Coronavirus 2019 (COVID–19)
Jump to: Status | Overview | Updates | General Resources | Parent Resources | Mental Health & Community Services | Continuity of Learning Resources | Schedules | FAQs | Donate to Bright Minds Foundation
Status Update
In response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon directed that all Maryland schools close through the end of the school year. Accordingly, all HCPSS school and office buildings are closed, however, the school system is not shut down.
During this time, staff are working remotely. Voicemail will be checked however, email is recommended for the quickest response. For school-related questions, please email the school principal or applicable teacher. For all other questions, locate and contact the appropriate department at Central Office.
State-Mandated School Closures Extended Through End of School Year
Overview
The new Coronavirus COVID-19 continues to be of concern for Howard County residents, as well for those nationwide and around the globe.
HCPSS staff members have been diligent in efforts to remain fully aware of new information as it becomes available and are planning for every conceivable scenario.
On issues of community health, we take our guidance from the experts at the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Español
El nuevo Coronavirus COVID–19 continúa siendo motivo de preocupación para los residentes del Condado de Howard, así como para aquellos en todo el país y alrededor el mundo.
Los miembros del personal del HCPSS han sido diligentes en sus esfuerzos para mantenerse plenamente al tanto de la nueva información a medida que esté disponible y están realizando planes para cada situación concebible.
En temas de salud comunitaria, nos guiamos por los expertos del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Howard (HCHD, por su nombre en inglés), Departamento de Salud de Maryland (MDH, por su nombre en inglés) y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por su nombre en inglés).
Para información y apoyo adicionales, por favor, llame al 410-313-1591.
한국어
신종 코로나 바이러스 COVID–19로 인하여 하워드 카운티 주민들은 물론 전국적으로 또한 전세계적으로 우려가 계속되고 있습니다.
HCPSS 스태프 멤버들은 새로운 정보가 생길 때마다 근면 충실하게 숙지하고 모든 발생 가능한 상황에 대비하고 있습니다.
학교 공동체의 보건에 관하여는 하워드 카운티 보건국 Howard County Health Department (HCHD), 메릴랜드 보건국Maryland Department of Health (MDH), 그리고 질병 통제 및 예방 센터 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)의 전문가들로부터 지침을 받고 있습니다.
보다 자세한 문의와 지원을 원하시면, 410-313-1592 로 연락 주시기 바랍니다.
HCPSS Updates
- 6/12/2020 – Continuity of Learning Updates, June 12, 2020
- 06/05/2020, Continuity of Learning Updates, June 5, 2020
- 05/29/2020, Looking Ahead
- 05/29/2020, Food Distribution Update
- 05/22/2020, Continuity of Learning Updates May 22, 2020
- 05/15/2020, Continuity of Learning Updates May 15, 2020
- 05/15/2020, Adjustments to Distance Learning Schedule: Week of May 25, 2020
General Information and Resources
Federal Resources
The HCHD has shared several recommendations to ensure that all Howard County residents are taking appropriate and effective actions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of all person-to-person viruses. These precautions also have been shared by the CDC, and include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Staying home when you are sick
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash (or coughing/sneezing into your sleeve or elbow)
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces
Resources for Parents
A number of reputable national organizations have developed guidelines for parents, caregivers and teachers for talking with children about the Coronavirus and infectious disease outbreaks.
Maryland State Department of Education Resources for Parents. Note: The listed resources are optional and have not all have been vetted by HCPSS staff. We encourage parents to exercise caution when sharing data or information with any third party resource provider.
Teachers read the following statements to students on March 13:
- 3/13/2020 – Statement for Teachers to Read to Elementary Students
- 3/13/2020 – Statement for Teachers to Read to Secondary Students
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute
Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Talking to Children About COVID–19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists
- Hable con sus hijos sobre el COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Un recurso para padres
- 和孩子談論COVID-19(冠狀病毒)家長資源
- COVID-19(코로나바이러스)에 관해 자녀와 이야기하기부모 리소스
Here are some key considerations for supporting your children at home:
When you talk to your children
- Keep explanations developmentally appropriate.
- Remind children they are safe. Remain calm and reassuring.
- Be available to your children and answer questions to the best of your ability. It is okay to not have all the answers. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most current information.
- Be a good listener. Allow your children to talk about their feelings and concerns. Some children may prefer to express their feelings through writing or artwork.
- Validate feelings and reactions as normal responses to uncertain or upsetting news.
Model good behaviors
- Demonstrate and reinforce good practices to prevent illness (e.g., wash hands frequently, get enough sleep, exercise and eat right).
- Model empathy for others. Many people are impacted by the virus in a variety of ways.
Monitor screen time
- Monitor and limit screen time and access to social media.
- Discuss with older children the difference between a reputable source (CDC, Maryland Department of Health) and sources that may be more likely to contain rumors and opinions.
- Appropriately filter the news that you read/see for your younger children.
Maintain a family routine
- Even in times of uncertainty, it is important to keep to normal routines as much as possible.
- Follow your families’ normal schedule based on guidance from CDC, MDH, Howard County Health Department and HCPSS.
Mental Health & Community Services
- HCPSS Meal Service Information
- Community Action Council- Food Bank
- Howard County Government Community Services
- Informaton on Maryland Health Connection’s Special Enrollment Period to uninsured Marylanders who need health coverage during the State of Emergency for Coronavirus (COVID–19)
- MDH FAQs on Mental Health
- Medicaid – Use the online portal at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov or call 1–855–642–8572
- MA Transportation Program – Contact Matransport@howardcountymd.gov. Emailed rides will be scheduled within 24 hours. If your appointment is able to be rescheduled to a later date, please do reschedule.
- Behavioral Health: Programs working virtually. Call 410–313–6202. In a crisis call 410–531–6677 (local) or 211 (statewide)
- Resources and Referrals – HCHD Behavioral Health Community Services Directories page or Network of Care Directory of Services
- Clinical Services by Appointment Only – Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling the program or 410–313–6300
- Community Hygiene – 410–313–1773
- Howard County Department of Social Services – 410-872-8700
- Grassroots Crisis Intervention – 24 hour resource to individuals and families in need of immediate assistance with a personal, mental health, family, or shelter crisis. Hotline: 410-531-6677
- HopeWorks Howard County – Support and advocacy for people in Howard County affected by sexual and intimate partner violence and engage the community in creating the change required for prevention. Hotline: 410-997-2272; Office: 410-997-0304
- Howard County Police Department – Non-emergency: 410-313-2200; Emergency: 911
Visit the Howard County Health Department website at www.hchealth.org for more information and services.
Continuity of Learning Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
HCPSS and Additional FAQs
We continue to update answers to our most frequently asked questions, including those applicable districtwide as well as those geared toward students and staff. For school-specific questions, please email the school principal directly. For all other questions you may still have, please email publicinfo@hcpss.org.
Donate to Bright Minds Foundation
Bright Minds Foundation, the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and HCPSS have launched an emergency Access to Learning Fund to raise money for critical education access supports for HCPSS students during the extended coronavirus school closure.