This month, we recognize Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to promote understanding, inclusion, and support for students who learn differently. This month serves as a reminder that all students learn in unique ways, and with the right resources, encouragement, and opportunities, every learner can thrive. By raising awareness, we can ensure all learners have the tools and support they need to thrive. HCPS will continue to foster an environment where every student is seen, supported, and empowered.

We want to hear from you!

All HCPS parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the annual Harford County Public Schools Parent Engagement Survey. Your feedback via this survey is essential in helping us better understand how we can continue improving the school-home connection. Survey results guide us in identifying strategies that support strong family partnerships and student success across all HCPS schools.

Last spring, Parent Academy opened the 2024-25 survey. If you did not submit a response at the end of last school year, please consider participating now. The survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete, and is reopened through October 19, 2025, at 11:45 p.m.

All responses are anonymous and confidential. We encourage those completing the survey to be as honest and open as possible.

Take the survey here.

The survey is also available in Spanish. To access it, change the language setting in the top right corner of the survey start page from "English (United States)" to "Español (España, alfabetización internacional)."

HCPS Parent Academy is excited to host, in partnership with ParentGuidance.org, another mental health series this school year. These monthly virtual events are designed to provide valuable support and insights for you as parents. Key features include expert-led sessions by experienced coaches and therapists, live interactions, anonymous Q&A, and convenient timing - just one hour Lunch & Learns. All workshops will also be advertised in advance on the HCPS Parent Academy Facebook page - be sure to follow us there!

Interested in a session but not able to join us online at that time? That’s OK! Register anyway, and the recording will be emailed to you to watch at your convenience.

Partnering for Your Child’s Success

We believe parents are essential partners in education. When families stay engaged, students do better academically, socially, and emotionally. As a parent myself, I know that being involved is one of the most important things you can do to support your child’s success.

That’s why Harford County Public Schools is dedicating two full days, November 6 and 7, entirely to Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences. These meetings are more than a routine checkpoint; they are a meaningful connection between home and school. Conferences help families better understand their child’s progress, strengths, and areas for growth, while giving teachers valuable insight into each child’s interests and learning style. Together, that understanding helps us tailor support so every student can thrive.

If you can, meet your child’s teacher in person. There is real value in sitting down face-to-face to talk about how your child is doing. But if that’s not possible, a phone or virtual meeting works just as well. What matters most is showing up for your child. It makes a lasting impact.

Make the most of your conference:

Come prepared. Before the meeting, talk with your child about what they enjoy most in school and where they feel they need help. Jot down any questions or observations about their schoolwork, behavior, or attitude toward learning.
Ask specific questions. What are my child’s strengths? Which skills need more attention? How do they participate with peers? What can we do at home to support learning?
Share insights. You know your child best. Mention any changes at home, learning preferences, or goals that might help.
Collaborate on a plan. Leave with clear next steps you and the teacher can take together.

After the meeting:

Celebrate strengths. Let your child know what’s going well. It motivates and builds confidence.
Set simple goals. Use what you learned to set a few achievable targets for improvement.
Stay connected. Keep in touch with your child’s teacher throughout the year and follow up on progress.

Your involvement sends a powerful message that school matters and that you are in it with your child every step of the way. When families and schools work together, great things happen for students.

With appreciation,

Dr. Aaron Poynton

President

Board of Education of Harford County

The HCPS Office of Mathematics is hosting a series of virtual Lunch & Learn sessions designed to help parents and guardians better understand their child’s math experiences.

The first session kicks off later this month—don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to support your child's math progress through their i-Ready and MCAP assessment scores. Save the dates now for future Lunch & Learn sessions. All sessions will be recorded and shared on the Parent Academy website

Details about the series and the link to join this month’s session are included below.

October 24: Understanding Students Progress Through Math Data
Discover how i-Ready and MCAP assessments help schools support student learning—and how families can use this information to strengthen their connections to school.

Join here.

November 14: Building Strong Math Sense: MSDE’s Numeracy Framework
Explore the Maryland State Department of Education’s new Numeracy Framework, which highlights key math skills that help students develop strong number sense throughout their learning journey.

March 20: Upcoming High School Math Course Updates
Learn about changes coming to high school math courses and sequences, and what they mean for your student’s academic path.

April 24: Mathematical Habits of Mind: Skills for Life
Find out which thinking skills students build in math class—and how these habits help them succeed in school, careers, and everyday life.

May 29: New Middle School Math Program
Get to know the newly adopted middle school math instructional materials and discover resources to support your student’s learning outside of school.

FAFSA helps unlock federal, state, and school aid to make college or career programs more affordable.

The 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now live on the Federal Student Aid website here. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing federal, state, and college financial aid that can help cover the cost of college or career training.

If you have questions, or would like guidance completing your FAFSA, you are invited to attend one of six Financial Aid Information Nights hosted by Harford Community College for students graduating early from 11th grade and 12th-grade students and their families.

These events are open to all families, whether your student plans to attend Harford Community College or another college or university.

Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, October 14 – Bel Air High School
Wednesday, October 22 – Fallston High School
Thursday, October 23 – Edgewood High School
Wednesday, October 29 – Havre de Grace High School
Monday, November 3 – North Harford High School
Tuesday, November 11 – The John Carroll High School

Each event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Families may attend any session that fits their schedule. For questions about the events, contact finaid@harford.edu. For FAFSA assistance, reach out to your school counselor.

Saturday, October 18, 9:00 a.m.

The Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils (HCRASC) is hosting its 2nd Annual 5K CommUNITY In Motion Run and Walk! Join them on Saturday, October 18, at Harford Technical High School for a morning of fun, fitness, and community. Doors open at 9:00 a.m.; race starts at 10:00 a.m.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 20% of all proceeds will go toward Upper Chesapeake Breast Cancer Programs. Tickets are available now on SchoolCashOnline.

Purchase tickets here: https://harford.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/20940/351/False/True

Friday, October 24, 6:00 p.m.

This unique, first responder-led event brings together fire, EMS, police, and hospital teams from across Harford County for a fun, family-friendly evening. Kids and families will meet real doctors, nurses, and first responders, explore emergency vehicles—including a helicopter, fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, and more—and enjoy decorated trunks filled with treats and activities.

Cost: Free! Registration required: Click here.

Location:
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air
500 Upper Chesapeake Dr, Bel Air, MD 21014
Westgate Parking Lot

Don’t miss your chance to share your thoughts and ask questions about the future of education with the Board of Education of Harford County leadership! Join Board President Aaron Poynton and Vice President Lauren Paige at the next Engage for Education Listening Session.

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Joppatowne High School Auditorium

No pre-registration required to attend or speak!

For more details or to provide feedback if you can’t make it, visit the Engage for Education page in the Board of Education section of hcps.org.

HCPS Parent Academy

HCPS parents are students’ first and best teachers.

Editors: Mary Beth Stapleton, Manager of Family and Community Partnerships & Lindsay Bilodeau, Innovation Specialist

Email: ParentAcademy@hcps.org
Website: https://www.hcps.org/parents/ParentAcademy/Default.aspx
Location: 102 South Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD, USA
Phone: 410-588-5263
Facebook: facebook.com/HCPSParentAcademy