* 8:15 a.m. 2:45 p.m.
Elem. Schools** 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.
John Archer 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
Prekindergarten a.m. session*** 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Prekindergarten p.m. session*** 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
* North Harford Middle School will continue to operate on the same schedule as North Harford High School.
** Havre de Grace, William S. James, and Deerfi eld elementary schools will operate on the 4th tier busing schedule, 9:30
a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
*** 4th tier busing schedule for prekindergarten, 9:30 a.m. - noon; 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Inclement Weather Policy
All public schools in Harford County will be closed on days when roads, school parking lots, and/or school driveways/
walkways are considered to be unsafe for school bus transportation/ student, staff use. The decision to close is made by
the Superintendent of Schools as early as possible on the morning in question. In the vast majority of cases, this is prior to
6:00 a.m. The determination is made after consulting with the state police, the Sheriff’s offi ce, the state and county highway
departments, and other sources of information in different parts of the county.
Some weather conditions make it advisable to delay the opening time of schools.
• If schools are delayed one hour, morning half-day prekindergarten will start at 10:00 a.m.; afternoon half-day
prekindergarten will proceed as orginally scheduled.
• If schools are delayed two hours there will be no morning half-day prekindergarten or early intervention programs;
afternoon half-day prekindergarten will proceed as orginally scheduled.
(All times will be a half hour later for fourth tier busing schools.)
If elementary schools have a scheduled teacher planning early dismissal and there is a two-hour delay due to inclement
weather, students will NOT be dismissed early but will remain in school for the regular school day.
Any change from the normal school schedule as a result of inclement weather - snow, ice, heat, etc. - will be communicated
through the AlertNow rapid telephone notifi cation system, email, and on radio and television stations broadcasts to the
public. In addition, closings will be listed on the HCPS website at www.hcps.org. Parents are invited to listen to one of the
following stations when inclement weather conditions prevail: WAMD (970), Aberdeen; WLIF-FM (101.9), Baltimore; WBAL
(1090), Baltimore; WPOC-FM (93.1), Baltimore; WCBM (680), Baltimore; WXYV-FM (105.7), Baltimore; WSBA (910), York,
PA; WWMX-FM (106.5), Baltimore; WARM-FM (103), York, PA; WXCY-FM (103.7), Havre de Grace; WDAC-FM (94.5),
Lancaster, PA; WERQ-FM (92.3), Baltimore; and TV Stations - CH 2, 11, 13, 45.
Parents have the right not to send their children to school if they feel travel conditions are unsafe. The student will be
marked as lawfully absent.
The announcement will be made only when schools will be closed or when there are delayed openings or early closings. No
telephone calls or media announcements will be made when schools are open as usual.
In order to keep school telephone lines open for emergency calls, parents are urged not to call the school concerning the
possibility of early closing. This information will be reported as soon as possible over the offi cial stations listed and on the
HCPS website (www.hcps.org) and through email and the automated telephone system.
If it is necessary to close the school(s) for reasons such as power failures or other emergencies, information will be
communicated through the above listed radio and television stations, on the HCPS website, by the automated telephone
system, email or the public can call the HCPS switchboard after hours at 410-838-7300.
Integrated Pest Management And Notification Of
Pesticide Use In A Public School Building And On
School Grounds
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a system of controlling pests that does
not depend on the automatic application of pesticides. As implemented by
Harford County Public Schools, pests are monitored by regular and careful
inspections. Through a system of inspection, documentation, communication
with building occupants and evaluation of any required actions, an effective
program of pest control is currently in place.
Priority is given to non-chemical pest management techniques. However, there
will be occasions when pesticide application is necessary. Application will be
done in a manner suffi cient to minimize potential exposure to occupants and
building environment. In compliance with regulations as set forth by Maryland
Department of Agriculture, notifi cation will be made to the parent(s)/guardian(s)
of all elementary students and staff, and parent(s)/guardian(s) of secondary
students and staff on the school’s notifi cation list. If you are the parent/
guardian of a student attending a secondary school, or Harford County Public
Schools staff and wish to be notifi ed of all indoor pesticide applications, contact
school administration to request written notifi cation.
Information about pesticides or bait stations that may be used in school
buildings or on school grounds when non-chemical techniques are exhausted
or inappropriate can be obtained through the Facilities Management
Department, 2209 Conowingo Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015. The Director of Facilities
served as coordinator and maintains product labels and material safety
data sheets (MSDS) for each product. Currently, these pesticides and bait
stations include (by common name) Amorphous Silica Gel, Borate, Borax,
Bromadiolone, Bromethalon, Carbon, Chlorfenapyr, Cyfl uthrin, Cypermethrim,
D-Trans Allethrin, Deltamethrin, Diphacinone, Dimethylamine salt of 2,4 and
Fiprobnil, Glyphosate, Hydramethylon, Hydroprene, Imidacloprid, Methoprene,
s-metochlor, Napthalene, Orthoboric Acid, Oxadizon, Permethrin, Potassium
Salt of Fatty Acid, Pyrethrins, Resmethrin, Sodium Nitrate, and Sulfer. The
public can review this information by contacting the program coordinator at
410-638-4088. Copies can be obtained for the cost of reproduction. A more
detailed description of IPM techniques employed by Harford County Public
Schools may be found in the IPM manual located at each school site.
For further information regarding Harford County Public Schools Integrated
Pest Management Program contact the Director of Facilities Management at
410-638-4088.
Notification Of AHERA Inspection &
Management Plan Compliance
This notifi cation is to inform interested parties such as teachers, school
personnel, and parents about Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
(AHERA) requirements and the actions taken by Harford County Public
Schools to comply with AHERA regulations. On October 30, 1987, the AHERA
regulations were published in the Federal Register, pages 41826 to 41898,
titled “Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools.” These regulations require a
13

Building Inspection to fi nd asbestos containing material (ACM) within each school building
and a Management Plan for each building. Building Inspections have been conducted by
an EPA accredited Building Inspector. Management Plans have been written by an EPA
accredited Management Planner for each school, cataloging ACM found by the Building
Inspection.
Building Inspections and Management Plans have been completed for all Harford County
Public Schools. These documents have been submitted to the State of Maryland in
compliance with AHERA’s May 9, 1989, deadline. The individual building reports include
schedules for periodic surveillance of ACM, re-inspection to be conducted by an accredited
EPA Building Inspector, and response actions planned, as well as those already completed.
The fi rst re-inspection of Harford County Public Schools’ buildings was completed in 1992;
and subsequent re-inspections were performed in 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2010.
Management Plans are available for public review at school administrative offi ces. To
minimize confusion, and in order for a representative of the school system to be available,
all who wish to review the reports are requested to make an appointment with school
administrators. Public viewing is at no cost to the individual. Copies of the various reports
are available for a fee based upon the copying costs of the individual report requested.
Most Harford County schools do have asbestos containing materials (ACM), and all
schools that do, have it identifi ed and catalogued in their management plans. Those
materials are monitored by school and facilities staff, and reinspected every three years
by certifi ed inspectors. In the event that deterioration is noted, or maintenance action in
the area of the materials requires that the ACM be removed, it is removed only by certifi ed
contractors, with monitoring by a separate industrial hygiene contractor. No one other than
certifi ed contractors; not school staff, not teachers, not students, nor parents should EVER
take it upon themselves to attempt to remove known or suspected asbestos containing
materials for any reason.
Notification Of Planning For Incidents
At The Peach Bottom Power Station
In the event of an incident at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (PBAPS), plans have
been made to increase the safety of public school students at schools within 10 miles of
Peach Bottom. The following home schools are within the 10 mile radius and could possibly
be evacuated to a host school. The host schools are:
Schools within Ten Host Schools
Miles of Peach Bottom
Darlington Elementary Meadowvale Elementary
Dublin Elementary Churchville Elementary
North Harford Elementary North Bend Elementary
North Harford Middle Hickory Elementary
North Harford High C. Milton Wright High
In the event of an incident at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station which requires the
evacuation of a school, students will be transported by bus directly to the HOST school. If
such evacuation is ordered, notifi cation will be publicized by radio and television stations,
and through the automated telephone system.
Parents or authorized persons are to meet their children at the assigned school. Parents
are urged not to telephone schools or attempt to make different arrangements. This will
only create confusion. Parents are requested not to pick up their children at the HOME
school, but to meet their children at the HOST school.
Parents or other persons authorized to pick up a student will be required to provide identifi cation at the pickup
point and sign a register prior to the release of a student to their custody.
Notification Of Sampling For Lead In Drinking Water
Medical research shows lead to be a toxic metal which can be harmful to human health even at low exposure
levels. As evident by research, young children, infants, and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead
exposure, at lower exposure limits than adults. The effects are observed in physiological and behavioral
symptoms.
The degree of harm from lead depends upon the total exposure to lead from all sources, and is cumulative
over your lifespan. Children as well as adults continue to be exposed to lead from a number of sources,
including dust from lead paint and soil, food, and water. For more information on these sources, please
contact the County Health Department at 410-838-1500, or the Maryland Department of the Environment at
410-537-3000.
In October 1988, Congress passed the Lead Contamination Control Act in order to prevent lead
contamination of drinking water in schools and day care centers. The Act required the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a list of water coolers that were known to contain lead. It also required
schools and day care centers to take actions to reduce lead from other sources of drinking water to no more
than 20 parts per billion.
The Lead and Copper Rule required small water systems to complete initial monitoring of their drinking water
supply by December 31, 1993. Harford County Public Schools have completed the initial testing and continue
to meet the requirements as issued by the EPA. Those requirements include corrosion control, source water
treatment, and public education for systems that exceed the action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.015
milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Results from testing done by Harford County Public Schools are on fi le in the administrative offi ces for
the school system, and are available for inspection by the public. Regular monitoring of the drinking water
continues. Any questions may be directed to 410-638-4085.
Parent/Community Involvement
Harford County Public Schools invites and encourages the participation of parents/community in the
education of their children. All parents and community members are expected to participate actively in
program planning and decision making. Visit www.hcps.org for the full policy.
Personal Property
Personal property that is brought into the school by students is not covered under the insurance of Harford
County Public Schools. Please contact your homeowner’s insurance company regarding any valuable items,
such as musical instruments, for off-premise coverage. Students/parents should evaluate the personal items
that are brought to school. Also, students should take the time to permanently mark personal items so they
are clearly identifi able. Personal computers are not permitted in schools.
Policy For Instructional Grouping
The school system does not favor any one pattern of instructional grouping for students. In fact, fl exible
grouping patterns within each school are encouraged in order to meet specifi cally identifi ed student needs
and to encourage the use of the most effective teaching methods and strategies. Each school has in writing a
description of the grouping patterns used for its students.
14

