Top News – Henrico County Public Schools

Schedule set for HCPS 2021 redistricting process; public information sessions set for Sept. 9 and 11

August 13, 2019/in Top News /by Kevin Dykes

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Henrico, Va., Aug. 13, 2019 – Henrico County Public Schools is examining and redrawing elementary, middle and high school attendance zones for the 2021-22 school year. That redistricting process now has a timeline and a schedule of opportunities for the public to provide input.

The first opportunities for the public to learn more about the process will come on two evenings in September. There will be a public information session Sept. 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at New Bridge Learning Center auditorium, and an identical session Sept. 11 at Glen Allen High School.

In addition to the redistricting timeline, the committee that will collaborate on the work will soon be finalized. Applicants selected for the committee have been notified and are in the process of confirming their participation. Three hundred and eighty-five community members applied to participate. Each HCPS school attendance area will be represented on the committee.

In addition to attending public information sessions and School Board meetings, members of the public are welcome to attend redistricting committee meetings as observers.

Follow updates on this important process at https://henricoschools.us/redistricting2021/ and look for more ways to add your voice in coming months.

The timeline and schedule for the redistricting process:

Henrico County Public Schools Redistricting Process Timeline

June 6, 2019 (Thursday): Committee application process begins

Sept. 9, 2019 (Monday, New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.):

– 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Public information session

– 7:30-9 p.m.: Elementary Committee orientation

Sept. 11, 2019 (Wednesday, Glen Allen High School, 10700 Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen, Va.):

– 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Public information session

– 7:30-9 p.m.: Secondary Committee orientation

Sept. 12, 2019 (Thursday afternoon – check BoardDocs for time): Possible brief staff update at School Board afternoon work session (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Sept. 23, 2019 (Monday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Elementary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

Sept. 25, 2019 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Secondary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Sept. 26, 2019 (Thursday afternoon work session – check BoardDocs for time; monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m.): Possible brief staff update at School Board afternoon work session or monthly meeting; monthly meetings include public comment period. (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Oct. 7, 2019 (Monday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Elementary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

Oct. 9, 2019 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Secondary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Oct. 10, 2019 (Thursday afternoon – check BoardDocs for time): Possible brief staff update at School Board afternoon work session (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Oct. 21, 2019 (Monday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Elementary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

Oct. 23, 2019 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Secondary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Oct. 24, 2019 (Thursday afternoon work session – check BoardDocs for time; monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m.): Possible brief staff update at School Board afternoon work session or monthly meeting; monthly meetings include public comment period. (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Nov. 7, 2019 (Thursday, presentation at 6:30 p.m., gallery walk at 7 p.m.): Public information session and gallery walk (L. Douglas Wilder Middle School, 6900 Wilkinson Road, Henrico, Va.)

Nov. 13, 2019 (Wednesday, presentation at 6:30 p.m., gallery walk at 7 p.m.): Public information session and gallery walk (Mills Godwin High School, 2101 Pump Road, Henrico, Va.)

Nov. 14, 2019 (Thursday afternoon work session – check BoardDocs for time; monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m.): Possible brief staff update at School Board afternoon work session or monthly meeting; monthly meetings include public comment period. (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Dec. 4, 2019 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. – Snow date: Dec. 5, 2019): Elementary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Dec. 9, 2019 (Monday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. – Snow date: Dec.10, 2019): Secondary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

Dec. 12, 2019 (Thursday afternoon work session – check BoardDocs for time; monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m.): Possible brief staff update at School Board afternoon work session or monthly meeting; monthly meetings include public comment period. (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Jan. 7, 2020 (Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Elementary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

Jan. 8, 2020 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Secondary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Jan. 16, 2020 (Thursday): Report to School Board at work session – check BoardDocs for time (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Feb. 4, 2020 (Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Elementary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

Feb. 5, 2020 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Secondary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

Feb. 13, 2020 (Thursday, TBD): Report to School Board at work session – check BoardDocs for time (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

March 4, 2020 (Wednesday, presentation at 6:30 p.m., gallery walk at 7 p.m.): Public information session and gallery walk (L. Douglas Wilder Middle School, 6900 Wilkinson Road, Henrico, Va.)

March 5, 2020 (Thursday, presentation at 6:30 p.m., gallery walk at 7 p.m.): Public information session and gallery walk (Hermitage High School, 8301 Hungary Spring Road, Henrico, Va.)

March 12, 2020 (Thursday, TBD): Report to School Board at work session – check BoardDocs for time (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

April 1, 2020 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Elementary Committee meeting (Hungary Creek Middle School, 4909 Francistown Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

April 2, 2020 (Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Secondary Committee meeting (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

April 15, 2020 (Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.): Full Committee meeting (Henrico High School, 302 Azalea Ave., Henrico, Va.)

April 23, 2020 (Thursday, TBD): Presentation to the School Board (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

May 11, 2020 (Monday, TBD): Public hearing or public input session, pending approval (Glen Allen High School, 10700 Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen, Va.)

May 14, 2020 (Thursday, TBD): Public hearing or public input session, pending approval (New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va.)

May 28, 2020 (Thursday): School Board vote

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Weather: You’re too cool not to be in school

August 12, 2019/in Top News /by Kevin Dykes

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Henrico, Va. Aug. 12, 2019 – Sure it’s hot, but you’re cool. That’s why we need you in the Henrico County Public Schools family! As a new school year gets underway, bring your talents, caring, calmunder-pressure and overall coolness. Stop by a job fair Thursday at the definitely air-conditioned Eastern Henrico Recreation Center and talk with HCPS human resources representatives, as well as representatives from other departments.

We’re seeking candidates for bus drivers and school nutrition workers, as well as teachers in critical areas such as English, Spanish, math, technology, family and consumer sciences, and special education. We’re also seeking temporary instructional assistants, and our extended-day program needs great candidates for temporary teachers and instructional assistants.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance at www.henricoschools.us/careers.

Interested in driving a bus but don’t have driving experience? Qualified driver candidates will be paid as they train.

Henrico County Public Schools job fair
When: Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, Va. 23223

Questions? Contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664. Applicants without computer access or having trouble with the online application may contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664 or stop by the department office at 3820 Nine Mile Road in Henrico to use our computers and get help if needed.

Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must: be at least 21 years old; have a valid Virginia driver’s license; obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P (Transporting Passengers)/S (School Bus) and airbrakes; pass a physical and drug test and have no felony convictions.

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March 3, 2020 – Virginia’s primary day – will be an HCPS student holiday and a staff clerical day

August 8, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. Aug. 8, 2019 – In response to community and staff concerns about safety, the Henrico School Board voted at its Thursday work session to make March 3, 2020 a student holiday and staff clerical day. Virginia, along with a dozen other states, will hold its presidential primary elections that day, often referred to as “Super Tuesday.” Many HCPS schools serve as polling places.

Members of the public need easy access to school facilities to visit polling places in gyms, auditoriums and other school common areas. Because of this, schools are not able to screen visitors with the same thoroughness they use during a regular school day.

In a similar vote in March, the Board voted to close schools for the state primary election that took place June 11. The move was in response to concerns raised by some parents, staff and community members about school polling access.

The change will not require further changes to the 2019-20 school year, because the school division has enough time built into the calendar to accommodate the added holiday.

Students and families can expect further information from their schools if any plans need to be adjusted.

For Henrico County Public Schools’ updated 2019-20 calendar, visit www.henricoschools.us/calendars.

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Back-to-School Kickoff” set for Aug. 17 at Dorey Park

August 3, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va., Aug. 1, 2019 – While Sept. 3 will be the day students return to their classrooms, the excitement of the 2019-20 school year starts earlier, at Henrico Schools’ second annual “Back-to-School Kickoff.” The Aug. 17 event will be held at Henrico County’s Dorey Park. There will be a mix of family activities, including a DJ, food trucks, performances and onsite school registration.

Photo caption: Students visit the Short Pump Elementary School table at the first HCPS Back-to-School Kickoff, held in August 2018. HCPS schools and community organizations will again staff tables at this year’s edition of the divisionwide event, which will also feature music, kids’ activities, onsite school registration and food trucks.

The divisionwide event is sponsored by Henrico Schools’ Division of Communications and Community Engagement, and all Henrico County families are invited to attend.

Back-to-School Kickoff activities include:

An information fair (vendors with information about family resources).
School performances throughout the day.
Dorey Park Farmer’s Market.
DJ and dance contests.
Meet and talk with school leaders.
Kids’ activities.
Giveaways.
Food trucks on site.
Free books for all ages.
Free school supplies (first 50 students get a free bookbag).
Help with using Schoology and PowerSchool.
Math and reading activities.
Onsite school registration.
Complete online forms.
HCPS job-opportunities booth for prospective teachers, bus drivers and cafeteria workers.

Henrico Schools Back-to-School Kickoff
When: Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, Va.

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HCPS’ “Letter-of-Intent Signing Day” program wins workforce-readiness award from Virginia School Boards Association

July 29, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico Schools students don hardhats in April at Junior Achievement Finance Park at Henrico County’s Libbie Mill Library, as representatives of their future employers look on. The students took part in HCPS’ 2019 Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day.

Henrico, Va. July 24, 2019 – Henrico County Public Schools’ initiative to celebrate students entering the workforce has been recognized with a first-place award from the Virginia School Boards Association. Henrico Schools won first place among large Virginia school divisions in the 2019 Excellence in Workforce Readiness Awards for its Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day program.

The organization recognized the winners at its 2019 conference, held Tuesday in Richmond.

HCPS’ Letter-of-Intent Signing Day mimics ceremonies that honor high school athletes as they gather in gyms to sign letters-of-intent to play for NCAA athletic programs. The Henrico program recognizes students entering the workforce with a similar ceremony before family and members of the media.

