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Summer Enrichment Resources

HCPSS Resources

Family and Community Resources

These resources have been created to provide parents with support in elementary content areas. From the links below, select the yellow Course Navigation bar in the upper righthand corner to select a content area.

HCPSS Digital Tools

All students have access to their school’s digital MackinVIA eBook and audiobook collection all year long by logging in through hcpss.me.

HCPSS Summer Reading Lists

The titles selected for each recommended summer reading list were chosen specifically for those students in specific grade levels. Titles included are just a sampling of the books you may enjoy reading during this summer. Many of the authors on this list have written more than one book.

HCPSS Family Math Support Center

The Mathematics Support Center helps families: 1) Gain a better understanding of their child’s math program; 2) Refresh or build deeper understanding of math concepts, skills, and practices; and 3) Access additional support and practice opportunities for students, including free online homework help, as needed.

Outside Resources

Free Academic Enrichment Courses

  • College Classes – Free online courses with no application required. Most courses are self-paced and can be started anytime.
    Audience: Secondary

  • Howard County Library Online Classes – Classes in Language, Computer Skills, Art, Music, Test Prep classes and more are accessible for free through the Howard County Library System.
    Audience: All

    • Note: Some classes require the entry of library card by logging in to the HCLS website with your library card and PIN. Information on how to request a library card is available online.

Academic Enrichment Camps:

Free Academic and Personal Enrichment Activities:

Art and Music

Birth to 5

Literacy

  • Book Share – Online books for students with a print disability that severely inhibits or prevents reading traditional print materials.
    Audience: All

  • Reading Bear – Beginning reading skills.
    Audience: PreK-1

  • Read Theory – Short reading comprehension activities.
    Audience: Upper Elementary – Middle

  • Reading Rockets Start with a Book – Themed books and activities for summer reading and learning.
    Audience: PreK-5

Mathematics

  • HCPSS Family Math Support Center – Refresh or build deeper understanding of math concepts, skills, and practices; provides additional support and practice opportunities for students.
    Audience: K-12

  • FreckleMath – Practice activities for mathematics topics.
    Audience: K-9

  • Khanacademy.org – Videos of math concepts explained with self-checking practice opportunities.
    Audience: K-12

Mindfulness and Self-Care

Physical Education & Health

  • Columbia Association Free Fitness Videos – Free fitness videos are available here to get or stay in shape sponsored by the Columbia Association.
    Audience: Middle and High School, Elementary with guidance

  • AllTrails.com – Type in a location and find hiking trails.
    Audience: All

  • Kids Health – Learning resources about the body and exercise.
    Audience: Elementary and Middle School

  • Family Go Noodle – Follow along videos that promote movement.
    Audience: PreK-5

Science and Nature

  • San Diego Zoo – Learn about the animal exhibits and watch live web cams.
    Audience: All

  • Glazer Children’s Museum – Online activities and learning resources for art, math, science, physical activity and more.
    Audience: Elementary

  • Bozeman Science – Videos that explain various science concepts.
    Audience: Middle and High School

  • American Museum of Natural History – Science activities, games and resources.
    Audience: Elementary and Middle School

  • Space Place – Games and activities for learning about space science.
    Audience: Elementary and Middle School

  • Public Broadcasting Systems Nova Labs – Videos and games about NOVA exploration and discovery projects.
    Audience: Secondary

Social Studies

Virtual Field Trips

  • Aquarium: National Aquarium in Baltimore – Virtually walk around the museum and catch the sights.
    Audience: All

  • Google Earth Explore – Visit places around the world and learn about how people live in various environments.

  • Road Trip from Home – These are fun and wonderful websites that will show you different parts of the world, famous landmarks, beautiful works of art, historic marvels, science adventures and so much more!

Volunteer and Activism Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities for Youth and Families

Audience: Secondary and Families

Additional Volunteer Opportunities: Many Howard County nonprofits welcome student volunteers. To ensure the volunteers are a good match for the organizations, it is best that the students research and then select nonprofits with a mission that they support.

  • Columbia Community Cares – A Facebook network of neighbors serving neighbors in Howard County.

  • Rainbow PrideCast Podcast– Proud to highlight members and student voices of the LGBTQIA+ community in Maryland and beyond. Produced by Hammond High School.
  • Hopeworks Youth Leadership Project– a service-learning program dedicated to empowering teens to challenge systems of oppression and prevent relationship violence in their community. Audience: Secondary