Important News
SMOB Applications
Fri, 01/11/2019 - 8:37am
Applications are now available for the next Student Member of the Board of Education. The responsibilities of this position are extensive with the expectation that the Student Member of the BOE attends Board of Education meetings, including evenings, at least two times per month. BOE members also commit time prior to each meeting to reviewing policies and programs scheduled for action by the Board of Education. In addition to the twice-monthly meetings, the student member attends public HCPSS functions with BOE members and all Howard County Association of Student Council (HCASC) meetings. Eligible students must be regularly enrolled as a sophomore or junior in the 2019-2020 school year in the Howard County Public Schools and must be academically eligible. The student who is elected by the students in HCPSS will serve a one-year term on the Howard County Board of Education, July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020. Applicants must submit an application, a resume, essay responses, confirmation of academic eligibility signed by a school counselor, principal acknowledgement of the student's intention to run for this position, a statement of parent permission, and two letters of recommendation. The applicant must assemble the application packet and submit it to Ms. Cindy Drummond, HCASC Advisor, HCPSS, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or electronically to cindy_drummond@hcpss.org. The complete application packet must be received no later than 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019. All applications will be verified for completeness and eligibility. All applicants and their parents or guardians must attend a Guideline and Expectations meeting at the HCPSS Board of Education on Monday, February 12, 2019 at 6:00 pm. A student delegate convention will convene Wednesday, February 20. 2019 to review Student Member of the Board of Education applicants and nominate the final two candidates who will run in this election. Delegates will represent every middle and high school in accordance with Policy 2010. The two candidates selected will then participate in the campaign process. Guidelines for this process will be distributed to the candidates and their parents/guardians at an information meeting on February 27, 2019. Until then, no campaigning may begin. The election will be held on April 24, 2019 in middle and high schools. Interested students may pick up an application packet from Mr. DiFato in the Front Office.
HaHS/HCPSS Supports for Families during Government Shutdown
Thu, 01/10/2019 - 8:43am
Dear HaHS Families, The ongoing shutdown of the federal government has caused financial hardship for too many of our friends and neighbors. Additionally, we know that students are experiencing anxiety and fear for their family’s financial situation. I wanted to let you know of a few supports that are in place to help at this time. Howard County families who have lost pay due to the shutdown may immediately apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) program and the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will verify their eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that would not ordinarily qualify for the FARMs program could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income. Families who are adversely impacted, including those who do not receive FARMs assistance, will have the remainder of the school year to pay off any meal balances incurred during the government shutdown. Additionally, many students may be suffering fear or anxiety about their family’s current financial situation. Student Services staff at each school are prepared and available to assist students at any time during the school day. Additionally, numerous resources for families are identified on the HCPSS website, and other supports are available through the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly if you need additional support during this difficult time. Sincerely, John DiPaula, Ph.D. Principal
Leadership/Service Opportunity
Mon, 01/07/2019 - 8:29am
All students interested in -Sharing the Student Voice on changes to the HCPSS Grading and Homework Policy and the Dress Code Policy in addition to Community Issues -Gaining Leadership Skills -Practicing Community Service -Working with student leaders from across HCPSS … Are welcome to attend Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) meetings throughout the year on the second Wednesday evening of each month. Next Meeting Wednesday 1/9 7-8:30 at the Homewood School, 10914 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City 21042 For more information please contact cindy_drummond@hcpss.org
Winter Break (12/22-1/1) Students Return 1/2/19
Wed, 12/19/2018 - 8:18am
Winter Break begins for students Saturday 12/22/18 and students will return to school on Wednesday 1/2/19. We hope that every student enjoys their break and happy holidays to all!