“Preparing students for the workforce and making sure they have options for success is at the core of Henrico Schools’ mission,” said Beverly Cocke, the Henrico School Board’s Brookland District representative. “We are honored to be recognized by the Virginia School Boards Association for our efforts to celebrate the hard work of our students as they plan for their futures.”

Beverly Cocke, the Henrico School Board’s Brookland District representative, and Mac Beaton, director of Henrico Schools’ Department of Career and Technical Education, display a plaque honoring the school division’s 2019 Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award on Tuesday at a Richmond conference of the Virginia School Boards Association. The school division was recognized for a unique recognition program for students entering the workforce.

“We’re proud of this award, because we believe so strongly in the signing-day program and in workforce readiness,” said Mac Beaton, director of Henrico Schools’ Department of Career and Technical Education. “Our goal with the Career and Technical Letter-of-Intent Signing Day was to bring attention to students entering the workforce, to help them and their parents understand the value of this option. We didn’t anticipate how the program would resonate with people across the country and in Canada. It’s now being replicated far and wide and has sparked a movement to celebrate students entering the workforce.”

At the signing day ceremony, students and representatives of their future employers both sign letters-of-intent outlining what students must do before and during employment, what the employer will provide in pay and training, and an estimate of the position’s value. Similar to signing day for athletes, students don a hat or other form of promotional clothing representing the company, Henrico County Public Schools and the school division’s Career and Technical Education program.

The first event, held in 2018, was featured on CNN Headline News, Fox News and Today.com. A school division Facebook post about the signing day reached more than 4.9 million people, was shared more than 25,000 times and prompted more than 36,000 likes when it was shared by Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” and other projects. The 2019 edition, held in April, was greatly expanded. More than 100 students took part. The event lasted much of the day and was organized into smaller ceremonies, by industry.

Mac Beaton, director of Henrico Schools’ Department of Career and Technical Education, and Beverly Cocke, the School Board’s Brookland District representative, display a plaque honoring the school division’s 2019 Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award Tuesday at a Richmond conference. Behind them are Tyrone Foster, Virginia School Boards Association president; John Poggi of Johnson Controls, an award sponsor; Whit Blake of Johnson Controls; Jim Meyer, a member of the Spotsylvania County School Board; and Paul Nichols, superintendent of Mecklenburg County Public Schools.

The Virginia School Boards Association is a nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards that promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training and services. To see a list of competition winners, go to vsba.org/images/uploads/news/VSBA_2019WorkforceAwardsRelease.pdf.

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HCPS wins national communications awards

July 17, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Members of Henrico Schools’ Department of Communications and Public Relations give a presentation Monday in Washington at the annual conference of the National School Public Relations Association. The professional organization recognized HCPS with four communications awards.

Henrico, Va. July 17, 2019 – Henrico County Public Schools has been recognized for its communications efforts with four awards from the National School Public Relations Association.

The school division was awarded two Golden Achievement Awards, given for exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations activities, programs and projects. The awards recognize:

“Heart of Henrico”
The school division’s employee recognition program honors the work of HCPS staff members across the school division. Winners, usually recognized weekly, are profiled in video features that are publicized on social media and archived at the HCPS website. Recipients also receive a variety of “Heart of Henrico” gear recognizing their outstanding contributions.
“Introducing a Community to its New Superintendent”
The national group recognized HCPS’ efforts around the retirement of Patrick Kinlaw as superintendent and Amy Cashwell’s arrival and first year as Henrico Schools’ leader. The effort included 11 community forums or meetings, publicity efforts, video, and the creation of the “Amy’s Passport” blog and print booklet that chronicle Cashwell’s travels, reflections, recommendations and progress.

The HCPS Department of Communications and Public Relations was selected to share details about the superintendent transition in a presentation to school public relations professionals from across the nation. Members of the department spoke Monday in Washington at the annual conference of the National School Public Relations Association.

Henrico Schools was also awarded two merit awards for print and digital media:

“The Binder”
HCPS’ hand-coded e-newsletter is emailed to families every two weeks during the school year, and includes divisionwide news, reminders and upcoming events.
“Amy’s Passport”
The blog and passport-themed printed booklet chronicle Amy Cashwell’s first year as HCPS superintendent, her reflections, and her recommendations and progress in improving the school division. Because Cashwell was struck by the county’s global diversity, the project assumed a passport theme.

For more about the 2019 National School Communications Awards and to see a list of winners, go to nspra.org/awards/pubs_media_2019 and nspra.org/awards/2019-golden-achievement-award-winners. Henrico Schools’ communications page can be found at the school division’s website at henricoschools.us/communications/.

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Calling all HEROES: A two-hour training session can show you how easy it is to make a difference as a mentor

July 11, 2019/in Top News, Upcoming Events /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. July 11, 2019 – Want to make a big difference for a student in grades 3-5 during the 2019-20 school year? All it takes is 30-45 minutes per week from October to May. Come to a two-hour training session in August or September and get started with Henrico Schools’ award-winning mentoring program, Henrico HEROES. Training sessions are:

Aug. 15 from 2-4 p.m.: 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. (Eastern Henrico Government Center multipurpose room).
Aug. 22 from 9-11 a.m.: 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, Va. (Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Randolph room).
Aug. 29 from 2-4 p.m.: 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. (Eastern Henrico Government Center multipurpose room).
Sept. 12 from 9-11 a.m.: 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. (Eastern Henrico Government Center multipurpose room).
Sept. 21 from 9-11 a.m.: 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, Va. (Eastern Henrico Recreation Center Randolph room).

To attend a training session, contact Leslie Velez at 804-652-3813 or email henricoheroes@henrico.k12.va.us.

The process of becoming a Henrico HEROES mentor is easy. Mentors complete an application, undergo a background check, and attend a two-hour training session. Mentors meet with their student once a week for 30-45 minutes from October to May and participate in a programwide kickoff and end-of-year celebration.

Studies show that mentoring pays big dividends for students. It improves students’ attendance and academic motivation, and students with a mentor are more likely to enroll in college, to volunteer and to be involved in sports and other extracurricular activities.

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Join our team: Come to HCPS’ July job fair

July 8, 2019/in Top News, Upcoming Events /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. July 8, 2019 – Ready for a job where you can make a difference in your community? Don’t sweat it: join our team as we gear up for a new school year! Stop by a job fair Thursday at the Varina Area Library and talk with HCPS human resources representatives as well as representatives from other departments. We’re seeking candidates for bus drivers and school nutrition workers, as well as middle and high school teachers in critical areas such as English, Spanish, math, technology and special education.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance at www.henricoschools.us/careers.

Interested in driving a bus but don’t have driving experience? Qualified driver candidates will be paid as they train.

Henrico County Public Schools job fair
When: July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Varina Area Library, 1875 New Market Road, Henrico, Va. 23231

Questions? Contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664. Applicants without computer access or having trouble with the online application may contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664 or stop by the department office at 3820 Nine Mile Road in Henrico to use our computers and get help if needed.

Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must: be at least 21 years old; have a valid Virginia driver’s license; obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P (Transporting Passengers)/S (School Bus) and airbrakes; pass a physical and drug test and have no felony convictions.

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“Amy’s Passport” update charts progress on superintendent’s HCPS recommendations

June 27, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. June 27, 2019 – An update to Amy Cashwell’s recommendations for Henrico County Public Schools marks the division’s progress on a host of initiatives championed by the superintendent in her first year on the job. The digital update to “Amy’s Passport” reports on the goals outlined in the passport-themed document, which Cashwell presented to the School Board in December. July 1 will mark Cashwell’s first year as HCPS superintendent.

The report includes status updates divided into five sections: Teaching and Learning; Safety and Instructional Support Services; Equity and Diversity; Organizational Efficiency; and Financial Planning.

Fourteen goals were completed in the superintendent’s first year:

Testing: Formed an assessment work group to look at improving and streamlining Henrico Schools’ assessment system. The group will make recommendations this summer.
School climate survey: Surveyed students, staff members and families about their perceptions on safety, equity and inclusiveness. School leaders will get a dashboard to help them use the data.
Cultural sensitivity training: Starting with the 2019-20 school year, all HCPS staff members will complete annual online training on cultural sensitivity.
Equity and diversity plan: Hired a professional development specialist and created a multiyear plan to work with all school administrators and instructional staff.
Equity Ambassadors: Created groups of students at each high school to elevate student voices on issues of equity and diversity.
Community learning sites: Submitted grants to create two more HCPS sites that use the community school model. The model provides wraparound services outside the classroom to serve the whole child.
Revamp employee orientation: A team is remaking the HCPS orientation process to make it streamlined, innovative and welcoming for new employees.
Programming for English as a second language: Added a specialist to oversee ESL programming.
Compliance: Added a specialist dedicated to compliance on internal policies and federal laws.
Laptop fees: Laptop fees are being phased out, dropping to $25 a year before being eliminated for the 2021-22 school year.
Funding for textbooks and instructional resources: Funding has been reallocated for textbooks and other supplies for the 2019-20 school year and will remain a priority.
Twice-monthly pay: Revamped pay schedule for HCPS employees who are now paid monthly.
Long-term financial plan: Developed a draft five-year HCPS financial plan to ensure funding aligns with the division’s goals. Planning had been done on a year-to-year basis.
HCPS employee compensation: Established a joint committee with Henrico County government to examine employee pay each year.

Amy’s Passport was created as an online travelogue about the superintendent’s travels as she explored Henrico County, her new home. In visiting all 72 HCPS schools and program centers, Cashwell was struck by the diversity and variety of languages spoken, which made Henrico like “traveling the world without leaving home.” Amy’s Passport grew into a printed booklet that also included Cashwell’s recommendations and next steps for the school division.

A digital booklet of the superintendent’s progress report can be seen at the Amy’s Passport web page, at https://henricoschools.us/amyspassport/. The Amy’s Passport webpage also includes an easy-to-use interactive graphic that allows visitors to follow the division’s progress.

