Homewood Community News 26 - 27 #11

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Homewood Community -

The past two weeks have been very busy and our students have been showing their resilience and focus in so many ways. From PSAT and Learner's Permit testing, to Senior activities and student leadership planning, we are proud of how hard students have been working.

The first quarter ends on Tuesday October 27th. Students and families are encouraged to spend time together to prepare for a productive and successful second quarter. As a reminder, school's are closed for students on Wednesday October 28th.

We look forward to welcoming new students for the start of Quarter 2 on Thursday, October 29th and we thank you in advance for your patience and support as students join our community and bus routes and pickup/drop-off times may be adjusted. Please watch for transportation updates and allow for some flexibility as schedules settle. Thank you for your patience and support as we welcome our newest Homewood families!

I also want to take a moment and celebrate the artistry of our students and staff who shared their talents in honoring Hispanic Heritage Month during September and October. Below are just a few of the entries for the door decorating contest and the mural completed by Sofia M. and Kathy LA.

Keep Rising Phoenix Community! Make it a great one!

Mr. Rattay

October 1 - 31: LGBTQ+ History Month & National Principals Month

October 27: End Quarter 1 & Quarter 1 Attendance Incentive

October 30: FARMS Applications due
November 3: Election Day; Schools and Offices Closed

November 5: Special Author Visit

November 6: Report Cards Issued @ 4:00 pm

November 9: Fall Resource Event at East Columbia Library

November 11: Veterans Day

November 13: World Kindness Day

November 14: Winter Athletic Tryouts Begin

November 23: 3-Hour Early Dismissal; In-person Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24: 3-Hour Early Dismissal; Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 25: School Closed for Students; Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 26 & 27: Schools and Offices Closed
December 18: Homewood Treasure Sale

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

Visit Homewood's Community Calendar here.

School Pictures Inc. is here to keep your family smiling! Picture Day is coming soon.

Access your Pre-Order options by clicking the image below. Having trouble viewing? Follow the directions provided on the image.

PICTURE DAY: November 17, 2026

SCHOOL NAME: Homewood Center

PRE-ORDER CODE: HCF26

We look forward to seeing your smiles soon on Picture Day! - The Team at School Pictures, Inc.

Parents/Guardians & Families,

Bullying prevention starts at home, too. Families can make a difference by keeping the lines of communication open and regularly talking with children about friendships, school experiences, group chats, social media, and how they and their peers treat one another.

Encourage your child to identify trusted adults they can turn to when something doesn't feel right. Talk about what they can safely do if they witness someone being mistreated - such as getting an adult, refusing to join in or laugh, checking on the student afterward, or reporting what they saw.

Being an upstander applies online, too. Remind children that liking, sharing, forwarding, commenting on, or reposting hurtful content can increase its impact. Instead, encourage them to avoid participating, save evidence when appropriate, support the person being targeted, and tell a trusted adult.

Children also learn from what they see. Modeling kindness, empathy, inclusion, and respect for others helps reinforce the behaviors we want to see in our schools and communities.

Talk. Notice. Include. Speak Up. Together, we can help create communities where every student feels safe, supported, and valued.

More bullying prevention information and resources can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, federal law H.R. 1 introduces work or activity requirements and biannual renewals for some adult Medicaid recipients in Maryland. Be sure to update your contact information with us at 410‑313‑5845 or medicaid@howardcountymd.gov to receive timely notifications and stay covered. www.howardcountymd.gov/health/medicaid-health-insurance

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 7:00-8:30 PM (FREE Virtual Event)
Finding and keeping meaningful employment can be challenging, but there are many pathways to success. Moderated by Linda Hoyt, this webinar covers practical strategies for autistic individuals, families, and employers—from career planning and DORS resources to workplace accommodations, ADA compliance, and self-advocacy. We’ll also explore ways to gain valuable work experience early through volunteering, internships, job shadowing, and other opportunities—including thinking outside the box to turn part-time or volunteer experiences into full-time employment. Visit registration page. Sponsored by the Autism Society of Maryland.

Don't miss this Community Health and Wellness Day on October 31st, 8-2pm at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia, MD. Join the Dr. Bikoi Foundation and the Rotary Club of Columbia Patuxent at this 1st annual Prevention First Event.

Get free health screenings and a wellness kit. Visit 12 Health Journey Stations. Receive screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI and oral health. More information in the flyer below.

