From School Administration
Dear Manor Woods Families,
Online registration for Kindergarten students opens on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Children who live within our school district and will be five years old on or before September 1, 2026 are required to enroll in Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year.
The Kindergarten Registration link provides a concise overview of everything parents and guardians need to know, including direct access to the online registration portal and additional resources.
Please note: After completing the online portion, parents/guardians must visit the school after the registrar notifies you that your registration has been accepted in order to finalize the process.
We also encourage families to review the Road to Kindergarten link, which offers detailed information about what to expect in Kindergarten and connects families to additional helpful resources.
Please share this information with friends and neighbors. Having accurate enrollment numbers early helps us plan staffing, materials, and supports to ensure a strong start for our newest learners.
In addition, we wanted to lift up the important message below regarding our current school year calendar.
HCPSS Board Approves 2025-2026 School Year Calendar Updates; March 3 a Full Day for Students, Among Other Changes
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) 2025-2026 school year calendar included three inclement weather makeup days, June 16–18. As of Feb. 26, HCPSS has used five inclement weather days and four late openings, resulting in high schools being two hours short of what is required in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Howard County Board of Education approved calendar adjestments to ensure the school system meets the State’s required days and hours, including:
- Tuesday, March 3: Scheduled as an early dismissal, becomes a full day for students.
- Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday): Scheduled as schools/offices closed, becomes a full day for students. The State Board of Education granted HCPSS a waiver to open school that day.
- Wednesday, April 15: Scheduled to be closed for students and designated as a staff professional learning and work day, becomes a half-day for students with the standard 3-hour early dismissal and half work day for staff.
- Thursday, May 14: Scheduled as an early dismissal, becomes a full day for students.
- Tuesday, June 16-Thursday, June 18: Scheduled as inclement weather makeup days included in the 2025-2026 school year calendar, become half days for students.
Barring any additional inclement weather days, the last day of school will be Thursday, June 18, 2026. Updates to the June calendar include the following:
- Thursday, June 11–Monday, June 15: Scheduled as early dismissals, become full school days
- Monday, June 15: Last day for half day pre-K / RECC .
- Tuesday, June 16–Thursday, June 18 (last day of school): Schools dismiss three hours early with half work days for staff. June 16 will be designated for staff articulation.
Any future disruptions to the calendar due to inclement weather will require additional solutions to be communicated if/when needed.
An updated HCPSS online calendar is available now at https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/ . An updated PDF calendar will be available online by Friday, Feb. 27.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
March
2-6 - 2026-2027 HCPSS Kindergarten Registration Kickoff
3 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
9 - PTO Meeting, Media Center @ 7:00 PM
10 - Spring Class Picture Day
20 - Schools Closed For Students
30 - April 6 - Spring Break
April
6 - HCPSS CALENDAR UPDATE ~ FULL DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
15 - HCPSS CALENDAR UPDATE ~ SCHOOLS OPEN FOR STUDENTS ~ Early Dismissal
13 - End of 3rd Quarter
16 - PTO Multicultural Night, Marriotts Ridge HS, 5:45-8:00 PM
21 - Chorus Concert, Marriott Ridge HS, 7:00 PM
22 - 3rd Quarter Report Cards Viewable, 4:00 PM
RELATED ARTS ~ COLOR CALENDAR SCHEDULE
MWES NEWS
Counselor’s Corner
The Howard High School Food Pantry is open March 12 from 4-6pm. Howard HS is located at 8700 Old Annapolis Rd., Ellicott City 21043.
2026-2027 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
March 2 – March 6, 2026 is the designated countywide kickoff registration period. Registration assistance should be available throughout the school day during the kickoff week. Please consult the HCPSS website for updated information on Enrollment and Registration.
Age Eligibility for Kindergarten:
- Kindergarten is a mandatory grade in the state of Maryland.
- Children must be five years old on or before September 1st to attend kindergarten.
- Children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2026 must have been born between September 2, 2021 and September 1, 2022.
- Students will be enrolled in the attendance area in which they live. Please refer families to School & Bus Locator to confirm the assigned school.
Every child who is 5 years old on or before September 1 must be enrolled in a kindergarten program this fall or have an approved waiver.