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Super volunteer elects to use Dominion Energy award funds to help Varina H.S. students

June 26, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Pam Bell, director of Henrico Schools’ Department of Family and Community Engagement, and Ann Marie Seely, Varina High School principal, stand outside the school with Varina resident Faith Hooper. Hooper’s employer, Dominion Energy, is honoring her volunteer work by donating $5,000 to a cause of her choosing.

Henrico, Va. June 26, 2019 – Faith Hooper has deep roots in Varina. Now the Varina High School alumna wants to make sure that needy Blue Devil students have the basics they need to grow and bloom.

Hooper’s employer of 30 years, Dominion Energy, recognized her in April for her decades of volunteer work. The honor included a $5,000 donation to a cause of Hooper’s choosing. After considering a variety of options for her donation, Hooper decided the funds could best be used helping students close to home.

“Not only are my daughter and I are both graduates of Varina High, I also live in the Varina community,” said Hooper. “I want to help the community in which I live and assist with basic needs. Varina High School has students who need assistance, and I’d like to help them with access to basic hygiene items, basic school supplies and clothing – such as a new pair of shoes.

“I hope to inspire young teens to feel good about themselves, and part of that is creating a food pantry that includes healthy snacks. Students will have a place to go to grab a healthy snack, if needed, to gain the confidence to focus on their education. By helping those in need, I hope to lead by example.”

Hooper worked with the Henrico Education Foundation, the HCPS Department of Family and Community Engagement, and the Varina High School administration to set up details of the fund.

“We are grateful for Dominion Energy’s support and Mrs. Hooper’s selection of HEF and Varina High School to be the recipients of the donation,” said Mike Taylor, executive director of the Henrico Education Foundation.

“The funds will be earmarked to support students at Varina High and will provide a helping hand to ensure every student has the tools and supplies they need to be successful in school. Each year the foundation works closely with the HCPS Family and Community Engagement office to raise funds for school supplies and materials to assist financially disadvantaged students across Henrico County.”

Hooper has volunteered in various capacities at Varina High School and Elko Middle School, including in the PTA, as a team parent for cheerleading and gymnastics, as part of the Michael Robinson Football Camp, and as a volunteer with her high school class.

She has also participated in community volunteer efforts with at least a dozen organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, the American Heart Association, Toys for Tots and Feed More.

As part of its Volunteer of the Year program, Dominion Energy recognizes one employee per year in each of six categories: Critical Human Needs; Community Vitality; Career Achievement; Environment; Education; and First Responder. Hooper was recognized in the Career Achievement category.

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7 Henrico schools honored by Va. Board of Education for achievement, improvement

June 25, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. June 25, 2019 – Seven Henrico County schools were recognized by the Virginia Board of Education as part of its new Exemplar Performance School Awards. Five Henrico County schools were recognized for high student achievement and another two were recognized by the Board for significant improvement over a three-year span. The Board recognized a total of 235 schools across the commonwealth as award recipients – 52 for student achievement and 183 for showing sustained improvement.

2019 Virginia Board of Education Highest Achievement Award
Five Henrico County schools received the award, given to schools that meet certain benchmarks. The schools are:

Colonial Trail Elementary School
Nuckols Farm Elementary School
Rivers Edge Elementary School
Sandston Elementary School
Twin Hickory Elementary School

To qualify for the honor, a school must have a state rating of “Accredited” and have:

A 70% pass rate on state assessments in science and math.
A 75% pass rate on state assessment in English reading and writing.
No more than a 5% gap (for schools with two student groups) or a 10% gap (for schools with three or more student groups) in English reading and writing, between the lowest-performing group and all other students in the school.
No more than a 5% gap (for schools with two student groups) or a 10% gap (for schools with three or more student groups) in math, between the lowest-performing group and all other students in the school.

2019 Virginia Board of Education Continuous Improvement Award
Two Henrico County schools were honored with the award, given to schools showing sustained improvement over a three-year span:

Jackson Davis Elementary School
Montrose Elementary School

To be recognized, an elementary school must have a state rating of “Accredited” or “Accredited with Conditions” and have met at least one of the following benchmarks over a three-year span:

A cumulative 10% increase in the combined rates for reading and math, and in the pass rate for science, with improvement each year on each indicator.
A cumulative 10% increase in the combined rates for reading and math for two or more student groups, with improvement each year for each group on both indicators.
A cumulative 15% decrease in chronic absenteeism, with a decrease each year.

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Henrico Schools seeks applicants from every HCPS school to serve on redistricting committee

June 24, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va., June 7, 2019 — Henrico Schools is seeking citizens to serve on a committee to lead the process of examining and redrawing school attendance zones. The school division is beginning a comprehensive redistricting process to realign attendance zones for elementary, middle and high schools, with a goal of having new boundaries in place for the 2021-22 school year.

Each HCPS school will have a school-affiliated representative on the redistricting committee, but members must be able to prioritize the interests of all county students. Public committee meetings will begin in September 2019. The committee will develop multiple redistricting options and make recommendations to the School Board, which is expected to vote on a redistricting plan in spring 2020.

Interested applicants can find out more about the HCPS Comprehensive Redistricting Committee and apply by going to henricoschools.us/redistricting2021/. The deadline to apply is June 30.

The committee will be charged with developing recommendations for redistricting that include:

Efficiently using all available space and planning for future county growth.
Determining attendance boundaries for the expanded Holladay Elementary School (7300 Galaxie Road), which will double in size when an addition opens for the 2021-22 school year.
Accounting for the increased building capacity available when replacements for Highland Springs and J. R. Tucker high schools open on their current sites for the 2021-22 school year.
Reducing concentrations of poverty while balancing a community or neighborhood school concept.

The committee will work with HCPS staff members and Cropper GIS Consulting, a national K-12 consultant which is managing the redistricting process.

The School Board will approve the members of the committee. Those not selected as their school’s representative on the committee will be able to help in other ways.

The redistricting process will include substantial public input and participation, including surveys, public meetings and opportunities for feedback.

School divisions occasionally must examine and alter school attendance zones because of current and projected growth patterns, other demographic factors and new school construction. Henrico County Public Schools’ last comprehensive redistricting process took place in 2008 and 2009. That plan was phased in starting with the 2010-11 school year.

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Summer, shmummer! Think “Back-to-School Kickoff”

June 14, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va., June 14, 2019 – It’s the last day of school and we know what’s on the minds of students everywhere: where can I get together with families and educators from across Henrico County and get the 2019-20 school year started in a fun and educational setting? Well, save the date! On Aug. 17 at Henrico County’s Dorey Park, Henrico County Public Schools will hold its second annual Back-to-School Kickoff, with a host of activities to get ready for the new school year!

The division-wide event is sponsored by Henrico Schools’ Department of Family and Community Engagement, and all Henrico County families are invited to attend.

Back-to-School Kickoff activities include:

An information fair (vendors with information about family resources).
School performances throughout the day.
Dorey Park Farmer’s Market.
DJ and dance contests.
Meet and talk with school leaders.
Kids’ activities.
Merchandise vendors.
Giveaways.
Food trucks on site.
Free books for all ages.
Free school supplies (first 100 students get a free book bag).
Help with using Schoology and PowerSchool.
Math and reading activities.
Onsite school registration.
Complete online forms.
HCPS job-opportunities booth for prospective teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.

Save the Date: Henrico Schools Back-to-School Kickoff:
When: Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico, Va.

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Henrico County Public Schools honors four staff members with Chris Corallo Leadership Award

June 11, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico Va. June 11, 2019 – Henrico County Public Schools has named four staff members as recipients of the Chris Corallo Distinguished Leadership Award. The four recipients were surprised at their schools by family members and HCPS leaders. They were presented with the award by Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent. The four were chosen from a group of candidates nominated by their peers for their vision, passion, innovation and student-centered focus.

The 2019 recipients are:

– Kristen Cross, a librarian at Crestview Elementary School. Cross’ nomination cited her leadership in transforming the school’s library program and the many programs she has instituted. It also noted her leadership during the school’s wholesale renovation, spearheading the library’s move and reconstruction using an open design.

– Charles Cuccherini, a biology teacher at J. R. Tucker High School. Cuccherini’s nomination described his ability to inspire students to engage in the content and think critically about science beyond the classroom. It also mentioned his leadership role in implementing the “Deeper Learning” educational model at Tucker, and in improving student behavior by leading students to reflect on their behavior and choices.

– Danny Jones, a first-grade teacher at Greenwood Elementary School. One of Jones’ nominations described his “endless energy, contagious enthusiasm, positive morale and sound leadership skills” and said, “He is an advocate for all students and teaches like his hair is on fire.”

Nominators also cited his efforts to make sure students are life-ready, his initiative in leading professional development, his work as a Greenwood “house leader” and his staff leadership in all-things technology.
– Kim Powell, Sandston Elementary School principal. Powell’s nomination described her as a dynamic and innovative leader. It cited her advocacy of Sandston as a Deeper Learning school and the many popular programs she has put in place. The nomination also described her work beyond the school campus, creating a program to provide needy families with crockpots, food, coats and shoes.

The award, presented annually, is named in honor of Corallo, a former HCPS assistant superintendent for instruction and organizational development, who passed away in 2013.

Kristen Cross, a librarian at Crestview Elementary School, is congratulated by her family after being presented with the 2019 Chris Corallo Distinguished Leadership Award.

Charles Cuccherini, a biology teacher at J.R. Tucker High School, stands in his classroom after being presented with the 2019 Chris Corallo Distinguished Leadership Award. Standing with Cuccherini are Art Raymond, J.R. Tucker principal; Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent; and Julia Brown, the colleague who nominated Cuccherini for the award.

Danny Jones, a first-grade teacher at Greenwood Elementary School, poses with students in the school library after being presented with the 2019 Chris Corallo Distinguished Leadership Award.

