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Dear Families,
As the start of the school year quickly approaches, we want to share some quick facts to help you better prepare. Please keep this information handy as you plan ahead. We are excited to see our students soon!
First Day of School
- Monday, August 19 is the first day of school for kindergarten, first grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade.
- All students will attend on Tuesday, August 20. It will be an A Day for middle and high school students.
Read our full message
on our website.
Start and End Times
- Elementary Schools: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Three schools (Cool Spring Elementary School, Laurel Meadow Elementary School, and Mechanicsville Elementary School) will once again operate on a shifted schedule of 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. to help ensure our transportation service is as efficient as possible.
- Middle Schools: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- High Schools: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
School Calendar
- Find the 2024-25 school calendar
on our website.
- Access
the A/B calendar for middle and high schools.
School Meals
- Before the start of the school year, either complete the
free or reduced meals application (search for Hanover County Public Schools) or ensure your student has money in
their LINQ account.
- Meal prices are available
on the HCPS website.
- School menus can also be found
on LINQ (directions below).
Read our full message
on our website.
Transportation
- Find your bus stop and schedule in
the Parent Portal on PowerSchool.
- If your bus assignment is not visible in PowerSchool, please submit a transportation request by
completing this form.
- We kindly ask for your patience, grace, and kindness – especially in the first few weeks of the school year – as we work to provide you and your family the best service possible
Read our full message
on our website.
Required Forms
- Use
the PowerSchool Parent Portal to access, complete, and submit the Student Information Verification Form and other school forms.
- The deadline to submit these forms is Friday, September 13.
- A new form allows families to indicate their preference regarding their student’s access to library books and materials. Read more
on our website.
Read our full message
on our website.
Mobile Device Policy
- Students are prohibited from using any mobile device (cell phones, smart watches, and headphones, including ear buds) during the instructional day. This includes class changes and lunches. The full policy can be found online (
Elementary |
Secondary).
- Failure to follow these requirements will result in disciplinary action and the item(s) will be confiscated, requiring a parent/guardian to pick up their student’s device from school.
- Parents/guardians are an important part of the success of this updated policy, which was made to support our students’ academic environment and mental health. Please review the policy with your student(s) in advance of the school year.
Read our full message
on our website.
Chromebook Usage
- Chromebooks are to be utilized only for accessing content related to school assignments, and the misuse of Chromebooks may result in serious consequences for violations of
the Acceptable Use Policy in accordance with
the Code of Student Conduct.
- A new tool (Securly Classroom) will allow HCPS teachers to guide, monitor, and communicate with students on their Chromebooks to help ensure that students are engaged and focused on learning during instructional time.
- Please discuss the importance of responsible Chromebook usage with your student(s) prior to the first day of school.
Read our full message
on our website.
Clear Bag Procedure
- On August 1, we enacted a clear bag procedure for all spectators at high school stadiums and gymnasiums as a proactive step and additional layer of security, building upon our extensive safety procedures.
- The procedure applies – at this time – to high school football for the fall sports season and high school basketball for the winter sports season as a soft rollout. It is not in place for other events.
- The change is consistent with established practices at collegiate and professional venues (as well as a growing number of K-12 school divisions) and builds on our extensive safety efforts.
- More details, including FAQs and the specific list of prohibited items, can be found in
this guidance document.
Read our full message
on our website.
Artificial Intelligence Guidelines
- HCPS regularly adapts in response to evolving technologies to help ensure students are prepared for life beyond high school.
- HCPS has created
artificial intelligence guidelines for students, educators, and families in response to the growing usage of the technology.
- Families play an important role in AI’s responsible usage and the guidelines include information and resources for families.
Read our full message
on our website.
Stay Connected
-
ParentSquare – new communications platform (read more
on our website) that features email, text, and/or app notifications.
- Schoology – view your student’s classes and assignments (
Parents |
Students)
-
HCPS website – find up-to-date information on the school division, including the calendar, directory, and more.
- HCPS Social Media – stay informed about division announcements, events, and more (
Facebook |
Instagram |
X).
-
PowerSchool – view your student’s grades and attendance records.
-
Online School Payments – pay your student’s fees online (i.e. dues, parking, library, etc.)
We hope this is helpful as you plan ahead. We are excited to welcome our students back into our buildings and wish you a great start to the school year! As always, thank you for your continued patience, support, and understanding as we work at all levels to provide a top-tier education to our outstanding students.
Hanover County Public Schools