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Communications and Family Outreach - HCPS Frequently Asked Questions

Click the question (Q:) below for the answer (A:):


  1. Q:  How do I find out if I qualify for pre-kindergarten?
     
  2. Q:  How do I register my child for school?
     
  3. Q:  What immunizations are required for school?
     
  4. Q:  How can I find out what school my child will attend?
     
  5. Q:  How do I apply for a Boundary Exception for my child to attend a different school?
     
  6. Q:  Where can I find my child’s school supply list?
     
  7. Q:  How do I sign my child up for tutoring?
     
  8. Q:  How can I follow-up on an application I submitted for employment?
     
  9. Q:  How can I find out about employment opportunities and/or current vacancies?
     
  10. Q:  How can I find more information about substitute teaching?
     
  11. Q:  Are the swimming pools at North Harford and Edgewood middle schools open for public use?
     
  12. Q:  How do I find out more information and apply for a magnet program?
     
  13. Q:  Where can I find the school year calendar?
     
  14. Q:  How is the calendar for each school year developed?
     
  15. Q:  Where can I find information on assessment scores and other important facts about HCPS?
     
  16. Q:  Where do I find information on bus routes?
     
  17. Q:  How can I find information on volunteering with a school?
     
  18. Q:  How do I find out information on obtaining my GED?
     
  19. Q:  How can I obtain a copy of my official high school transcripts?
     
  20. Q:  Can I request a copy of my diploma?
     
  21. Q:  How do I reserve school facilities?
     
  22. Q:  Where can I find information on Harford County Public Schools’ energy management and environmental stewardship?
     

Questions (Q) and Answers (A)


  1. Q:  How do I find out if I qualify for pre-kindergarten?
    A:  Information about the Pre-Kindergarten program in Harford County Public Schools is listed under the Parents tab, right here. In order to be eligible, the student must be four years old before September 1st of that school year. To date in the state of Maryland, prekindergarten is not mandatory; it is an application process based on age eligible children and the economic status of the family. Harford County Public Schools does not have prekindergarten in every elementary school. Children receiving services prior to prekindergarten through HCPS are not guaranteed enrollment. The schools that house pre-k are listed on the link above.

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  2. Q:  How do I register my child for school?
    A:  Registration information and requirements are available by clicking here. Applications for Prekindergarten are available in schools beginning the first Friday in May and throughout the summer. Enrollment is not based on a "first come, first serve" basis. Registration for Kindergarten students begins on the first Friday in May and is continuous throughout the summer. 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 recommended that this registration occur as early as possible during the summer.

    Parents must live in the school attendance area of the school in which they plan to enroll their child. Use the School Locator to help determine your attendance area. Students must be registered by the custodial parent (biological, adoptive, legal guardian). Parents/guardians who are unable to register their children at the scheduled time in May should call the school  for an appointment.

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  3. Q:  What immunizations are required for school?
    A:  Immunization requirements for Maryland schools are listed on this page of our website.

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  4. Q:  How can I find out what school my child will attend?
    A:  To determine which school your child is supposed to attend, you may use our School Locator by inputting your address. For questions, contact the Transportation Department at 410-638-4092 .

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  5. Q:  How do I apply for a Boundary Exception for my child to attend a different school?
    A:  Here is some information for a Boundary Exception which requires specific reasoning or justification for why a student needs to attend a different school other than the one in your district. You can contact the Pupil Personnel Worker for the area school your child is currently districted to attend to apply for this exception.

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  6. Q:  Where can I find my child’s school supply list?
    A:  In order to find out the school supply list for your child, you would need to contact the school your child attends. Each school individually selects the school supply list from year to year. Some retail stores post the school supply lists and many schools post the list on their school website. But, your school would be able to directly provide you with the list. Here is a school directory  to find out the appropriate phone numbers.

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  7. Q:  How do I sign my child up for tutoring?
    A:  Tutoring is available for elementary and secondary students in a variety of subject areas. Use the Tutor Referral Card  to contact the appropriate office to set up tutoring for your child.

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  8. Q:  How can I follow-up on an application I submitted for employment?
    A:  For questions and requests regarding an application for employment, please contact our Human Resources Department at 410-588-5238 .

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  9. Q:  How can I find out about employment opportunities and/or current vacancies?
    A:  For more information, click this link to the Job Opportunities section of our website, or call 410-588-5238 .

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  10. Q:  How can I find information about substitute teaching?
    A:  For information on becoming a substitute, visit the Substitute Information web page and follow the steps provided.

