Feb. 17, 2023 Vol. 6, Issue 14
THIS ISSUE: CALENDAR REMINDER • IMPORTANT DATES • SCHOOL BOARD CORNER • BOARD-CERTIFIED TEACHERS • NOMINATE A TEACHER • ACROSS HENRICO COUNTY • VOICE YOUR VIEWS • SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH • SUBSTITUTES EARN MORE ON FRIDAYS • FAMILY WORKSHOPS • POETRY SLAM • FREE ONLINE TUTORING • ADULT EDUCATION
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Welcome to The Binder! Look for new editions in your inbox approximately every two weeks, for news and reminders from Henrico County Public Schools.
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Don't forget: On Monday, schools and offices are closed and Tuesday is a student holiday for the special election. In early January, the 2022-23 HCPS calendar was modified to add two days off and accommodate Tuesday's special election for the 4th Congressional District. The days off use "banked" instructional time that isn't needed for inclement weather closings or other emergencies. Today had been eyed as a tentative holiday using banked time, but that was shifted to Monday, to give students consecutive days off, with a four-day weekend, instead of bringing students back for a Monday instructional day between holidays.
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Feb. 20: Schools and offices closed using banked inclement weather time
Feb. 21: Special election (student holiday and staff professional learning day)
Feb. 23: School Board work session and monthly meeting
March 10: Schools and offices closed - Wellness Day
March 31: Student half day/teacher clerical day
April 3-7: Spring Break (student and teacher holiday; offices closed to the public)
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School Board Corner: Safety, budget updates
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Field tests underway for metal detectors and scanners: HCPS puts the safety of its students and staff first. Even with multifaceted safety procedures in place, the school division continuously explores new resources, technologies and best practices to support and maintain schools and campuses that are both secure and conducive to learning. As part of our ongoing efforts, the division is field-testing metal detectors and scanners in schools across Henrico County. Division leaders selected schools across the county’s five magisterial districts, representing campus-style and traditional school buildings, for the field test. The field test is underway now, with the installation of equipment and staff training taking place. For security reasons, the school division is not sharing the specific dates that detectors will be used at participating schools. The field test will end before Spring Break.
Budget update: A public hearing was held Feb. 9 to get your input on the Superintendent’s Recommended 2023-2024 Annual Financial Plan, which includes a significant investment in instructional resources for our students, expanded programming in our ACE Centers, ongoing implementation of the division’s literacy initiative and growth of An Achievable Dream Certified Academy to include eighth grade students.The School Board will vote on the budget, with any amendments, at the Feb. 23 School Board meeting.
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HCPS leads Virginia in educators earning profession's highest mark of accomplishment
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Tuesday is the deadline to nominate a teacher
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Feb. 21 is the deadline to nominate an HCPS teacher for the 2023 REB Awards for Teaching Excellence. Each year, about 15 outstanding area teachers receive cash grants to support professional development. Recipients have earned graduate degrees, climbed mountains and traced their ancestors — all to reignite their passion for learning and to pass it on to their students.
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From the arts to agriculture, civics to geology, a roundup of innovative lessons happening at HCPS schools
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A forum at Deep Run High School leads "uncomfortable conversations" about mental health
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Valentine's Day irony? An A.P. English literature class at Henrico H.S. discusses love and "Othello"
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At George Moody M.S., Valentine's Day was all about discovering new loves — like drumming, henna and dance.
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Survey opportunities: Your views are important, and there are opportunities in February and March to help chart the future of education:
2023 HCPS Survey: Each year, HCPS families, staff members, and students in grades 3-12 are surveyed to see what we do well, how we can improve and what course we should follow. The survey questions are centered on the four cornerstones of our strategic plan. This year, the surveys will be given from March 6-31. Parents and guardians can preview the student survey questions now and see FAQ. If for any reason you don’t want your child to take the survey, please contact your student’s school. Visit our survey page to learn more.
VDOE Speak Up Research Project: The Virginia Department of Education is working with Project Tomorrow to survey educators and families about their views on instructional technology and virtual learning. The voluntary survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential. Data from the surveys will help the VDOE develop its 2023-28 educational technology plan, as well as provide information to schools and school divisions. The survey deadline has been extended to Feb. 24.
Thank you for your time and for sharing your views!
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Thanks to our School Board members!
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February is School Board and School Board Clerk Appreciation Month. The theme of this year's celebration, “Rising to the Challenge" reflects the service of School Board members as they advocate for public education, students and employees. Board members devote countless hours to developing policy and making tough decisions on complex educational and social issues impacting the entire community. Please join Dr. Cashwell in saying "Thank you" to our amazing School Board members!
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Interested in substitute teaching? To meet an increasing demand for substitute teachers on Fridays, HCPS increased the daily rate for classroom substitute teachers to $131. The new rate is $25 above the Monday through Thursday rate of $106. Substitute teaching is a good fit for those seeking a flexible schedule, including retired teachers who want to stay connected with students and colleagues. The increase does not apply to other substitute positions or long-term substitute teachers.
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Black History Month Poetry Slam 2023 will take place Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Oak Avenue Complex, 15 S. Oak Ave. in Highland Springs. The event features select middle and high school students speaking on the theme "I have a dream, too." The event is presented by the HCPS Department of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity, in collaboration with the Henrico County NAACP and Too Smart to Start.
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Now available for students in grades 4 and 5! For students struggling with homework, sometimes questions can’t wait until the next class. In addition to secondary students, personalized online tutoring has been expanded to include students in grades 4 and 5. HCPS has contracted with tutoring service FEV Tutor to provide one-on-one online support after school hours and during designated school hours. A January workshop about the program is available on video in English, Spanish and Arabic.
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HCPS' Adult Education program is one of the best-kept secrets in the Richmond area — and registration is going on now for spring classes! Some advantages of HCPS adult ed classes:
- A wide range of courses
- Experienced teachers
- Convenient times, in person and virtual
- Often a fraction of the cost of other programs:
- Our top-rated licensed practical nursing program costs around $2,800, vs. $20,000
- Our medical coding program costs less than $1,000, vs. $10,000
- Designed to propel your career — and life — forward
- Vocational classes and certifications, from medical classes to computers to upholstery
- GED programs
- English classes for new Virginians who don’t speak English
- Enrichment classes in languages, computers, art and more
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