Family File Free and Reduced Meals

 

Family File

It's time to update your child's Family File information in HCPSS Connect! Family File provides emergency contact and other important information for students within the Howard County Public School System. Completing Family File also ensures you are receiving importation information and updates for HCPSS and Thunder Hill Elementary.  This information must be updated EACH school year for EACH child. Parents who have forgotten their login credentials for Family File may click the “Forgot Password” link on the sign-in page. If you need additional assistance, please call the school at 410-313-6922.

A video tutorial that explains the Family File process and written Family File directions can be found below:

• Video Tutorial 
• Family File Directions
• Spanish Version 

Please note, updating your Family File is the only way families will be able to view teacher assignments for the upcoming school year.  These class lists will be available August 23, 2023. In addition, the school needs this critical information prior to the first day of school.

If you have not completed your Family File for the current school year, please complete the following:

• Log in to HCPSS Connect   
• Select the Family File tab
• Then click on Family File
• Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to provide or update the following information:
• Student information
• Parent/guardian contact
• Emergency contacts
• Medical information
• Arrival/dismissal procedures
• Media release (photo approval)
• Data confidentiality
• PTA/PTSA directory

Changes of address may not be made through Family File. If you have recently moved, please contact THES at 410-313-6922 as soon as possible as we need to update your address in our files as well.

 

Free and Reduced Meals Program (FARMS)

Breakfast and Lunch will only be free or reduced for children of families who qualify for the Free and Reduced Meals Program.  Applications must be submitted to determine eligibility.

Families are reminded that the federal government has NOT extended waivers allowing free meals for all students. Consequently, for the 2022-2023 school year, students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will be required to pay the daily meal price. 

·         Student Lunch - $2.80

Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals. 

Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.

Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program are available online. Use the link below to apply.

FARMS Online Application Link

https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

 Did You Know??

Participation in the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program qualifies students for the following opportunities: 

• Access to HCPSS Pre-K program. 

• Free registration fees for SAT and SAT I subject tests 

• Free registration for ACT tests 

• Reduced AP exam registration fees. 

• Up to four free college applications 

• Reduced tuition for HCPSS Summer Programs (High School, G/T Summer Institute, CTE, Summer Institute) 

• Reduced tuition for HCPSS Innovative Pathways Program which offers an evening and summer program 

• Reduced tuition for HCPSS Digital Education Program which promotes anywhere, anytime learning 

• Free or reduced JumpStart tuition offered through our dual enrollment partnership with Howard Community College 

• Free access to participate in the Outdoor Education Program for 6th graders. Contact the sixth-grade team leader at your child’s school for more information. 

• Free registration for the NCAA Clearinghouse for DI or DII athletics 

• Discounted internet through Comcast Internet Essentials program 

Students may be eligible for these additional opportunities: 

• Reduced health insurance coverage through Maryland Children’s Health Programs 

• Reduced Columbia Association (CA) membership fees and access to the CA Youth and Teen Center 

• Tuition-based scholarship at Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts 

• Reduced Howard County Rec and Park Program fees (applies to before- and after-care; after-school clubs; sports leagues) 

• Reduced YMCA fees (applies to before- and-after- school enrichment; preschool; summer camp) 

• Free Head Start classes or Pre-K through the Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard County 

• Access to Child Care Subsidy program through the Maryland State Department of Education 

• Access to Bridges to Housing Stability 

• Access to CAC Housing Assistance and CAC Energy Assistance

• Disability resources, food supplement applications, and medical assistance applications through the Maryland Department of Human Resources