Policy For Internet Use
Harford County Public Schools provides telecommunications resources to its students for educational purposes: the
acquisition of information/resources, communications and collaboration with experts, and career development activities.
Telecommunications resources shall be used in accordance with the educational goals of the school system.
Student use of the resources provided shall be under the direct supervision of the teacher and shall be instructionally related.
Reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure that the Internet is a safe learning environment for students. Students will be
expected to demonstrate responsible and ethical behavior in the use of the resources.
Access to the Internet through the telecommunications resources will only be granted to users who follow the Harford County
Public Schools Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy for Students and the procedures for such use. These policies are
published on the HCPS website, www.hcps.org.
HCPS utilizes an outside internet fi ltering company to ensure the safety of our students while they access the Internet. The
use of this fi lter system also allows HCPS to comply with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Although the web fi ltering
product utilizes the most innovative and cutting edge technology, it is still possible for students to access specifi c websites
should students seek them with intention and purpose. Therefore, the only way a parent can be completely assured his or her
child will not be able to access inappropriate material is to opt-out of Internet use at school. Your school can help you with this
process.
Preparedness Planning
Harford County Public Schools, in cooperation with the County Department of Emergency Preparedness, participates in
planning for various types of emergency situations such as fi res, natural disasters, air pollution, and utility disruption. In the
event of any type of emergency that disrupts normal schedules at schools, notifi cation will be provided through commercial
radio and television stations.
Privacy Rights Of Parents And Students
Policy And Procedures
Federal and State laws give students and their parents the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records
and to have school record inaccuracies corrected. Schools have the responsibility to maintain the confi dentiality of student
records.
Records shall be kept for individual students in accordance with rules and regulations of the Maryland State
Board of Education.
Individual student records maintained by teachers or other school personnel are to be confi dential in nature, and access
to such records may be granted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Individual student records, with the
exception of such records as are designated as permanent, and with such other exceptions as provided by the law, should be
destroyed when they are no longer able to serve such legitimate and recognized educational ends.
All educational records of a student maintained under the provisions of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR),
including confi dential records, shall be made available to eligible students, approved caretakers, custodial and non-custodial
parents, or legal guardians except as otherwise provided herein.
Definitions
1. Directory Information - student’s name and grade, but only when it appears on honor roll or graduation list or as
a member of a school-approved team, club, or other student organization or school publication; participation in
offi cially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees and awards
received; student’s name and photograph as they appear in individual school or school system publications.
2. Disclosure - permitting access, transfer, or release of educational records of the student.
3. Eligible Students - a student who has attained 18 years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary
education.
4. Local School Personnel - all offi cers, employees, and agents of
the Board of Education of Harford County.
5. Parents - custodial or noncustodial parents or approved
caretakers of the student may inspect the educational records
unless the Harford County Public Schools have been provided
with a legally binding instrument that provides to the contrary.
This includes a legal guardian or approved caretaker in the
absence of a parent or guardian.
6. Party - individual, agency, institution, or organization.
7. Personally Identifi able - data or information including (a) the
name of the student, his/her parents, and family members; (b)
address; (c) social security number or student number; (d) a
list of personal characteristics which would make it possible
to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or (e) other
information which would make it possible to identify the student
with reasonable certainty.
8. Post-Secondary Education - beyond grade 12.
9. Record - any information recorded in any medium such as
handwriting, print, fi lm, microfi lm, microfi che, photographs,
papers, correspondence, reports, forms, photostats, electronic
recordings, sound recordings, computer data, and copies that
are made, received, or fi led in a classroom, school offi ce, or
elsewhere.
10. School Offi cial - a person employed by the school in an
administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support
staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and
health staff); a person or company with whom the school has
contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent); a
person serving on the Board; or a student serving on an offi cial
committee, such as a discipline or grievance committee, or
assisting another school offi cial in performing his or her tasks.
11. Student - any individual who has been or is enrolled at a public
school in Harford County for whom educational records are
maintained.
12. Student Records - records that are: (a) directly related to a
student; and (b) maintained by Harford County Public Schools or
by a party acting for the Harford County Public Schools.
Privacy and Disclosure Rights
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, known
as the Buckley Amendment, requires that parents of students in all public
schools and public school students age 18 or over be notifi ed each year as
to what information regarding students has been designated as directory
information (see 1 under defi nitions above).
Information designated as directory information will be considered public
15

information unless the parents of a student or a student age 18 or over inform their school
principal in writing no later than ten school days of public notice that such information is not to
be designated as directory information with respect to that student.
In accordance with section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the Harford County
Public Schools shall provide, on a request made by military recruiters or an institution of higher
education, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings.
All requests for student names, addresses, and telephone listings must be made in writing to
the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. A secondary school student or the parent/
guardian of the student may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing
not be released without prior written consent of the parent or eligible student. Parents shall be
given public notice of the right to refuse release of these records and the Harford County Public
Schools shall comply with any such request on the part of a parent. The parents of a student
or an eligible student must inform the Harford County Public Schools, in writing no later than
10 days of public notice, that such information is not to be released to military recruiters or an
institution of higher education without prior written consent.
Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act
PPRA provides parents certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use
of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams in the public schools. A
complete listing of rights can be obtained by calling the Communications Offi ce at 410-588-
5203.
Maintenance Of The Educational Record
Student records provide a written picture of the academic performance of a child. Therefore,
the orderly and complete maintenance of these records is necessary to ensure accurate
information is available to plan for a child’s education.
Responsibilities of the Principal:
1. Providing for the collection of required data.
2. Establishing and maintaining complete and accurate records.
3. Assuring the security of each student’s educational record.
4. Permitting a party who is legally authorized to do so, to review and inspect a
student’s educational record which contains personally identifi able information.
All student records are to be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act and State law/regulation.
1. Records that must be maintained permanently are certain data elements of student record
card #1, side 1 and 2 (personal data), and student record card #3, side 1 and 2 (annual
school performance data summary, grade levels 9-12). All other student records are to be
maintained until the student reaches his/her 21st birthday.
2. Transfer student records are maintained in the same manner as for all students: student
record card #1, side 1 and 2 (personal data) and student record card #3, side 1 and 2
(annual school performance data summary, grade 9-12). All other record cards are to be
maintained until the student reaches his/her 21st birthday.
3. Educational records of students that are required by law to be kept permanently after a
student reaches the age of 21 years will be kept by the school the student last attended.
When student records are microfi lmed, a second copy is to be stored in a central fi le for
the school system as long as educational records are required to be maintained. If there
is an outstanding request to inspect and review these particular records, this request must
be documented.
4. Educational records prescribed in the Maryland State Board of Education, Special Education Bylaw,
require that specifi c items be in the student folder for audit purposes.
5. The student’s educational record will be fi led in the principal’s or counselor’s offi ce or, with the
principal’s permission, in a teacher’s classroom, and is accessible only to authorized personnel.
6. All data may be fi led in a single folder or, if local conditions make such action desirable, there may
be separate folders for the student’s health records and educational management and assessment
plans.
7. Educational records are reviewed at the time of a student’s admission and prior to their transfer to
another school in or out of Harford County and also just prior to a student’s graduation to ensure that:
a. prescribed data are being maintained for each student in the school; and
b. student records information remains current and accurate and that inappropriate or inaccurate
information is removed and destroyed.
8. Student discipline records that document an out-of-school suspension must be maintained until the
student graduates or completes his/her education program or the student becomes 21 years of age,
whichever comes fi rst. Discipline records and other discipline information that exist in the student
record when the transfer request is received will be sent to a school in which a student seeks or
intends to enroll.
9. The principal of each school is responsible for the records in the Harford County Public Schools; the
Superintendent of Schools is responsible for all records maintained by the Central Offi ce.
Inspection And Review Of Educational Records
When a student fi rst enrolls in a public school in Harford County, the student’s parents or eligible student
will be informed of their rights to inspect and review the educational records of the student either in person
by the principal or his designee, or by the use of a Harford County Public Schools’ publication. Appropriate
school personnel will help interpret the information contained in the record. This right will also be extended
to the eligible student who had been in attendance in the public schools of Harford County.
Parents (custodial or non-custodial), guardians, and other authorized representatives of the parent or
student, or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student record within 45 days of the
date the school or school system receives a request. In the absence of a court order stating otherwise,
either parent of a student has the same rights as the other concerning access to the student’s record.
Parents or eligible students should submit a written request to the school principal or other designee
identifying the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal or designee will make arrangements for access
and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
If, for any valid reason, a parent cannot personally inspect and review a student’s education record, the
school will arrange for the parent or eligible student to obtain copies of the record. Initial copies of the
item(s) contained within the educational record will be provided at no cost. Requests for additional copies
in a given school year will be provided at the rate of 10 cents per page plus postage as appropriate. Parent
requests for a copy of the student’s educational record must be submitted in writing to the school principal
identifying the record(s) they wish to copy. All such requests must be completed within a period of time not
to exceed forty-fi ve (45) days after the request has been received. If the educational records of a student
contain information on more than one student, the parents or eligible student may inspect and review,
receive copies of, or be informed of only the specifi c information which pertains to that student.
Additional Rights Of Parents Of Children With Disabilities
Under federal law parents/guardians/eligible students have the right to inspect and review education
records related to the student that are collected, maintained or used by the school system before any
16

