The next Parent Academy virtual Lunch & Learn is on Why Our Children Self-Harm and will be held Wednesday, November 18, at 12:00 p.m. Parents will learn tools to better understand why self-harm happens and how they can support a child who is self-harming. Registration, attendance, and participation are completely anonymous. Can’t attend the live session? No problem! Register anyway, and a recording will be sent directly to your inbox so you can watch at a time that works best for you. Register here: https://cookcenter.info/Nov18Harford.
Families who were approved for free or reduced-price meal benefits during the 2025-2026 school year need to apply for benefits for the new school year before Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to avoid a lapse in benefits. Families must reapply each school year. Click here to apply online. Click here to download a paper application. If you have any questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Office at 410-638-4078.
Students who took the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments in spring 2026 will receive their individual score reports the week of September 28, 2026. Each student’s school will send home hard copies of the reports. The reports summarize student performance overall and by subject area. For information on how to interpret the results, click here. Families with questions about their student’s scores should contact their school directly.
Nominations are now open for the Harford County Education Foundation's Everyday Hero Award and the 2027 Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year!
We invite all families to nominate a teacher who exemplifies innovative instruction, inspires students, and gives tirelessly to the children in our community. Each school's official nominee will be invited to attend the Everyday Hero Awards dinner in November and to participate in the Teacher of the Year process, with the 2027 Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year named in April.
Nominations close Sunday, October 4. Click here for more information and submit a nomination.
Harford County Public Schools invites parents of 7th and 8th grade students to attend one of our Magnet and Technical Programs Information Nights. The events begin at 6:00 p.m. and each presentation is identical, regardless of location.
Dates and locations of presentations:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Havre de Grace Middle School
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Magnolia Middle School
Thursday, September 24, 2026, at North Harford Middle School
Monday, September 28, 2026, at Edgewood Middle School
Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Aberdeen Middle School
Staff will discuss the following programs at each event:
Global Studies Program/International Baccalaureate
Career Programs at Harford Technical High School
Information Technology Oracle Academy
Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
Natural Resources and Agricultural Science
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
Science and Mathematics Academy
Teacher Academy of Maryland
Prior to the Information Night scheduled for your school, your student will be able to take part in a magnet fair during their school day to learn more about the programs offered.
Applications for all HCPS Magnet and Technical Programs are open from October 1 until December 1, 2026.
For more information about all magnet programs, please visit the Magnet and Technical Programs page on hcps.org.
Monday is Labor Day!
HCPS schools and offices are closed Monday in observance of the holiday. Enjoy you're long weekend and we will see everyone back in class Tuesdady!
Open Gate technology has been utilized at HCPS athletic events and in select schools over the last year. As shared previously, students in middle and high schools will see it in use at other times during the school day, including during arrival, this school year.
Your student may see Open Gate in use at different events, different times of the day, and at any point in the school year. The use of the Open Gate technology is another layer of safety and security; its use during the school day does not indicate a specific threat or concern. It is a proactive measure to better ensure student safety.
As has been the practice of Harford County Public Schools, if there is a specific threat or concern to a school, that information will be communicated directly with that school community.
Your student may see Open Gate in use at different events, different times of the day, and at any point in the school year. The use of the Open Gate technology is another layer of safety and security; its use during the school day does not indicate a specific threat or concern. It is a proactive measure to better ensure student safety.
As has been the practice of Harford County Public Schools, if there is a specific threat or concern to a school, that information will be communicated directly with that school community.
Freedom Federal Credit Union Golden Apple Award Winner 2026
Congratulations to Mrs. Pross on receiving a Golden Apple Award from Freedom Federal Credit Union. 👏🎉
At Bel Air Middle School, Mrs. Pross is using a new book collection to encourage reading, writing, and presentation skills through a project-based learning experience.
Due to a power outage, Bel Air Middle school will be CLOSED today, Monday, June 8, 2026 to students. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow! Thank you.
Harford County Public Schools will be live streaming all 2026 graduation ceremonies held at APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College. Thanks to our partners at Harford Community College and the APGFCU Arena, families and friends can watch every moment live at youtube.com/@HCPSchools. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Wednesday, May 6 is National School Nurse Day. Harford County Public Schools is proud to recognize our school nurses for their dedication, expertise, and compassionate care for our students each and every day. Thank you!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Harford County Public Schools is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Throughout May, we will be sharing resources and information to help our community thrive inside and outside the classroom.
