***Important Update***
Good Morning. This is Brad Spence, principal of Havre de Grace Middle/High school calling with a brief informational message. Today we used the Open Gate metal detector system at arrival as a pop-up event. We appreciate your support in continuing efforts to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. “
Families who were approved for free or reduced-price meal benefits during the 2025-2026 school year need to apply for benefits for the new school year before Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to avoid a lapse in benefits. Families must reapply each school year. Click here to apply online. Click here to download a paper application. If you have any questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Office at 410-638-4078.
Join the PTSA
Students who took the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments in spring 2026 will receive their individual score reports the week of September 28, 2026. Each student’s school will send home hard copies of the reports. The reports summarize student performance overall and by subject area. For information on how to interpret the results, click here. Families with questions about their student’s scores should contact their school directly.
Homecoming Dance Information
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: HDG High Gymnasium- Drop off on gym side of school
Time: 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Doors close at: 8:30 PM- You will not be permitted to enter the dance after this time. Show up before 8:30 PM. No Re-entry is permitted should a student decide to leave.
Pick-up from dance: Parents/guardians please plan to pick up your student promptly at 10 PM from the gymnasium entrance parking lot. (Left side of the school)
General/Dance Rules:
All rules and policies of HCPS and HDHS will be in effect.
All HCPS rules and policies are in effect as they relate to drug and alcohol use on school property.
All dance attendees, their vehicles, and their articles are subject to search if suspicion of illegal/illicit behavior arises. Additionally, all dance attendees are subject to a Breathalyzer test upon entry of the dance at the discretion of dance employees and administration.
Dancing that is dangerous or dancing of a sexual nature is not permitted. Chaperones reserve the right to determine appropriateness of dancing.
Student dress must remain appropriate throughout the dance.
Important things to note:
Light refreshments/snacks will be provided at the dance.
Be sure to make dinner plans ahead of time.
Water will be available.
No BAGS are allowed; No bookbags, duffle bags etc.
Small clutches/purses (4.5x 8- no larger) must be checked and are subject to search upon entry.
A coat/shoe check will be available for students to secure items.
Tickets for HDG Students:
Tickets will go on sale for HDHS students only starting September 28, 2026.
Tickets are $30 and must be purchased on School Cash Online.
Tickets/Permission forms for Guests:
Any guest who is not a HDHS student must complete a guest permissions form. Forms are available for pick-up in the main office, the media center and are linked below if you would like to print from home.
Guests over the age of 20 are not permitted to attend.
Guests who are currently not enrolled in high school must have a copy of a photo ID including date of birth attached to the permission form.
Guest Permission forms should be fully completed, signed and returned to the main office and approved by administration ON OR BEFORE Friday, October 15, 2026- they will be processed in the order received.
Guest tickets are NOT guaranteed as the dance may sell out. Guest forms will be processed in the order received and are based on the number of remaining tickets on 10/15/26.
Guest forms and tickets approved will be available for purchase AFTER October 15, 2026.
Last day to purchase any ticket is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
How will I know if my guest is approved/how do I purchase their ticket?
If your guest is approved A LINK TO PURCHSE YOUR GUESTS TICKET WILL BE SENT TO YOUR HCPS SCHOOL EMAIL or the EMAIL FROM WHICH YOUR TICKET WAS PURCHASED AFTER OCTOBER 15, 2026.
Each guest ticket link is unique and tied to the HDHS student they will be attending with.
Please see the latest updates in our September Newsletter: Homecoming Edition
https://app.smore.com/n/qt90x
https://app.smore.com/n/qt90x
Nominations are now open for the Harford County Education Foundation's Everyday Hero Award and the 2027 Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year!
We invite all families to nominate a teacher who exemplifies innovative instruction, inspires students, and gives tirelessly to the children in our community. Each school's official nominee will be invited to attend the Everyday Hero Awards dinner in November and to participate in the Teacher of the Year process, with the 2027 Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year named in April.
Nominations close Sunday, October 4. Click here for more information and submit a nomination.
Child Care for Back to School Night
Monday is Labor Day!
HCPS schools and offices are closed Monday in observance of the holiday. Enjoy you're long weekend and we will see everyone back in class Tuesdady!
Open Gate technology has been utilized at HCPS athletic events and in select schools over the last year. As shared previously, students in middle and high schools will see it in use at other times during the school day, including during arrival, this school year.
Your student may see Open Gate in use at different events, different times of the day, and at any point in the school year. The use of the Open Gate technology is another layer of safety and security; its use during the school day does not indicate a specific threat or concern. It is a proactive measure to better ensure student safety.
As has been the practice of Harford County Public Schools, if there is a specific threat or concern to a school, that information will be communicated directly with that school community.
Your student may see Open Gate in use at different events, different times of the day, and at any point in the school year. The use of the Open Gate technology is another layer of safety and security; its use during the school day does not indicate a specific threat or concern. It is a proactive measure to better ensure student safety.
As has been the practice of Harford County Public Schools, if there is a specific threat or concern to a school, that information will be communicated directly with that school community.
Please see the linked welcome back message and some reminders from Mr. Spence.
https://youtube.com/shorts/qIlrRAOTcPY?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/qIlrRAOTcPY?feature=share
Join us on Wednesday August 19th from 11am-4pm for our No Cost back to school shop.
There will be gently used clothing in varying sizes to help with all your back-to-school needs.
Come by and get what you need to start the school year. All Items in the shop will be free.
There will be gently used clothing in varying sizes to help with all your back-to-school needs.
Come by and get what you need to start the school year. All Items in the shop will be free.
Class of 2027 Save the Dates!
Fall Dates To Know
Harford County Public Schools will be live streaming all 2026 graduation ceremonies held at APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College. Thanks to our partners at Harford Community College and the APGFCU Arena, families and friends can watch every moment live at youtube.com/@HCPSchools. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Wednesday, May 6 is National School Nurse Day. Harford County Public Schools is proud to recognize our school nurses for their dedication, expertise, and compassionate care for our students each and every day. Thank you!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Harford County Public Schools is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Throughout May, we will be sharing resources and information to help our community thrive inside and outside the classroom.
The Harford County Board of Education has approved an adjustment to the 2026-2027 calendar involving built-in inclement weather days. Schools and offices will now be closed on March 1, June 1, and April 12, 2027, and those days will be used as makeup days, in the order listed, only if needed due to inclement weather cancellations.
The adjustment reflects guidance from the Maryland State Board of Education, which has expressed a preference for makeup days to be distributed throughout the school year, and the use of virtual instruction, rather than adding days to the end of the school year.
The full, updated 2026–2027 school calendar is available here. En Español.
