HCPSS participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student's eligibility. To apply, go to the HCPSS FARMs webpage.
HCPSS students and families can view menus and nutrition and allergen information for meals served in all HCPSS schools through the Nutrislice website and free smartphone app. Download the Nutrislice mobile app for iOS or Android.
Information on the HCPSS wellness policy and commitment to quality is available online.
Breakfast is free for students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Breakfast costs $2.00 for all other students.
Lunch is free for students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Lunch costs $3.30 for all other students.
HCPSS uses MySchoolBucks.com, an online meal payment system. This system allows families to easily manage student accounts and make payments online on personal computers and mobile devices.
Reporting Absences
If a child has a fever, he/she needs to be fever free for 24 hours, with no medication, before returning to school.
On the day your child returns to school, an explanatory note should be submitted to the school indicating the date(s) and reason for the absence. A doctor's certificate is required in cases of long-term absence (more than three days). A note should also be submitted upon return, to request exclusion from activities (i.e., physical education).
On the third consecutive day of absence, makeup work may be requested. All requests should be made before 8:30 a.m. by calling the front office - 410-880-5830. Work will be available in the front office after 3:00 pm.
The school system does not carry medical insurance for accidents that occur at school, including non-sport related injuries, such as trips and falls, physical education injuries, and recess/playground injuries. Thus, parents are encouraged to enroll students in the accident insurance program offered through HCPSS.
Learn more about how to obtain accident insurance →
The Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) is available for families, pregnant women, and children in need of medical insurance. Applications are available through the school health assistant or by contacting the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-7500.