Homewood Community News 26 - 27 #3

Dear Homewood Community and Families,

We are excited to welcome our students back on Monday, August 24, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year! It was great to see families that joined us for the Ice-Cream Social. We are looking forward to a great year ahead! Thank you to the Ellicott City Hub of United Methodist Churches for providing such a sweet treat for our community.

As we move into this new school year, we look forward to working together toward student success. Consistent communication is key. Our staff will be using Our Community News, Canvas, School Messenger & TalkingPoints to connect with families. Be sure to update your HCPSS Family File so all your contact information and your language preferences are correct. Below are some other important things for families and students to review together.

Thanks to community partners, and to keep costs down for our families, Homewood Center has school supplies that will be made available for students in all three of our different academic programs: Bridges, Gateway High School and Momentum Academy.

Gateway High School - Gateway provides all necessary supplies for every class. Students who prefer to carry a backpack may use a clear backpack all other backpacks should remain at home. Clear backpacks will be available for students who need one. Families should refer to communications from their Program Administrator, Mr. Porritt, for additional information and program expectations.

Momentum Academy - Momentum Academy provides all necessary supplies for every class. Cell Phones will be collected and secured as students arrive. Families should refer to communications from their Program Administrator, Ms. Parker, for additional information and program expectations.

Bridges - Bridges High School and Middle School provides necessary supplies for every class room. Families should refer to communications from their Program Administrator, Ms. Peter, for additional information and program expectations.

Transportation: All families should have received notification about their student's bus information. If you have not, or if you have questions, contact Mr. Porritt here.

Arrival & Breakfast: NEW THIS YEAR All students will enter through their Program's door. Staff will be outside at arrival to assist students in locating their door if needed. Late arrivals will need to enter through the main office and sign-in on the kiosk. Doors Open at 7:30 AM and FREE Breakfast will be available for all students until 7:47 AM in their Program Area.

Both the Family File and FARMS Application need to be completed each year. There are some very important changes to FARMS Application processes this year that may impact your family and we ask you to complete the Family File and complete your FARMS Application today. Read more below.

We’re looking forward to a great week ahead and to seeing all of our students on Monday, August 24th for the first day of school!

Make it a great one!

Mr. Rattay, Principal

August 24: Student first day

September 14 - 18: Scholastic Book Fair
September 16: Back to School Night and Phoenix Family Rise Up Evening RSVP HERE

September 21: Schools and offices closed - Yom Kippur

September 30: 3 hour early dismissal

September 30: FARMS Applications due

October 14: PSAT

October 16: Schools closed for students

October 21: Vision and Hearing Testing

October 27: End Quarter 1 & Quarter 1 Attendance Incentive

Click links above for information and access the HCPSS system’s academic calendar here.

Visit Homewood's Community Calendar here.

Here are 4 important things that we NEED families to help us with to prepare for a successful school year:

1. Update your family file TODAY here.
2. Complete your 2026-2027 FARMS Application here. *NEW THIS YEAR ... Even if your family has received a direct certification letter in the mail/email, in prior years, you will now need to fill out a free and reduced-price meal form for the school year. Read more below.
3. RSVP for Back to School Night and our family dinner on September 16th here.
4. Let us know how we can help and how you would like to be involved this year here.

Families must complete Family File EACH YEAR. Please include multiple phone numbers and

alternate family/friends in case we cannot reach a parent/guardian. This is critical information so we know who to contact if your child becomes ill during the day, needs an early dismissal or so we know who to contact in an emergency. After logging in to HCPSS Connect, please complete the Family File here. High School students will NOT be able to purchase Homecoming and/or Prom tickets without a completed Family File from this school year.

Our staff will be using TalkingPoints to connect with families via text. Be sure to update your HCPSS Family File so all your contact information and your language preferences are correct.

Family File Resources:

• https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf
• FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH)
• FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH)

Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program. FARMS provides access to more than meals. Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more. Families must submit a new application every school year. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits.

IMPORTANT CHANGE THIS YEAR: Recent changes to federal legislation mean that children of families enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid programs will no longer be automatically certified for school meal programs. This means that families who previously were automatically enrolled in FARMS will have to apply this year.

Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely.

• Apply online.
• Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
• Ask for Help, We are here for you! We want you to know that there are school staff available to support you and your child. We have numerous supports in place, and encourage you and your child to take advantage of them whenever they are needed. Please call 410-313-7081 to speak with a support staff.
  
  

Answers to frequently asked questions. on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs. or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or foodsvc@hcpss.org.

