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.
Medication - Students may not carry any medication (prescription or over the counter, including cough drops, Tylenol, inhalers) Parents should contact the health room should their child require any type of medication.
Notification of Illness - Students must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducers before returning to school. Students who are absent due to illness, doctor appointments, and/or hospitalization are required to produce a hand written note to excuse that child's absence on the day that they return to school. It is important to follow up with the Health Room Staff if your child has been hospitalized for any reason.
Communicable Diseases - Please notify the health room if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable disease such as strep, influenza, chicken pox, whooping cough (pertussis), etc. Information is confidential and only used to track for trends.
Head Lice - Head Lice is not a communicable disease. Please notify the health room if your child has been treated for head lice. Information is kept confidential and only used to track for trends.
School registration Requirements: Immunizations and Health Survey
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.