🌱 Fostering Hope Summit: Toolkit for Everyday Challenges

Students in grades 7–12 and adults are invited to the Fostering Hope Summit, a FREE, all-expenses-paid event designed to provide practical tools, resources, and connections to help navigate everyday challenges.

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026

⏰ 12:00–4:00 p.m.

📍 Krav Maga Maryland

8895 McGaw Road, Columbia, MD

Participants can look forward to:

✅ Interactive workshops

✅ Self-defense activities

✅ Leadership development

✅ Community connections

✅ Practical life skills

✅ Resources for students and families

🍽️ Food and activities included

The summit will also feature former NFL player Joel Gamble, founder of Joel Gamble Community Youth Outreach and Vice President, Community Manager at Chase Bank.

Space is limited, so register today! Click on the link below to register for the Fostering Hope Summit: https://blossomsofhope.org/summit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

For more information, contact taylor@blossomsofhope.org.

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 6-7:00 PM (FREE Virtual Event)
Support brokers will share what Self-direction with Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) funding means, and how it can be implemented to allow participants and their families to act as the common law employer and manage an allocated budget for Medicaid home and community-based waiver services (including the Community Pathways, Community Supports, and Family Supports waivers).DDA funding. There will be plenty of time for your questions. Presented by Gail Godwin, Shared Support Maryland. Visit registration page. For questions, please contact Meghan at meghan_smallwood@hcpss.org or (443) 355-7733. This event is sponsored by HCPSS and aligns with the questions about the school system offering training about special education issues and providing information on agencies that can assist in the transition from school on the MDSE parent survey that is sent to families of students with an IEP or IFSP annually.

Columbia Community Care's next Community Circle for Those Who Mother will be November 9th 5-8PM. Join for a safe and supportive place to talk about the joys and challenges of motherhood. In partnership with the Restorative Justice Partnership.

Advance registration required. Food and childcare provided. Register Here.

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 10:00-11:15 AM (Free Virtual Event)
For people with disabilities who receive means-tested benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, saving for the future can be challenging without potentially affecting important benefits. ABLE accounts provide an opportunity for eligible individuals to save, invest, and pay for qualified disability expenses while maintaining greater financial independence.

Join Kelly Nelson, Outreach and Communications Manager for Maryland ABLE, for a practical overview of how ABLE accounts work. Kelly will discuss eligibility, opening and managing an account, qualified disability expenses, tax-advantaged savings and investment options, online gifting, and tools that make accessing funds easier. Whether you are an individual with a disability, family member, caregiver, or professional advisor, this presentation will provide a clearer understanding of how an ABLE account can support greater financial security and independence. Visit registration page. For questions, please contace Jeff Stauffer at jeff@elvilleassociates.com or 443-832-2910. Sponsored by Elville and Associates and Maryland ABLE.

Join the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and community partners for a FREE, family-friendly Health & Wellness Fair focused on fatherhood, fitness, mentoring and community connection!

November 21, 10a.m.-Noon

Harriet Tubman Cultural Center

Enjoy health and wellness resources, fitness activities, giveaways and more! Come connect, learn and give back to the Community. Donations to the Men's Shelter at Grassroots will be accepted at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center from November 2-21.

HCC Skilled Trades Information Session

• November 4, 2026 | 6pm (Virtual)
• December 2, 2026 | 6pm (Virtual)

Explore career opportunities through HCC’s new Bell Trades Center. Learn about our new accredited programs. Meet faculty and admissions staff, learn about program requirements, and discover career pathways in high-demand skilled trades.

Nov. 11 and Dec. 8, 2026 from 6:00–7:30 PM

Current students in grades 8–11 and their parents or guardians are invited to attend an in-person open house on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), located at 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City.

On both Nov. 11 and Dec. 8, guests will have the opportunity to walk about and explore CTEC’s career academies and learn how Career and Technical Education provides high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, scholarships, and industry-recognized credentials. Students can also participate in worksite and mentorship experiences while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and career-ready skills through hands-on, project-based learning.

Complete information about all career academies is available online. Students and parents are encouraged to review the CTEC Career Academies Overview.

