Feb. 3, 2023 Vol. 6, Issue 13
THIS ISSUE: IMPORTANT DATES • SAFETY UPDATE • THE OAK • ACROSS HENRICO COUNTY • VOICE YOUR VIEWS • SCHOOL BOARD CORNER • SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH • FAMILY WORKSHOPS • NOMINATE YOUR TEACHER • EVENTS AND DEADLINES • FREE ONLINE TUTORING • THANK A SCHOOL COUNSELOR
|
|
|
Welcome to the Binder! Look for new editions in your inbox approximately every two weeks, for news and reminders from Henrico County Public Schools.
|
|
|
Feb. 9: School Board work session
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
|
|
|
An update on school safety
|
|
|
Weapons and threats have no place in our schools. HCPS is committed to doing whatever possible to strengthen school security measures and support our students and staff. These include:
- A field test of metal detectors later this month at multiple schools across the division, supplementing the increased layers of safety already in place.
- Reviewing the recommendations of a Blue Ribbon Safety Panel.
- Continuing to work in tandem with the Henrico County government and police on our joint safety task force. The task force will hold Teen Summit RVA on March 18, a regional event with a focus on violence and other challenges faced by students.
|
|
|
|
The former Highland Springs High School was rededicated in January as the Oak Avenue Complex. It’s no secret that challenges students face outside of school — such as a lack of health care or nutritious food — can affect their success in the classroom. In addition to academic and career programs, "The Oak" will create a one-stop shop where students and families can connect with groups providing the services they need. Similar hubs are envisioned for other areas of Henrico County. The Oak is also home to the secondary campus of An Achievable Dream Certified Academy, and temporary home to the ACE Center at Highland Springs while the center is being renovated.
|
|
|
From showcasing innovation to creating abstract portraits, a roundup of cool stuff happening at HCPS schools
|
|
Supporting students' behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health at Varina High School
|
|
|
Dance, Penguins, dance! A flash mob surprises families at Seven Pines Elementary School
|
|
What would government students at the Academy at Virginia Randolph change about Henrico County?
|
|
|
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. Please complete the survey by Feb. 17.
Thank you for your time and for sharing your views!
|
|
|
School Board Corner: Budget planning underway for 2023-2024 HCPS budget
|
|
|
At its Jan. 26 meeting, the school board received the Superintendent’s Recommended 2023-2024 operating budget. The $618 million general fund spending plan 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 have a public hearing on the budget Feb. 9 at New Bridge Auditorium and will tentatively approve a budget with any amendments at the Feb. 23 School Board meeting. Watch for updates about the 2023-2024 budget as the process moves forward.
|
|
|
Thanks to our School Board members!
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Winter workshops underway: HCPS’ Bridge Builders Academy workshop series is about giving you the information you need and building community connections. The winter edition of the series includes something for everyone, with virtual and in-person workshops presented by relevant specialists:
- Pre-K information: Feb. 6 at noon (virtual Spanish and Arabic sessions)
- Pre-K information: Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. (virtual English session)
- Accessing Henrico Libraries: Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. (Oak Avenue Complex)
- Resume-writing for Beginners: March 14 at 6 p.m. (Oak Avenue Complex)
- HCPS ExEd Expo: March 21 at 5:30 p.m. (Henrico High School)
|
|
|
Remember that special teacher?
|
|
|
Of course you do. We all remember that teacher who nurtured our love of learning. 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. Nominations are due by Feb 21.
|
|
|
|
Upcoming events and deadlines
|
Candidates for your calendar:
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
National School Counseling Week (Feb. 6-10) honors the critical and unique contributions of our school counselors! HCPS school counselors help our students with academic achievement, college- and career-readiness, social and emotional development, and mental and behavioral health. Please take a moment to thank a school counselor this week!
|
|
|
|