Kim Powell, principal of Sandston Elementary School, is flanked by Amy Cashwell, Henrico Schools superintendent, and Rich Hall, director of elementary education. Powell was presented with the 2019 Chris Corallo Distinguished Leadership Award.

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2019-2020 Per Pupil Expenditure

June 10, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Dear Patrons:

The Code of Virginia Section §22.1.92 requires the division to annually make available the average per-pupil expenditures. Shown below is a comparison of average per-pupil expenditures for operations.

Average Per Pupil Expenditures for Operations
SOURCES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT	2017-2018 STATE AVERAGE (ACTUAL)	2017-2018 HENRICO AVERAGE (ACTUAL)	2018-2019 HENRICO AVERAGE (BUDGET)	2019-2020 HENRICO AVERAGE (BUDGET)
STATE FUNDS	$4,166	$3,430	$4,319	$4,572
SALES & USE TAX	1,053	1,085	1,116	1,166
FEDERAL FUNDS	867	684	809	820
LOCAL FUNDS	6,462	4,852	4,342	4,675
TOTAL	$12,548	$10,051	$10,586	$11,233

Thank you for your interest in and support of Henrico County Public Schools. Through a strong collaborative relationship with stakeholders throughout the community, we will continue to ensure the best possible education for the students within the division.

Sincerely,

Amy E. Cashwell, Ed.D.

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20 Henrico County schools earn Virginia performance awards

June 7, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Because of a system error with the Virginia Department of Education’s data application, Echo Lake Elementary School was inadvertently left off the May 29 list of schools reported as qualifying for 2019 Virginia Board of Education Excellence Awards. This news release has been updated to include Echo Lake Elementary School.

Henrico Va. June 7, 2019 – Twenty Henrico County schools have earned 2019 Virginia Index of Performance awards for advanced learning and achievement. Gov. Ralph Northam and the Virginia Board of Education announced that 270 schools statewide had earned the designation, along with nine school divisions.

Henrico County Public Schools’ 20-award total was tops in the Richmond area. Only the school divisions in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, with considerably more students, had more schools recognized in the state awards.

The awards are based on student achievement and other performance indicators during the 2017-18 school year. They fall into tiers based primarily on state and federal benchmarks and progress toward goals set by the governor and the Virginia Board of Education. Henrico County schools earning awards are listed below.

Board of Education Excellence Awards

Divisions and schools meeting all state and federal benchmarks and making significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the Board of Education.

Colonial Trail Elementary School
Echo Lake Elementary School
David A. Kaechele Elementary School
Nuckols Farm Elementary School
Rivers Edge Elementary School
Shady Grove Elementary School
Short Pump Elementary School
Three Chopt Elementary School
Tuckahoe Elementary School
Twin Hickory Elementary School
Holman Middle School
George H. Moody Middle School
Deep Run High School
Mills E. Godwin High School

Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Awards

Schools meeting all state and federal benchmarks and making progress toward the goals of the governor and the Board of Education.

Gayton Elementary School
Glen Allen Elementary School
Pemberton Elementary School
Pocahontas Middle School
Short Pump Middle School
Glen Allen High School

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Henrico Schools seeks applicants from every HCPS school to serve on redistricting committee

June 7, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va., June 7, 2019 — Henrico Schools is seeking citizens to serve on a committee to lead the process of examining and redrawing school attendance zones. The school division is beginning a comprehensive redistricting process to realign attendance zones for elementary, middle and high schools, with a goal of having new boundaries in place for the 2021-22 school year.

Each HCPS school will have a school-affiliated representative on the redistricting committee, but members must be able to prioritize the interests of all county students. Public committee meetings will begin in September 2019. The committee will develop multiple redistricting options and make recommendations to the School Board, which is expected to vote on a redistricting plan in spring 2020.

Interested applicants can find out more about the HCPS Comprehensive Redistricting Committee and apply by going to henricoschools.us/redistricting2021/. The deadline to apply is June 30.

The committee will be charged with developing recommendations for redistricting that include:

Efficiently using all available space and planning for future county growth.
Determining attendance boundaries for the expanded Holladay Elementary School (7300 Galaxie Road), which will double in size when an addition opens for the 2021-22 school year.
Accounting for the increased building capacity available when replacements for Highland Springs and J. R. Tucker high schools open on their current sites for the 2021-22 school year.
Reducing concentrations of poverty while balancing a community or neighborhood school concept.

The committee will work with HCPS staff members and Cropper GIS Consulting, a national K-12 consultant which is managing the redistricting process.

The School Board will approve the members of the committee. Those not selected as their school’s representative on the committee will be able to help in other ways.

The redistricting process will include substantial public input and participation, including surveys, public meetings and opportunities for feedback.

School divisions occasionally must examine and alter school attendance zones because of current and projected growth patterns, other demographic factors and new school construction. Henrico County Public Schools’ last comprehensive redistricting process took place in 2008 and 2009. That plan was phased in starting with the 2010-11 school year.

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June 11, Virginia’s primary day, is a student holiday and a clerical day for HCPS staff

June 5, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. March 14, 2019 – In response to community and staff concerns about safety, the Henrico School Board voted at its Thursday work session to make June 11 a student holiday and staff clerical day. Virginia’s primary elections will take place that day, and many HCPS schools serve as polling places.

Because members of the public need easy access to school facilities to visit polling places in gyms, auditoriums and other school common areas, schools are not able to screen visitors with the same thoroughness they would employ during a regular school day. Some parents, staff and community members have raised concerns about the public polling access.

The change will not require further changes to the school year, because the school division has enough time built into the calendar to accommodate the added holiday. Some schools may need to adjust their exam schedules, however, as well as certain ceremonies and events. Students and families can expect further information from their schools as plans are adjusted.

The holiday does not affect June 11 graduation exercises, which will take place as scheduled for Deep Run, Douglas Freeman and Mills Godwin high schools.

The change to the calendar was made after a February effort to move the state’s primary day was unsuccessful during the General Assembly’s session.

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, go to https://henricoschools.us/june11-2019-calendar-update/.

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If you can’t attend your Henrico County student’s graduation, watch the livestream at your desk or on-the-go

June 5, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. June 5, 2019 – Henrico County Public Schools will again provide livestreaming video of all HCPS graduations taking place at VCU’s Siegel Center June 11-13. The stream can be accessed via our home page at http://henricoschools.us. Graduations will also be replayed later in June on HCPS-TV (Comcast Channel 99 and FIOS channel 38). The stream can be accessed on any desktop computer or on mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.

The HCPS Department of Communications and Public Relations will post graduation photo albums on the division’s Facebook page, facebook.com/HenricoCountyPublicSchools, and on the HCPS website. Video clips of school graduations will be available for viewing later at the division’s website.

HCPS graduation information, including a replay schedule, can be found at the school division’s online graduation hub at henricoschools.us/graduations/.

Tuesday, June 11: Deep Run High School, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, June 11: Douglas Freeman High School, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11: Mills Godwin High School, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12: Hermitage High School, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, June 12: J.R. Tucker High School, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12: Glen Allen High School, 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 13: Varina High School, 11 a.m.
Thursday, June 13: Henrico High School, 3 p.m.
Thursday, June 13: Highland Springs High School, 7 p.m.

Note: 15 minutes before each graduation, viewers should expect to see a graphic with the school name as music plays. Viewers who experience difficulty are advised to refresh or reload their browser.

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These ideas to encourage reading can help your student beat the “summer slide”

June 4, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. June 4, 2019 – “Summer slide” isn’t a piece of playground equipment – it’s the tendency for students to lose some of the progress they’ve made during the academic year. However, there are ways to keep your students’ reading skills sharp – and have fun – all summer long. Go to Henrico Schools’ summer reading page at henricoschools.us/summer-reading for reading lists, tips for keeping your student engaged, and links to resources.

“This summer, your students can go on adventures, laugh until their sides hurt, meet new people, learn something mindblowing, find their passions and let their imaginations go wild,” said Shannon Hyman, HCPS’ specialist for library services. “Where can they do all that? In books. The best way to beat summer slide is to make sure students have stacks of books, and the chance to get lost in a great read.”

Here are a few of the tips from our summer reading page, provided by HCPS’ Library Services Department:

Read aloud together with your student every day, at every age.
Play reading bingo! Find bingo cards at our summer reading page.
Road-tripping this summer? Borrow audiobooks and listen as a family.
Before vacationing, get books about your destination. Planning a trip to the Outer Banks? Visit your library to get nonfiction books about lighthouses! See if there are any fiction books available that incorporate lighthouses. Read and discuss these books on the way there, and visit an actual lighthouse or two.
Pick up some great magazines to enjoy in the car, at the pool, or under a tree! Magazines are gateways to other reading, and foster visual literacy.
Explore Henrico County Public Library locations. Each local library has dedicated spaces and programming for children and teens. Go on a tour and see which spaces are your favorite. Be sure to check out their great programs, activities and events. Your school librarian will be working with public libraries to share summer reading activities, assignments, lists and opportunities with all students. Be sure to check out Henrico County Public Library’s summer reading program, at henricolibrary.org/summerreading.
Remember, if you want your student to read, give them ample opportunities to see YOU reading, too!

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Henrico Schools sets sites, dates for USDA summer food service

June 4, 2019/in Top News, Upcoming Events /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va., June 4, 2019 — Henrico County Public Schools will participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, offering meals to children during the summer at 30 area sites. The federal program is administered in Henrico by the HCPS Department of School Nutrition Services, in an effort to ensure that children receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

All children are eligible for free meals, whether they are enrolled in summer programs or not. After the scheduled meal service for children enrolled in summer programs is over, meal service will begin for other children age 18 or younger who are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are not eligible for the free meal service.

Food service will be from Monday through Thursday each week. (Please note that all sites will be closed Thursday, July 4, in recognition of the Independence Day holiday.) Breakfast will be served from 7-9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Specific breakfast and lunch times will vary depending on the location.