Information Worth Repeating
HCPSS SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR
The HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services. Get connected to services for students with a developmental delay or disability including:
- Services within HCPSS
- Recreational Activities
- Camps
- Community Groups
- Service Providers
- Transition Information
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral Health
- Howard County Government Resources
- And Much More!
For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. Registration is not required. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
UNDERSTANDING SPEECH & LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
2026 HCPSS FAMILY ACADEMY CONFERENCE
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:00–8:30 p.m. ~ Long Reach High School
This free, districtwide event brings families, educators, and community partners together for an evening of learning, connection, and support. Families can enjoy a light dinner, a community resource fair, interactive workshops focused on academic achievement and well-being, and free childcare. Workshops will include topics such as college and career readiness, special education supports, curriculum updates, and hands-on learning strategies for use at home.
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Light Dinner for Families
6:30 – 6:40 p.m. Welcome Remarks
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Resource Fair (Ongoing)
6:45 – 7:30 p.m. Workshop Block One
7:40 – 8:25 p.m. Workshop Block Two
8:25 – 8:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
Interpretation services will be available. For additional information, please contact BSAP Supervisor, Nicole Brown. Register online: English, Español, 中文, 한국어
PTO NEWS
MULTICULTURAL NIGHT
Join us in making our Multicultural Night a vibrant celebration of the cultures that make our community so special! We're inviting parents and teachers to volunteer their time, talents, and traditions to create an evening filled with food, music, and meaningful connections. Together, we can create an unforgettable night that celebrates diversity, builds understanding, and brings our school community closer than ever. We'd love to have you be part of it! Check out the SignUpGenius below!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548A9AC23A7FAC25-61774260-mwes#/
Thursday, April 16th 5:45-8:00
COMMUNITY NEWS
MRHS MUSIC NEEDS YOUR FLEA MARKET DONATIONS!
Don’t trash your gently-used items - gather them for donation to the MRHS Mustand Flea Market! All donations are tax-deductible, and all profits generated will support MRHS Music! We take all saleable items, big AND small, and your used textiles for recycling too!
Then Shop the Sale on March 14th and discover a new treasure!
For more info, visit our website info page at https://www.mrhsmusic.net/fundraising/mustang-flea-market
BINGO NIGHT EVENT TICKETS ARE HERE!
Join the excitement at our annual Bingo Night event! Food, fun and socializing, with a chance at great prizes, auctions and raffle items! Tickets are $35 in advance at the link below (fees apply), or $40 at the door.
Only 300 seats available! Get yours now at https://events.mrhsmusic.net/bingo
Jazz at the Ridge Returns to MRHS on April 9th
The award winning MRHS Big Band, Jazz Combo & MVMS Jazz Band will be rocking the stage with the MRHS Jazz Madrigals, Vocal Ensemble and the MVMS Jazz Choir! Come early to enjoy refreshments (light appetizers & a popcorn station) at 6:30pm in the Commons and hear the Jazz Combo play. Dessert & beverages served in the Commons at Intermission.
Tickets: $10 each/$30 per family (2 adults & their children) with discounts for staff/military/senior adults. Purchase at the door, or reserve in advance at https://events.mrhsmusic.net/jatr
LET’S LEARN SERIES - WHAT'S BEHIND MY CHILD’S BEHAVIOR?
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 12:00-12:45
Virtual Event
All behavior is communication. For young children with a developmental delay, behaviors - especially challenging ones - often serve as powerful messages about unmet needs, sensory differences, communication difficulties, or emotional regulation challenges. This workshop will help parents understand the meaning behind behavior rather than simply reacting to it. Participants will explore why behaviors occur, how to identify triggers and patterns, and how to respond in ways that teach skills instead of just managing symptoms. This session is for families of children birth-five with a developmental delay or disability (with an IEP or IFSP).
