2025-2026 Friday Night Live (FNL) registration has officially opened!

Friday Night Live is Bel Air Rec’s youth center program which meets @ BAMS on select Friday nights throughout the school year.  Membership is open to 6th, 7th & 8th grade students registered @ Bel Air Middle School, Patterson Mill Middle School, and Southampton Middle School. 

Each event offers a live DJ, dancing, basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, and a great social environment with friends!  There are several Parent Chaperones, whom are background checked and a uniformed police officer in attendance for each event so parents can feel comfortable knowing their child is well supervised.  Pizza, soda, and snacks can be purchased as well.

Cost is $90 per student.

FNL DATES 2025-2025

  • Friday, October 3, 2025

  • Friday, November 14, 2025

  • Friday, December 12, 2025

  • Friday, January 9, 2026

  • Friday, February 20, 2026

  • Friday, March 20, 2026

  • Friday, April 10, 2026

Register your middle schooler(s) today using one of the links below:

https://belairrec.org/friday-night-live/

https://registration.teamsnap.com/form/39545

5 months ago, Bel Air Middle School
Friday Night Live Bel Air Youth Center Image

BAMS New Outdoor Classroom

Ms. Klein's math class enjoyed our newly renovated outdoor classroom this week! The area was paved over the summer to create an even more welcoming environment!

5 months ago, Bel Air Middle School
BAMS Outdoor Classroom with students from Ms. Klein's math class enjoying this new environment.

This week, HCPS joins schools across the country in celebrating the power of the arts in education. From music and theater to visual and digital arts, the arts inspire creativity, build confidence, and help students discover their voices.

5 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic that says National Arts in Educaiton Week

Harford County Public Schools will host Magnet and Technical Programs Information Nights for families of 7th and 8th grade students. Each event begins at 6:00 p.m., and presentations are identical, so you only need to attend one.

Dates and Locations:

  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025 – Magnolia Middle & Patterson Mill Middle

  • Thursday, September 25, 2025 – Havre de Grace Middle & Southampton Middle

  • Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Aberdeen Middle & North Harford Middle

Programs highlighted include: International Baccalaureate (IB) and Global Studies, Harford Technical High School Career Programs, IT Oracle Academy, JROTC, Natural Resources and Agricultural Science (NRAS), P-TECH, Science and Mathematics Academy (SMA), and the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM).

Click here for more information on the Harford County Public Schools Magnet and Technical Programs.

5 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Magnet and Technical Programs information Nights graphic

Join the Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) for their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Networking begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting from 7:00–8:30 p.m.
The agenda includes a Co-Chair Election, Meet Your SECAC, and an HCPS Special Education presentation.
This meeting will be held virtually.
Click here to register.

6 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) Monthly Meeting, virtual on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Networking 6:30–7 p.m., meeting 7–8:30 p.m. including Co-Chair Election, Meet Your SECAC, and HCPS Special Education Presentation. QR code to register. Contact harfordcountysecac@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/groups/1207814129409560.

The following is being shared with families who have Kindergarten students in HCPS, on behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE):

This fall your student will take the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). The KRA is an assessment that measures a student's knowledge, skills, and abilities in literacy, mathematics, and social and emotional development. It is given to all kindergarten students enrolled in public schools in Maryland by October 10th each year. The purpose of the KRA is to provide teachers and caregivers with information about what students know and can do, as well as to identify areas where they might need additional support. The assessment has three components:


• Star Early Literacy - 10-minute computer adaptive assessment of early literacy skills
• Star Math – 15-minute computer adaptive assessment of math skills
• SAEBRS (Social Academic Emotional Behavior Risk Screen) – 19-question survey completed based on
teacher observation


Most students will take the literacy and mathematics components of the KRA on a computer or tablet. The test will be read out loud to students who will use a mouse or touchscreen to select answers. Paper tests, ASL interpretation, and other accommodations are available for students who need them. Teachers will complete the social and emotional component of the assessment after spending the first few weeks of school getting to know students and completing observations.

Caregivers will receive information about how their student performed after the assessment has been administered. The results provide information about a student's mastery of the content and skills that will support their success in kindergarten. Performance on the KRA does not prevent a child from entering or remaining in kindergarten. The KRA results are only one piece of data, and scores should be understood in the context of other information, including feedback from a student’s teacher.


If you have questions about the KRA please speak with your student’s teacher.


Sincerely,
Erika McCrea
Executive Director of State Assessments

6 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Harford County Public Schools 3 leaf logo.

Welcome Back to Panthersl!

The excitement was evident as students returned to Bel Air Middle School for the first day of the new academic year. Bright and early Tuesday morning, September 2nd, students streamed through the front entrance with backpacks slung over shoulders, some clutching new supplies while others walked confidently with friends they hadn't seen all summer.

The hallways buzzed with energy as sixth-graders navigated their new surroundings, seventh and eighth-graders reunited with classmates, and everyone adjusted to fresh schedules and lockers. Teachers stood ready at classroom doors with welcoming smiles, greeting both familiar faces and new students joining the Bel Air Middle School community.

From the administrative team and faculty to the custodial and cafeteria staff, everyone at Bel Air Middle School is thrilled to welcome our students back for another year of learning, growth, and achievement.

6 months ago, Bel Air Middle School
BAMS Students Walking into the Buiding on the First Day of School!
BAMS Students Walking into the Buiding on the First Day of School!
BAMS Students Walking into the Buiding on the First Day of School!
BAMS Students Walking into the Buiding on the First Day of School!
BAMS Students Walking into the Buiding on the First Day of School!
BAMS Students Walking into the Buiding on the First Day of School!

Reminders and important info to start the 2025-2026 school year:

  • The Back to School Checklist includes links to all the required and optional documents to start your school year!

