August 15, 2024 Update:
Joined by hundreds of students, families, community members, and distinguished guests, Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) cut the ribbon Thursday on Ashland Elementary School (AES), officially marking the opening of the new school.
AES is the first school constructed in Hanover County since Laurel Meadow Elementary School opened in 2008 and will open on Monday, August 19 for the start of the 2024-25 school year. The school unites Henry Clay Elementary School, which served students in pre-K through second grade, and John M. Gandy Elementary School, which served students in third through fifth grades.
“This state-of-the art facility represents more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies our commitment to providing Ashland students with the best possible environment for their learning and growth,” said Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, HCPS Interim Superintendent. “With spacious and bright classrooms that were designed to foster innovation, collaborative space to facilitate unity, and recognition of the rich histories of both Henry Clay and John M. Gandy elementary schools, Ashland Elementary School is a school that will be a beacon in the community it serves.”
Said AES Principal Ms. Kristin Haas: “Today is truly a great day for Ashland Elementary School. We are deeply excited for the opening of Ashland Elementary School and the unification of two schools that are honored and celebrated in this new school building. This facility not only strengthens our school community, but provides our students with enhanced resources and opportunities for growth. Together, we are building a brighter future for all our students for generations to come.”
During the ceremony, students led the Pledge of Allegiance while the NJROTC unit from nearby Patrick Henry High School presented the colors. Following remarks from representatives from the Interim Superintendent, Hanover County School Board, Hanover County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Ashland, and other distinguished guests, students participated in a brief ceremony in which they poured orange and blue (the school colors) sand into a vase as a symbol of the unity of the two schools. During the groundbreaking ceremony in December 2022, students also poured sand to display their unity.
“As we celebrate the opening of Ashland Elementary School, we are reminded of the power of education and of our teachers’ impact in transforming the lives of our students,” said School Board Chairman Bob May of the South Anna District. “On behalf of the School Board, I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors for their shared vision to provide high-quality learning environments for our students; the community for their support; and, for all of the team members who helped this school open on time.”
Said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sue Dibble of the South Anna District: “What a truly exciting day this is for Hanover County and, more importantly, a special day for our students, our teachers, and our families. This is a cornerstone of our commitment to outstanding educational opportunities for our Hanover children. This school is more than just a beautiful building; it represents an investment in the future of our community.”
Following the ceremony, which was held in the gymnasium of the new school building, guests had the opportunity to get a glimpse of the new school, visiting designated areas, such as one of the music rooms, classrooms, the cafeteria, and more. As part of the open house-style tours, several of five collaboration spaces were open to the public. These spaces will be used by the school’s five “houses” – a system that helps to instill important character traits such as innovation, empathy, and respect in students.
Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, a Charlottesville-based architectural firm, led the design of the school and Southwood Builders, an Ashland-based construction company, is the general contractor for the project. Construction remains ongoing as the finishing touches are put in place prior to the first day of school.
The construction of AES is the first of several school construction projects currently underway in HCPS. The replacement school buildings of Battlefield Park Elementary School, Beaverdam Elementary School, and Washington-Henry Elementary School have all begun.
More information on the AES construction project can be found
on the HCPS website.
August 14, 2024 Reminder:
Quick Facts:
- HCPS will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 15 at 9 a.m. to mark the opening of Ashland Elementary School.
- Families and community members are welcome to attend.
- The event will feature a ceremony followed by refreshments and self-guided tours of the new school. As staff continue to prepare for the first day of school, including Ashland’s Back to School Night later that day, the building will remain open to the public until 10:30 a.m.
Full Message/Details:
Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
We hope you are having a great week. We are writing today with an important reminder regarding the upcoming opening of Ashland Elementary School (AES).
As we shared with you last month,
we will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 15 at 9 a.m. to mark the opening of the new school. Families and community members are welcome to attend. The event will feature a ceremony followed by refreshments and self-guided tours of the state-of-the-art building.
As staff continue to prepare for the first day of school, including the school’s Back to School Night later that day, the building will remain open to the public until 10:30 a.m. Additionally, if possible, we encourage attendees to carpool with others who plan to attend the ribbon cutting event.
AES families: As a reminder, this event is separate from Back to School Night. At Back to School Night, you will have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, pay fees, and tour the new building.
We look forward to officially opening the first new school building in our county since 2008 and appreciate your continued support.
Thank you.
Hanover County Public Schools
July 25, 2024 Update:
Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
We hope you are having a great week. We are writing today with an important update regarding the ribbon cutting ceremony for Ashland Elementary School.
We are incredibly excited about the opening of Ashland Elementary School this fall – the first new school opening in Hanover County since 2008. As we shared with you last month, the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new school was scheduled for Monday, July 29. To allow construction crews additional time to complete their important work in building a state-of-the-art facility that will serve generations to come, the ceremony has been postponed to Thursday, August 15 at 9 a.m. Families and community members remain welcome to attend.
Please be assured that the new school will be ready to welcome students to Ashland Elementary School for the start of the school year next month.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding, and hope that you will continue to join us in our excitement over this historic construction project. As always, for more information about the Ashland Elementary School construction project, please visit
our website.
Thank you.
Hanover County Public Schools
Original June 2024 Message:
Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
We hope you had a great weekend. We are writing today to share exciting news regarding the opening of Ashland Elementary School (AES).
We will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Ashland Elementary School on Monday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! The special
10 a.m. ceremony that will include school and county leaders, students, and other distinguished guests will be followed by
guided tours of the new school. The ceremony will be held outside the new building and guided tours inside will follow the ceremony. Families and local community members are welcome to attend.
The opening of Ashland Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year will be the first new school opening in Hanover County since Laurel Meadow Elementary School opened in 2008. AES will consolidate Henry Clay and John M. Gandy elementary schools, and serve pre-K through fifth grade students.
For more information about the Ashland Elementary School construction project, please visit
our website.
Thank you for your continued support and for joining us in our excitement as we unveil the new school!
Hanover County Public Schools