Service is on a first come, first served basis, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the administration of the meal service. Meals will be provided to children at the following sites:

Recreation and Parks open sites (elementary schools):

Adams ES, 600 S. Laburnum Ave.: June 24-Aug. 8
Laburnum ES, 500 Meriwether Ave.: June 24-Aug. 8
Ratcliffe ES, 2901 Thalen St.: June 24-Aug. 8
Ridge ES, 8910 Three Chopt Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Ward ES, 3400 Darbytown Road: June 24-Aug. 8

Recreation and Parks open sites (recreational facilities):

Confederate Hills Recreation Center, 302 Lee Ave.: June 24-Aug. 8
Dorey Recreation Center, 2999 Darbytown Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.: June 24-Aug. 8
Elko Community and Recreation Center, 6216 White Oak Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Hidden Creek Community Center, 2417 Brockway Lane, June 24-Aug. 8

Elementary School open sites:

Baker ES, 6651 Willson Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Crestview ES, 1901 Charles St.: July 8-Aug. 1
Donahoe ES, 1801 Graves Road: July 8-Aug. 1
Glen Lea ES, 3909 Austin Ave.: June 24-Aug. 1
Harvie ES, 3401 Harvie Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Highland Springs ES, 600 Pleasant St.: July 8-Aug. 1
Holladay ES, 7300 Galaxie Road: July 8-Aug. 1
Longan ES, 9200 Mapleview Ave.: July 8-Aug. 1
Sandston ES, 7 Naglee Ave.: July 8-Aug. 1

Middle and High School open sites:

Brookland MS, 9200 Lydell Drive: June 24-Aug. 8
CodeRVA Academy, 1405 Cummings Drive: July 8-Aug. 8
Elko MS, 5901 Elko Road: June 24-Aug. 1
Fairfield MS, 5121 Nine Mile Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Henrico HS, 302 Azalea Ave.: June 24-Aug. 1
Hermitage HS, 8301 Hungary Spring Road: June 24-July 11
Highland Springs HS, 15 S. Oak Ave.: June 24-Aug. 1
Moody MS, 7800 Woodman Road: June 24-Aug. 8
Quioccasin MS, 9400 Quioccasin Road: June 24-Aug. 8
John Rolfe MS, 6901 Messer Road: June 24-July 25
Virginia Randolph Education Center, 2204 Mountain Road: July 8-Aug. 1

Nondiscrimination agreement: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the agency (state or local) where he or she applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA program discrimination complaint form (form AD-3027), found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office; or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to the USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2. fax: 202-690-7442; or 3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Tragedy in Virginia Beach: Important resources; Wear blue June 3

June 2, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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To the Henrico team and all the students and families of Henrico County Public Schools,

Like many of you, I’ve been thinking about the tragedy that unfolded Friday in Virginia Beach where an unspeakable act of violence claimed the lives of 12 people and injured four more. As we prepare to see your precious children again on Monday, the close proximity and possible connections may result in this event resonating more strongly within our schools.

Often after such traumatic events occur, some people may find themselves struggling to regain a sense of normalcy. It is not uncommon that the full impact of the event strikes them days or even weeks later. And so, I wanted to share some resources below that you may find helpful in the future. Look for those at the bottom of this message.

On a personal note, this tragedy hits close to home for me. I grew up in Virginia Beach and spent 20 additional years there as a classroom teacher and school administrator. The school superintendent in Virginia Beach is Dr. Aaron Spence, a former school principal here in Henrico. He’s asking everyone in Virginia Beach to wear blue on Monday to support those affected by Friday’s events and to honor the 12 lives lost.

This evening, I stand with Dr. Spence in asking all of the staff, students and families of Henrico County Public Schools to wear blue on Monday to show our love and support for Virginia Beach. I hope you’ll be able to join me in this meaningful gesture of togetherness.

Thank you for your time, attention and support of Henrico County and Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Amy Cashwell
Superintendent

Resources that might prove helpful:

National Association of School Psychologists: Talking with Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (Tambien en español)
National Education Association: School Shootings and Other Traumatic Events: How To Talk To Students
American Psychological Association: Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
Mental Health America: Helping Children Cope With Tragedy Related Anxiety
American Academy of Pediatrics: Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events
Henrico County Public Schools: Crisis Preparedness, Parents and School Emergencies

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Be an HCPS bus driver! Come talk June 5

May 30, 2019/in Top News, Upcoming Events /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico, Va. May 30, 2019 – What drives you? At Henrico Schools’ Pupil Transportation Department, it’s the school transportation needs and safety of our students. On June 5, drop by a job fair at the Henrico Training Center, say “yellow” and talk school buses with HCPS departmental and human resources representatives. We’re seeking candidates for full-time and part-time positions.

Don’t have bus driving experience? Qualified driver candidates will be paid as they train.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance at www.henricoschools.us/careers.

Henrico County Public Schools bus driver job fair
When: June 5 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Henrico Training Center, 7701 E. Parham Road, Henrico, Va. 23228

Questions? Contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664. Applicants without computer access or having trouble with the online application may contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664 or stop by the department office at 3820 Nine Mile Road in Henrico to use our computers and get help if needed.

Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must: be at least 21 years old; have a valid Virginia driver’s license; obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P (Transporting Passengers)/S (School Bus) and airbrakes; pass a physical and drug test and have no felony convictions.

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20 Henrico County schools earn Virginia performance awards

May 29, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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Henrico Va. May 29, 2019 – Twenty Henrico County schools have earned 2019 Virginia Index of Performance awards for advanced learning and achievement. Gov. Ralph Northam and the Virginia Board of Education announced that 270 schools statewide had earned the designation, along with nine school divisions.

Henrico County Public Schools’ 20-award total was tops in the Richmond area. Only the school divisions in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, with considerably more students, had more schools recognized in the state awards.

The awards are based on student achievement and other performance indicators during the 2017-18 school year. They fall into tiers based primarily on state and federal benchmarks and progress toward goals set by the governor and the Virginia Board of Education. Henrico County schools earning awards are listed below.

Board of Education Excellence Awards

Divisions and schools meeting all state and federal benchmarks and making significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the Board of Education.

Colonial Trail Elementary School
Echo Lake Elementary School
David A. Kaechele Elementary School
Nuckols Farm Elementary School
Rivers Edge Elementary School
Shady Grove Elementary School
Short Pump Elementary School
Three Chopt Elementary School
Tuckahoe Elementary School
Twin Hickory Elementary School
Holman Middle School
George H. Moody Middle School
Deep Run High School
Mills E. Godwin High School

Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Awards

Schools meeting all state and federal benchmarks and making progress toward the goals of the governor and the Board of Education.

Gayton Elementary School
Glen Allen Elementary School
Pemberton Elementary School
Pocahontas Middle School
Short Pump Middle School
Glen Allen High School

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School Board meetings Thursday, May 23

May 18, 2019/in Top News /by Cindy Brown

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The County School Board of Henrico County, Va. will hold the following meetings:

Thursday, May 23, 2019

2:30 p.m. Work Session
6:30 p.m. Monthly Meeting

The meetings will take place in the auditorium of the New Bridge Learning Center, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. Closed sessions will be held during the work session as deemed necessary.

The meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are invited to attend. A livestream of School Board work sessions and monthly meetings is available on the HCPS website. To view “BoardDocs,” where meeting agendas can be found, please click http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/henrico/Board.nsf/Public. Anyone wishing to attend who is disabled and needs assistance should contact Andy Jenks at 804-652-3724.

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School Board statement on recent acts of vandalism

May 13, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. May 13, 2019 – Today, Henrico County School Board chair and Varina District representative John W. Montgomery Jr., issued the following statement on behalf of the Henrico County School Board:

“I join my colleagues on the Board in expressing our disappointment and disgust for the acts of vandalism discovered Sunday at Godwin High School as well as those discovered last Friday in neighborhoods near Freeman High School. Hate, intolerance and threats to the physical and emotional well-being of our school communities are unacceptable and contrary to our core values as a school system and society.

“At the same time, this Board and our dedicated faculty and staff stand encouraged by the tremendous show of community support in response to these acts. We appreciate the families and organizations that have offered their hand in partnership, including the Henrico branch of the NAACP, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, and many other families and community-minded citizens. On behalf of the entire School Board, I say ‘thank you.’

“We must also thank Henrico Police for their tireless efforts to investigate this matter and to increase their visibility in the neighborhoods near several schools this week. Our schools are safe because of the tremendous work done every day by the men and women of Henrico Police.”

Members of the Henrico County School Board are:

John W. Montgomery Jr., chair, Varina District
Roscoe D. Cooper III, vice chair, Fairfield District
Beverly L. Cocke, Brookland District
Michelle F. “Micky” Ogburn, Three Chopt District
William A. “Bill” Pike Jr., Tuckahoe District

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Henrico Schools crowns its top teacher, first-year teacher and exceptional education teacher

May 8, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va., May 8, 2019 – Henrico Schools employs about 4,000 teachers, but only one is honored each year with the division’s Gilman Teacher of the Year Award. Greg Lyndaker, a history and psychology teacher at Henrico High School, was awarded that honor Tuesday at a ceremony at Glen Allen High School. Amelia Kirchgessner, a music teacher at Chamberlayne Elementary School, was named HCPS’ First-Year Teacher of the Year. The school division’s Christie Award, given to the exceptional education teacher of the year, went to Sarah Gordon of Lakeside Elementary School.

Other finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award were Hermitage High School’s Emilia Texler; Deep Run High School’s Kareem Texler; Sharon Middleton of Skipwith Elementary School; and Chris Moseley of Varina High School. Finalists for First-Year Teacher of the Year were Nirali Jantrania of Deep Run High School and Ian Jeffrey of Gayton Elementary School. Finalists for the Christie Award were Gayton Elementary School’s Rebecca Nikitakis, Varina High School’s Michele Andrews and Mills Godwin High School’s Kendra Thomas.