meeting regarding an IEP or due process hearing, and in no case more than forty-fi ve (45) days after the school receives
the request.
Copies of a student’s education record will not be provided unless failure to do so would prevent the parent from exercising
the right to inspect and review the records. Initial copies of the item(s) contained within the educational record will be
provided at no cost. Requests for additional copies in a given school year will be provided at the rate of 10 cents per page
plus postage as appropriate. Parent requests for a copy of the student’s educational record must be submitted in writing to
the school principal identifying the record(s) they wish to copy.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible
students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
1. Any parent or student (if 18 years or older) who does not wish for the above directory information to be released
regarding their child (or himself or herself if the student is 18 years of age or older) shall so notify the Director of
Student Services in writing at (102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014) within 10 days of receipt of this Calendar/
Handbook. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within forty-fi ve (45) days of the day the
School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate
school offi cial] a written request that identifi es the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school offi cial will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be
inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes
are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe
is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the School principal [or appropriate offi cial], clearly identify the part of
the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the School decides not to amend the
record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision
and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the
hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notifi ed of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifi able information contained in the student’s education records,
except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con-sent. One exception, which permits disclosure
without consent, is disclosure to school offi cials with legitimate educational interests. A school offi cial has a legitimate
educational interest if the offi cial needs to review an education record in order to fulfi ll his or her professional
responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to offi cials of another school
district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to fi le a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply
with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Offi ce that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Offi ce
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Conditions For Disclosure Of Directory Information
The public schools of Harford County may disclose personally identifi able information from the education records of a
student who is enrolled at a public school in Harford County if that information has been designated as directory information
under defi nitions of this policy. The Harford County Public Schools shall give public notice annually of the categories of
personally identifi able information which have been designated as directory information. Parents or an eligible student have
the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifi able information with respect
to that student as directory information. Parents or the eligible student must, in writing, inform the student’s principal within
ten (10) school days of public notice or personal receipt of such notice that such personally identifi able information is not to
be designated as directory information with respect to that student.
Harford County Public Schools may disclose directory information from
the education records of an individual who is no longer enrolled without
following the above procedure.
Copies of this policy shall be made available to public libraries in Harford
County, and copies shall be on fi le in each school’s main offi ce, guidance
offi ce, and library. An annual notice of this policy shall be made available
to parents and eligible students enrolled by the end of September of each
school year.
Promotion And Retention
Promotion for a student in the elementary and middle school grades is
based upon scholastic aptitude, academic progress, and mastery of the
basic skills. Among the other factors which must also be considered in the
provision of the most appropriate education for each student are emotional
and social maturity, physical growth, chronological age, ability to function
in school, and parental concerns and points of view.
The promotion of a student at the high school level is determined by the
number of units accumulated toward graduation. Promotion from grade
nine to ten will occur at the end of the school year in which the student
has earned six units. Promotion from grade ten to eleven will occur at
the end of the school year in which the student has earned twelve units,
one of which must be in English. Promotion from grade eleven to twelve
will occur at the end of the school year in which the student has earned
eighteen units, two of which must be in English. Graduation from high
school will occur at the end of the school year or summer school in which
the student has met the minimum requirements of the Maryland State
Board of Education and of the Board of Education of Harford County for
graduation.
Registering Your Child For School
Children moving into the community during the school year should register
as soon as possible. Application for prekindergarten and kindergarten
registration for students takes place on the fi rst Friday in May. Other
elementary students and secondary students can be registered at any
time which is convenient to the school and the parents/guardians. Parents/
guardians are asked to call the school to arrange for appointments for
registering their children. It is hoped that this registration will occur as
early as possible during the summer.
All students should be enrolled at the school that they will attend. Parents/
guardians who are unable to apply for prekindergarten or register
kindergarten children at the scheduled time in May should call the school
for an appointment.
At the time of registration, parents/guardians are required to present
the child’s birth certifi cate, immunization record, and proof of residency.
In addition, a copy of a current income tax return is required with all
prekindergarten applications. All students must meet State immunization
requirements before they may be admitted to school.
17

A record of a Physical Examination is required for students who are entering a Maryland public
school for the fi rst time - no longer than nine months prior to entering or within six months after
entering.
Students entering prekindergarten, kindergarten, and fi rst grade must provide a lead testing
certifi cate. Students living in designated zip codes must provide evidence of blood lead testing.
Immunization Compliance Criteria For Maryland Schools
The following are the immunization requirements for students entering a Maryland public or
private school for school year 2010-2011:
Diphtheria (DPT/DTap) - Four (4) doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping
cough) are required for students less than seven (7) years old. Three (3) doses of tetanus
and diphtheria containing vaccines (DTP, DTap, Tdap, DT or Td) are required for previously
unvaccinated students seven (7) years of age and older. If DT vaccine is given in place of
DTP or DTap, a physician documented medical contraindication is required.
Polio - Three (3) doses of polio vaccine are required for students less than eighteen (18)
years of age. Proof of immunity by positive blood test is acceptable in lieu of vaccine history
for polio.
Measles - Two (2) doses of live measles are required on or after the student’s fi rst birthday for
students entering K-12 grade. One (1) dose of measles vaccination is required for students in
preschool programs. Proof of immunity by positive blood test is acceptable in lieu of vaccine
history for measles.
Rubella - One (1) dose of live rubella vaccine is required on or after the student’s fi rst birthday
for students entering prekindergarten-12 grade. Proof of immunity by positive blood test is
acceptable in lieu of vaccine history for rubella.
Mumps - One (1) dose of live mumps vaccine is required on or after the student’s fi rst birthday
for students entering prekindergarten-12 grade. Proof of immunity by positive blood test for
students is acceptable in lieu of vaccine history for mumps.
Varicella (Chicken Pox) - One (1) dose of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is required on or
after the student’s fi rst birthday for students entering prekindergarten-12 grade. Two doses
of varicella vaccine are required for a previously unvaccinated student thirteen (13) years of
age or older. Proof of immunity by positive blood test is acceptable in lieu of vaccine history
for varicella. Medical diagnosis of varicella is acceptable in lieu of vaccination. (Medical
diagnosis is documented history of disease provided by a physician or health care provider.
Documentation must include the month and year).
Hepatitis B - Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are required for students entering
prekindergarten-12 grade. Two (2) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are acceptable only if student
was vaccinated with the Merck & Co. brand vaccine Recombivax HB Adult Formulation.
Recombivax HB Adult Formulation vaccine is licensed for use in adolescents 11-15 years
of age as a two-dose series. Proof of immunity by positive blood test is acceptable in lieu of
vaccine history for Hepatitis B.
Hib - All students less than sixty (60) months of age are required to have received at least
one dose of Haemophilus infl uenza, type b vaccine (Hib) after twelve (12) months of age to be
entered or enrolled in preschool services (not required for K-12 grade).
Pneumococcal (Prevnar/PCV7) - All students less than 60 months of age are required to
have received at least one dose of Prevnar (PCV7) to be entered or enrolled in preschool
services (not required for K-12 grade).
(Upon record review, a vaccine dose given less than or equal to four (4) days before the minimum interval or
age may be counted as valid.)
Proof of Residency
The following are the types of acceptable documentation:
• settlement papers
• rental lease agreement
• utility bill
All documents must be dated within three (3) months of registration.
Examples of documents that are unacceptable as proof of residency:
• driver’s license
• property tax bill
In instances where the owner/leasee of the home in which the student lives is not the parent/guardian of the
student, the owner/leasee of the home will provide a signed, notarized affi davit verifying that the student and
student’s parent/guardian reside at that address.
Reporting Student Progress
Pupil progress is formally reported to parents in November, February, April, and June (at the end of the
school year). In addition, teachers communicate with parents informally by means of conferences, letters,
and telephone calls. The Ed-Line on-line system is used to communicate progress of secondary students
through the use of an assigned PIN number.
No report card is issued in November to elementary school children. Instead, a conference is scheduled
for parents and teachers so that they may discuss each child’s rate of progress, expected standards for
learning and discipline, school curriculum, and school goals. Elementary school students receive report
cards in February, April, and June. Students in grades six through 12 receive report cards at the end of each
of the four marking periods.
Students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades one and two receive a non-graded report card. In grades
three, four and fi ve, letter grades are used to indicate the level of student progress in integrated language arts,
social studies, science, and mathematics. Handwriting, art, music, media, and physical education, as well as 17
habits and attitudes listed on the report card, are marked S (satisfactory) or N (needs improvement). Progress
at the secondary level is recorded by means of the letter grades A, B, C, D, or E.
Rights And Responsibilities Of Students
Use Of School Facilities
The Board of Education of Harford County encourages the use of Harford County Public Schools (HCPS)
facilities by the school community in accordance with Section 7-108 of the Education Article of the Maryland
Annotated Code and the HCPS Use of Public School Facilities Procedure. Students and parents who
are part of a school-affi liated group may be allowed to use HCPS facilities for any curricular or cocurricular
program or activity that is directly affi liated with the programs of the school system and under
the supervision of a particular school within HCPS. School-affi liated groups may be allowed to use HCPS
facilities to sponsor programs or activities that are directly affi liated with the school’s educational program
and sponsored by the Parent-Teacher-Student Association, the Harford County Council of PTSA’s, and
offi cially recognized employee organizations. Requests for school-sponsored activities must be submitted
and processed, and once approved must be conducted, in accordance with Board policy and the HCPS
Use of Facilities Procedure. Local schools must document the intended use by the school-affi liated group
by completing the Use of Facilities Form B. The Use of Facilities Form B must be forwarded to the Offi ce of
Operations prior to the scheduled program or activity.
Any group that intends to use an HCPS facility for a non-school related program or activity that is not school
18

sponsored or school affi liated must be granted approval for the intended use by completing and submitting, to the school
administration, a Use of Facilities Form A.
All facility use by groups, both affi liated or non-affi liated with HCPS, must adhere to HCPS policy, procedure, rules, and
regulations as they relate to approval for use, responsibilities during use, requirements and conditions of use, safety and
security requirements, as well as care and condition of facility requirements. The HCPS Use of Facilities Procedures can be
found online at www.hcps.org.
Religion
Students have the right to practice their own religious beliefs provided they neither violate the rights of others nor disrupt or
interfere with school operations.
Students have the right to study, examine, discuss, and analyze religious ideas and institutions just as they might study any
other subject.
Schools shall neither conduct religious exercises nor encourage or support any religious beliefs or practices.
Patriotic Exercises
Schools are to encourage the devotion to their fl ag and their country by displaying and properly caring for the American fl ag
on the school site and in each classroom.
Students shall have the right to participate in or observe patriotic exercises in their schools. They shall not, however, be
required to take part in such exercises nor may they interrupt the participation of other students in such exercises. Students
shall not be penalized in any way for exercising such rights.
Dress Code
Students have the responsibility to choose their attire and to arrange their personal appearance in a manner that is safe,
healthy, inoffensive, and not disruptive to the educational process. The student dress code is intended to create and
preserve a positive climate for teaching and learning, reduce the possibility of discipline problems, and preserve school
order and safety. The intention of the policy is to seek compliance from students and to avoid disciplinary action unless there
are repeated offenses or serious aggravating circumstances. Students’ style of dress or grooming must meet the reasonable
requirements of a course or activity. Accordingly, students are prohibited from wearing clothing, headwear, jewelry, tattoos,
sunglasses, bookbags, or other articles of personal appearance that:
• Depict profanity, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence.
• Promote the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products.
• Contain sexually suggestive messages.
• Unduly expose or reveal skin or undergarments such as tank tops*, tube tops, haltertops, mesh tops, bare midriff
tops, spaghetti straps, pants worn below the hips, short-shorts, miniskirts, or bedtime attire.
• Contain language or symbols that offend or demean an identifi able person or group or otherwise infringe on the
rights of others in violation of the Board harassment or discrimination policies.
• Cause, or is likely to cause, a substantial or material disruption to school activities or the orderly operation of the
school, including but not limited to swastikas and gang-related attire.
• Contain profane, disrespectful, or discourteous expressions inconsistent with civil discourse and behavior.
• Endanger health or safety.
*A tank top is a sleeveless garment with wide shoulder straps that dips well below the neckline. The top is typically “U” or “V”
shaped, exposing a broad area of the shoulder, upper chest, and neck. Tank top straps are typically 2 to 4 inches wide. Tank
tops, especially those with thinner straps, do not suffi ciently conceal components of the undergarments and or body parts.
Exceptions under this policy shall be given consideration in the following instances:
• When a reasonable accommodation is made if a student wears an article of dress or other item which is a lawful
exercise of his/her right to freedom of expression or freedom of religion.
• When a reasonable accommodation is necessary due to a documented medical or health reason, but only as
authorized by the school principal.
• When an authorized activity, such as athletics or band, requires
different attire, but only upon the direction of the coach or faculty
sponsor of the activity.
Special Provisions and Restrictions
The following examples are provided for guidance in implementing the policy
and are not intended to list every possible violation or circumstance.
Physical Education
• Proper physical education apparel and shoes are to be worn. For
secondary students, the appropriate school physical education
uniform should be worn.
• The following jewelry items will not be worn in physical education
classes: earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
• Pierced ear studs are permitted to be worn by elementary students
only.
• Jewelry which needs to be removed for physical education class
shall be the responsibility of the student.
Clothing
• Clothing worn in such a manner so as to reveal undergarments or
bare skin between the upper chest and mid-thigh is not permitted.
• Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be no shorter than the student’s
longest fi ngertip when the student’s hands are held at his/her side.
• Pants: shall be secured at the waist; must not touch or drag on the
ground; must not reveal undergarments or bare skin while sitting
or bending; must not have any holes or tears above the knee; the
crotch of the pants shall be no longer than the student’s longest
fi ngertip when the student’s hands are held at his/her side; and
the bottom of the pants must be no wider than the length of the
wearer’s shoes.
Outerwear
• It is a general expectation that outer garments, including, but not
limited to lightweight jackets, hats, etc. are not to be worn during
the school day. These items are to be stored in lockers.
• Principals will have the discretion to permit students to wear
outerwear in the school building when conditions are warranted.
Headwear
• Headwear including, but not limited to, hats, visors, doo rags,
sweatbands, and bandannas is not to be worn inside school
buildings during the school day.
Jewelry
• Jewelry/body piercing (example: spiked jewelry, chokers, rings,
bracelets) that poses a health or safety hazard or is disruptive to
the orderly process of the school is not permitted.
• Chains that could cause injury to others are not permitted.
Sunglasses
• Sunglasses are considered inappropriate for inside wear.
19

