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 $2.80 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.
This year, in addition to monitoring student attendance, schools are being asked to collect more information about student illness. As part of the Health Department's tracking of Influenza-like Illness in Howard County, schools are required to report numbers of student illness and symptoms.
If your child is absent from school because of illness, please contact the school on the first day of the absence and provide the following information:
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.