🌟 Our very own Mrs. Criswell was honored as the Everyday Hero from Harford County Education Foundation! 🏆 She's been quietly working magic at Homestead Wakefield, making extraordinary differences in ordinary moments. Not all heroes wear capes - some just show up every day with passion and dedication! Way to go, Mrs. Criswell! We're so lucky to have you shining your light in our school community. ✨
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Schools closed to students on Thursday, November 6, 2025, for Elementary School Parent/Teacher conferences.
Schools will be closed to students and visitors on Friday, November 7, 2025, to allow ALL building staff to participate in professional development opportunities.
Schools and offices OPEN on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Schools and Offices CLOSED on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day.
Click here to see calendar information for the 2025-2026 school year.
Federal Impact Aid Forms Due November 7, 2025
If you are active military personnel, a civilian, or a federal employee working and/or living on federal property, your student has received or will soon receive a Federal Impact Aid form.
Please complete and return the Federal Impact Aid form to your child’s school by Friday, November 7, 2025. This funding directly supports Harford County Public Schools.
If your student is not attending school in person, a blank form was emailed to all HCPS families, is available on the Resources for Parents page under “Forms and Documents” at www.hcps.org, and available by clicking here.
Please contact your student’s school if you have any questions.
Throughout November, Harford County Public Schools joins communities across the nation in celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
This month provides an opportunity to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, and important contributions of Native people, past and present. HCPS remains committed to fostering understanding, respect, and appreciation for the stories and traditions that shape our shared history.
Harford County Public Schools invites community members to provide feedback on the Superintendent’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.
Two Superintendent’s Community Budget Public Input Sessions will be held:
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Edgewood High School
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Bel Air High School
Before attending, you are encouraged to complete a brief, two-minute survey to share your priorities and questions for the FY27 Budget. The survey is open now through November 9, 2025, at 11:45 p.m.
We are so excited for our annual ROAR-Raiser Fundraiser. Parents are invited to join us on Thursday, October 23rd, during your child's modified special's period to walk or run like a Wildcat. All students are able to participate and attending adults are able to join in the fun by running or walking with their child, volunteering or being part of the cheer section.
We have a goal to raise $40,000 by Sunday, October 26th and with your help we can make it happen so we can fully fund field trips and other PTA initiatives to support our students and staff. This year we again have individual prizes, class level prizes and a school-wide prize.
Get started today by setting up a fundraising page for your child so they can start collecting donations.
Let's get Roarin' and make this our most successful fundraiser yet!
https://app.givebacks.gives/roarraiser25
Want to volunteer? Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BAEAE2FA0FFC34-59119851-roarraiser
It’s National School Lunch Week! Harford County Public Schools is proud to celebrate our Food and Nutrition employees, whose dedication and hard work ensure students have healthy, balanced meals every day. These meals provide the fuel students need to learn, grow, and succeed, and our staff do it with care and commitment in every school. Join us this week in recognizing their incredible contributions and showing your appreciation for the team that keeps our students nourished and ready to learn.
The Roar-raiser is HWES’ biggest annual fundraiser. Instead of selling candles, wrapping paper, pizza kits, etc. where school’s only get a portion of profits as donations, here at HWES we ask families and friends to donate directly to the school so that students are able to collect 100% of all money raised.
Money raised goes towards a variety of initiatives and school needs including funding school field trips, classroom supplies, teacher appreciation events, family fun nights, and more!
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Students in grades 3–12 will have the opportunity to take the optional Wellness Needs Assessment between October 20 and November 17, 2025. The assessment helps HCPS learn how to better support students. Families who do not want their child to participate should contact their child’s school counselor by October 13, 2025. Click here to see a copy of the Wellness Needs Assessment.
Students who participated in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments in the Spring of 2025 will receive their individual score reports the week of October 6, 2025. Reports will be sent home by each student’s school and provide information about student performance. Families with questions about their student’s scores should contact their school directly.
Meal benefit applications may be filed at any time during the year - if your family has been impacted by the Federal Government shutdown and furloughs, please utilize the Free and Reduced-Priced meal application to apply for meal support due to the sudden loss of income. Click here to apply online.
Proposed HCPS 2026–2027 School Calendar Posted for Public Comment
The proposed calendar for the 2026–2027 school year is now posted for public comment. Families, students, staff, and community members have 60 days, from September 22 through November 21, 2025, to review the draft and provide feedback before the Board of Education of Harford County finalizes it at the December 15, 2025, Board Business Meeting.
Click here to review the draft calendar and provide your comments.
October is National Principals Month! This is a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated leaders who guide our schools each day. Principals play a vital role in supporting students, staff, and families while shaping positive school communities. Join us in thanking our principals for their leadership and commitment to student success.
After decades of operating in two separate buildings, Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School is finally one! Join us on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the rededication ceremony, featuring music, a procession of flags, student and staff signatures, and self-guided tours. Celebrate this historic milestone with the school community!
HCRASC commUNITY in Motion 5K & Family Fun Run – Saturday, October 18
The Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC) invites families and community members to participate in the commUNITY in Motion 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run. This student-run event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Harford Technical High School in Bel Air. Gates open at 9:00 AM and the race starts at 10:00 AM.
Join HCRASC for a morning of fitness, fun, and community while supporting HCPS student leaders. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Upper Chesapeake Health for Breast Cancer Care.
Registration fees are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Children under 5-years-old are free. Click here to register.
The Board of Education of Harford County will hold Engage for Education listening sessions throughout the 2025–2026 school year. The first session is Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the C. Milton Wright High School auditorium.
These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on the future of education in Harford County directly with Board members. No pre-registration is required to attend or speak.
More information, including how to provide feedback if you cannot attend, is available on the Engage for Education page at hcps.org.
HCPS schools will dismiss three hours early for students on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Please note: half-day Pre-K will not meet on early dismissal days. The full 2025–2026 school year calendar is available by clicking here.