• Medical exceptions may be considered by the principal.
School Responsibilities
The principal will inform students, parents/guardians, and staff of the dress code policy at the
beginning of each school year and throughout the school year when deemed appropriate.
This may be done in the following ways:
• Review of the policy as part of the general orientation to the new school year for
students.
• Publish the information in the student handbook.
• Publish the information in school newsletters.
• Post the information on a bulletin board.
• Public address announcements.
• Review of the policy to new students through the registration process.
Where there is evidence that a student’s attire or personal appearance violates this policy, the
principal or designee shall investigate and take corrective actions, including but not limited to
the following:
• Requiring the student to remove or change the item;
• Taking reasonable steps to notify the student’s parents of the violation; and
• For repeated violations, initiating progressive discipline for insubordination as
appropriate, which may include suspension from school.
Attire shall be disallowed if, in the judgment of the local school administrator, such attire may
negatively impact safety, health, or the positive climate for teaching and learning in the school.
Principals will have the authority to suspend or waive the restrictions on clothing for social
events such as, but not limited to, proms, homecoming dances or school sponsored activities
aimed at promoting school spirit.
School Uniforms
The Board of Education supports the voluntary use of uniforms at the elementary, middle, and
high school levels, pending approval by the school principal and adherence to the guidelines
established by the Superintendent of Schools.
Annual Review
The dress code policy along with its administrative procedures is reviewed by the Board of
Education annually.
Student Activities
Students have the right to participate in school activities subject to lawful exceptions
regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, gender, disability, economic status, or program of
study. Secret, exclusive, or self-perpetuating organizations which otherwise limit membership
may not conduct activities on school premises.
Student Search and Seizure
Students are protected against unreasonable search and seizure by school offi cials by the
Fourth Amendment. School offi cials do not need a warrant to conduct a search of a student.
The basis for a search of a student or property is “reasonable suspicion.”
1. There should be reasonable cause for school authorities to believe that the
possession of some article constitutes a crime or rule violation.
2. General housekeeping inspection of school property may be conducted with
reasonable notice.
3. Illegal items (drugs, weapons, etc.) or other possessions reasonably determined to
be a threat to the safety or security of others may be seized by school authorities at any time.
4. Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily
removed from the student’s possession.
Grievance
Students have the right to seek changes in school policies and rules. Students also have the right to air
grievances related to school policies and rules through a democratically elected representative student
government.
A principal’s decision may be appealed. Only in those cases wherein the rights of students, as defi ned in
this document, are allegedly violated may an appeal be made beyond the school to the Superintendent of
Schools of Harford County. Such an appeal shall be made in the following manner.
1. A written appeal or grievance should be directed to the appropriate executive director within thirty
(30) calendar days. If unresolved at this level, the appeal or grievance will proceed to Step 2.
2. A written appeal or grievance should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools within fi fteen
(15) calendar days.
Student Discipline
The school is a community and the rules, regulations, and codes of conduct of a school are the laws of
that community. All those enjoying the rights of citizenship in the school community must also accept the
responsibilities of citizenship. A basic responsibility of those who enjoy the rights of citizenship is to respect
the laws of the community. Regulations and rules concerning appropriate student behavior should be
developed with representatives from the school community either within each school or on a countywide
basis. School discipline regulations shall be adopted which ensure equitable treatment for students and a
safe, healthy, learning environment. These regulations should be clearly and precisely written and distributed
to the students and to their parents. Some rules are provided by state law, bylaw, or county board of
education policy. It is the responsibility of every staff member, student, and parent to be informed of the
school disciplinary procedures and to work cooperatively with the school administration to see that these
procedures are followed.
Corporal Punishment
The use of corporal punishment in any form is strictly prohibited in the Harford County Public Schools. No
student will be subject to the infl iction of corporal punishment by any teacher, other student, administrator, or
other school personnel.
No teacher, administrator, student, or other person will subject a student to corporal punishment or condone
the use of corporal punishment by any person under his or her supervision or control. Permission to
administer corporal punishment will neither be sought nor accepted from any parent, guardian, or school
offi cial.
School personnel may, however, use physical force against a student when it is essential for self-defense,
the protection of other persons, the safeguarding of public school property, or the preservation of order.
Nondiscriminatory Practices
The Board is committed to providing an environment that is safe and optimal for academic achievement
and productive work activity and free from any form of unlawful discrimination. Any act of discrimination,
as defi ned herein, committed by a member of the school community is a violation of this policy. HCPS
will investigate all complaints of discrimination and/or harassment and will take appropriate disciplinary
or other action against any member of the school community who is found to have committed any act of
discrimination as defi ned herein.
20

Parking Policy
Parking on school property is a privilege afforded to students. Certain conditions are attached to that privilege. Students
who fail to comply with those conditions will be denied or subject to loss of parking privileges. Students will receive notice
that vehicles parked on school property may be subject to search in accordance to applicable search and seizure laws and
regulations. Harford County Public Schools shall not assume responsibility for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents
while they are on school property.
Each high school shall develop and publish parking procedures governing the conditions under which students may be granted
permission to use the parking facilities available on the school grounds. The local school procedures shall include the following:
A. A general statement indicating that any student who needs to drive to school and park in the school lot during school
hours must obtain a permit.
B. Rules, Defi nitions, and Procedures for Policy Implementation:
1. Each high school principal annually determines the number of parking spaces on the school premises which can be
made available to students.
2. Only students with a valid driver’s license may apply for a parking permit.
3. Students and parents must submit a completed, signed application form for a student parking permit.
4. Each high school that has parking spaces available for students will charge a uniform, non-refundable fee, as
determined annually by the Superintendent of Schools.
5. Students with outstanding fi nancial obligations to the school will not be issued a parking permit.
6. Each high school shall develop priorities of needs for the issuance of parking permits.
7. Each high school will establish campus traffi c and parking rules.
8. Each high school will issue a parking permit for an assigned parking area. Students will be permitted to park only in
assigned parking areas.
9. Parking permits must be displayed at all times while on school property.
10. Penalties for driving violations, parking without a permit, or other school violations may include suspension or
revocation of the permit, disciplinary action, ticketing by the police, and/or towing at the student’s expense.
Student Lockers
Where available, lockers will be provided for students to have a secure repository for books, clothing, school materials, etc.
Each school principal will establish procedures for assigning lockers. School administrators will take necessary steps to ensure
that lockers are in good working order and that combination locks are routinely rotated.
Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the contents, cleanliness, and condition of the assigned locker.
Students will not be permitted to use personal locks on school lockers. Students are expected to report any case of a broken/
unsecured locker or theft immediately to the school Main Offi ce, physical education teacher, or athletic team coach as
appropriate. Harford County Public Schools shall not assume responsibility for the theft, loss, or damage of books or any
personal items in a student locker.
It is the responsibility of all students to cooperate fully with any lawful investigation by authorized persons on school property.
It is the responsibility of students not to enter school property with dangerous or illegal items or those items that constitute
violations of school policy. A principal, assistant principal, or school security guard may make a search of the physical plant and
its appurtenances including the lockers of students.
Student Backpack Use
Students are permitted to use backpacks or similar items to carry their schoolbooks, materials, or equipment while traveling
to and from school. However, because of the importance of maintaining a safe environment in the school, such items must be
stored in lockers or designated areas during the school day. The school principal will have the authority to make exceptions
based on medical or health conditions, or disability. Harford County Public Schools shall not assume responsibility for the theft,
loss, or damage to a student’s backpack or similar item, or its contents.
The following conditions shall apply:
1. Bookbags, backpacks, etc. shall be stored in the student’s
assigned locker or designated area.
2. Musical instrument cases shall be stored in the music room or
designated storage areas.
3. Athletic bags and gear shall be stored in either the student’s
locker, assigned physical education locker, or designated storage
area, as appropriate.
If any student is determined to be in violation of this policy, the school
administrator will take corrective action, including, but not limited to the
following:
• Requiring the student to place the item in his/her locker.
• Taking reasonable steps to notify the parent.
• Initiating progressive disciplinary action for repeated violations or
insubordination as appropriate, which may include suspension
from school.
The principal or assistant principal may make a reasonable search of a
student, including the search of a student’s backpack or other belongings,
on the school premises if he or she has a reasonable belief that the student
is in possession of an item, the possession of which is a criminal offense
under the laws of this state or a rule or policy of the Board of Education.
This search shall be made in the presence of a third party.
Special Education
The Special Education program is designed to provide support to students
with disabilities, so that they are successful in attaining the outcomes of the
general curriculum. For students with intensive needs, alternative plans are
developed to help them achieve life skills and goals that are defi ned through
the Individual Education Program (IEP) process.
Special Education services for students with disabilities are based on
students’ IEPs and are designed to complement the general education
curriculum. The alignment of IEP goals and benchmarks with the general
education content standards supports the students’ participation in the
Maryland State Assessment program. The IEP guides the implementation of
modifi cations and accommodations utilized to enable the students to access
the general education curriculum. The IEPs for students with more intensive
needs support participation in the Alternative Maryland State Assessment
program.
Services are available for all students ages birth through 21, as appropriate.
There is a full continuum of services to meet the needs of students with
educational disabilities in the least restrictive environment. These services
are provided in all the community schools. The needs of students with
signifi cant medical and educational needs may be met at John Archer
School or in other educational placements. Infants and toddlers ages birth to
three can access a variety of services to meet their individual needs through
Harford County Infants and Toddlers Program in conjunction with the Early
Childhood Programming options.
HCPS operates regional early childhood pre-school programs for children
21