Participating academies include:

• Aerospace Engineering: Project Lead the Way
• Animal and Agricultural Science
• Animation and Game Design
• Apprenticeship Maryland (for current 11th graders)
• Architectural Design
• Automotive Technology
• Biotechnology
• Civil Engineering: Project Lead the Way
• Construction and Carpentry
• Cybersecurity
• Network Security Engineering
• Finance
• Graphic Design and Print Production
• Health Professions
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Parking at Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) is limited. Additional parking can be found on premises in the Homewood School and Board of Education parking lots.

Rainbow Vision is back for the 2026-27 school year! Current HCPSS middle and high school students are invited to submit. Learn more about how to submit original art, music, poetry, short stories, etc. Submissions are open now until March 2027. Learn more here.

This program is student focused and ideally, students and parents attend together. The topics are particularly expedient for seniors, but they are also very helpful for younger students as they start to investigate education choices and their costs. · How to make financially wise education decisions· Available educational choices and their costs· Sources of Funds· Scholarship Search Strategies· Student Loan Basics· Real Life: Focus on Financial Future.

Dates and Times and dates (registration required): https://go.umd.edu/PFC_2026

• Saturday, October 24, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Tuesday, October 27, 2026 @ 6:30-8:30 PM
• Wednesday, October 28, 2026 @ 6:30-8:30 PM
• Thursday, November 5 @ 6:30-8:30 PM

The MLK Student Contests give students an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while using their own voices, creativity, and lived experiences to express what service, justice, equity, nonviolence, hope, and beloved community mean today This year’s theme is: “Let us build the future through stones of hope.”

The available opportunities include:

• Essay Contest for Howard County middle and high school students

• Oratory Contest for Howard County middle and high school students

• Poster Contest for Howard County elementary, middle, and high school students

Submit entries to: MLK@howardcountymd.gov

Learn more: https://bit.ly/MLKCONTEST27

The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 9-12 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines for information about the rules and guidelines. Stories and poems must be typed and saved as a Word Doc or Googledoc. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet sent as a PDF.

Please use the following format to name the PDF of the cover sheet and the WORD document of the entry: GRADE CATEGORY (SS or P) TITLE

• For example: 11 SS My Story Title or 9 P My Poem Title.

• Submit your entries to High School YA Submission Form

All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website. Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information about joining.

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.

The 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.

Homewood Center's Career Coach Cathy Rhine, with the Howard County Office of Workforce Development, works together with students to identify part-time, volunteer, and other opportunities for our student population. If you would like assistance in using the OFWD Student Job Board, your resume, or preparing for an interview learn more here.

The 2027–28 FAFSA form is now available for all students and contributors! You can start the process by opening up a Federal Student Aid account and getting your FSA ID number! Your FSA ID number gives you access to your account where you can complete and sign your FAFSA, as well as accessing federal student loans. Set up your account and get your FSA ID number at: https://studentaid.gov/

Follow hcpss_ccr for all things college and career related for HCPSS students and their families.

In order to obtain many important documents that students may need for employment, education, travel, or other identification needs that may arise post graduation, having access to an original copy of your student's birth certificate is essential. Original copies can be obtained in-person through your local health department or ordered online at VitalChek. Fees may apply.

• Homewood Senior News
• HCPSS Class of 2027 College Application Google Site
• HCPSS School Counseling Canvas Page
• HCPSS College Application Checklist
• March2Future Webinar Series
• College and Career Weekly
• The 2026-2027 Scholarship Resource
• Start a 2026–27 FAFSA® Form

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.

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.

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.

Thanks to a continued partnership between HCPSS, Howard County Government, and Regional Transportation Agency (RTA), all HCPSS middle and high school students have access to free RTA bus passes through summer 2027. Students have full access to the RTA system and are not limited to transportation to and from schools or to school-related activities.

If your child is interested, they can visit see Mr. Porritt to request a free pass. To obtain the free student bus pass, students must agree to: ​

• Provide name/student ID, address, and grade to school staff​
• Maintain possession of the pass ​
• Not transfer or share the pass with others​
• Abide by Howard County Public School System rules while on-board.

Note: If the pass is lost or misplaced, only one replacement pass will be provided to the student.

Howard County government and the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland also have a digital bus pass program, enabling students to access free RTA bus passes directly from their phones or smart devices using a mobile app. Students who do not have access to a smart phone may still receive a free, printed bus pass from their school office.

For more information on RTA and detailed schedule information, please call 1-800-270-9553 or visit Transit RTA.