  • The Student Handbook is a great resource for students, parents, and guardians.

  • The new webpage, Stay Connected with Your Student’s Learning, was made to help parents and guardians connect directly to their student’s curriculum and understand options to support their child’s learning. This includes the process to follow for opting out of specific elements of the curriculum.

6 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Harford County Public Schools 3 leaf logo

HCPS parents are their child’s first and best teachers! The HCPS Parent Academy is here to support you with resources, tools, and newsletters designed to keep families informed and engaged.

Check out the Parent Connection newsletter archive here: https://www.hcps.org/parents/parentacademy/parentconnectionarchive.aspx

Click here to visit the Parent Academy webpage for even more parent resources.

6 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
HCPS Parent Academy flyer with the message “HCPS parents are students’ first and best teachers.” Includes the Parent Academy logo, website link to www.hcps.org/parents/parentacademy , and QR code linking to the Parent Connection newsletter archive at www.hcps.org/parents/parentacademy/parentconnectionarchive.aspx .
Our “lunch ladies” (and gentlemen!) are back and ready to serve! This week, HCPS Food and Nutrition managers, production center assistants, and satellite kitchen assistants gathered for their opening meeting and training. They’ll now prepare for the rest of the food service staff to return next week. We can’t wait to see them fueling students with healthy meals all year long!
6 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Group of Lunch ladies and gentlemen together holding a maryland eats sign

The first day of school is September 2, 2025, for most students and September 4, 2025, for Prekindergarten. Be sure to review the HCPS Back to School Checklist, complete required forms, and get important updates before the first day. Click here to view the full checklist and resources.

6 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Back to school checklist graphic

The portable communication device policy outlines when and how students can use cell phones, smartwatches, and other devices during the school day. Restrictions vary by grade level. Review the full policy by clicking here.

7 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic outlining portable communication device rules for students. Includes guidelines for phones, smartwatches, and other devices during the school day

HCPS has updated its backpack and bag policy to support safety and emergency preparedness. Families are encouraged to review expectations for locker use, storage sizes, and guidelines for athletic and instrument bags. Click here to view the full policy.

7 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic explaining updated student backpack and bag policy for middle and high schools. Highlights storage expectations, permitted bag sizes, and procedures for athletic and instrument bags.

Harford County Public Schools is partnering again with the Aberdeen IronBirds for End of Summer Fest on Wednesday, August 20 at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the game begins at 7:05 p.m. The evening will feature back-to-school giveaways, local resources, and HCPS staff, plus a special opportunity for students to play catch in the outfield from 6:00 to 6:25 p.m. We look forward to seeing our families at the ballpark! Click here to purchase discounted tickets. After you click the link, enter hcps25 where it asks for a password.

7 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic that says End of Summer Fest and has the logos of HCPS and the Aberdeen Iron Birds

Harford County Public Schools is requesting families share their input on the possible use of virtual instruction during inclement weather for the 2025–2026 school year. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and is open through Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. Parents and guardians will need their child’s Student ID number, which can be found on report cards or progress reports. Click here to complete the survey.

7 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic of three different color text bubbles, one says "give us" the second says "your" and the third says "feedback" in the bottom left corner is the HCPS logo, bottom right has a small man next to a giant computer monitor looking at a survey.
This summer, HCPS families can take advantage of free Parent Coaching through our partnership with Parent Guidance. The program offers regular sessions with a dedicated coach and expert content created by licensed therapists. Interested parents can get started going to https://cookcenter.info/coaching.
8 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Promotional graphic for ParentGuidance.org featuring the message "Coaching for Parents – Coaching support is available all summer!" It includes an image of a smiling family, flip-flop graphics, a QR code, and a call to action: "Get started! Scan code or visit cookcenter.info/coaching."
Need to register to Bel Air Middle School? Access the HCPS K - 12 Student Registration on the Online Forms portal @ https://registration.hcps.org/. Questions??? Contact Michaela Baker at 410-638-4140 or email Michaela.Baker@hcps.org.
8 months ago, Sandra Castellano
Registration Image
CONGRATULATIONS BEL AIR MIDDLE SCHOOL! We are thrilled to announce that Bel Air Middle School is the Fourth Quarter Family Friendly School Award winner!!!! Bel Air Middle is now a two-time winner of this prestigious award! The Harford County community nominated and voted for the schools worthy of this honor, which placed Bel Air Middle as one of the top three finalists. Then, the finalist schools were reviewed and scores by the HCPS Customer Service Task Force on the following criteria (the National PTA Standards): Welcoming All Families, Effective Communication and Relationship Development, Family Efficacy, School Performance and Achievement Plan, and Community Partners. Bel Air Middle scored the highest and was named the fourth quarter winner!!! Way to go Panthers!!! 🐾
8 months ago, Sandra Castellano
QT 4 Family Friend School Award Recognition 2025
Welcome to your new school website! Please take a minute to familiarize yourself with the layout. And don't forget to download the new HCPS app in your device's app store. It's everything HCPS in your pocket!
8 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic for the HCPS App that shows three cell phone screens. The top says "It's everything Harford County Public Schools, in your pocket"
As part of a service-learning project, sixth grade students at Bel Air Middle School recently came together to support the Harford County Humane Society. The project encouraged students to find meaningful ways to give back to their community, and they chose to help animals in need. Through their efforts, the students collected and donated nearly $3,300 in monetary contributions and wish list items. Their generosity will help provide care and support for animals throughout Harford County. The donation was accepted by Ms. Erin Long, Marketing and Development Manager at the Humane Society. Bel Air Middle School is proud of our students for showing compassion and making a difference. Their dedication to helping others highlights the impact young people can have when they work together for a cause they believe in.
9 months ago, Kyle Andersen
Students pose with donation check