With school board elections on the horizon, The Dagger invited all Harford County school board candidates to answer the same three questions designed to help voters in each council district evaluate their choices. Candidates were told that once responses were received from all participants they would be published by district, with answers unabridged to let […]
Harford County Public Schools to Request Maximum 5-Day Waiver for Snow Days
Harford County Public Schools will request a five-day waiver from the state’s 180-instructional day requirement, creating the potential for summer vacation to begin a day earlier than currently planned in June, a spokesperson for HCPS said Wednesday. The Maryland State Board of Education voted Tuesday to let local school systems apply for a waiver of […]
Allegations Arise of Student Bullying and Abuse in Harford County Public Schools
Allegations that children are being bullied and abused in Harford County Public Schools have come from public speakers at two recent school board meetings, representing what they say is a group of parents systemwide who either witnessed, or were told by others, about abuse by students and staff. Superintendent Barbara Canavan said Tuesday that anyone […]
Harford County Board of Education Agenda March 24: Top Student Athletes; Changes to School Calendar Policy; Analysis of Facilities
The Harford County Board of Education plans a March 24th business meeting to include recognition of top student athletes, proposed changes to the school calendar policy, and an update on a planned analysis of school facilities. First on the agenda, the Board will recognize the following student athletes and teams that won state championships or […]
Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Canavan – Part II: “We’re All in This Together”
Part II of The Dagger’s Q&A with newly appointed Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Canavan begins with updates on concerns raised by parents over the years, and ends with Canavan’s hopes for the future. Included is a potential breakthrough on a longstanding problem, a snow-related promise and a rejection of “gotcha”. Parent Concerns: For […]
Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Canavan: “I’m a Firm Believer that Kids Don’t Know What They Can’t Do”
Barbara Canavan is no stranger to Harford County Public Schools, having worked there for over 40 years. But her recent elevation to superintendent prompted The Dagger to ask about her plans for the school system in this turbulent time for public education. State mandates in progress or afoot include: a new curriculum this year based […]
Harford County Board of Education Agenda March 10: Dramatic Increases in Meal Services for Students from Low Income Families
The Harford County Board of Education plans a March 10th business meeting to include naming an area at Harford Technical High School after former principal William Seccurro, and a presentation showing dramatic increases in meal services for students from low income families. On the consent agenda, the Board will approve a request to name the […]
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader Under the New Common Core Standards?
New online math and English exams based on the Common Core State Standards are planned for implementation next year as part of a nationwide effort to improve student achievement in public schools. Supporters say that the new standards are more rigorous, and the corresponding exams will gauge higher order skills like critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication. […]