“I’m honored and humbled to be the recipient of this award,” Lyndaker told the crowd of educators. “I come from a teaching family who instilled in me the idea that passion and education are the great equalizers. I wouldn’t be who I am without amazing teachers who inspired me and our students wouldn’t be who they are without your love, guidance and passion for them.

“You all give up so much of your energy, time, sweat and tears to this profession, not always knowing if it has paid off, and that can be very hard. But as Tom Hanks says in ‘A League of Their Own,’ it’s supposed to be hard. If it weren’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great … That’s what we do as teachers, we just keep pushing.”

Lyndaker is originally from Watertown, N.Y. He attended Utica College, and is an alumnus of the State University of New York College at Potsdam. Before joining the Henrico High School faculty in 2013, Lyndaker taught at a middle school in upstate New York and at the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls.

Kirchgessner grew up in Henrico County, and graduated from Douglas Freeman High School. She also attended Tuckahoe Middle School and Maybeury Elementary School. After graduating from Longwood University, she worked as a long-term substitute teacher in several Virginia school divisions before joining the faculty at Chamberlayne.

Gordon grew up in Richmond and attended the Collegiate School. She is an alumna of the University of Richmond and Mary Washington University. Before joining Henrico Schools, she worked at Northstar Academy, a school for students with disabilities.

Greg Lyndaker of Henrico High School was named Henrico Schools’ 2019 Gilman Teacher of the Year Tuesday at a ceremony at Glen Allen High School.

Amelia Kirchgessner, a music teacher at Chamberlayne Elementary School, was named Henrico Schools’ 2019 First-Year Teacher of the Year Tuesday at a ceremony at Glen Allen High School.

Finalists for Henrico Schools’ Christie Award were Mills Godwin High School’s Kendra Thomas; Varina High School’s Michele Andrews; award-winner Sarah Gordon; and Gayton Elementary School’s Rebecca Nikitakis.

Finalists for Henrico Schools’ 2019 Gilman Teacher of the Year award stand with the superintendent and members of the School Board after a ceremony Tuesday at Glen Allen High School. Pictured are: Kareem Texler of Deep Run High School; Emilia Texler of Hermitage High School; Micky Ogburn, Three Chopt District representative; Bill Pike, Tuckahoe District representative; Beverly Cocke, Brookland District representative; Gilman winner Greg Lyndaker of Henrico High School; Amy Cashwell, superintendent; Sharon Middleton of Skipwith Elementary School; John Montgomery, chair and Varina District representative; and Chris Moseley of Varina High School.

Finalists for Henrico Schools’ 2019 First-Year Teacher of the Year award were Ian Jeffrey of Gayton Elementary School; award-winner Amelia Kirchgessner of Chamberlayne Elementary School; and Nirali Jantrania of Deep Run High School.

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Public service announcement: Henrico County School Board meeting

May 6, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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The County School Board of Henrico County, Va., will hold the following meeting:

Thursday, May 9, 2019

2:30 p.m. Work Session

The meeting will take place in the auditorium of the New Bridge Learning Center, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. Closed sessions will be held as deemed necessary. The meeting is open to the public and interested citizens are invited to attend. A live stream of School Board work sessions and monthly meetings is available on the main HCPS website, henricoschools.us. To view “BoardDocs,” where meeting agendas can be found, please go to http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/henrico/Board.nsf/Public. Anyone wishing to attend who is disabled and needs assistance should contact Andy Jenks at 804-652-3724.

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Henrico Schools wants you! Job fair May 8

May 2, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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When it comes to jobs, summer a good fit and some aren’t. It may be time to for you to spring into action and see what Henrico Schools has available! Representatives from the HCPS Human Resources Department and departmental representatives will be on hand May 8 at Libbie Mill Library to talk to candidates for full-time and part-time bus drivers and school nutrition workers.

Don’t have bus driving experience? Qualified driver candidates will be paid as they train.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance at www.henricoschools.us/careers.

Henrico County Public Schools job fair

When: May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Libbie Mill Library, 2100 Libbie Lake East St. Henrico, Va. 23230

Questions? Contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664. Applicants without computer access or having trouble with the online application may contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664 or stop by the department office at 3820 Nine Mile Road in Henrico to use our computers and get help if needed.

Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must: be at least 21 years old; have a valid Virginia driver’s license; obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P (Transporting Passengers)/S (School Bus) and airbrakes; pass a physical and drug test and have no felony convictions.

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Henrico County high schools ranked among best in the commonwealth, nation

May 1, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico County high schools have again been ranked among the best in the nation and Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.

Of the 330 Virginia high schools ranked by the magazine, HCPS placed three in the top 50 and five in the top 100. Deep Run was ranked the No. 10 high school in the commonwealth, while Mills Godwin, Glen Allen, Douglas Freeman and J.R. Tucker were Nos. 33, 41, 71 and 97, respectively. All five schools were ranked in the top quarter of high schools nationally.

This year the magazine changed the way it ranks high schools. Besides using a revamped methodology, it ranked more schools. Previously only a small percentage of high schools qualified to be ranked. This year the magazine ranked 17,245 of the 23,000 public high schools they examined. Schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia were part of the process.

The rankings look at data from the 2016-17 school year and incorporate six elements:

College readiness, based on proportions of 12th-grade students who took and passed Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate exams.
The breadth of a school’s college curriculum, based on proportions of 12th-grade students who took and passed AP and/or IB exams in multiple content areas.
Math and reading performance, based on whether a school’s performance on state tests exceeded expectations, given the school’s proportion of underserved students.
How underserved students did on state tests, based on how a school’s black, Hispanic and low-income students performed compared with state students who aren’t underserved.
Graduation rates. This is based on the proportion of students who entered ninth grade in 2012-13 and graduated four years later.

For the full rankings and to learn more about the methodology of the rankings, go to https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/articles/us-news-ranks-best-high-schools.

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Henrico Schools’ first countywide All-Star Prom will celebrate students of all abilities

April 30, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico County students with different abilities will come together at Glen Allen High School May 4 for Henrico County Public Schools’ first countywide All-Star Prom.

The evening of dinner and dancing is geared to students with disabilities and a group of their typically developing peers at Henrico County high schools and program centers.

In 2018 Douglas S. Freeman and Glen Allen high schools joined to create a similar event. This year the prom will expand and include students from across Henrico County.

Henrico Schools’ Department of Pupil Transportation will provide door-to-door transport to and from the event for families who need it.

Student groups are involved in planning for the prom, and businesses, community groups and faith-based organizations will donate time and funds.

Countywide All-Star Prom

Who: Members of the media are invited to attend.

When: May 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Glen Allen High School, 10700 Staples Mill Road, Henrico, Va. 23060

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Award-winning mentoring program will celebrate intensive service efforts at Tuesday’s “WE Day”

April 29, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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The Henrico HEROES mentoring program – named Virginia’s best in 2014 – has long made a difference in the lives of students in Henrico County Public Schools. This year the program expanded its vision beyond the campuses of its 32 participating schools, involving its students and volunteers in a host of community service projects and setting its sights on global impact.

The group will celebrate its year of intensive community service Tuesday with a “WE Day” gathering at Henrico High School from 10 a.m. to noon. The event commemorates Henrico HEROES’ participation in the WE Schools program, a nationwide service-learning initiative. Mentors and students at all 32 Henrico HEROES schools adopted community service projects this year as part of the WE Schools program, and will come together to share them. There will be speakers, a dance team, a drumline, games and prizes. Participants will also learn about plans to expand the service projects to address needs around the world.

“We wanted to align our efforts with HCPS’ Henrico Learner Profile, creating good citizenship and awareness of needs across the world,” said Leslie Velez, Henrico HEROES director. “We may be helping campaigns to build schools in Kenya and train members of villages in farming techniques, or helping provide clean water in India. We want to introduce [students and mentors] to these ideas, so that they can take what they learn and apply it not only to local service projects, but also abroad.”

The Henrico Learner Profile, adopted in 2018, provides a guiding framework for education in Henrico County Public Schools. Find out more about the document by going to henricolearner.henricoschools.us.

This year, community service projects at Henrico schools included a baby shower at Glen Allen High School to collect baby items for babies in need. At L. Douglas Wilder Middle School, mentors and students assembled welcome bags for families in local homeless shelters, and read to students in the exceptional education program.

Mentors in the Henrico HEROES program meet with their students once a week for 30-45 minutes and participate in several program events. Find out more about the program at henricoheroes.henricoschools.us.

Find out more about the WE Schools initiative at we.org/we-schools/.

Henrico HEROES “WE Day”

Who: Members of the media are invited to attend.

When: April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Where: Henrico High School, 302 Azalea Ave., Henrico, Va. 23227

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Holladay Elementary School holding celebration to mark 50 years as school prepares to double in size

April 22, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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It’s a time of milestones for Holladay Elementary School. The Henrico County elementary school is celebrating its 50th anniversary, while it prepares for a construction project that will double the school’s size. Former students, teachers and administrators are invited back to Holladay May 1 to celebrate. Visitors will get a chance to reconnect with other Hawks, see photos and artifacts from the school’s first half-century, tour the school, enjoy refreshments and learn about the major addition planned for the campus.

The addition to Holladay will be built behind the existing school. Construction will start in the fall and the addition will open for the 2021-22 school year. Holladay students will continue to attend the school during construction.

Holladay Elementary School celebration:

Who: Friends and former students, teachers and administrators of Holladay Elementary School are invited to attend, as are members of the media.

When: May 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Holladay Elementary School, 7300 Galaxie Road, Henrico, Va.

Visitors to Holladay Elementary School’s 50th anniversary celebration May 1 can learn more about the major addition planned for the Henrico County school. The existing school building is shown in white.

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Henrico County Public Schools moving forward with planning process for possible redistricting

April 19, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico County Public Schools staff members appeared at the School Board’s work session today to update the Board on what would be needed if HCPS chooses to redraw school boundaries in time for the 2021-22 school year.

