Dear RBES Families,
Research is clear that showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic and social success, starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school, or even facing social challenges.
Missing 10% (or about 18 days of a school year) can drastically affect a student’s academic success.
By the 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that can indicate if a student is at risk for dropping out of high school.
In the 9th grade, regular and high attendance predicts graduation rates better than 8th grade test scores.
Student attendance is a major point of focus for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, MSDE lowered the chronic absenteeism rate from 20% to 10%, meaning that at 10%, a student should receive support and interventions to improve their absenteeism.
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) believes that attendance is key to student success. Maryland's attendance rate represents the average daily attendance rate of students in grades 1-12, including special education students. The state's proficient standard for attendance rate is 94%, and the advanced standard is 96%."
In support of achieving Exemplary Attendance for all students, we are sharing with you a comprehensive approach to attendance supports and interventions.
If a student has missed 5% of their monthly attendance days (as few as 1-2 days a month), parents/guardians will receive a Care and Concern Phone Call and letter from their school. This step will allow staff members to coordinate with families to determine how the student can be supported for better attendance.
If a student has missed 10% of their monthly attendance days (this is defined as chronic absenteeism by MSDE), parents/guardians will receive a 10% Chronic Absenteeism Attendance Letter. Parents/guardians and students may be scheduled for an attendance conference. Other interventions and supports may also be used in an effort to assist the student.
If a student has missed 15% of their monthly attendance days, in addition to the interventions and supports at 5% and 10%, these students may require an attendance support plan. Students may also be referred to the Central Attendance Team.
If a student has missed 20% of their monthly attendance days, parents/guardians will receive a 20% Emergency Chronic Absenteeism Letter or Habitual Truancy Letter. Students may be referred to Project Attend and/or the State’s Attorney’s Office for habitual truancy.
With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents/guardians, staff, and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will improve student success in school and future life.
Take Care,
Mrs. Spivey
Young Authors Contest - Deadline is December 20th
The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines (Young Authors' Contest Guidelines 2024-2025) for information about the rules and guidelines. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet (Young Authors’ Contest Cover Sheet) sent as a PDF. Submissions may be emailed to Elizabeth_babcock@hcpss.org by December 20, 2024. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.
Black Student Acheivement Program (BSAP)
The Howard County Public School System’s BSAP invites all students in grades 8-12 and parents of students in Middle or High School to attend the upcoming event:
BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night
Thursday, November 7, 2024
6-8 p.m.
Long Reach High School
6101 Old Dobbin Lane
Columbia, Maryland 21045
The theme is Building a Legacy of Excellence!
- Connect with representatives from colleges and universities from across the nation!
- Engage with working professionals from various fields and organizations!
- Participate in informative workshops and seminars around college and career readiness!
- Explore a wide range of post-secondary opportunities and learn about scholarships!
- Watch special performances and purchase dinner from local food vendors!
Attached you will find 2024-25 Parent Academy Calendar/
Brief Descriptions and Locations Parent Academy Calendar 2024-25
Mrs. Brown
Black Student Achievement Liaison Program (BSAP) Community Liaison
Arrival & Dismissal Reminders
- Please follow the directions of staff in the car loop.
- Please refrain from walking through the parking lot during arrival and dismissal. Use the sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Please refrain from parking/backing in the parking lot and walking your student. It has caused major delays when vehicles attempt to get out of the parking lot during arrival and dismissal.
- For the safety of our staff and students, family members are not permitted in the building (classrooms, restrooms, band room, etc.) during arrival and dismissal.
- To ensure efficient arrival and dismissal procedures, please make appointments with your child’s teacher to conference so that our teachers can give our parents the quality time deserved, rather than holding quick conversations during arrival and dismissal in the car loop.
Family File - Must be Completed Each School Year!
HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. All parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year. Parents/guardians can complete Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect selecting the "More Options" tab on the left and then selecting "Family File" in the center column.
Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to update or provide the following information:
Student Information
Parent/Guardian Contact
Emergency Contacts
Medical Information
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures and Transportation Options
Photo Approval
Data Confidentiality
Student Creative Work Approval
PTA/PTSA Directory
Changes of address may not be made through Family File. If you have recently moved, please contact your child’s 2023-2024 school as soon as possible.
Resources on how to use Family File may be found online, including instructions on how to reset passwords. Written directions can be accessed here on how to complete the HCPSS Family file. If you need additional assistance, please contact your child’s school or complete this Connect Help Form.