Parent Handbook - Harford County Public Schools

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 system rules and regulations, school calendar, and other
pertinent information, as well as artwork by some of our outstanding students. I
trust you will find the contents of this handbook to be informative and useful.
On the inside back cover, there are instructions on how to 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 notification system this year to convey emergency and
other important information to parents. The school system will also continue an
email information system which you can opt in to by listing a valid email address
on the emergency card that comes home with your child on the first 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 2011-2012 school year.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
HCPS 2011-12 Teacher of the Year
Christian S. Slattery, Sr.- Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary, Grades K-5 Vocal Music
The year 2008 was a momentous year for Christian
Slattery’s career, as he was named the recipient of the
prestigious National Milken Educator’s Award and achieved
National Board Certification in early to middle childhood
music. Mr. Slattery mentors Harford County teachers
through the National Board process and frequently serves
as a demonstration teacher for new and veteran colleagues.
Using his research and data in tracking student growth, Mr.
Slattery has conducted professional development at the
county level. Mr. Slattery also served on the Curriculum
Awards Committee for two years. Mr. Slattery graduated
Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University with a
Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 2002. Currently,
Mr. Slattery is completing his master’s degree in Leadership Teaching at the College of
Notre Dame of Maryland. Visit www.hcps.org for details on HCPS Teacher of the Year
and check out his 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 school system, there are 33 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 54 schools.
Based upon firm 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 system-wide kindergarten program begins public education for the five-year-old
with all 33 elementary schools offering all-day 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.
Mission
The mission of the Harford County Public Schools is to promote excellence in
instructional leadership and teaching and to provide facilities and instructional
materials that support teaching and learning for the 21st century. The Harford
County Board of Education will support this mission by fostering a climate for
deliberate change and monitoring progress through measurable indicators.
Vision
Harford County Public Schools will be a community of learners in which our public
schools, families, public officials, businesses, community organizations, and other
citizens work collaboratively to prepare all of our students to succeed academically
and socially in a diverse, democratic, change-oriented, and global society.
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.