From School Administration
Dear Manor Woods Families,
We wanted to lift up the changes to the current HCPSS school year calendar again this week as there are several upcoming changes to the calendar.
- 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.
The updated HCPSS calendar can be found here: https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
Please update your calendars with these upcoming changes.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
March
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
14 - 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
MCAP
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual state assessments to all students in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and once in high school.
Manor Woods students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in both ELA and math. The MCAP provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. For more information, visit https://www.hcpss.org/academics/testing/mcap/.
The MCAP assessment window is Tuesday, April 7 - Friday, May 29. Specific testing dates are below for each grade level. Please make every effort to have your child attend school on testing days and to refrain from scheduling any appointments during these times to minimize missing instruction due to make-up testing. There is no need to study for the MCAP. To prepare, have your child get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time.
MCAP ELA
3rd Grade - April 20, 21, 22, and 24
4th Grade - April 8, 10, 13, and 14
5th Grade - April 8, 10, 13, and 14
MCAP Math
3rd Grade - May 4, 5, 6, and 8
4th Grade - May 4, 5, 6, and 8
5th Grade - April 27, 28, 29 and May 1
MISA and MSDE SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY ~ 5th GRADE STUDENTS
State law requires that all public schools in Maryland survey students about school climate. The purpose of the survey is to gain valuable information about the quality and character of each school’s learning environment so that schools can promote a climate that supports student learning.
Fifth grade students will take the Maryland School Survey during regular school hours on Wednesday, March 18. The survey will ask students about topics such as student engagement, interactions with adults and with other students in the school, the school environment, bullying, and safety. The survey will not ask about a student’s personal experiences, and students will not be asked to provide any information that might violate their privacy.
The survey is confidential and school personnel will not have access to the responses of specific students. The responses your child provides will be combined with the responses from other students in the school, and results will be reported for each school and district.
Fifth graders will also participate in the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) as part of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). MCAP provides information to educators, parents and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student growth and achievement. For more information, visit https://www.hcpss.org/academics/testing/mcap/. Fifth grade students at Manor Woods will take the MISA on Monday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 11.
Please make every effort to have your child to school on time on the days mentioned above. If you have any questions about the survey or MISA, please contact Jennifer Zinn at jennifer_zinn@hcpss.org
Information Worth Repeating
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.
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 adjustments 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.
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.
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
Dear MWES Families,
Don't forget to join the PTO meeting on
Monday, March 9 at 7 PM in the Media Center!
Hear about exciting plans for the rest of the school year, share your ideas, and get involved in making
MWES even better. Every voice counts, and we’d love to hear yours!
See you there,
MWES PTO
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.
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.
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