Join us on September 16, 2026 for Homewood Center's Back to School Night & Family Dinner. During the evening, our school community will have an opportunity to make connections, share a meal, learn about academic and future planning resources, get in-person help with completing FARMS Applications or completing the Family File, and visit the Scholastic Book Fair!

In order to make sure that we are able to have enough food for everyone, we kindly ask you to RSVP as soon as possible but no later than September 10th. RSVP HERE.

Families and schools are partners in student success. We want to hear from you—how can we help support your family, and how would you like to be involved in helping your student succeed here at Homewood Center and beyond? To help us provide support and create spaces for families to join with us, please take a few minutes to complete this short form.

We do our best to provide resources for food; holiday meals and other supports as available. If you would like to have your student and family included for food resources, Holiday Meal and other supports/resources that may become available for the 2026 - 27 school year, we need some information from you.

Please complete this interest form today.

As a Community School, Homewood Center serves as a resource to support student success. One way we do this is through the operation of our Phoenix Pantry. Due to limited supplies, All items are subject to availability. At this time, we cannot stock items that require refrigeration.

Homewood Community Members can request support using this form. Please allow 3-5 school days to fulfill an order and arrange pick-up/drop off. Contact Kelly Kesler, Community School Site Coordinator if you have a more immediate need.

As a Community School, Homewood Center, can offer financial support for eligible Homewood Center students to access an MVA-certified, 36-hour Driver's Education course through Greg's Driving School. This opportunity is limited to the availability of funds. To apply complete the form here: Driver's Education Support Request Form and provide documentation demonstrating eligibility. For students under the age of 18, the form must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.

Students are able to begin the lesson-based (virtual or in-person) portion of the class prior to having their learner’s permit; however, to complete the driving hours that are required for the provisional license, they must have their state issued learner’s permit.

Homewood Center partners with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to offer access to Learner's Permit Testing at school throughout the year. In order to participate in permit testing at Homewood Center students need to meet the following requirements:

• Must be 15 years and 9 months of age or older
• Download Permission Slip here or pick one up from cafeteria bulletin board or Community Suite.
• Must have signed permission slip turned in 2 weeks before test date.

2026 - 2027 Testing Dates

• October 22, 2026 (permission slip due by October 8th)
• December 17, 2026 (permission slip due by December 3)
• March 18, 2027 (permission slip due by March 4th)

Learn more about the process of becoming a new driver in Maryland and find practice tests here.

Columbia Community Care is a Howard County based hunger relief organization. We operate local food distribution sites and grocery delivery services that provide access to pantry staples, fresh produce, and household essentials without barriers. We are committed to uplifting individuals and families in need with dignity and respect. Learn more here.

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026⁠

All students must have the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school. Details on immunization and health form requirements can be found online. FREE Back To School Vaccination Clinics are available in the community. Make sure your kids are up to date on the vaccines required for school

• Homewood Senior News
• HCPSS Class of 2027 College Application Google Site
• HCPSS School Counseling Canvas Page
• HCPSS College Application Checklist
• Start a 2026–27 FAFSA® Form

The 2026-2027 Scholarship Resource introduces a curated collection of scholarships and grants that students can apply for to help decrease their out-of-pocket expenses for colleges and trade schools.

Education, Enrichment, Internship, Employment Programs School Year 2026-2027 This database introduces a curated collection of opportunities for students looking to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The spreadsheet linked contains organized tabs for each category, making it easy to explore options based on your interests and goals.

Visit the HCPSS Family Resources webpage, a one-stop hub for essential support services, including food assistance, shelter, and financial aid.

Visit the HCPSS resource webpage dedicated to supporting immigrant families.

Visit the HCPSS resource webpage for military families.

Howard County food pantries Howard County Food Connection Map.

Howard County Service Navigator Newsletter

• August 2026

Community Action Council of Howard County provides five critical services: early childhood education, energy assistance, food assistance, housing assistance, and weatherization assistance. Applications for support can be done online!

Grace Clothing Closet provides gently used clothing.

Homewood Center has a Washer & Dryer for students. Need access or have questions? Email us here or stop by the Community Support Suite!

The Howard County Office of Workforce Development provides career services, job training, and recruitment solutions to help both individual job seekers and local businesses succeed. Through resources like workshops, apprenticeships, and a career portal, the office supports a diverse community in achieving employment advancement and economic growth.

Student Responsibilities and Behaviors Policies

HCPSS Student AI Guide: Using Generative AI Responsibly

HCPSS News

*Community programs are not sponsored or endorsed by HCPSS