with special needs. The children attend programs with instruction provided by special
educators to address communication and/or other areas identifi ed on the IEP.
HCPS provides itinerant services including but not limited to: speech/language therapy,
occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing and vision services, community-based
instruction, work experience, and assistive technology. All services are provided in accordance
with the students’ IEPs to assist the student to benefi t from specially designed instructional
programs.
Student Accident Insurance Program
Harford County Public Schools insurance does not cover student injuries due to accidents
at school or during school-sponsored activities such as physical education, after school
sports, and fi eld trips. At the beginning of each school year, HCPS provides parents with
information on a voluntary accident insurance program. For students who are not covered by
a family health or accident insurance plan or for families who wish to supplement their existing
coverage, parents should consider this student accident insurance which:
• is available to parents or guardians of all HCPS students;
• provides low-cost accident insurance for students; and
• is available on a full year 24-hour basis, school time only, for football coverage and
extended dental coverage.
Information regarding Student Accident Insurance is distributed at the beginning of the school
year through your child’s school. You may also obtain information and enroll online at www.
K12StudentInsurance.com. If you have any questions, contact the Risk Management Offi ce at
410-588-5286.
Student-Parent Survey To Identify
Federally-Connected Students
Each year, Harford County Public Schools seeks information from parents which is important
to the system in its long-range planning and its application for federal fi nancial assistance.
This information is requested on a form known as the student-parent survey form.
What kind of information is needed?
The survey form, which your child brings home in October of each year, includes questions
about the location of your residence, the number of children of school age in your home, your
place of employment, the name of your employer, and your work location.
Why is this information needed?
This information enables the school system to predict student yields from the various types of
residences in the county. These data are important for planning future school building needs.
Also, the place of your employment and work location are needed to determine how many
persons are connected with the federal government. Each year the school system is entitled
to an appropriation of funds based on the number of federally-connected children in the school
system. These funds are made available through Public Law 874, “Impact Aid.”
What is Impact Aid?
The presence of federal installations in Harford County brings additional children to the
community for which the public schools must provide educational programs. Since federal
properties are exempt from local property taxation, the federal government provides funds
which partially pay for the education of these additional students. The amount of funds
received is based on the results of the survey and the attendance of those students identifi ed
as “federally connected.”
Student Services
There are a variety of services available to provide help for children with special needs. At the school level,
the teacher, counselor, school nurse, and school administrator assist students with everyday problems.
Specialized personnel such as pupil personnel workers and psychologists are called into the school to help
with more complex student problems.
Parents who feel that their child may have need of special services should contact the child’s school or the
Offi ce of Student Services at 410-588-5334.
Student Transportation
School bus transportation is provided for Harford County public elementary school students who live more
than one mile from their school and for public secondary school students who live more than one and one half
miles from their school.
Exceptions to this distance requirement may be made for students with disabilities and where exceptional
or hazardous walking conditions exist. Inquiries concerning these exceptions should be directed to the
Transportation Offi ce at 410-638-4092.
School bus transportation will be withdrawn from a student who is excluded from the classroom as a result
of a condition that presents a clear and direct health risk to others. (Examples: head lice, measles, fever and
vomiting in school, etc.) Transportation privileges will resume when the student has recovered, or the condition
is effectively under treatment.
Transportation Rules For Students
The following transportation rules apply to all students riding school buses to and from Harford County Public
Schools. In addition, all other policies adopted by the Board of Education regarding student behavior on
school property will be enforced on Harford County Public Schools’ buses.
1. Students must follow directions from the driver the fi rst time they are given. The driver shall be in full
charge of the school bus and the students, except in the presence of a teacher/administrator, who shall
then be in charge of the students.
2. Insubordination or disrespect to the driver or attendant will not be tolerated.
3. Students will sit in the seats which have been assigned to them by the driver and the principal or their
designee. Students must remain in their seats at all times when the bus is in motion. Changing seats
any time during the run is prohibited.
4. Students may converse in a normal manner; but loud, profane, or obscene language or gestures will
not be permitted.
5. With the exception of their books, bookbags, and school equipment, such as musical instruments or
gym bags, students may not transport other items on the bus without the permission of the driver.
Books, bookbags, and other school equipment should be held by the student. No books or other
objects are to be placed in the bus aisle. Books and other school equipment must be of a size that can
be controlled in the seat by the student.
6. Students must not extend any part of their bodies through bus windows. Students must face forward at
all times and keep their arms and legs out of the aisle. Spitting or tossing objects on or out of the bus is
prohibited.
7. Students must not attempt to board or to get off the bus while it is in motion.
8. Students should cooperate in keeping the bus clean and must not damage it. Any malicious or willful
damage to a school bus will result in the immediate withdrawal of transportation services for the
student or students involved. In addition, the cost of repairing the bus must be satisfactorily settled.
22

9. Students may not eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus.
10. Students may not play radios, CD players, or other such devices on the bus.
11. Students suspended from the school may not ride the bus while they are on suspension.
12. Students may not leave the bus on the way to or from school without the permission of the driver. The driver will
not give permission except in case of personal emergency on the part of the student or upon written request of the
student’s parent with the written approval of the principal.
13. Students are permitted to ride only the bus to which they are assigned, utilizing their designated bus stop, and which
serves the area in which they live. Requests from parents for the students to ride other buses in an emergency will be
considered by school offi cials.
14. Students must be at the bus stop at least fi ve minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus.
15. No glass items or live animals (except those assisting the handicapped) are to be transported on buses.
16. Students shall not use cell phones or otherwise be capable of receiving an activation signal at anytime while riding any
form of transportation provided by Harford County Public Schools.
17. Students violating the transportation rules will be reported to the principal or the assistant principal and transportation
services may be restricted or withdrawn.
Discipline Procedures
Students who are assigned to ride Harford County Public School buses must assume certain responsibilities. Misconduct,
carelessness, and thoughtlessness are hazardous to the safe operation of the school bus. The bus is an integral part of the
total school program; and the driver, who is an adult in a position of authority, must insist on appropriate behavior.
Each student will receive a copy of the “Transportation Rules for Students.” These rules will be reviewed and interpreted for
the students on an annual basis by school personnel. Violation of these rules will be reported to the school principal. When
a principal is advised of a violation of the “Transportation Rules for Students” and where the principal determines, as a result
of their investigation, that a violation of the “Transportation Rules for Students” has occurred, the following options shall be
utilized by the principal:
REFERRAL 1 - Mandatory parent contact and, if appropriate, withdrawal of transportation services for not less than fi ve
(5) school days or not less than twenty (20) school days or not less than ninety (90) school days.
REFERRAL 2 - Mandatory parent contact and withdrawal of transportation services for not less than fi ve (5) school days
and, if appropriate, for not less than twenty (20) school days or not less than ninety (90) school days.
REFERRAL 3 - Mandatory parent contact and withdrawal of transportation services for not less than twenty (20) school
days and, if appropriate, for not less than ninety (90) school days.
REFERRAL 4 - Mandatory parent contact and withdrawal of transportation services for not less than ninety (90) school
days.
Withdrawal of transportation services for a day shall be defi ned as a day that school is in session.
Students and their parents should be aware that misbehavior on school buses may also have other serious consequences.
Specifi cally, violation of the “Transportation Rules for Students” may result in a suspension from school. Furthermore, any act
by a student which contributes to a school bus accident will be reported to the police offi cer investigating the incident.
Parental Transportation
Parents who choose to drop their child off at the school are responsible for the safety of their child until the school is open for
students. Parents who are not aware of the time that students are allowed to enter the school must contact their respective
school directly for the information. The school will share normal opening times as well as late opening times with the parent.
Responsibilities Of Parents
Each parent has a defi nite role in the safe and effi cient operation of a
school’s transportation system. If the transportation program, as a whole, is
to function effectively, the parents must assume their responsibilities to the
program and extend cooperation and support to the people charged with its
operation.
Parents should be aware that the privilege to ride a school bus may
be temporarily or permanently revoked if the “Transportation Rules for
Students” are violated.
Parents are responsible for the safety of their children from the time they
leave home in the morning until the time they board the school bus and,
at the end of the school day, from the time the school bus departs the bus
stop and the children reach home. Once the child enters the school bus,
the responsibility lies with the bus driver and the school administration.
In order to ensure the safe and effi cient operation of the student
transportation program, parents must also accept the responsibilities to:
1. Cooperate with the school authorities and the school bus driver in
promoting safe and effi cient services for all passengers.
2. Insist upon good behavior on the part of their children while riding
the school bus.
3. Insist that their children occupy the seats which have been
assigned to them.
4. Instruct their children as to their responsibility for damages caused to
the property of others, including the school bus.
5. Inform their children that they should arrive at the designated school
bus stop fi ve (5) minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the
school bus.
6. Make suggestions to the school principal or to the Director of
Transportation for improvements in the transportation program.
7. Walk with younger children to and from the school bus stop, using
this opportunity to teach the children proper pedestrian practices.
If the parents cannot accompany their children, arrangements
should be made, if possible, for older children (brothers, sisters, or
neighbors) to escort the younger children to and from the school
bus stop or school.
8. Encourage their children to obey all traffi c rules, signs, and signals.
9. Set an example for their children by their own safety practices.
10. Parents are not allowed to board the school bus under any
circumstances.
Title IX Complaint Procedures
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 states in part:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefi ts of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal
fi nancial assistance.”
In accordance with the regulations of Title IX, the Board of Education
23

