The first day of school is September 2, 2025, for most students and September 4, 2025, for Prekindergarten. Be sure to review the HCPS Back to School Checklist, complete required forms, and get important updates before the first day. Click here to view the full checklist and resources.

6 days ago, Harford County Public Schools
Back to school checklist graphic

The portable communication device policy outlines when and how students can use cell phones, smartwatches, and other devices during the school day. Restrictions vary by grade level. Review the full policy by clicking here.

18 days ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic outlining portable communication device rules for students. Includes guidelines for phones, smartwatches, and other devices during the school day

HCPS has updated its backpack and bag policy to support safety and emergency preparedness. Families are encouraged to review expectations for locker use, storage sizes, and guidelines for athletic and instrument bags. Click here to view the full policy.

18 days ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic explaining updated student backpack and bag policy for middle and high schools. Highlights storage expectations, permitted bag sizes, and procedures for athletic and instrument bags.

Harford County Public Schools is partnering again with the Aberdeen IronBirds for End of Summer Fest on Wednesday, August 20 at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the game begins at 7:05 p.m. The evening will feature back-to-school giveaways, local resources, and HCPS staff, plus a special opportunity for students to play catch in the outfield from 6:00 to 6:25 p.m. We look forward to seeing our families at the ballpark! Click here to purchase discounted tickets. After you click the link, enter hcps25 where it asks for a password.

19 days ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic that says End of Summer Fest and has the logos of HCPS and the Aberdeen Iron Birds

Harford County Public Schools is requesting families share their input on the possible use of virtual instruction during inclement weather for the 2025–2026 school year. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and is open through Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. Parents and guardians will need their child’s Student ID number, which can be found on report cards or progress reports. Click here to complete the survey.

20 days ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic of three different color text bubbles, one says "give us" the second says "your" and the third says "feedback" in the bottom left corner is the HCPS logo, bottom right has a small man next to a giant computer monitor looking at a survey.

✨ Mark Your Calendars! ✨

WJES families — We can’t wait to welcome you back and kick off an exciting new school year!

Date: Thursday, August 28th
See the flyer for details for time.

Come meet your child’s teacher, explore the classroom, and hear about all the amazing things we have planned this year. Let’s keep glowing — the world needs your shine!

21 days ago, William S. James Elementary School
WJES B2SN Flyer
👟 Back-to-School Shoe Reminder for PE Class! 👟
As you start your back-to-school shopping for supplies, clothes, and new shoes, here’s a helpful reminder to make sure your child is PE-ready! 😊

For safety and success in PE class, students need to wear:
✅ Running-type shoes
✅ Flat rubber soles
✅ Tie or Velcro closures
✅ Shoes that cover the whole foot

Check out the graphic to help guide your shopping. Thank you for supporting safe movement and active learning at WJES! 💛🖤
21 days ago, William S. James Elementary School
PE Shoe Graphic
Thank you to all the students, families, and staff who joined Ms. Farver and Ms. Stahm for a sweet treat on July 14 at Bruster's of Bel Air!. It was a joy to catch up, hear about your summer adventures, and see the smiling faces we’ve missed.!
about 1 month ago, Harford County Public Schools
Ms. Farver stands in front of the serving window with two students smiling from outside looking in.
Ms. Stahm smiles with three students while the students smile, sit at a red table, eating ice cream.
🦁🌟 Calling all our NEWEST Jaguars! 🌟🦁Get ready for some ROAR-ing fun! 🐾 Join us for a Kindergarten Playdate to meet new friends and teachers , and get a sneak peek at the WJES playground! 🏫💫When: August 23rd⏰ Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM📍 Where: WJES Playground! It's going to be a paw-some time full of laughter, smiles, and new beginnings! Don't forget to bring your playtime energy! 💥🎉 We can't wait to see all our little Jaguars there! 🐆❤️
about 2 months ago, William S. James Elementary School
Kindergarten Playdate
This summer, HCPS families can take advantage of free Parent Coaching through our partnership with Parent Guidance. The program offers regular sessions with a dedicated coach and expert content created by licensed therapists. Interested parents can get started going to https://cookcenter.info/coaching.
about 2 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Promotional graphic for ParentGuidance.org featuring the message "Coaching for Parents – Coaching support is available all summer!" It includes an image of a smiling family, flip-flop graphics, a QR code, and a call to action: "Get started! Scan code or visit cookcenter.info/coaching."
Welcome to your new school website! Please take a minute to familiarize yourself with the layout. And don't forget to download the new HCPS app in your device's app store. It's everything HCPS in your pocket!
about 2 months ago, Harford County Public Schools
Graphic for the HCPS App that shows three cell phone screens. The top says "It's everything Harford County Public Schools, in your pocket"