Family File Must Be Completed Every Year
The 2026-2027 Family File is now available to parents. HCPSS requires that your Family File is completed BEFORE you can see your child’s teacher on August 19th at 8:00 a.m. Only 27% of our THES families have completed their Family File. We are aiming to have 100% completion by this Friday!
Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect PARENT ACCOUNT and selecting the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left and then click on Family File.
Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:
- Student Information
- Parent/Guardian Contact
- Emergency Contacts
- Medical Information
- Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
- Photo Approval Data Confidentiality
- PTA/PTSA Directory
Again, it is important that you complete the Family File in order to receive the name of your child's teacher for the upcoming school year.
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - Family File Quick Reference English.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - family-file-quick-reference spanish.pdf
Free and Reduced Meals Application
Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) Program.
Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.
Families must submit a new application every school year. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.
Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely.
- Apply online
- Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Additionally, there are school staff available to support you and your child. Numerous supports are in place, and you are encouraged to take advantage of them whenever they are needed.
Answers to frequently asked questions on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or www.foodsvc@hcpss.org.
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
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