Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that Red Pump Elementary School has been named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School, one of the highest distinctions awarded to schools in the state.
The Maryland Blue Ribbon School Program recognizes schools based on various factors, including performance on state and national assessments, and success in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Schools earning this distinction serve as models of effective teaching and learning practices and exemplify strong school leadership, dedicated staff, engaged families, and supportive communities.
The recognition of Red Pump Elementary School reflects the collective efforts of students, educators, staff, families, and community partners who work together each day to create outstanding learning environments and ensure academic success for all students.
"This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our students, staff, families, and school leaders," said Dr. Dyann R. Mack, Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools. "Being named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School signifies more than academic success. It reflects a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration that empowers students to thrive. We are incredibly proud of the Red Pump school community for earning this well-deserved honor and for serving as shining examples of what Harford County Public Schools staff and students see in our schools every day."
Harford County Public Schools congratulates the students, staff, families, and leadership teams at Red Pump Elementary School on this significant achievement and thanks them for their continued dedication to educational excellence.
The proposed HCPS 2027-2028 school year calendar is now posted for public comment. Families, students, staff and community members have 30 days, from October 13, 2026, through November 14, 2026, to review the draft and provide feedback before the Board of Education of Harford County finalizes it at the November 23, 2026, Board Business Meeting.
The next Parent Academy virtual Lunch & Learn is on Why Our Children Self-Harm and will be held Wednesday, November 18, at 12:00 p.m. Parents will learn tools to better understand why self-harm happens and how they can support a child who is self-harming. Registration, attendance, and participation are completely anonymous. Can’t attend the live session? No problem! Register anyway, and a recording will be sent directly to your inbox so you can watch at a time that works best for you. Register here: https://cookcenter.info/Nov18Harford.
Come Cheer on Your Student in the Dalmatian Dash!
Families who were approved for free or reduced-price meal benefits during the 2025-2026 school year need to apply for benefits for the new school year before Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to avoid a lapse in benefits. Families must reapply each school year. Click here to apply online. Click here to download a paper application. If you have any questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Office at 410-638-4078.
Students who took the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments in spring 2026 will receive their individual score reports the week of September 28, 2026. Each student’s school will send home hard copies of the reports. The reports summarize student performance overall and by subject area. For information on how to interpret the results, click here. Families with questions about their student’s scores should contact their school directly.
Nominations are now open for the Harford County Education Foundation's Everyday Hero Award and the 2027 Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year!
We invite all families to nominate a teacher who exemplifies innovative instruction, inspires students, and gives tirelessly to the children in our community. Each school's official nominee will be invited to attend the Everyday Hero Awards dinner in November and to participate in the Teacher of the Year process, with the 2027 Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year named in April.
Nominations close Sunday, October 4. Click here for more information and submit a nomination.
Monday is Labor Day!
HCPS schools and offices are closed Monday in observance of the holiday. Enjoy you're long weekend and we will see everyone back in class Tuesdady!
Harford Glen Environmental Education Center offers multiple open houses for parents and guardians to learn more about the Residential Overnight Education Program.
Please join us at one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026| 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 14, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 19, 2027 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 16, 2027 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 30, 2027 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 26, 2027 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. *
*For 4th grade families who will have a student attend during the 2027-2028 school year
In the event HCPS is closed for inclement weather during any of the above dates, the open house will be canceled.
Click here for more information on Harford Glen Environmental Education Center.
Harford County Public Schools will be live streaming all 2026 graduation ceremonies held at APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College. Thanks to our partners at Harford Community College and the APGFCU Arena, families and friends can watch every moment live at youtube.com/@HCPSchools. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Nearly 4,000 Harford County Public Schools third grade students connected virtually with author and speaker Ty Allan Jackson this spring for an unforgettable experience centered around entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and dreaming big. Thanks to Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union, every third grade student also received a copy of Make Your Own Money to keep the learning going at home.
Wednesday, May 6 is National School Nurse Day. Harford County Public Schools is proud to recognize our school nurses for their dedication, expertise, and compassionate care for our students each and every day. Thank you!
Please see calendar events for specifics.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Harford County Public Schools is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Throughout May, we will be sharing resources and information to help our community thrive inside and outside the classroom.
The Harford County Board of Education has approved an adjustment to the 2026-2027 calendar involving built-in inclement weather days. Schools and offices will now be closed on March 1, June 1, and April 12, 2027, and those days will be used as makeup days, in the order listed, only if needed due to inclement weather cancellations.
The adjustment reflects guidance from the Maryland State Board of Education, which has expressed a preference for makeup days to be distributed throughout the school year, and the use of virtual instruction, rather than adding days to the end of the school year.
The full, updated 2026–2027 school calendar is available here. En Español.
Join Harford County Public Schools, the Office on Mental Health, UM Upper Chesapeake Health, and the Cook Center for Human Connection on May 8, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Ripken Stadium for Your Mind Matters. This free family wellness event will include activities for the entire family including crafts, a bounce house, rock climbing, football, and a light race.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Visit harfordmentalhealth.org for more information and to register.
Congratulations to Vibha Nanduri from Bel Air High School for being named the 2026-2027 Student Member of the Board!
Vibha was elected during the HCRASC General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Her term will run from July 1, 2026 and run through June 30, 2027.
She is currently a junior in the Biomedical Sciences program at Bel Air High School. She serves as 1st Vice President of HCRASC and the Environmental Affairs Coordinator for the Maryland Association of Student Councils.
Congratulations Vibha!
After School Playground & Fields Reminder
As the days warm up, we love seeing families and students enjoying time together after dismissal! Please remember that after 4:00 PM, students are under parent/guardian supervision to support safe and positive play.
Thank you for helping us create a fun and healthy environment for everyone!
Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund Elementary School Art Contest
Students in grades K-5 are invited to enter the Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial Fund, Inc. Elementary School Art Contest. Students should create a colorful drawing inspired by the story of Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton, Harford County's only native Medal of Honor recipient.
Cash prizes are awarded for first place ($300), second place ($200), and third place ($100), plus 10 Honorable Mentions. All winners also receive a framed certificate.
Completed drawings must be submitted to your school's art teacher by April 17, 2026. For full contest guidelines and more information about Sergeant Hilton, visit sgtalfredbhiltonfoundation.com.
Please visit https://registration.hcps.org/ to complete the online portion if your child will be 5 on or before September 1, 2026.