    If you are already an HCPS substitute, you may visit the webpage for Current HCPS Substitutes for information about the sub system. The phone number for the SFE System is 443-356-4040  and the web address is https://hcps.sfe.powerschool.com/logOnInitAction.do. You will need to use your access ID and PIN to log in. For questions regarding substitute teaching, email subsupport@hcps.org or contact the Sub Helpdesk at 410-809-6341  .


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  11. Q:  Are the swimming pools at North Harford and Edgewood middle schools open for public use?
    A:  The pools are open during the summer, but they are used to hold summer swim programs for students and other various activities and programs. Neither school is open for public swimming at any time. The Physical Education Department coordinates a Summer Swim Instruction program for student, K-12, each year. Enrollment is handled through this office each summer at 410-588-5249 .

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  12. Q:  How do I find out more information and apply for a magnet program?
    A:  Magnet program information is available online. An online application for these programs will also be available during enrollment periods on this page. For questions on these programs, call 410-809-6069  , or contact the individual school  .

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  13. Q:  Where can I find the school year calendar?
    A:  HCPS School Calendars are listed in the Calendar Section, which is also linked on the left-hand column of the homepage above the calendar image.

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  14. Q:  How is the calendar for each school year developed?
    A:  There is a specific process that is put into place in order to plan out the calendar each year. Public opinion is sought every year regarding the calendar. Each year, the Board of Education of Harford County appoints an Ad Hoc Calendar Committee to make a proposal for the “out year” Harford County Public School calendar. The committee – composed of representatives from the community and the school system – is charged with recommending a proposed calendar for the following school year. The committee meets and attempts to reach consensus on the proposed “out year” calendar during the month of September. The proposal is forwarded to the Superintendent who reviews it and makes a recommendation to the Board to adopt the calendar as proposed by the committee or with suggested changes. The Board receives the Superintendent’s proposal at a public business meeting, holds the proposal over for 60 days to allow for public comment (the proposed calendar is made accessible on www.hcps.org ), and then votes to adopt a calendar for the “out year” at a subsequent meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Education are typically held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month (except July and August) at 6:30 p.m. in Bel Air at the Central Office building.

    There is also specific school system policy  that is required to be abided by in each calendar including a minimum of six potential inclement weather days, state/federal school holidays and state regulations. Maryland requires that students attend a minimum of 180 school days and teachers work a minimum of 190 days. Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order in August 2016 that requires Maryland’s public schools to start classes after Labor Day, and adjourn by June 15, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.

    Please note: Legislation passed by the General Assembly notes that school systems are to build in up to five days past the June 15 mandated closing date to be used in the event of excessive inclement weather. The five additional days must be utilized prior to requesting a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

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  15. Q:  Where can I find information on assessment scores and other important data about HCPS?
    A:  Each school has a School Profile which includes information on assessment scores, demographics and other pertinent information about the school.

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  16. Q:  Where do I find information on bus routes?
    A:  Click here for some information about transportation and bus routes for the system. This page is updated during the summer months each year with current school year bus routes and information. The HCPS Transportation Department can provide answers to questions and concerns regarding these bus routes, as well as the attendance areas. You can reach that department at 410-638-4092 .
     

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  17. Q:  How can I find information on volunteering with a school?
    A:  Here is some information about volunteering in our schools on our website. It’s under the Community tab at the top of our homepage. If you are interested in volunteering with a school, you should contact the school  directly to find more information.

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  18. Q:  How do find out information on obtaining a GED?
    A:  GED information and coursework is available through Harford Community College by visiting www.harford.edu or calling 443-412-2152 .

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  19. Q:  How can I obtain a copy of my official high school transcripts?
    A:  To obtain your official high school transcript, please click here .

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  20. Q:  Can I request a copy of my diploma?
    A:  HCPS does NOT archive photocopies of diplomas and currently does not offer reproduction services. A former student has two options:
    1. Request a copy of your Official High School Transcript 
    2. Request a Verification of Graduation letter directly from your high school. The letter will have your name, date of graduation and an official school seal. Typically, the letter and/or transcript must be delivered to your employer or school in an unopened envelope.

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  21. Q:  How do I reserve school facilities?
    A:  Visit the Use of Facilities section of the website for information on using and reserving school facilities.

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  22. Q:  Where can I find information on Harford County Public Schools’ energy management and environmental stewardship?
    A:  Visit the Harford Environmental Leadership Programto find the latest information on green initiatives, energy management and other environmental news. For specific questions, contact the Office of Resource and Energy Conservation at help@hcps.org.

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