of Harford County has adopted Title IX complaint procedures for students, parents, and
employees. The purpose of the procedures is to secure equitable solutions to problems
deriving from the implementation of Title IX and other laws dealing with sex discrimination.
A. Complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of sex shall be submitted to the Title
IX Coordinator in accordance with HCPS administrative procedures relating to Title IX
complaints.
B. A Complainant shall fi le a complaint within ninety (90) days of the date the alleged act of
disability discrimination occurred.
C. The Title IX Coordinator shall attempt to informally resolve a complaint within thirty (30)
days of the receipt of same.
D. If an informal resolution cannot be reached, the Title IX Coordinator shall issue a written
decision setting forth in concise fashion his/her decision regarding the complaint and the
reasons for the decision. Such written decision shall be issued within sixty (60) days of
receipt of the complaint.
E. All decisions of the Title IX Coordinator may be appealed to the Superintendent pursuant
to Section 4-205 of the Education Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.
F. The complaint procedure described herein is in addition to any other administrative or
judicial action the Complainant may pursue.
For questions, contact the Director of Community Engagement, Equity and Cultural
Profi ciency, 410-809-6064, who is the Title IX Coordinator for Harford County Public Schools.
Visiting Schools
Parents are invited to visit their child’s school to observe classes in session and talk with
teachers and other members of the school staff. In order to ensure that those persons with
whom the parent wishes to talk are available, it is advisable to call the school and make an
appointment in advance of the visit. A special effort is made each year to encourage parents
and other citizens to visit the schools during American Education Week, which is observed
during the month of November.
Visitor Policy: The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a safe and secure
environment for all students, staff, and other persons. The time, place, and manner by which
persons visit the public schools and other public school buildings are subject to such control
and regulations as the Superintendent and staff deem appropriate in order to protect and
secure the safety of all students, staff, and others who participate in the school community.
Volunteers
Hundreds of persons each year assist students in the schools by donating their time to work
in classrooms, libraries, and health rooms. These persons make valuable contributions to the
educational system by working directly with children or by performing duties which allow others
to give students more individual attention.
Volunteers are selected at the school level and assigned specifi c duties. Before they actually
begin work, they participate in meetings which are designed to help them become familiar
with the school program and their new roles. Following these general meetings, the teacher
and the volunteer meet to discuss classroom standards, routine operations, and duties to be
performed.Persons interested in donating their services should contact the schools in which
they would like to work.
Wellness Policy
The Board of Education recognizes that providing healthy and nourishing foods and appropriate physical
activity for students promotes student attendance, education and achievement, and lifelong healthy habits.
Therefore, the Board expresses its commitment to maintaining school environments that promote and protect
student health by providing appropriate nutrition education, physical education, a variety of healthy food and
beverage choices, and encouraging all Harford County Public School employees to model healthy behaviors.
Where To Get Answers To Your Questions
You can get answers to any questions or concerns you have by contacting the following:
• Your local school (the telephone number is listed on page 25).
• The school system’s Communications Offi ce (410-588-5203), and the HCPS website (www.hcps.org).
Your child’s teacher... can help if it is a matter concerning your child’s progress, what is being taught, or any
other matter directly related to the classroom operation. Call your child’s teacher or send a note to the teacher
to arrange for a conference.
The principal of your child’s school... can help you on matters of school-wide operation or policy, provide you
with general school information, or help you resolve a problem. Some of the administrative duties are handled
by the assistant principal. Your school’s secretary will direct you to the proper person.
The school system’s Communications Offi ce... will be happy to answer your questions about the schools or
direct you to the right persons to assist you on a particular matter. Dial 410-588-5203.
The Superintendent of Schools... is Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D. Dr. Tomback is responsible to the Board
of Education for the administration of the school system. He recommends policies to the Board and is
charged with the responsibility for implementing Board adopted policies. Write Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D.,
Superintendent of Schools, 102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014.
Your Board of Education…Senate Bill 629 (2009 Session of the Maryland General Assembly), effective July
1, 2009, changed the Board of Education of Harford County from a fully appointed Board to an electedappointed
Board consisting of six elected members and three members appointed by the Governor of the
State of Maryland for four-year terms to be phased in over a period of time. For details on Senate Bill 629,
visit mlis.state.md.us. Regular meetings of the Board of Education are normally held on the second and fourth
Monday of each month (except July and August) at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. Special meetings may also be held
throughout the year. All meetings are announced in advance in newspapers or the HCPS website and in other
print/electronic media including the Harford Cable Network (HCN). Meetings are open to the public unless
otherwise announced. For correspondence directed to the Board, write President, Board of Education of
Harford County, 102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014. Board Business meetings will be televised
on a tape delay basis by HCN on the second and fourth Tuesdays beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Comcast
channel 21, Verizon FiOS channel 31 and Armstrong (formerly Clearview) channel 7 and can be viewed on
demand by logging onto our website (www.hcps.org). Meeting videos are archived by date.
24

Aberdeen Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5510
Aberdeen High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5500
Abingdon Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3910
Alternative Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5594
Bakerfi eld Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5518
Bel Air Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-638-4160
Bel Air Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4140
Bel Air High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4600
C. Milton Wright High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4110
Church Creek Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5550
Churchville Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3800
Darlington Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3700
Deerfi eld Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-612-1535
Dublin Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-638-3703
Edgewood Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-612-1540
Edgewood Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-612-1518
Edgewood High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-612-1500
Emmorton Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3920
Fallston Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4129
Fallston High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4120
Forest Hill Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4166
Forest Lakes Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4262
Fountain Green Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4220
George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale . . .410-273-5530
Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5524
Harford Glen Outdoor Education Center . . . . . . . . .410-638-3903
Harford Technical High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3804
Havre de Grace Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . .410-939-6616
Havre de Grace Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-939-6608
Havre de Grace High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-939-6600
Telephone Directory
Hickory Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4170
Homestead/Wakefi eld Elementary School . . . . . . . .410-638-4175
Jarrettsville Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-692-7800
John Archer School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3810
Joppatowne Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-612-1546
Joppatowne High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-612-1510
Magnolia Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-612-1553
Magnolia Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-612-1525
Meadowvale Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410-939-6622
Norrisville Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-692-7810
North Bend Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-692-7815
North Harford Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3670
North Harford Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3658
North Harford High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3650
Patterson Mill Middle/High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4640
Prospect Mill Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3817
Ring Factory Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4186
Riverside Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-612-1560
Roye-Williams Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-273-5536
Southampton Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4150
William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School . .410-612-1566
William S. James Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-3900
Youth’s Benefi t Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-638-4190
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hcps.org
Emergency Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hcps.org
HCPS Central Offi ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .410-838-7300
HCPS Central Offi ce (Toll Free) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-866-588-4963
TTY for Hearing Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1-1
25

2010
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
AUGUST 2010
Aug. 1 Lammas (Christian)
Aug. 1 Fast in Honor of Holy
Mother of Lord Jesus
(Orthodox Christian)
Aug. 1 Lughnassad* (Wicca -
Northern Hemisphere)
Aug. 6 Transfi guration of the Lord
(Orthodox Christian)
Aug.11 Ramadan Begins (Islam)*
Aug. 15 Assumption of Blessed
Virgin Mary (Catholic
Christian)
Aug. 15 Dormition of the Theotokos
(Orthodox Christian)
Aug. 24 Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
Aug. 29 Beheading of John the
Baptist (Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Ashley Cai • Emmorton Elementary School • Grade 4

2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
August 1-31
Children’s Eye Health &
Safety Month
www.hcps.org
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
New Teachers on Duty New Teachers on Duty All Teachers on Duty All Teachers on Duty All Teachers on Duty
29 30 31
Opening of Schools
for Students K-12
July 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
September 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30

2010
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
SEPTEMBER 2010
Sept. 1 Ecclesiastical Year
begins (Orthodox
Christian)
Sept. 2 Krishna Janmashtami
(Hindu)
Sept. 6 Laylat al Kadr* (Islam)
Sept. 8 Nativity of Mary (Christian)
Sept. 9-10 #Rosh Hashanah*
(Jewish)
Sept. 10 Eid al-Fitr* (Islam)
Sept. 11 Ganesha Chaturthi
(Hindu)
Sept. 14 Elevation of the Life Giving
Cross (Christian)
Sept. 18 #Yom Kippur* (Jewish)
Sept. 23-24 #Sukkot (Jewish)
Sept. 23 Mabon* (Wicca -
Northern Hemisphere)
Sept. 23 Ostara* (Wicca -
Southern Hemisphere)
Sept. 29 Michael and All Angels
(Christian)
Sept. 30 #Shemini Atzeret*
(evening) (Jewish)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Carolyn Conn • Patterson Mill High School • Grade 11

www.hcps.org 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
September 1-30
1 2 3 4
August 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
# LABOR DAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
October 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Library Card Sign-Up Month
September 15 - October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month
Opening of Schools
for Pre-K Students
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
# ROSH HASHANAH*
Schools CLOSED
Administration of the
American College Test (ACT)
Patriot Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Grandparents’ Day Mexican Independence Day Mayfl ower Day
Board of Education Public Mtg.
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
# PRIMARY
ELECTION DAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
Magnet Program Video &
Informational Presentation
ABHS 6:30 p.m.
Family Life Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(SOMS - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
Special Education Citizens
Safety & Security Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.) (HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
First Day of Autumn
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Magnet Program Video &
Informational Presentation
NHHS 6:30 p.m.
26 27 28 29 30
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed
2 1/2 hours early
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Career & Tech Ed Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HTHS - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
Magnet Program Video &
Informational Presentation
HTHS 6:30 p.m.

2010
Oct. 1
Oct. 4
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
Oct. 8-16
Oct. 11
Oct. 17
Oct. 20
Oct. 28
Oct. 31
Oct. 31
OCTOBER 2010
#Simchat Torah (Jewish)
St. Francis Day (Catholic
Christian)
Navaratri (Hindu)
Canadian Thanksgiving
Dasera (Hindu)
Birth of the Báb* (Baha’i)
Milvian Bridge Day
(Christian)
All Hallows Eve (Christian)
Reformation Day
(Protestant Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Sarah Campitelli • Prospect Mill Elementary School • Grade 1

www.hcps.org
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
September 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
November 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
2010
October 1-31
Crime Prevention Month
Czech Heritage Month
Italian American Heritage &
Culture Month
Polish American Heritage Month
Fire Prevention Week
3 4
German American Heritage Day
Administration of the
5 6 7 8
Scholastic Assessment Test
9
(SAT)
High School Assessment -
English
High School Assessment -
Biology
High School Assessment -
Algebra
High School Assessment -
Government
High School Assessment -
Make-up for all subjects
National Metric Week
(10-16)
National School Lunch
Week (11 - 15)
Columbus Day/Discoverers’ Day
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Magnet Program Video &
Informational Presentation
EDHS 6:30 p.m.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Administration of the
Preliminary Scholastic
Assessment Test (PSAT)
#MD STATE EDUCATION
ASSOCIATION
CONVENTION
Schools CLOSED
Administration of the
Preliminary Scholastic
Assessment Test (PSAT)
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
National School Bus Safety
Week (18 - 22)
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Administration of the
American College Test (ACT)
Red Ribbon Week (23 - 31)
United Nations Day
Science & Math Academy at
ABHS Open House
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Natural Resources &
Agricultural Sciences at NHHS
Open House 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early

