Homewood Community News 26 - 27 #2

Dear Homewood Community and Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are looking forward to a great year ahead! We welcomed back staff on Thursday and were treated to breakfast from Playa Bowls - Burtonsville and generously sponsored by Grace Community Church. We are so appreciative of their continued support and partnership. It was a great way to reconnect as a team and build community with new staff as we prepare for students to return on August 24th.

Here are 5 important things that we are asking families to help us with to prepare for a successful school year:

1. Update your family file TODAY here.
2. RSVP for the Ice Cream Social & Orientation on August 20th here.
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.
5. 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.

Be sure to read through our Homewood Community News for important information and resources!

Make it a great one!

Mr. Rattay, Principal

August 20: New Student Orientation RSVP HERE

August 24: Student first day

September 7: Schools and offices closed

September 9: Momentum Academy Family Night

September 16: Back to School Night and Phoenix Family Rise Up Evening RSVP HERE

September 21: Schools and offices closed

September 30: 3 hour early dismissal

September 30: FARMS Forms 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.

Join us for the Annual Ice-Cream Social and Student Orientation on Thursday, August 20th, from 1:00 - 1:45 PM. Students and families will have a chance to meet Homewood Staff, pick up school supplies for the whole family and enjoy a wonderful Ice-Cream treat provided by the Ellicott City Hub of United Methodist Churches. Please RSVP Here so we now how many families to prepare to serve.

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.

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.

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.

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

Register for Safety and the Disability Community in Howard County, MD from 6:30 pm to 8:30 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the East Columbia 50+ Senior Center.

This meeting will discuss safety concerns affecting people with disabilities in Howard County, identify challenges, and develop solutions that promote inclusion, accessibility, and well-being for everyone.

Learn more and register at this link. https://bit.ly/4x1pW1L

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026⁠

• 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