Fall 2021 will see the opening of three new HCPS facilities. A major project will double the size of the existing Holladay Elementary School at 7300 Galaxie Road, and new buildings will open to replace the existing J.R. Tucker and Highland Springs high schools on their current sites. Those projects, along with projected population trends in Henrico County, prompted a review of school attendance boundaries throughout the county.

Any specifics about school redistricting in Henrico County remain many months away. However, because being ready for the possibility takes a great deal of planning, HCPS is moving forward with a process that includes establishing a timeline, collecting data, hiring a consultant and involving the community.

The planning timeline to implement redistricting for fall 2021 would be:

May 2019: Award contract to redistricting consultant.

Summer 2019: Collect data and create a committee of community members to lead the process and recommend a plan.

Fall 2019 to winter 2019-20: Plan for around 30 public meetings.

Spring 2020: School Board approval.

Fall 2021: New boundaries in place for 2021-22 school year.

No redistricting proposals would be implemented without a great deal of public input and participation. Henrico Schools will share information about the planning process as it becomes available. Information will be posted to Henrico Schools’ redistricting page, at https://henricoschools.us/redistricting2021. The page can also be reached by going to henricoschools.us and looking under “Hot Topics.”

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Henrico Schools’ Gifted Education Advisory Council seeks applicants for upcoming terms

April 17, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico County Public Schools is seeking applicants to serve on the school division’s Gifted Education Advisory Council. The group meets five times a year and advises the school division about the educational needs of all gifted students in the division. The committee studies gifted education needs and policy, and works with the superintendent’s office to make improvements. It provides an annual report to the School Board and promotes good relationships among the School Board, schools, families and the community. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on April 30 and can be mailed, emailed or submitted in person.

The council is seeking applicants for terms varying from one to three years.

Openings for a three-year (2019-22) term:

– One parent/guardian representative from the Brookland District.

– One parent/guardian representative from the Fairfield District.

– One parent/guardian representative from the Three Chopt District.

– One parent/guardian representative from the Tuckahoe District.

Openings for a two-year (2019-21) term:

– Two parent/guardian representatives from the Tuckahoe District.

– One school principal.

There is one opening for a one-year term:

– One rising seventh- or eighth-grade middle school student representative.

Apply by April 30 by going to https://henricoschools.us/wp-content/uploads/GEAC-Interest-Form2019.pdf and completing the application at the bottom. The form can be emailed to Scott Bray at sebray@henrico.k12.va.us, dropped off at HCPS Central Office at 3820 Nine Mile Road, or returned by mail to:

Henrico County Public Schools Gifted Education Programs Office

P.O. Box 23120, Henrico, Va. 23223

Henrico Schools is committed to providing educational opportunities commensurate with students’ needs and abilities, and using multiple criteria to identify gifted students from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. To find out more about gifted education in Henrico Schools go to https://henricoschools.us/gifted/.

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Second HCPS “Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day” will build on national attention

April 15, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Since Henrico County Public Schools held its first Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day in March 2018, the HCPS Department of Career and Technical Education has fielded hundreds of calls from school divisions asking for advice on replicating the idea. On April 23, some of those same school systems will send representatives – from as far away as Minnesota – to take in Henrico Schools’ second signing day.

The event’s second edition will last for much of the day and be organized into smaller ceremonies, by industry. The signing day will again be held at the Junior Achievement Finance Park, located on the third floor of the Libbie Mill Library. More than 100 students will take part.

The concept mimics ceremonies that honor high school athletes as they gather in gyms to sign letters-of-intent to play for NCAA athletic programs. Henrico Schools’ Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day recognizes students entering the workforce with a similar ceremony before family and members of the media. Students and representatives of their future employers will both sign letters-of-intent outlining what students must do before and during employment, what the employer will provide in pay and training, and an estimate of the position’s value. Similar to signing day for athletes, students will don a hat or other form of promotional clothing representing the company, Henrico County Public Schools and the school division’s Career and Technical Education program.

The 2018 event was featured on CNN Headline News, Fox News and Today.com. A school division Facebook post about the signing day reached more than 4.9 million people, was shared more than 25,000 times and prompted more than 36,000 likes when it was shared by Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” and other projects.

Who:
Members of the media are invited to attend.

When:
April 23 (ceremonies are grouped by industry area)

10:30-11:30: Health services
Noon to 1 p.m.: Human services
2-3 p.m.: IT and technology
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Skilled trades
4:30: Closing remarks

Where:
Libbie Mill Library (Junior Achievement Finance Park, third floor), 2100 Libbie Lake East St., Henrico, Va. 23230

Photo captions: Henrico Schools’ 2018 Career and Technical Education Letter-of-Intent Signing Day drew national attention by recognizing students entering the workforce. The 2019 edition will take place April 23 at Henrico County’s Libbie Mill Library.

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Public service announcement: Henrico County School Board meetings

April 12, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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The County School Board of Henrico County, Va. will hold the following meetings:

Thursday, April 18, 2019
3 p.m. Work Session
6:30 p.m. Monthly Meeting

The meetings will take place in the auditorium of the New Bridge Learning Center, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. Closed sessions will be held during the work session as deemed necessary.

The meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are invited to attend. A livestream of School Board work sessions and monthly meetings is available on the main HCPS website, henricoschools.us. To view “BoardDocs,” where meeting agendas can be found, please click http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/henrico/Board.nsf/Public. Anyone wishing to attend who is disabled and needs assistance should contact Andy Jenks at 804-652-3724.

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Henrico County students with disabilities get ready for Special Olympics Virginia events

April 12, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Three spring events will give Henrico County students with disabilities – and their nondisabled peers – a chance to compete alongside each other. The competitions include one each for HCPS elementary, middle and high school students and feature track and field events and other outdoor activities. High school students will serve as volunteers for the competitions.

The annual Henrico competitions, coordinated by Special Olympics Virginia, are:

Big Feet Meet (high schools): April 16, 9:30 a.m. to noon (rain date April 17), Varina High School, 7053 Messer Road, Henrico, Va. 23231
Little Feet Meet (preschools and elementary schools): April 25, 9:30 a.m. to noon (rain date April 26), Douglas S. Freeman High School, 8701 Three Chopt Road, Henrico, Va. 23229
Meet in the Middle (middle schools): May 1, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (rain date May 3), Collegiate School, 103 North Mooreland Road, Richmond, Va. 23229

Admission to the events is free. The public is invited to come cheer on and celebrate the participants.

Around 1,800 athletes and their partners from HCPS schools are expected to take part in the three events.

The events are part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools initiative, which seeks to create a day of fun, collaboration and inclusion among students who may not spend time together in classes. The initiative seeks to give students with and without disabilities the opportunity to train together, to create friendships and to foster mutual respect.

For more information about Special Olympics Virginia, go to www.specialolympicsva.org.

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Spring Family Learning Series offers workshops for HCPS parents, guardians and teachers

April 12, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico County Public Schools’ spring edition of its Family Learning Series includes topics such as choosing child care; drug use among teens; and strengthening parent-child relationships. The series is presented by Henrico Schools’ Department of Family and Community Engagement. Workshops are held at public libraries and school facilities across Henrico County.

Register for workshops by emailing Terry Talbott at tktalbott@henrico.k12.va.us or by calling 804-652-3787. Parents, guardians and Henrico County Public Schools staff members are welcome to register. Recertification points will be awarded to teachers who attend. For details on the sessions, go to henricoschools.us and look under “Hot Topics” or go to https://henricoschools.us/family-learning-series-spring-2019-sessions/.

Henrico Schools Spring Family Learning Series

“Choosing Quality Child Care”: April 16, 6-7:30 p.m.
“Parent-Child Relationships: Actions that Matter”: April 17, noon-1:30 p.m.
“And the Survey Says…” (workshop on the results of a survey on youth drug use in Henrico County): April 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
“And the Survey Says…” (workshop on the results of a survey on youth drug use in Henrico County): April 24, noon-1:30 p.m.
“Parent’s Voice in the Special Education Process”: April 30, 6-7:30 p.m.
“Transition and Student IEPs”: May 7, noon-1:30 p.m.
“Depression and Teenagers”: May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
“Medicaid Waivers”: May 8, noon-1:30 p.m.
“Preparing for Life Beyond High School”: May 28, 6-7:30 p.m.

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Public service announcement: Henrico County School Board meeting

April 12, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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The County School Board of Henrico County, Va. will attend a meeting hosted by Superintendent Amy Cashwell with Henrico County faith leaders Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at 10 a.m., at the Libbie Mill Library, 2100 Libbie Lake East Street, Henrico, Va.

Henrico faith leaders received invitations to the meeting to build new relationships and partnerships to serve students, families and schools in the county. Interested citizens are invited to observe. If anyone wishing to attend is disabled and needs assistance at this meeting, please contact Andy Jenks at 804-652-3724.

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Two student horticulture programs are hosting spring plant sales, and your garden wants you to go

April 11, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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It’s not really spring until the Academy at Virginia Randolph and the Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage host their plant sales. Students at the two schools have been hard at work preparing plants for the annual events. There’ll be a large selection of flowers, vegetables, herbs and hanging baskets at terrific prices. Enjoy your own vegetables and fruits this summer! Want to attract pollinators? Both sales feature lots of flowers that will bring bees and butterflies to say hello.

Academy at Virginia Randolph Annual Spring Plant Sale

The students at Virginia Randolph have grown some amazing-quality plants this year: petunias, geraniums, lantana, new guinea impatiens, caladiums, begonias and many more. They also have stunning combination planters and can customize a planter for you onsite. Cash and checks only please.

