|
HCPSS 2024 Free Summer Meal Program
The Howard County Public School System's free summer meal program will run weekdays, June 24 to August 2, on days schools are open. Meals will be provided to any HCPSS students, any children age 18 and under and to students participating in HCPSS summer programs. Site locations available across the county.
Howard County Food Connection Map
View the Food Connection Map to see the 2024 Farmer's Market schedule and the HCPSS Summer Meal Program sites. The map helps Howard County families find low-cost, accessible food and nutrition resources.
| |
The NEW Roving Radish Mobile Market connects Howard County residents with affordable, healthy and farm fresh food. The van will make 12 stops each week throughout the County this Summer. Learn more on the Roving Radish Mobile Marketplace page.
| |
|
Roving Radish Meal Kits
Add healthy variety to your family meals this summer with Roving Radish Meal Kits. Children can help with dinner since the pre-assembled kits provide easy prep. The produce (dicing, slicing, cubing, etc.) and portioning spices, liquids and condiments for the recipes is done for you. Each week you can order from two different meal kit options: a Meat Meal Kit and a Veggie Meal Kit. Each meal kit includes two recipes with four generous servings. Cost is $40 per kit ($20 per kit for subsidized). To learn more about meal kits, food options and pick up locations, visit the Roving Radish online.
| | Howard County Library System invites everyone to spend time reading with the library this summer. It’s easy to participate in the Summer Reading Adventures: pick the game that’s right for you and then choose your own adventures as you talk, read, sing, write, and play to win prizes! Visit a branch to pick up a gameboard or play online at READsquared. Each time you read or do an activity, you complete a step toward finishing the game. When you complete all your adventures, visit any HCLS branch and pick up a prize in August while supplies last. Share this fun video with your children to learn more. | |
|
Summer is almost here!
With summer just a few weeks away, your family is probably engaging in more outdoor activities - going to your local playground, community pool, or just having fun outside your home. A few important reminders to play it safe in the sun are;
- Stay hydrated-drink lots of water.
- Apply sunscreen every two hours.
- Make sure you and your child(ren) take frequent breaks from the heat.
- Check playground equipment to make sure it is not hot to the touch.
- Wear appropriate footwear for outdoor play.
- Never leave small children unattended on playground equipment or at a pool.
Summer heat also invites the need for a cool refreshing snack. Here is a healthy option that is easy to make: Quick Icebox Sandwiches
| | |
|
Explore through Movement and Play
Physical activity exercises the mind just as much as the body! Going outside is one of the easiest ways for your child to explore and learn about their surroundings. Try taking a step back and allow them to be curious in a safe environment. Allow your child to play with simple objects to expand their imagination through play as they grow. If it is raining outside, try giving them a few household objects and see how creative they can be! To receive tips directly to your phone, sign up for Basics Insights weekly text messages with suggestions based on your child’s developmental stage, from birth to age five. For more ideas, view "How Children Learn to Explore through Movement and Play" in English or Spanish.
| |
|
Tips for Talking to Your Child About Their Artwork
Children are constantly creating art, whether it’s drawing, using clay, painting, building with blocks, or other forms of artistic expression. As parents and caregivers of young children, we’ve all been asked “Do you like it?” Answering this question can feel daunting – well, of course you like it…but, what is it? There is no perfect answer, but you can be curious, ask questions and point out details to celebrate their work. Find more tips to help you talk to your child about their artwork here.
| |
|
Tune in to the June HoCoCommunity Podcast
How can the community create a meaningful summer for youth struggling with mental health? The June episode of the HoCo Community Chat podcast focuses on the topic of youth development and community needs, especially as the school year is ending.
Department of Community Resources and Services director and host Jackie Scott chats with: Chisha Johnson, founder and executive director of The Jacaranda Center for Family and Youth Development, Inc.; Brawnlyn Patterson, co-chair, Howard County Local Leadership Team; and Kim Eisenreich, administrator, Howard County Office of the Local Children’s Board. Listen on Buzzsprout or wherever you get your podcasts.
| |
|
June 7, 3 to 7 p.m. / North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723
Featuring rock painting, naloxone training, prizes and fun for the whole family. Plus, enjoy Nia Fitness demos at 4 and 5 p.m. For more information, contact Kaymisha Knights at kknights@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-6202.
| |
|
Bike Safety Tips for the Whole Family
From wearing helmets to understanding hand signals and navigating intersections safely, educating children about the importance of biking safely is important for their protection and the safety of those around them. Many children enjoy riding their bikes especially in summertime – it’s fun, healthy and a great way to be independent. But, it’s important to remember that a bicycle is a vehicle, and not a toy. Share these bike safety tips for a safer ride.
| | |
June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. / North Laurel Community Center
9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723
If you are looking for available programs and resources to assist you and your family, check out DCRS’s community resource fair, “Unity in the Community,” on June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center. This FREE and fun event will feature family services and exhibitors, music, a moon bounce, food giveaways, arts and crafts, and raffles and prizes. For questions and/or more information about this event, contact Triston Cooper at 410-313-6549.
| |
|
Is your child ready for kindergarten?
Fall 2024 registration for new students or students entering public school kindergarten is underway for all Howard County Public Schools. Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland; children that turn five by September 1, 2024 are eligible to start kindergarten this fall. For more information, download the registration flier in English, Chinese, Spanish and Korean. Learn more about readiness in the June Kindergarten Readiness Newsletter.
Find more school readiness resources:
- Early Learning Video Portal
Ready At Five has partnered with Young Audiences/Arts for Learning with support from the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood to create the Early Learning Video Portal. Free for all Maryland families, these early learning videos engage young children and care providers in joyful arts experiences, with instruction by Wolf Trap teaching artists. Learn more and view the video portal.
- Getting your child ready for Kindergarten video
Nervous about your child’s transition from preschool to kindergarten? In this video, watch and learn how an early care and education provider partners with a father to ensure his child’s success. Also available in Spanish.
| | | |
Share the Parent Pages link with others, or encourage them to subscribe and sign up today!
| | | | | |
