Early Dismissal and Safety Protocols for Visitors

During school hours, doors are not to be propped open. Staff, students, and families are reminded to shut doors behind them. The front office staff have been asked to follow specific procedures before admitting anyone into the building. The front door is the only entrance point for all visitors.

We want to remind you of the procedures we follow when visitors come to the:

• Ring the doorbell and look into the camera.
• Be prepared to state your name, your student’s name and your purpose for visiting.
• Have a valid photo ID

If you need to see your student or pick your student up for early dismissal, we will need to check your identification first. Please note, we cannot call your student down to the office before your arrival.

For more information, please see the HCPSS website.

Late Arrivals – Late arrivals for illness or an appointment require a note from the parent, doctor, or for a parent to sign the student in at the front office upon arriving.

Absences

The Maryland Department of Education (MSDE) has defined full and partial day attendance as follows: 

• A student is counted present for a full day if the student is in attendance four hours or more of the school day.
• A student is counted present for half day if the student is in attendance for at least two hours of the school day, but less than four hours.
• A student scheduled for less than a full day is to be counted present based on the amount of time he/she is scheduled.
• The school must receive a note from the parent or physician explaining the absence/tardiness of a student within two school days of the student's return or the absence/tardiness will be unlawful/unexcused. We cannot accept notes written by siblings. 

A doctor's certificate is required in cases of long-term absence due to illness. A note should also be submitted to request early dismissal or exclusion from activities (e.g., physical education). Chronic absences are referred to the Office of Student Services.  

If you are planning an extended absence due to travel, please submit the Extended or Discretionary Absence form, which can be found here. All Extended or Discretionary Absent Forms must be submitted two weeks in advance of the absence start date.

Student absences should be sent to Amber Beale in Student Services at amber_beale@hcpss.org or by calling 410-313-8711.

For more information, please see the HCPSS website.