2026-2027 Cultural / Religious Observances

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) respects and values all religious observances for students, staff, and families in Howard County. HCPSS is unable to accommodate systemwide closures for every religious observance; however, event programming should not be scheduled on the days/evenings of major religious holy day observances. HCPSS athletic practices, school concerts/play rehearsals are permitted to be scheduled but will not be mandatory. The 2026-2027 Religious Observances chart below is intended to guide HCPSS leaders in planning for the school year.

As a reminder, a student’s observance of a religious holiday is an excused absence under Maryland law. Howard County Board of Education Policy 3000 Religious Observances details the legal and policy provisions concerning the exercise and expression of religion by students and staff in the HCPSS. Board Policy 9010 Attendance describes the requirements for student attendance and the procedures for receiving make-up work for lawful/excused absences.

Based on the Board policies, students returning from excused absences will have the number of days equal to the number of days of excused absences to complete the make-up work (i.e., work due on the day of an excused absence will be turned in on the next school day; work assigned on a day of an excused absence will add one (1) school day to the due date). An HCPSS Observance of Religious Holidays absence form is available online.