---

Canvas

See what’s happening in class today!

We encourage all families to regularly access Canvas to view lessons, assignments, and teacher communications. Canvas provides real-time insight into your child’s daily learning experience.

Canvas Access Instructions

Tips: Set notification preferences, check weekly, and message teachers directly in Canvas.

---

Curriculum & Standards

What your child will learn this year.

Visit our instructional departments for comprehensive information about each subject, grade by grade. Our instructional departments maintain detailed resources, including the Maryland State curricular frameworks that outline required learning standards for all Maryland public school students.

WATCH this space, as HCPS is engaging in a website redesign specifically to ensure that our curriculum information is easy to find and navigate!

Quick links:

• HCPS Instructional Departments
• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

Questions & Concerns? Start with your child’s teacher.

Your child’s teacher is your first and best resource for questions about classroom instruction and state standards implementation. They know what’s happening in their classroom and can address most questions quickly.

---

Family Life and Human Sexuality (Opt-Out)

Your role and options under Maryland law.

As required by Maryland state law and regulation (COMAR 13A.04.18), Family Life and Human Sexuality units are taught in grades 5-8 and in the high school Health I and II courses. These units follow an opt-out policy, meaning families may choose to have their child excused from this instruction and given alternate lessons that still meet state requirements.

What to expect

• Teachers send detailed information about topics and opt-out procedures well in advance of the unit.

• You’ll receive a parent letter with timelines, topics, and how to submit an opt-out request.

Take action

• Review sample parent letters and topics on the HCPS Health Education website.

• Submit an opt-out request by the teacher’s stated deadline.

• Alternate instruction will be provided during the Family Life unit.

Questions & Concerns? Start with your child’s teacher.

Your child’s teacher is your first and best resource for questions about classroom instruction and state standards implementation. They know what’s happening in their classroom and can address most questions quickly.

---

Library Options

Partnering with families on reading choices.

Our school libraries provide diverse collections to support learning and personal growth. We recognize families have different comfort levels with certain materials, and we will partner with you.

Your options

• Talk with the librarian: Discuss any title’s fit for your child’s age/interests.

• Limit my child’s checkouts: Provide the librarian a list of titles you’d like excluded from your child’s borrowing privileges.

• Request a reconsideration: If you want a formal review of a title, the librarian can start the reconsideration process. View the Library Selection and Reconsideration Procedure.

Questions & Concerns? Start with your child’s teacher.

Your child’s teacher is your first and best resource for questions about classroom instruction and state standards implementation. They know what’s happening in their classroom and can address most questions quickly.

---

FAQs

How do I get access to Canvas?

Follow setup instructions here: https://harford.instructure.com/courses/90232

Where can I see what my child will learn this year?

Visit Curriculum & Standards above or go to HCPS Instructional Departments

What should I do if I have concerns with what my student is learning?

Your child’s teacher is your first and best resource for questions about classroom instruction and state standards implementation. They know what’s happening in their classroom and can address most questions quickly.

When is Family Life & Human Sexuality taught?

Grades 5–8 and high school Health I/II; teachers send notices before instruction begins.

How do I opt out of the Family Life unit?

Review the teacher’s letter for timelines, complete the opt-out request, and return it by the deadline; alternate lessons will be provided.

How can I limit my child’s library checkouts?

Send your librarian a list of titles to exclude; they’ll confirm and apply the limits.

How do I request a formal reconsideration of a library title?

If you want to submit a formal request for a reconsideration after meeting with your child’s librarian, use the reconsideration process. View the Library Selection and Reconsideration Procedure.