2010
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
NOVEMBER 2010
Nov. 1 All Saints Day
(Christian)
Nov. 1 Samhain - Beltane*
(Wicca - Northern and
Southern Hemisphere)
Nov. 2 All Souls Day (Catholic
Christian)
Nov. 5 Diwali (Hindu)
Nov. 12 Birth of Baha’u’llah*
(Baha’i)
Nov. 15 Waqf al Arafa - Hajj*
(Islam)
Nov. 15 Nativity Fast begins
(Orthodox Christian)
Nov. 16 Eid al-Adha* (Islam)
Nov. 21 Christ the King
(Christian)
Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 26 Day of Covenant
(Baha’i)
Nov. 28 First Sunday of Advent
(Christian)
Nov. 30 Saint Andrew’s Day
(Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Pilisa Mackey • Joppatowne High School • Grade 11

www.hcps.org
2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
November 1-30
Administration of the
1 2 3 4 5 6
Daylight Savings Day
American Indian Heritage Month
#TEACHER PROF. DEV.
Schools CLOSED
for students
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Global Studies/International
Baccalaureate Programme
at EDHS Open House
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)
First Quarter Ends
Veterans Day
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
#TEACHER PROF. DEV.
Schools CLOSED
for students
# GENERAL ELECTION
DAY Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
American Education Week
(November 14-20)
(NOTE:See your school for daily schedule
of activities.)
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
Second Quarter Begins
Harford Technical High School
Open House 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Report Cards Distributed
Safety & Security Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
Family Life Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(SOMS - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
#THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
#THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
28 29 30
Career & Tech Ed Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HTHS - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
#THANKSGIVING EVE
2 Hour Early Dismissal
October 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
December 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31

2010
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
Dec. 2-9
Dec. 6
Dec. 7
DECEMBER 2010
Hanukkah* (Festival of
Lights) (Jewish)
Saint Nicholas Day
(Christian)
Hijra - New Year*
(Islam)
Dec. 8 Immaculate Conception
of Mary (Catholic
Christian)
Dec. 12 Feast Day - Our Lady
of Guadalupe (Catholic
Christian)
Dec. 16 Ashura* (Islam)
Dec. 16-25 Posadas Navidenas
(Christian)
Dec. 21 Yule (Christian)
Dec. 21 Yule* (Wicca -
Northern Hemisphere)
Dec. 21 Litha* (Wicca -
Southern Hemisphere)
Dec. 25 #Christmas*
(Christian)
Dec. 26-Jan 1 Kwanzaa (African-
American)
Dec. 26
Dec. 28
Dec. 31
Feast of the Holy Family
(Catholic Christian)
Holy Innocents
(Christian)
Watch Night (Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Joshua Bowman • Havre de Grace High School • Grade 12

www.hcps.org
2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Administration of the
1 2 3 4
November 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
January 2011
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)
Pearl Harbor Day
Human Rights Day
Administration of the
5 6 7 8 9 10 American College Test (ACT) 11
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Bill of Rights Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
First Day of Winter
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
# WINTER HOLIDAYS SCHOOLS CLOSED
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
# CHRISTMAS EVE
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
26 27 28 29 30 31
# CHRISTMAS DAY
OBSERVANCE
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
Refer to note on Dec. 25th.
# NEW YEAR’S DAY
OBSERVANCE
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
NOTE: Due to the Saturday
holiday, the Christmas Day offi ce
closure will be December 30th.

2011
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
Jan. 1
Jan. 1
Jan. 1
Jan. 5
Jan. 6
Jan. 6
Jan. 6
Jan. 6
Jan. 7
Jan. 9
Jan. 16
Jan. 17
Jan. 19
Jan. 20
Jan. 25
JANUARY 2011
New Year’s Day
Mary, Mother of God
(Catholic Christian)
Feast of St. Basil
(Orthodox Christian)
Twelfth Night (Christian)
Epiphany (Christian)
Feast of the Theophany
(Orthodox Christian)
Dia de los Reyes
(Hispanic Christian)
Nativity of Christ (Armenian
Orthodox Christian)
Nativity of Christ (Orthodox
Christian)
Baptism of the Lord Jesus
(Christian)
World Religion Day (Baha’i)
Blessing of the Animals
(Hispanic Christian)
Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox
Christian)
Tu B’shvat* (Jewish)
Conversion of St. Paul
(Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Cody Donahue • Joppatowne Elementary School • Grade 4

www.hcps.org 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
December 2010
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
Schools Reopen after
Winter Holidays
February 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
High School Assessment -
English
High School Assessment -
Biology
High School Assessment -
Algebra
High School Assessment -
Government
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 8:30 p.m.
(following work session)
First Semester Exams (18-21)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
# MARTIN LUTHER KING,
JR. BIRTHDAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
#TEACHER PROF. DEV.
Schools CLOSED
for students
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
High School Assessment -
Make-up for English
Career & Tech Ed Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HTHS - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
#TEACHER PROF. DEV.
Schools CLOSED
for students
Safety & Security Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
Second Semester/Third Quarter
Begins
High School Assessment -
Make-up for Algebra
First Semester/Second
Quarter Ends
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
Administration of the
Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
High School Assessment -
Make-up for Biology
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
High School Assessment -
Make-up for Government

2011
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
FEBRUARY 2011
Feb. 2 Candlemas (Christian)
Feb. 2 Presentation of Christ
in the Temple (Anglican
Christian)
Feb. 2 Imbolc - Lughnassad*
(Wicca)
Feb. 6 Triodion begins (Orthodox
Christian)
Feb. 8 Vasant Panchami(Hindu)
Feb. 14 St. Valentine’s Day
(Christian)
Feb. 15 Mawlid an Nabi* (Islam)
Feb. 24 Saint Matthew, Apostle
and Evangelist (Christian)
Feb. 26 - Intercalary Days* (Baha’i)
Mar. 1
Feb. 27 Meatfare Sunday
(Orthodox Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Ashley Rogers-Floro • Bel Air High School • Grade 11

www.hcps.org 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
National Freedom Day
Groundhog Day
1 2 3 4 5
February 1-28
National African American History Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month
National Family, Careers,
and Community Leaders
of America (FCCLA) Week
(13 - 19)
National School Counseling
Week (7 - 11)
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Family Life Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(SOMS. - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Report Cards Distributed
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Administration of the
American College Test (ACT)
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
National Future Farmers
of America (FFA) Week+
(19 - 26)
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
# PRESIDENTS DAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
George Washington’s
Birthday
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
January 2011
S M T W T F S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
March 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31

2011
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
March 1
March 2
March 3
March 6
March 7
March 8
MARCH 2011
Saint David of Wales
(Christian)
Four Chaplains
Sunday (Christian/
Jewish)
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
Transfi guration Sunday
(Christian)
Clean Monday - Great
Lent begins (Orthodox
Christian)
Shrove Tuesday
(Christian)
March 9 Ash Wednesday - Lent
begins (Christian)
March 13 Orthodox Sunday
(Orthodox Christian)
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
(Christian)
March 19 Saint Joseph’s Day
(Christian)
March 20 Ostara* (Wicca -
Northern Hemisphere)
March 20 Mabon* (Wicca -
Southern Hemisphere)
March 20 Holi (Hindu)
March 20 #Purim (Jewish)
March 20 Mawlid an Nabi* (Islam)
March 21 Naw Ruz - New Year*
(Bahá’í)
March 25
Annunciation of the
Virgin Mary (Catholic
Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Kathleen Pelosi • Fountain Green Elementary School • Grade 5

www.hcps.org 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
February 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28
March 1-31
American Red Cross Month
Irish American Heritage Month
Music in Our Schools Month
National Middle Level Education
Month
National Nutrition Month
Social Work Month
Women’s History Month
Youth Art Month
NEA’s Read Across America
1 2 3 4 5
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
Destination Imagination East
Central Tournament at EDHS
(Snow Date - March 12th)
National Foreign Language International Women’s Day
Administration of the
6 Week (7-13) 7 8 9 10 11 Scholastic Assessment Test 12
National School Breakfast Week
(SAT)
(7-11)
MSA Reading & Math Test Admin. - Grades 3 - 8
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
MSA Reading & Math Test Admin. - Grades 3 - 8
MSA Reading & Math Make-Up Testing
Daylight Savings Time
National Agriculture
Week/Day (20 - 26)
First Day of Spring
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
Career & Tech Ed Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HTHS - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
MSA Reading & Math Make-Up Testing
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Safety & Security Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
27 28 29 30 31
MSA Science Test Admin. - Grades 5 and 8
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
April 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2011
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
April 4
April 4-12
April 12
April 16
April 17
April 18
April
19-20
April 21
April 21
April 22
April 23
April 24
April 29
April 30
APRIL 2011
New Year (Hindu)
Ramayana (Hindu)
Ramanavami (Hindu)
Lazarus Saturday
(Orthodox Christian)
Palm Sunday
(Christian)
Hanuman Jayanti
(Hindu)
#Passover* (Pesach)
(Jewish)
First Day of Ridvan*
(Baha’i)
Maundy Thursday
(Christian)
Good (Holy) Friday
(Christian)
Black Saturday
(Christian)
Easter (Christian)
Ninth Day of Ridvan*
(Baha’i)
St. James the Great
Day (Orthodox
Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Alexander Delacruz • Abingdon Elementary School • Grade 4

www.hcps.org 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
International Children’s Book
1 2
March 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
National Library Week
National Environmental
Educaition Week
(10 - 16)
Special Senior Admin. High Special Senior Admin. High Special Senior Admin. High Special Senior Admin. High Special Senior Admin. High Administration of the
3 School Assessment - English 4 School Assessment - Biology 5 School Assessment - Algebra 6 7 8 9
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
May 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
Career & Tech Ed Citizens
Advisory Council Meeting
(HTHS - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
April 1-30
Young People’s Poetry Month
School Assessment - Gov’t
MSA Science Test Admin. - Grades 5 and 8
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Third Quarter Ends
Fourth Quarter Begins
Family Life Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(SOMS - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
# TEACHER PROF. DEV.
Schools CLOSED
for students
School Assessment - Make-Up
American College Test (ACT)
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
MSA Science Test Admin. - Grades 5 and 8
Potential Student Inclement
Weather/Emergency Make-Up Day
Day
National Volunteer Week
(17 - 23)
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Earth Day
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
# SPRING VACATION
Schools CLOSED
# SPRING VACATION
Schools CLOSED
# GOOD FRIDAY
Schools & Offi ces CLOSED
Administrative
Professionals Week (24-30)
National Arbor Day
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
# SPRING VACATION
Schools CLOSED
Schools Reopen after
Spring Vacation
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Teacher of the Year Banquet,
Bayou Restaurant, 6:00 p.m.
Report Cards Distributed