Rokkitwear is an on-line spirit wear store you can shop anytime and there is no open/close date for items. Orders are placed/paid for by individuals directly through Rokkitwear and are shipped directly to each customer. Shipping fees apply.

A percentage of each purchase goes directly to the School. Check out Homewood Center’s online store to stock up on some HWC swag

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

Our School Improvement Plan At-a-Glance highlights our key priorities and the work we’re doing together to support student success. Take a look at our 2026–2027 School Improvement Plan At-a-Glance.

Homewood Center is celebrating our fourth year as a Community School in the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about our Community School Implementation plan here.

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.

Expectations and Guidelines for Games and Events

Entry:

• Ticketing is cashless. Purchase your tickets at: gofan.co
• Your online ticket will be redeemed upon entry. For the fastest entry – purchase tickets in advance and pull up the ticket page on your phone for the workers at the gate.
• DO NOT CLICK REDEEM – let the workers at the gate do this!
• Need more help? Click on the link to a short video guide: https://get.gofan.co/digital-ticketing-guide
  
  

Can I purchase tickets for another person using my device?

• Yes! Once you purchase a ticket, select the transfer ticket icon at the top of the screen, select the ticket you wish to transfer, then select transfer tickets at the bottom of the screen.
• You have the option to share the tickets via text or email
• Screenshots of tickets purchased or printouts of tickets purchased DO NOT WORK

STADIUM RULES:

• No bikes, backpacks, outside food or drink is allowed in the stadium. Concessions will be sold in the stadium.
• No re-entry is allowed.
• Middle School Students MUST be accompanied by an adult to enter.
• Dogs are NOT permitted in HCPSS Stadiums

EVENT EXPECTATIONS:

We want to remind all spectators of our expectations for all athletic events, both at home and away. We expect everyone to be respectful at our events and to cheer on our teams in a positive manner. Supporting our players and teams should be the main focus. Support our team by cheering for your team, not against the opposing team’s players, coaches, cheerleaders, marching band, band front, poms, spectators, or the Officials.

We were very proud of the supportive and positive atmosphere created by our students, parents, and community members and want to showcase that. We trust that our community will continue to let the players play; the coaches coach and the officials officiate as we cheer for our teams.

THINGS WE ENCOURAGE:

• Respect the game, respect the officials, respect the players.
• Support our school/community and demonstrate positive sportsmanship.
• Be loud and Be Classy! Let the team hear you, Be POSITIVE!
• Stay on our designated spectator side for all games.
• Support all participants of our events - We have so many amazing groups featured! Our Cheerleaders, Band, Band , Poms, Colorguard , as well as showcased visitors being honored.
• If you need assistance, seek out an event staff member. This applies to home and away events.
• Plan ahead for transportation home immediately after the game.

THINGS NOT ALLOWED PER AHS & HCPSS:

• Do not bring outside food & drink into the stadium or gym. Concessions are provided.
• Do not bring noise makers, flags, signage that is not approved by the administration or backpacks.
• Do not use profanity or throw objects.
• Do not target/harass individual players/coaches/referees/or opposing fans.
• Do not enter the playing area. (No storming court or the field.)
• Taunting anyone before, during, or after an athletic event is strictly prohibited. Once you leave the premises, you are not permitted to re-enter.
• ALL HCPSS policies are in place throughout each HCPSS-sponsored event, including athletic events.
• Substances such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol are prohibited on school grounds. Spectators under the influence of these substances are also not permitted on school grounds.
• Athletic events in the main gymnasium are subject to the same guidelines and procedures as the stadium with regards to spectator behavior.

For More HCPSS Athletic Information: https://www.hcpss.org/athletics/

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we cheer our students on!

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 prohibits bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, including hate/bias incidents, and intimidation. For additional information or to submit a report, visit the HCPSS Stop Bullying website or review HCPSS Policy 9460.

Help us keep your student safe in an emergency!! Homewood families, we need your help with this critical information! HCPSS utilizes Family File for so much including emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year. Our staff uses 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.

After logging in to HCPSS Connect, please complete the Family File here. High School students will NOT be able to purchase tickets to activities like games, Homecoming and/or Prom tickets without a completed Family File from this school year.

Family File Resources:

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

*Community programs are not sponsored or endorsed by HCPSS