The Falcon Flier
October 23rd, 2026
October
- October 24 - PLES Beautification Day from 9 AM - 11 AM
- October 27 - End of 1st marking period
- October 28 - Schools closed for students - Staff Professional Day
- October 29 - School-Based Wellness Center - Flu Shot Clinic
- October 29 - Trunk or Treat from 6 PM - 8PM
- October 30 - 3rd Grade Ellicott Children's Museum visit
- October 30 - 5th Grade Field Trip to National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation
Toys for Tots
On behalf of County Executive Calvin Ball, I’m excited to share that we are kicking off our 11th Annual Howard County Toys for Tots Campaign! For the past 11 years, County Executive Ball has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps and our amazing community partners to help bring joy to children and families throughout Howard County during the holiday season. This initiative has always been about so much more than toys. It’s about giving back, spreading kindness, and coming together as a community to make sure every child has something special to look forward to during the holidays.
- You can register directly here: Family Registration Link.
- Registration closes, Friday, October 30th
Here is the upcoming timeline:
October 30: Family Registration Closes
Mid-November: Families are notified if they've been accepted/declined, and provided additional information and instructions for distribution
December 19: Toys for Tots! Specific time slots will be assigned, but families can anticipate between 9am and noon.
Free and Reduced Meals Family Enrollment
Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program.
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. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.
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
Additionally, I want you to know that there are school staff available to support you and your child. We have numerous supports in place, and I encourage you and your child to take advantage of them whenever they are needed.
Here are a number of administrators and support staff available at our school who can provide supports along with your child’s teachers:
Dr. Holden, Dr. Anderson, Mrs. Grenzer, Ms. Garcia-Hedges, and Ms. Stremmel.
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.
