HCPSS participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student's eligibility. To apply, go to the HCPSS FARMs webpage.
HCPSS students and families can view menus and nutrition and allergen information for meals served in all HCPSS schools through the Nutrislice website and free smartphone app. Download the Nutrislice mobile app for iOS or Android.
Information on the HCPSS wellness policy and commitment to quality is available online.
Breakfast is free for students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Breakfast costs $2.00 for all other students.
Lunch is free for students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Lunch costs $2.80 for all other students.
HCPSS uses MySchoolBucks.com, an online meal payment system. This system allows families to easily manage student accounts and make payments online on personal computers and mobile devices.
A student may be admitted to a Maryland public school only if they have proof of required immunizations. Your physician may provide you with a Maryland Immunization Certificate or you may provide a copy of your immunization record. Records must be signed and dated by a Health Care Provider. Your child needs to provide proof of immunizations to begin school the first day.
Required immunizations for Kindergarten-Grade 5 school entry:
Pre-K Required Immunizations:
If you have any questions regarding immunizations, please feel free to contact us.
During registration, you will be asked to have the following forms completed:
If you child has special health concerns, please let the Health Room staff know as soon as possible. Some examples of health concerns include: asthma, food allergies, bee sting allergy, diabetes, seizures, heart conditions, etc. It is very important to keep us informed of these changes so we can meet your child’s health needs while they are at school. With parent permission, we will share this information with staff as necessary.
All medications should be given at home whenever possible. If it becomes necessary for your child to receive medication at school, a school medication order form will need to be completed and signed by your health care provider. Parent/Guardian permission is also required. The Health Room staff can provide you with the appropriate form. A school medication order form is required for all prescription and over-the-counter medications. Medications must be in their original container or pharmacy bottle with accurate label. Over the counter medications are required to be in an un-opened bottle. The first dose of medication must be given at home with the exception of emergency medications. Only an adult can deliver medications to the Health Room.
When completing the emergency information online, please include 3 different contacts. This is important if we need to reach you regarding your child’s health or an emergency.
Accidents happen and it is always a good idea to have a change of clothes available in your student’s backpack. Even if your child is older, having extra clothes available makes handling food spills and slips in mud faster, so your student may return to class to learn!
There are times when illness may prevent your child from attending school. Please consider the following information if your child does become ill to prevent the spread of illness and to help your child learn at his/her best:
If your child is injured such as a fracture or has surgery, please let the Health Room know. If physical restrictions are required (such as not participating in gym or recess), a doctor’s note will be required. For long-term restrictions, a physical assessment form can be provided to be filled out by your doctor.
The Health Room team includes a School Health Assistant and a School Nurse. Our goal is to keep FRES a healthy and safe learning environment for students. If you have any health concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us at (410) 880-5950.
The school system does not carry medical insurance for accidents that occur at school, including non-sport related injuries, such as trips and falls, physical education injuries, and recess/playground injuries. Thus, parents are encouraged to enroll students in the accident insurance program offered through HCPSS.
Learn more about how to obtain accident insurance →
The Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) is available for families, pregnant women, and children in need of medical insurance. Applications are available through the school health assistant or by contacting the Howard County Health Department at 410-313-7500.