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.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, staff from HCPS Central Office visited NHHS to celebrate Mr. Michael James.
Earlier this week it was announced he is one of seven finalists for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year!
We are so proud of Mr. James and know he will represent the Hawks well in the State competition.
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.
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.
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!
Members of Harford County Public Schools Business Services visited North Harford High School on Friday, April 17, 2026, for a hands-on floral design class. They were joined by Harford County Council members Alison Imhoff and Nolanda Robert. The students showed off impressive skills and made for quite the impression on their guests!
U.S. Service Academy Virtual Information Event -- April 21
Families of students interested in attending a United States Service Academy are invited to a free virtual information event hosted by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Representatives from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Army ROTC will be on hand to discuss what each academy offers, their admissions processes, and how the Congressional nomination process works.
Click here to register. If you have any questions, contact Senator Van Hollen's office at academynominations@vanhollen.senate.gov or (301) 545-1500.
Come out this evening and support the NHHS Music Department at our Mobile Spirit Night Hosted by Chick-Fil-A in Forest Hill today between 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
Use the Organization code MUSIC when placing your mobile order for dine-in, carry-out, or drive-thru.
Use the Organization code MUSIC when placing your mobile order for dine-in, carry-out, or drive-thru.
Don't forget to visit the site below to buy your tickets for the spring musical - Between the Lines
https://northharford.seatyourself.biz/
This musical carries a PG-13 rating and is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
This production is licensed through Music Theatre International and all performance materials are supplied by MTI.
Are you a junior? Run for Student Member of the Board!
The SMOB represents HCPS students at Board of Education meetings and helps shape the future of education in Harford County. Applications are due March 10, 2026.
North Harford High School's Animal Science program is celebrating some exciting new additions! Sows Lucy and Betty each welcomed litters of piglets this January. Lucy on January 7 and Betty on January 18. Together they birthed a combined 18 piglets. Students have had the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience caring for the newborns, putting their classroom learning into practice in a real and meaningful way.
Congratulations to Animal Science teacher and FFA Advisor Aimee Densmore and her students!
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.
Our students are participating in the MSDE Service-Learning requirement by collecting specific nonperishable food items to support local families facing food insecurity. Contributions can be dropped off in Mrs. Buttitta’s room (B220).
Please check the News feed on the NHHS Website for more information.
We are incredibly grateful for the donations received so far; your kindness and generosity do not go unnoticed. Please continue to give as you are able. All donations directly support families from NHHS, NHMS, and our feeder elementary schools. Thanks
