March 27, 2025
- Message from Admin
- Reading Spirit Week
- Important School Calendar Changes
- End of Quarter 3 Celebration
- MCAP Testings
- Grade 5 MISA Assessments
- A Note from Music
- March Heritage Month
- PTA Spring Carnival
- STEM Fair
- Drug Free Howard County
- Gifted and Talented Summer Programs
- Spring Break Basketball Camp
- Outdoor Recess and Weather Conditions
- PTA Meeting Dates
- Important Dates
A Message from Admin
Dear Hammond Families,
As the third quarter comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress our students have made so far this year. Their hard work, resilience, and enthusiasm for learning continue to inspire us all. Thank you for your unwavering support in helping our children thrive.
With spring now upon us, it's a wonderful time to celebrate new beginnings and growth. Just as the world outside is blooming, so are our students in their knowledge, skills, and friendships. Let's continue to nurture this growth together as we move into the final stretch of the school year.
We also encourage you to take advantage of the warmer weather by spending quality time with your children outdoors. A nature walk, a trip to the park, or even an afternoon of gardening can create beautiful memories while reinforcing the lessons of growth and renewal that spring brings.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting events planned for the coming months, including our Spring Carnival, Spring Break and Field Da. We can't wait to see you there and share in these special moments as a community.
Thank you again for your partnership in making our school a place where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn. Here's to a wonderful spring filled with continued success and joy!
Heather Moraff, Principal
Nykia Mapson, Assistant Principal
Reading Spirit Week Continues through Friday
Important School Calendar Changes
- Monday, March 31 is a school day for students. This change was added due to the use of snow days.
- Friday, June 6: Schools dismiss three hours early
- Monday, June 9-Friday June 13: Full school day
- Monday, June 16-Tuesday, June 17: Schools dismiss three hours early
- Wednesday, June 18: Last day of school; schools dismiss three hours early
End of Quarter 3 Celebration Tomorrow
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)
Students in grades 3-5 will take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) during the month of April and/or May. The MCAP assessments measure student achievement on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards in English language arts and math. To learn more about MCAP, please visit HCPSS Maryland Comprehensive Assessment page.
Students in grades 3-5 are encouraged to bring in their own corded headphones (if possible). Wireless or bluetooth headphones are not permitted during the MCAP Assessments.
Before testing, make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and eats a hearty and filling meal before testing.
Updated MCAP Testing Dates
***Makeup testing will take place during the testing window.
Students who are absent on the testing dates will participate in a makeup session during the April 7th-May 30th
Grade 5 Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA)
Students in 5th grade will take the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) assessment on March 3rd, March 4th, March 5th and March 6th. Students who are absent on the testing dates will participate in a makeup session during the March 3rd-March 21st testing window. MISA measures student achievement on the Maryland Content Standards in Science in Grade 5 (testing content from Grades 3, 4 and 5). To learn more about MISA, please visit the HCPSS Testing page. Students are encouraged to bring corded headphones (if possible). Wireless or bluetooth headphones are not compatible with the testing platform.
A Note from Music
Congratulations to 5th Grade Orchestra students Lanie Lidinsky (violin) and Donovan George (bass) on their performance with the Elementary School Honors Orchestra last Saturday, March 22 at Atholton High School! We are so proud of their hard work and accomplishments!
March Heritage Month
March is both Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month. Please help us to uplift and celebrate the important contributions of these two groups on our nation’s history fliers (Links to an external site).
Spring Carnival Saturday, April 5
STEM Fair
Drug-Free Howard County
Free Parenting/Grandparenting Classes - Open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in Howard County or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in the County. Evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years olds, but we believe it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: March 18, 21, 25, 28 and April 1 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Spring2025GGC
Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal – Saturday, April 26 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, EpiPens and other sharps, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more! Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Giving away 100 medication lockboxes.
For more information: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/
To sign up to volunteer: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/4-26-25TakeBack
Teen Advisory Council - Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday May 19, 2025, from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. For more information, visit: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/
Gifted and Talented Summer Programs
Gifted and Talented (G/T) Summer Institutes for Talent Development
The Gifted and Talented (G/T) Summer Institutes for Talent Development offers additional advanced-level instruction and enrichment experiences not regularly available during the academic school year for students entering grades 1-8. Rigorous instruction focusing on talent development is offered in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, technology and fine arts.
No testing nor prior G/T coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings.
Location: Burleigh Manor Middle School
Session 1: June 30 - July 11 (no class July 4)
Session 2: July 14-25
Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $330 per session (Financial assistance is available for students participating in the Free and Reduced Meal Program.)
Students may attend Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. While the program is half-day, after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks. Snack is provided.
A few highlights ---
- Bus transportation to area collector stops!
- Exciting courses in Humanities, STEM, and the Arts!
For more information on how to register, please see this registration guide.
Contact: GTSummer@hcpss.org or 410-313-6671.
Spring Break Basketball Camp
Outdoor Recess and Weather Conditions
We wanted to remind you that students will still be going outside for recess each day. Please make sure you send your child to school with weather appropriate clothes. All clothing needs to be labeled with your child's name.
Below you will find the HCPSS criteria we consider when having outdoor activities.
• Temperature and humidity
• Wind chill
• Heat index and air quality
• Age of students
• Length of time outdoors
• Adequacy of the children’s clothing
• Condition of the playground
• Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
• Thunder and lightning
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess, physical education, or
any other outdoor activity when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less
than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index is less than 95.
Final PTA Meeting
Begins at 7:15pm
May 13th
Important Dates 
3/24-3/28 Reading Spirit Week
3/31 *** HCPSS Calendar Change: This is now a regular school day
4/4 End of Quarter 3; Dance Party Celebration
4/5 PTA Spring Carnival 3-6pm
5/20 Enrichment Fair
6/6: Schools dismiss three hours early
6/9-6/13 Full school day
6/16 -6/17 Schools dismiss three hours early
6/18 Last day of school; schools dismiss 3 hours early