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March 3, 2023 Vol. 6, Issue 15
THIS ISSUE: CALENDAR REMINDER • IMPORTANT DATES • SCHOOL BOARD CORNER • SURVEY STARTS MONDAY • OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS • REVIEW THE MOU • ACROSS HENRICO COUNTY • FAMILY WORKSHOPS • KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION • REGISTER NOW FOR PRESCHOOL • "CTE NOW" PODCAST
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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.
Don't forget that schools and offices are closed March 10 for a wellness day.
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March: Youth Art Month and Music in Our Schools Month
March 6-10: National School Breakfast Week, National School Social Work Week and National Foreign Language Week
March 9: School Board work session
March 10: Schools and offices closed - wellness day
March 23: School Board work session and monthly meeting
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: Investing in education begins with investing in educators
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Historic raises: We are excited about the planned 8.2% raise for HCPS staff members for the 2023-24 school year! The increase would be the largest divisionwide pay raise in 33 years. HCPS will also boost its minimum wage to $15 per hour. This investment in our amazing staff is a key part of ensuring that HCPS continues to attract the best educators and support staff in central Virginia.
These pay adjustments for eligible staff members are part of a larger series of moves to strengthen our workforce, address staffing shortages and build on the school division's tradition of excellence. The initiatives include our new Opportunity Schools program and our referral bonus plan.
What happens next? Under the county’s unified pay plan, the Henrico Board of Supervisors must consider and approve compensation changes as part of the municipal budget this spring.
HCPS budget: In other budget news, at the Feb. 23 monthly meeting the Board approved the 2023-2024 Annual Financial Plan. The budget includes a significant investment in instructional resources for our students, expanded programming at our ACE centers, ongoing implementation of the division’s literacy initiative and expansion of An Achievable Dream Certified Academy to include eighth grade students.
Congratulations to Dr. Amy Cashwell, who was named Region 1 Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and is now a contender for the commonwealth’s Superintendent of the Year award! Since her arrival in 2018, Dr. Cashwell has been a champion for innovation, family and community engagement, and personalized, student-centered learning. We couldn't be more proud to work with her as we implement our comprehensive strategic plan, Destination 2025: A Plan for HCPS, and build on our division's success. Thank you for all you do, Dr. Cashwell!
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Today is National Day of Unplugging, a time when families are encouraged to limit screen time, unplug for a while and enjoy activities without a device. In schools, HCPS teachers and staff intentionally balance screen time with hands-on activities and direct instruction to engage students in their learning. According to a 2020 study by Pew Research Center, 88% of parents with a child age 11 or younger say the most common device their child engages with is the television followed by tablets (67%) and smartphones (60%).
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2023 HCPS Survey starts Monday
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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 window will be open from March 6-31.
- On Monday, each parent or guardian registered in a student’s file should receive an email with the subject line "Henrico School Survey 2023." All parents and guardians are invited to complete the survey.
- The survey questions are centered on the four cornerstones of our strategic plan: Student Safety and Wellness, Academic Growth, Equity and Opportunity, and Relationships.
- Parents and guardians can visit our survey page to 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.
Thank you for your time and for sharing your views!
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Teacher shortages are a challenge for school divisions across the nation. HCPS' new “Opportunity School” initiative will help address critical staffing issues at Henrico County schools most affected by the shortages. Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, new and existing licensed instructional staff working at these schools will receive an annual compensation supplement of about $3,000. The schools will also get additional support to assist student learning, including permanent substitutes, a "teacher fellow," an additional administrator and specialized professional development opportunities.
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Review the MOU: Your input can help HCPS and Henrico Police work together for school safety
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Every two years HCPS and the Henrico County Police Division review our memorandum of understanding, or MOU. The MOU formally outlines the roles and responsibilities of HCPS and the police division in our day-to-day partnership. HCPS and Henrico Police want input from you — our staff, families and community members — as we conduct a biennial review and update of this important document.
Please take a minute to look at the current agreement and then fill out this short survey by March 24. Thank you for your input!
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Poetry Slam: HCPS middle and high school students captivated an audience at the Oak Avenue Complex.
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You won't believe all the ways the Henrico Education Foundation supports innovation across Henrico County.
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From making guacamole to "Totally Random Questions," check out these innovative lessons from HCPS schools
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Teacher Scholars: These former HCPS seniors have returned to Henrico — and now have their own classrooms.
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Kindergarten registration begins April 10
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Starting kindergarten is an exciting step for students and their families. Registration begins April 10! You'll be able register your child online or schedule an in-person appointment at your school. Watch for a kickoff event at your elementary school this spring.
To register as a kindergartner for the 2023-24 school year, your child must be 5 years old by Sept. 30. Registration information is coming soon!
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Apply now for HCPS Early Learning Preschool
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HCPS preschool students gain literacy and other skills using a developmentally appropriate, hands-on curriculum. Learn more about the preschool program available at select HCPS schools and use the prescreening tool at our Preschool page.
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HCPS has a podcast all about career and technical education! Career and technical education, or CTE, continues to evolve, with a new emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, the arts and math) and hands-on preparation for careers. Listen to "CTE Now" for interviews with business leaders, students and parents discussing how students can prepare for their futures by becoming college- and career-ready.
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