Presented by Megan Davis, a special educator at Swansfield Elementary School. Vist registration page: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQPxHqng8UEUi1ZZGFCfhLgZWeoruSu-Sd9PSh6XXtKSiN4w/viewform Contact FSRC@hcpss.org or EISFamily@hcpss.org with questions. The meeting link is on the registration form and will be sent to all those registered the day before the event. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including trainings related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
APPLYING FOR DDA ELIGIBILITY: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
English presentation 6:00-7:00 p.m. Breakout session to review the application/Q&A 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Spanish presentation 7:00-8:00 p.m. Breakout session to review the application/Q&A 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Non-Profit Collaborative of Howard County
9770 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD
Families with a transition-age child (14-21) will learn the what, when, how and why of submitting an application to determine their child’s eligibility for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services as an adult, or prior if they qualify. Mary Anne Kane Breschi of DDA will present an overview in English at 6:00 p.m. and with Spanish interpretation at 7:00 p.m. During the breakout sessions, families will have the opportunity to review how to complete the DDA eligibility application, receive a checklist of the recommended supporting documents, and ask questions. Registration opens to Howard County families starting 2/20 and to surrounding counties on 2/26. Please register ASAP!
Visit registration page in English: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1pa4xMJUlTVOHgSKA_6pXz-qr54QWkNnzupXbGHjiIIt9Hg/viewform
For questions, please email FSRC@hcpss.org. This event is sponsored by the Autism Society of Maryland and the Howard County Public School System.
WINTER FAMILY FUN PARTY
Saturday, February 28, 2026 drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Running Brook Elementary School
5215 W. Running Brook Rd.
Columbia, MD 21044
Event will be held in the school cafeteria, which is on the left side of the building.
Come enjoy a morning of crafts, games, activities and movement in a safe and nurturing environment for children with a developmental delay or disability, up to the age of five. Staff from Early Intervention Services will be on hand to support you and your child. This event is for families who have children up to the age of five with an IEP or IFSP. Siblings are welcome. Contact FSRC@hcpss.org or EISFamily@hcpss.org with questions. The event will be cancelled if HCPSS has an inclement weather closure. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including trainings related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
PARENT’S GUIDE TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS
Monday, March 2, 2026 1-2:00 p.m.
Virtual Events
Discover a proven, research-based approach to better understand your child’s behavior and what influences it. Learn practical tools to prevent challenging behaviors - and handle them calmly when they do occur. Ask questions, gain ready-to-use strategies and leave feeling more confident in your parenting. For parents of children ages 2–8. Visit registration page. : https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/160735?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true This information is not specifically for families of children with a developmental delay or disability, but the information may be useful. Sponsored by the Howard County Office of Children and Families.
PARENT PANEL: ADULT AGENCIES SESSION
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Virtual Event
Planning for your young adult after they exit the school system can be very overwhelming. With so many different agencies and providers to choose from, it can be a daunting task to decide which one may be the best fit. This session will offer you the opportunity to hear from several parents whose young adults are currently receiving services from an agency, and ask your questions. Visit registration page.: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-wrSuKFpxh35Qx3V0echwuLysaE8y-rdwpEJk5YA6k6u7pQ/viewform For questions, please contact Meghan Smallwood, Resource Teacher, Secondary and Transition Services at meghan_smallwood@hcpss.org or (443) 355-773. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
MONTHLY DROP-IN TRANSITION SESSIONS
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 9-10:00 a.m.
Virtual Event
Drop into the Google Meet on the first Wednesday of each month to ask your specific transition questions. Meghan Smallwood, Secondary and Transition Services Resource Teacher, will help you navigate the process of transition from high school to adult life for your student with a disability. Visit March meeting link https://meet.google.com/wcc-nbfk-xiv
or dial: (US) +1 443-408-8410 PIN: 596 500 342# For questions, please contact Meghan at meghan_smallwood@hcpss.org or (443) 355-7733. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
PROJECT ACCESS INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, March 7, 2026 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (presentation at 10:30)
Howard Community College Duncan Hall
Room 100 - Kittleman Room
10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044
Students with an IEP or 504 plan, parents, and teachers are invited to this event. Project Access is a college preparatory program located on the campus of Howard Community College. Project Access supports college-bound high school aged students receiving academic accommodations in their transition into post-secondary education. Students completing grades 9-12 who will be receiving a high school diploma are eligible. Representatives from DORS, HCC Disability Services, and HCC Admissions will be at the event. For more information, please contact projectaccess@howardcc.edu or 443-518-4624/4625. Visit https://howardcc.edu/services--support/academic-support/disability-support-services/project-access/ for more information about Project Access. No registration required.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY
Sunday, March 8, 2026 9-11:00 a.m.