The Harford County Board of Education has approved an adjustment to the 2026-2027 calendar involving built-in inclement weather days. Schools and offices will now be closed on March 1, June 1, and April 12, 2027, and those days will be used as makeup days, in the order listed, only if needed due to inclement weather cancellations.
The adjustment reflects guidance from the Maryland State Board of Education, which has expressed a preference for makeup days to be distributed throughout the school year, and the use of virtual instruction, rather than adding days to the end of the school year.
The full, updated 2026–2027 school calendar is available here. En Español.
Bel Air Middle School is featured on WMAR Good Morning Maryland segment!
On Monday, April 27, two of our students — Meadow Knott and Serafina Das — appeared on Good Morning Maryland to promote our upcoming Spring Family Extravaganza. Great job, ladies! Check it out — and we hope to see everyone at the Spring Family Extravaganza this Thursday, April 30!
https://youtu.be/koNm9j-aoPQ
Join Harford County Public Schools, the Office on Mental Health, UM Upper Chesapeake Health, and the Cook Center for Human Connection on May 8, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Ripken Stadium for Your Mind Matters. This free family wellness event will include activities for the entire family including crafts, a bounce house, rock climbing, football, and a light race.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Visit harfordmentalhealth.org for more information and to register.
Congratulations to Vibha Nanduri from Bel Air High School for being named the 2026-2027 Student Member of the Board!
Vibha was elected during the HCRASC General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Her term will run from July 1, 2026 and run through June 30, 2027.
She is currently a junior in the Biomedical Sciences program at Bel Air High School. She serves as 1st Vice President of HCRASC and the Environmental Affairs Coordinator for the Maryland Association of Student Councils.
Congratulations Vibha!
HCPS Teacher of the Year BAMS Representative
We are pleased to announce Laura Cassilly as our representative for HCPS Teacher of the Year! Please join us in celebrating her.
Ms. Cassilly exemplifies excellence in education through her deep love for 6th grade science and her passion for helping students discover the joy in learning. She builds meaningful, trusting relationships with students and creates a classroom environment where curiosity thrives. As a dedicated professional and leader of her 6th grade team, Laura consistently models best practices and inspires her colleagues. Her peers respect her, her students adore her, and she truly makes science come alive for everyone she teaches.
Celebrations of Belonging
Bel Air Middle School
This month, the Bel Air Middle School lobby honors the diverse traditions that make the school community special. Their "We Belong" Holiday Tree invites every student and staff member to share an ornament representing their unique identity. Their Hanukkah display features the menorah and Star of David, celebrating the Festival of Lights. Their Kwanzaa display showcases the Kinara with seven candles—three red, three green, and one black—representing the Nguzo Saba (seven principles), displayed on the Mkeka (mat). Their Holiday Poster highlights the rich variety of winter celebrations observed by our community, from Christmas and Hanukkah to Ramadan and Winter Solstice. Together, these celebrations remind the school community that every tradition, every person, and every story belongs at Bel Air Middle.
Reminder: Celebration of Excellence in Education Nominations Due Soon!
There’s still time to nominate an outstanding Harford County Public Schools employee for the 2026 Celebration of Excellence in Education!
Each year, HCPS honors employees who make a difference in the lives of our students. In addition to naming the 2026 Teacher of the Year, we will recognize exceptional staff in the following categories:
Assistant Principal, Custodian, Facilities, Food Services, Nurse, Psychologist, Pupil Personnel Worker, Safety and Security, School Counselor, Social Worker, Support Professional, and Office of Technology.
To nominate someone, visit www.hcps.org and click the Celebration of Excellence in Education banner on the homepage. You can also click here for the nomination form.
Nominations are due by January 6, 2026, so don’t delay—submit your nomination today!
Thank you for helping us recognize the incredible HCPS employees who go above and beyond every day.
Local businesses or community members interested in supporting this year’s program can contact joyce.jablecki@hcps.org for more information.
Striking a Chord: High School Jazz Ensemble Inspires Sixth Grade Musicians
The Bel Air High School Jazz Band visited Bel Air Middle School this week to perform for sixth grade band students. The high schoolers shared their talent and spread holiday cheer through music, inspiring the next generation of musicians and creating a memorable connection between our two schools.
Visit this link to view a video of their performance.