ASVAB Test (1/15/19)
Thu, 12/13/2018 - 8:28am
Hammond will be offering ASVAB the morning of Tuesday, January 15th. All students whether they are planning to seek employment, enter military service or further education at a college or university, are welcome to take advantage of this great opportunity. The results can help students with course selection during the rest of their high school years, as well as offer alternative opportunities for post-high school. If interested, students can pick up a permission slip from either Student Services of Ms. Fitzpatrick (Room 608). Any questions can be directed to Ms. Fitzpatrick as well!
National Honor Society Induction (Now 12/13)
Wed, 12/12/2018 - 8:23am
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony (Rescheduled): Thurs. 12/13 at 7pm Hammond High School's National Honor Society looks forward to inducting its 60 new members this Thursday, December 13th at 7pm in the auditorium. State Senator Guy Guzzone will be joining us as the keynote speaker. We look forward to celebrating our new members along with their friends and family!
Student Drop Off Information
Mon, 12/10/2018 - 8:37am
Last month, after studying the situation and communicating with the HCPSS Transportation Office, we began altering the traffic pattern for morning drop off. We are working to help alleviate some of the traffic issues in the morning. We have also been in communication with traffic engineers, the HCPSS Director of Transportation and the HCPD about the traffic flow and safety issues. Thank you in advance for your patience and your adherence to the new pattern. As you enter the school parking lot for morning drop off, we have cones blocking off the first two aisles and ask that you drive down the third aisle towards the gym entrance. Please pull all the way up along the curb and let your child out. Please be sure to only let your child out along the curb. We do not want children walking in front of moving cars. As we continue to monitor and assess the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up situation, we wanted to share a few reminders with the community. If you are choosing to drop your child off at school, please use the student drop off area by the gym entrance and only drop your child off on school property. We are aware of the traffic back-up and ask that you keep that in mind and leave early. Getting to school prior to 7:05am would allow you to avoid most of the traffic. We are working closely with the HCPSS Transportation Office and our School Resource Officer to work on the flow of traffic. Please be mindful of your speed as you drive through the two crosswalks that our students use to cross Guilford Road to come onto school property. Do not stop on Guilford Road and let your child out in the middle of the street. All student drop offs should be in the student drop off area. While we encourage you to drop your child off early, if you are arriving after 7:15 for drop off, you may turn into the student drop off area OR the bus loop. Please do not turn into the bus loop prior to 7:15am - this interferes with the bus drop off in the morning. Thank you for your patience and compliance in ensuring our students' safety. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact John DiFato at john_difato@hcpss.org or 410-313-7615.
Cinderella News
Mon, 12/10/2018 - 8:36am
Tech Crew Info Meeting for Cinderella: Wednesday, December 19th, 2:20-3:00pm Join us if you'd like to work behind the scenes to make the magic happen for our show! We need students to help with set building, lighting, sound, costumes, props and makeup! No experience is necessary and students can earn service hours.
ACT/SAT Winter Prep
Wed, 12/05/2018 - 8:29am
Is Your College-Bound Student Taking the SAT or ACT Soon? Improve your test scores and your chances to earn scholarship money for college! Register Today for Comprehensive and Convenient In-Person SAT and/or ACT Prep at Hammond High School! The Answer Class helps students gain confidence in their test-taking abilities and teaches tips and strategies on timing, guessing, and scoring. Over 97% of former students say they would recommend The Answer Class to a friend! Winter SAT Prep at Hammond HS: T/Th Feb. 26 & 28 from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm Winter ACT Prep at Hammond HS: T/Th Jan. 29 & 31 from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm Regular Tuition is only $159/class OR $249 for the SAT/ACT combination package. Early bird Discount! Register at least one week ahead of your course and save $10! Register today at: https://theanswerclass.com/
Winter Music Concerts
Thu, 11/29/2018 - 8:25am
Music Department Winter Concerts The Hammond Music Department is excited to invite everyone to their Winter Concert December 11! The concert starts at 7pm and feature over 280 Hammond students. The second concert includes the Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, Concert Choir, and A Cappella groups. Tickets are $5 and the same ticket gets you into both concerts!