Robinson Nature Center.
Wake Up Wildlife is the theme this month. This event is for families with kids, teens, and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. Enjoy self-paced activities including sensory bins and pathways, scavenger hunts, crafts, or planetarium movies. Preregistration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For information, please call 410-313-0400 or visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/
There is a fee for this program, $3 for ages 3-17; $5 for those 18 yrs +; free for members and those up to the age of 2.
SSI INFORMATIONAL SESSION
Thursday, March 12, 2026 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Event
Stephanie Todd, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, will share information to help families navigate the SSI process and answer your questions about benefits. Visit registration page.: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe29ImlAxSqyi5RmxZ249r4XZA6ey3uElh4mEJgP4hkDV8H3Q/viewform The link can be found on the registration page and will be sent to all registrants the day of the session. For questions, please contact Meghan Smallwood, Resource Teacher, Secondary and Transition Services at meghan_smallwood@hcpss.org or (443) 355-773. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN EXHIBIT
Exhibit through March 13, 2026
Meet the artist February 21, 2026 10:00 a.m.
Towson University Holtzman Gallery, 2nd Floor
7700 Osler Drive
Towson, MD
Artist Kari Miller explores the beauty, joy, and complexities in parenting a child with a disability while working in collaboration with her daughter Ani who has Down syndrome. "To Whom It May Concern" is an ongoing conversation surrounding the impact of the history of institutionalizing individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability. This immersive installation dives deeper into educational policy, practices, and experiences with audio interviews from teachers, parents and former students who have a disability. Visit information page.: https://events.towson.edu/event/exhibition-mfa-candidate-kari-miller-to-whom-it-may-concern
CONFIDENTLY NAVIGATING AN IEP
Monday, March 16, 2026 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Event
Feeling overwhelmed by the IEP process? This session is designed to help families better understand Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and feel more confident advocating for their child. We’ll break down key components of an IEP and explain common terminology. Whether you’re new to the IEP process or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this session offers guidance, support, and space for questions. Presented by Dr. Annie McLaughlin. Visit registration page.: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/downsyndromeassocmaryland/event/annualeducationseries/ Sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland.
There is a $5 fee for this event.
HOW CAN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT THE NEURODIVERSE STUDENT?
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Virtual Event
Presented by Lori Berrong, Executive Director, Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP, Maryland Department of Disabilities. We’ll learn about how different technologies can aid and support neurodiverse students, including learning, communication skills, executive function skills, social stills, behavioral regulation and more. This event is offered simultaneously in English and Spanish. Visit registration page.: https://pathfindersforautism.org/assistivetechnologywebinar/ Sponsored by Pathfinders for Autism and the Autism Society of Maryland.
2026 HCPSS Family Academy Conference
HCPSS families are invited to save the date for the 2026 Family Academy Conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 pm at Long Reach High School. Families can look forward to a light dinner, a community resource fair, and interactive workshops focused on academic achievement, well-being, and family engagement. Workshop topics will include college and career readiness, special education supports, curriculum updates, hands-on learning strategies for use at home, and more. For more information, visit HCPSS News.
HCPSS Student Code of Conduct
The Howard County Public School System is committed to providing a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment where all policies are enforced fairly and consistently. HCPSS policies and regulations emphasize instruction and rehabilitation rather than punishment and are designed to foster and reward appropriate behavior and keep students connected to school so they can graduate college and career ready. Please read and review the HCPSS student code of conduct with your child(ren) before the school year begins: HCPSS Student Code Of Conduct
HCPSS Student & Parent Handbook
The Student & Parent Handbook can be found online and outlines districtwide practices and policies related to parents and students, including the Student Code of Conduct, school procedures, student responsibilities and more.
Family Guides: What your Child Will Learn this Year
Do you want to get a head start on the school year? We encourage all parents/guardians to visit the link below to learn what your child will learn this year in grades PreK-5! Once you click on your child’s grade level, use the yellow “course navigation” box in the top right corner to navigate standards, free games, and family activities for each subject area. Happy learning!
What Your Child Will Learn Guides
HCPSS / Community News and Programs
https://community-programs.hcpss.org/
HCPSS NEWS