Harford County Public Schools Elementary Redistricting Steering Committee Plans Smooth Transition for Students and Families

From Harford County Public Schools:

The Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Elementary Redistricting Steering Committee, comprised of five elementary school principals and Executive Director of Elementary School Performance Linda Chamberlin, has been meeting regularly to develop a transition plan for students who are slated to change schools next school year based on the final decision by the Board of Education of Harford County regarding the elementary redistricting plan. That decision will not be made until Monday, February 28, 2011. All elementary schools will follow uniform procedures so parents receive timely communication and access to resources. The goal of the committee is to ensure a smooth transition for the students and their parents.

The Steering Committee is establishing a timeframe for the orderly transfer of student records. In addition, all of the elementary schools receiving new students will coordinate special open house times in the spring for incoming students and their families. Informational brochures specific to each elementary school are being developed and will be available at the open houses.

Although the specific timeline has not yet been finalized, parents can expect the following actions to occur over the coming months:

– The Board of Education will make the final decision on the Proposed Elementary Redistricting Plan on Monday, February 28, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the A.A. Roberty Building.

– Parents of children who will attend a new school in the fall will receive a letter from their child’s current principal notifying them of their child’s new school assignment.

– A welcome letter will be sent home from the child’s new principal to invite the student and his/her family to an open house in May. Details on the date and time will be included in the letter. All schools receiving new students will hold a special open house.

– Annual open houses for all HCPS elementary schools will continue to be held for all students.

HCPS will provide more information and timelines as they become available. The Elementary Redistricting website will continue to be updated after the plan is approved with all pertinent information and transition details.