On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, the Howard County Board of Education approved adjustments to Policy 8080 – Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media, and the Student Code of Conduct that is intended to reduce the use of personal devices by students during the student day. The policy changes will take effect on Monday, March 3, 2025. While…
As cannabis products become more potent, experts are sounding the alarm about their effects on teens and young adults. With THC levels in today’s products often exceeding 90%, the risks are higher than ever. Research shows that More THC, More Often = More Risks, including addiction, cognitive impairments, and serious mental health issues like anxiety,…
As we reach the midpoint of the school year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all our students. One of the most critical issues we face as a school community is bullying, which can have lasting effects on children’s well-being, social…
This blog post was submitted by an anonymous Howard County parent Ah, the Super Bowl… the time-honored annual tradition of eating, drinking, and yelling at the T.V. True fans love to feel like they are right out on the field as part of the team, while other members of the crew like to have a…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member The unrelenting pressure to find someone, anyone (?), to love in February can run a close second to the sinking feeling of realizing you have no one to plant a kiss on as you usher in the new year. Am I right? But, fret no more…this year,…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member. When I was a new parent of babies and toddlers, my anxieties were constant. Besides the general stress of keeping a tiny human alive, I worried about my child’s sleep, nutrition and overall happiness, among other equally important issues- no small feat! Now that I am a…
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain condition that affects millions, with only 25% of people who use alcohol or drugs meeting the criteria for a diagnosis, according to SAMHSA. Despite its medical basis, stigma often leads to discrimination, like job loss or limited access to care, and discourages many from seeking treatment. Research…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member. “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”– Red Sanders Organized sports are a rite of passage for kids everywhere in the U.S. Starting as early as preschool, children join teams or participate in individual sports (swimming, golf or gymnastics, to name a few), benefitting not only physically,…
Submitted by an anonymous Howard County college student. Hey there! 💭 Let’s talk about mental health. It’s a huge part of your overall well-being, but there’s still a lot of confusion and stigma around it. So, let’s clear things up and bust some of the biggest myths about mental health. Spoiler alert: Taking care of…
Medetomidine, a potent veterinary sedative, has recently been detected as an adulterant in illicit street drugs, particularly in combination with opioids like fentanyl. This trend has been observed in various U.S. cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City. The addition of medetomidine to street drugs poses serious risks, as its sedative effects are not…