2011
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
May 1
May 1
May 2
May 9
May 22
May 23
May 29
MAY 2011
Yom HaSho’ah*
(Jewish)
Beltane - Samhain*
(Wicca)
Twelfth Day of Ridvan*
(Baha’i)
Yom Ha’Atzmaut*
(Jewish)
Lag B’Omer* (Jewish)
Declaration of the Bab*
(Baha’i)
Ascension of
Baha’u’ullah* (Baha’i)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
David Simmons • Aberdeen High School • Grade 10

2011
www.hcps.org
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Teacher Appreciation Week (1-7)
Administration of the
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
May 1-31
Asian Pacifi c American
Heritage Month
Better Hearing & Speech Month
National Physical Fitness &
Sports Month
National Sight-Saving Month
Preservation Month
Food Allergy Awareness
Week (8 - 14)
Advanced Placement Exams
National Music Week (1-8)
National Physical Education &
Sports Week (1-7)
Advanced Placement Exams Advanced Placement Exams Advanced Placement Exams Advanced Placement Exams
Child Nutrition Employee
Appreciation Week (2 - 6)
Registration of pre-k/
kindergarten students
National School Nurse Day
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Advanced Placement Exams
Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)
Advanced Placement Exams Advanced Placement Exams Advanced Placement Exams Advanced Placement Exams
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
Armed Forces Day
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
High School Assessment -
English
High School Assessment -
Biology
High School Assessment -
Algebra
High School Assessment -
Government
Commencement
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
High School Assessment -
English (Make-Up)
High School Assessment -
Biology (Make-Up)
High School Assessment -
Algebra (Make-Up)
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Family Life Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(SOMS - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
High School Assessment -
Government (Make-Up)
# TEACHER PROF. DEV.
Schools CLOSED
for students
Potential Student Inclement
Weather/Emergency Make-Up Day
Exercises for John Archer
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Commencement
29 30 Exercises for BAHS, ABHS 31 April 2011
#MEMORIAL DAY
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
Career & Tech Ed Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HTHS - 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.)
& JOHS
High School Assessment -
English (Make-Up)
Safety & Security Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
Elementary Enrichment Fair
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. HTHS
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
June 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30

2011
INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS
JUNE 2011
June 2 Ascension of Christ
(Christian)
June 8-9 #Shavuot (Jewish)
June 9 Lailat al Miraj* (Islam)
June 10 All Saints (Orthodox
Christian)
June 12 Pentecost (Christian)
June 19 New Church Day
(Swedenborgian Christian)
June 19 Trinity Sunday (Christian)
June 21 Solstice - Litha* (Wicca -
Northern Hemisphere)
June 21 Solstice - Yule* (Wicca -
Southern Hemisphere)
June 23 Corpus Christi (Catholic
Christian)
June 28 Lailat al Miraj* (Islam)
June 29 Saints Peter and Paul
(Christian)
#Key events should not be scheduled.
*Holy Days usually begin at sundown
the day before this date.
NOTE: For more information on interfaith
holidays, visit www.interfaithcalendar.org.
Chelsea Baldwin • North Harford High School • Grade 12

www.hcps.org 2011
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Commencement
Commencement
Administration of the
1 2 3 4
May 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
July 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Commencement
Exercises for CWHS, NHHS
& EDHS
High School Assessment -
Biology (Make-Up)
Exercises for FAHS, PMHS &
HDHS
High School Assessment -
Algebra (Make-Up)
Schools close at end of day
for Pre-K students (w/ no
inclement weather/emergency
days used)
Exercises for Alternative
Education & HTHS
High School Assessment -
Government (Make-Up)
Elem. Teachers Planning Time
Elem. students dismissed 2 1/2
hours early
Scholastic Assessment Test
(SAT)
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Administration of the
American College Test (ACT)
Gifted & Talented Citizens
Special Education Citizens
Advisory Committee Meeting
Advisory Committee Meeting
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
(HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
Fourth Quarter Ends
Flag Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Last Student Day
(w/ no inclement weather/
emergency days used)
*POTENTIAL TEACHER PROF. DEV. MAKE-UP DAYS*
Last Possible Student Day
(w/ 4+ inclement weather/
emergency days used)
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
*POTENTIAL STUDENT INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY MAKE-UP DAYS*
First Day of Summer
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Last Day for Teachers
(w/ 4 inclement weather/
emergency days used)
Teacher Prof. Dev. Day
Last Day for Teachers
(w/ no inclement weather/
emergency days used)
Last Possible Day for
Teachers
(w/ 6 inclement weather/
emergency days used)
*POTENTIAL TEACHER PROF. DEV. MAKE-UP DAYS*
26 27 28 29 30
June 1-30
Caribbean American Heritage Month
Great Outdoors Month
Board of Education Public Meeting
HCPS Roberty Bldg. - 6:30 p.m.
Report Cards Distributed

2011
Nicholas Kraft • Harford Technical High School • Grade 10

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
June 1 - July 4 Fireworks Safety Month
2011
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
INDEPENDENCE
DAY OBSERVANCE
Schools & Offi ces
CLOSED
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Board of Education
Public Meeting HCPS
Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
31
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
High School
Assessment -
(Summer Admin)
High School
Assessment -
(Summer Admin)
High School
Assessment -
(Summer Admin)
High School
Assessment -
(Summer Admin)
High School
Assessment -
(Summer Admin)
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Board of Education
Public Meeting HCPS
Roberty Bldg. - 7:00 p.m.
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2011
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
New Teachers on Duty New Teachers on Duty All Teachers on Duty All Teachers on Duty All Teachers on Duty
28 29 30 31
Opening of
Schools for
Students K-12
Opening of
Schools for Pre-K
Students

Contact Us
Has your child encountered a problem at his/her school? First, call the teacher and/or principal. If the problem remains unresolved,
or, if you have other questions, listed below are other offices for special matters.
Employment opportunities Offi ce of Certifi cated Personnel 410-588-5238
Offi ce of Supporting Services Personnel
410-588-5238
(clerical, custodial, technical, etc.)
Employment as a substitute teacher 410-588-5238
General information, assistance and concerns HCPS Switchboard 410-838-7300
TTY 7-1-1
Website/Emergency Notifi cation
www.hcps.org
Communications Offi ce 410-588-5203
HCPS Central Office Switchboard Local Number 410-838-7300
Toll Free 1-866-588-4963
Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-422-0009
Psychological Services, Student Services Offi ce of Student Services 410-588-5334
Aberdeen Offi ce 410-273-5514
Bel Air Offi ce 410-638-4143
Edgewood Offi ce 410-612-1521
Fallston Offi ce 410-638-4124
Havre de Grace Offi ce 410-939-6612
Magnolia Offi ce 410-612-1531
North Harford Offi ce 410-638-3662
Patterson Mill Offi ce 410-638-4215
Southampton Offi ce 410-638-4153
Hickory Elementary (Child Find) 410-638-4386
Questions concerning curriculum issues Offi ce of Curriculum 410-588-5298
Questions concerning the elementary school program Offi ce of Elementary Education 410-588-5207
Questions concerning the secondary school program Offi ce of Secondary Education 410-588-5228
Questions relating to equity issues Offi ce of Equity & Cultural Diversity 410-809-6064
Special Education Offi ce of Special Education 410-588-5246
Student transportation, individual school attendance areas Offi ce of Transportation 410-638-4092
Tip Line for potential safety concerns Safety and Security Offi ce 410-638-4242
Unanswered Questions? HCPS Switchboard 410-838-7300
Use of school facilities Principal of the school The school concerned (see page 25)
Volunteer work Your local school (see page 25)

Emergency Communications
How to get notified about emergency messages:
AlertNow
(phone)
Email
Television
Radio
(AM/FM)
HCPS Website
www.hcps.org
Voicemail
Receive announcements of school closures and delays sent directly to your home telephone.
The phone number(s) you have on file with your school will be included in the calls.
For morning inclement weather closures/delays, announcements will go out at 5:45 a.m.
and are normally complete by 6:05 a.m.
Press “1” to replay
the message if it
cuts off!
Announcements are sent to parents via email through the email address(es) you have on file with your
school(s). To update this address, contact your school.
For morning inclement weather closures/delays, announcements will go out by 5:15 a.m.
Television stations announcing school closures and delays:
(Please remember it is at the discretion of the station as to what and when announcements are posted.)
WMAR (Channel 2); WBAL (Channel 11); WJZ (Channel 13); WBFF (Channel 45)
AM radio stations: WAMD (970); WBAL (1090); WCBM (680); WSBA (910)
FM radio stations: WLIF (101.9); WPOC (93.1); WQSR (102.7); WWMX (106.5); WXYV (105.7); WERQ
(92.3); WARM (103); WXCY (103.7); WDAC (94.5)
Get the latest emergency information directly from the home page of HCPS.org. (School closure and
delay information will replace the banner of photos at the top of the home page of HCPS.org)
For morning inclement weather closures/delays, the website should be updated by 5:15 a.m. and as
needed when messages change.
Call one of the following phone numbers to listen to a recording of the current emergency message.
Switchboard: (410) 838-7300 or 1-(866) 588-4963
AlertNow Mailbox: (410) 809-6340
For morning inclement weather closures/delays, these mailboxes will be updated no later than 5:15 a.m.
Re-play messages at www.alertnowmessage.com!

" NORRISVILLE
Harford County Public Schools
P E N N S Y L V A N I A
"
NORTH HARFORD
CECIL COUNTY
# !
"
DUBLIN
" NORTH BEND
"
DARLINGTON
"
JARRETTSVILLE
FOREST HILL "
FOREST LAKES "
"
YOUTHS BENEFIT
FALLSTON
HICKORY"
C. MILTON
WRIGHT HARFORD TECHNICAL
"
PROSPECT
CHURCHVILLE
MILL
JOHN ARCHER
SOUTHAMPTON
"
BEL AIR
!
!
#
#
""
"
"
"[ Ö
FOUNTAIN
GREEN
HOMESTEAD/WAKEFIELD
RING FACTORY
PATTERSON
MILL
ALTERNATIVE ED. PROGRAM
[
! #
HAVRE DE GRACE
# "
!
" ROYE-WILLIAMS
" MEADOWVALE
ABERDEEN " BAKERSFIELD
" HALLS CROSS ROADS
HILLSDALE "
!
#
"
HARFORD EMMORTON
GLEN "
"
WILLIAM S JAMES
"
"
ABINGDON
CHURCH
CREEK
WM PACA/
OLD POST RD
""
EDGEWOOD
"
JOPPATOWNE
" !
DEERFIELD
"
#
MAGNOLIA
!
#
ABERDEEN
PROVING GROUND
"
#
BALTIMORE COUNTY
LEGEND
ELEMENTARY
MIDDLE
" RIVERSIDE
APG
EDGEWOOD
AREA
C H E S A P E A K E
B A Y
MIDDLE/HIGH
!
HIGH
Ö
[
TECHNICAL
SPECIAL
MILES
0 0.5 1 2 3 4
KENT COUNTY