Dear HCPSS Community,

We have important changes to the current school year calendar.

To make up for the five inclement weather school closings this school year, 2017-2018, schools will now be in session: Wednesday, April 4; Thursday, April 5; Friday, April 6; Friday, May 18 (dismiss three-hours early); and Friday, June 15 (dismiss three hours early). Additionally, to adjust for the June 15 last student day, Tuesday, June 12 is now a full day for students. An updated calendar can be found on the HCPSS website.

June 15 falls on the Muslim holiday of Eid al Fitr. Per Howard County Board of Education policy, school may be held but no activities or exams can be scheduled on this day. As such, all school assemblies, promotion ceremonies, celebrations and final exams will be held prior to, or on June 14.

The State has mandated that the school year must be completed by June 15. Should additional inclement weather closings become necessary, HCPSS will petition the Maryland State Department of Education for a waiver of the additional days.

The 2017-2018 academic calendar designated five possible inclement weather make-up days: February 19, April 4, 5, and 6, and June 15. Using February 19 (President’s Day) would have required a state waiver, as it is a state mandated holiday, and would have caused significant budget pressures. Instead, the Board of Education approved the use of May 18 in lieu of February 19 as a make-up day. This information was communicated to the full HCPSS community earlier this school year.

HCPSS carefully weighs all decisions to close school when inclement weather threatens the safety of students and staff. Staff, parents and the community will be informed as soon as possible should any additional calendar adjustments become necessary.

Thank you.