When: April 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: The Academy at Virginia Randolph, 2204 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, Va. 23060

4-inch vegetables and herbs are $1.50
4-inch annuals and houseplants starting at $3 (6-inch are $5)
1-gallon perennial daylilies and iris are $5
8-inch hanging baskets are $7

Advanced Career Education Center Greenhouse and Landscape Plant Sale

The sale features a huge variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, fruits and vegetables. Pick up vinca, marigolds, morning glory, sedum, coreopsis and delightful coneflowers. Vegetables and fruits include peppers, cucumbers, watermelon and many varieties of tomato. Cash and checks only please.

When: April 30 and May 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage, 8301 Hungary Spring Road, Henrico, Va. 23228

Hanging baskets starting at $10
Four-packs are $1.50
Succulents starting at $2
Pots: 3.5-inch for $1, 4.5-inch for $3 ($4.50 for deep pots) and 6.5-inch for $5

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All Henrico Reads: Author Lisa Scottoline to address students, public in two Glen Allen High School appearances

April 8, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va., April 8, 2019 – Author Lisa Scottoline will discuss her books in two appearances Wednesday at Glen Allen High School as part of the 11th-annual All Henrico Reads program.

At a morning event at the school, Scottoline will speak to students from across Henrico County about her book “Keep Quiet.” At a free evening event open to the public, she will discuss her novel “After Anna.” Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Books will be available for sale after the evening talk and the author will be available to autograph them.

“Keep Quiet” is an emotionally gripping, morally complex story about the devastating consequences of a father’s decision to protect his son. Booklist said the author “brings tension to a boil” in the book’s “intriguing exploration of human frailties, justice and family relationships.”

“After Anna” is an engaging thriller and a novel of emotional justice and legal intrigue. Publisher’s Weekly lauded the book as “filled with plenty of twists and complex characters.” The book includes layers of family drama and is centered on the return of an estranged child, murder and a search for the truth. Told from multiple points of view, the book illustrates the intensity of different perceptions.

Scottoline is a New York Times bestselling author of 32 novels. She also writes the weekly “Chick Wit” column with her daughter Francesca Serritella for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Find out more about the author at scottoline.com.

All Henrico Reads is an annual literary program designed to foster community discussion of a chosen book, while highlighting the importance of reading for all ages. It is sponsored by Henrico County Public Schools, Henrico County Public Library and the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.

The student event will be streamed live from the HCPS website, henricoschools.us.

April 10 from 10:15-11:45 a.m.

Public event:

April 10 from 7-8:30 p.m.

(Doors open at 6:15 p.m.)

Where:

Glen Allen High School

10700 Staples Mill Road

Glen Allen, Va. 23060

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Make a difference and get on-the-job training: April showers bring opportunities with HCPS

April 4, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. April 4, 2019 – Of course April showers bring May flowers – and for people who want to be part of a team making a difference, they also bring a downpour of job possibilities. If you’ve mist being part of your community and don’t want to simply follow the cloud, consider a position as an HCPS bus driver or school nutrition worker. Rain or shine, our drivers and cafeteria workers are key members of the Henrico Schools team.

Representatives from the HCPS Human Resources Department and departmental representatives will be on hand April 9 at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. We’re eager to talk to candidates for full-time and part-time bus drivers and school nutrition workers.

Don’t have bus driving experience? Qualified driver candidates will be paid as they train.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online in advance at www.henricoschools.us/careers.

Henrico County Public Schools job fair

When: April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, Va.

Questions? Contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664. Applicants without computer access or having trouble with the online application may contact the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664 or stop by the department office at 3820 Nine Mile Road in Henrico to use our computers and get help if needed.

Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must: be at least 21 years old; have a valid Virginia driver’s license; obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P (Transporting Passengers)/S (School Bus) and airbrakes; pass a physical and drug test and have no felony convictions.

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April 11 is the day to register your child for kindergarten

March 29, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. March 29, 2019 – Entering kindergarten is a big step for children and their families. It all starts Thursday, April 11 when Henrico County Public Schools will join with 14 other central Virginia school divisions to register new students for the 2019-20 school year. To enroll a child in Henrico County Public Schools, the child must reside in Henrico County with a parent or court-appointed legal custodian and be 5 years old by Sept. 30.

What parents and guardians need to know:

Where do I register? Children should be registered at the school they will attend. Not sure? Use our online School Locator tool to find the school for your address: https://henricoschools.us/school-locator/.

When do I register? Thursday, April 11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

What should I bring?

An official state-issued birth certificate for your child.
A photo ID for the child’s parent or legal guardian (driver’s license, DMV ID, military ID or other picture ID).
Proof of residency. You must provide:
- A current lease agreement, house contract, mortgage statement or tax assessment.
- A current utility bill (dated within the past 30 days).

If you are living “doubled” with another person or family, the homeowner or primary renter must accompany you to school to register the child. Certain verification and forms are also needed from the parent or legal guardian, as well as from the homeowner or primary renter.

The parent or guardian living in a “doubled” household must provide:
- A notarized affidavit of address, completed in conjunction with the homeowner or primary renter. The document is available from each school.
- Two pieces of business correspondence with their name at the address they are verifying as their domicile.
- A valid photo ID.
In addition to completing the notarized affidavit with the parent or guardian, the homeowner or primary renter must provide:
- A current deed or lease.
- A current utility bill (dated within the past 30 days).
- A valid photo ID.

Will the school require anything else? Before the school year starts, you will need to present: An up-to-date record of your child’s immunizations.

A physical exam form signed by a qualified U.S.-licensed health care provider and dated no more than 12 months before the enrollment date. The form can be downloaded at https://henricoschools.us/registration/.

What if I have other questions? More information is available at the Henrico County Public Schools website at https://henricoschools.us/registration/.

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For milestone twentieth year, Henrico Schools among America’s “Best Communities for Music Education”

March 28, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. March 28, 2019 – For the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation, Henrico County Public Schools is the ultimate earworm: the industry group can’t get HCPS out of its head. For the twentieth straight year, the group selected the school division as one of America’s top places for music education. Henrico Schools has received the honor annually since the group began awarding it in 1999. HCPS is the only school division that has been recognized for all 20 years of the program.

Recipients were informed of their selection to the list this week.

The designation is based on a detailed survey of a school division’s commitment to music instruction through funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. The award recognizes the commitment of school administrators, community leaders, teachers and families who believe in music education and work to make music education accessible to all students.

“This recognition says a lot about our teachers, and about the diversity and inclusiveness of our program offerings,” said Rick Tinsley, Henrico Schools’ music education specialist. “It’s also indicative of the strong support for music education within our school division leadership and in our community. Henrico County has tremendous students and music educators and we appreciate when their dedication is recognized.”

Studies have shown an association between exposure to the arts and academic and civic engagement.

The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation is funded by music trade association activities and donations. The foundation works to promote music education as an important part of the core educational curriculum.

To find out more about the “Best Communities for Music Education” program, go to https://www.nammfoundation.org/what-we-do/best-communities-music-education.

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Calling all J.R. Tucker alumni: Connect with other Tigers and celebrate the school’s next chapter

March 26, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. March 26, 2019 – Fifty-three classes have graduated from J.R. Tucker High School since the school opened in 1962. The school’s many alumni and friends are invited to gather at the Parham Road campus April 20 to connect with other Tigers, reminisce about the existing school and celebrate the next chapter. Construction on a new school is slated to begin in the fall on the site of the school’s football stadium and practice field. When the new school is completed in 2021, the existing school will be demolished. J.R. Tucker students will continue to attend the school while the new facility is built.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors are invited to walk the J.R. Tucker campus, including the gym and football stadium. There will be J.R. Tucker clothing and other items for sale, as well as yearbooks, and visitors can buy hot dogs, popcorn and drinks. School booster groups will also hold fundraising events.

In September 2018, Henrico officials announced the replacement of both J.R. Tucker and Highland Springs high schools. Both new schools will open for the 2021-22 school year. Unlike the plan for J.R. Tucker, the replacement of Highland Springs High School does not involve demolishing the existing school building.

Renderings of each project were presented at a Feb. 28 School Board meeting and can be seen in BoardDocs, a web-based tool for publishing School Board meeting agendas, audio and related material. Find the renderings by going to henricoschools.us and clicking on “School Board and BoardDocs” at the top. At the BoardDocs site, click “Meetings” to find materials from the Feb. 28 monthly meeting.

J.R. Tucker High School Alumni Event

When:

April 20*

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Campus walkaround
11 a.m. to noon: JRTHS pep band plays
Noon: Group photo of J.R. Tucker alumni on football field

*Booster events start at 8 a.m.

Where:

J.R. Tucker High School

2910 N. Parham Road

Henrico, Va. 23294

A rendering of the new J.R. Tucker High School campus, by Moseley Architects.The new facility is slated to open in 2021.

The existing J.R. Tucker High School, as viewed from North Parham Road.

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Public service announcement: Henrico County School Board meetings

March 25, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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The County School Board of Henrico County, Va. will hold the following meetings:

Thursday, March 28, 2019

2:30 p.m. Work Session
6:30 p.m. Monthly Meeting

The meetings will take place in the auditorium of the New Bridge Learning Center, 5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. Closed sessions will be held during the work session as deemed necessary.

The meetings are open to the public and interested citizens are invited to attend. A livestream of School Board work sessions and monthly meetings is available on the main HCPS website, henricoschools.us. To view “BoardDocs,” where meeting agendas can be found, please go to http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/henrico/Board.nsf/Public. Anyone wishing to attend who is disabled and needs assistance should contact Andy Jenks at 804-652-3724.

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Henrico Schools’ 2-day countywide ARTS Festival grows bigger every year

March 18, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. March 18, 2019 – Henrico County Public Schools’ annual spring arts festival moves into its sixth year with a weekend of fine art, food, a guest speaker, music and more. This year’s Henrico ARTS Festival – the acronym stands for Artists, Residents, Teachers and Students – will be held March 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Varina High School. The theme is “Art makes connections.”

Both days will feature displays of fine art from every school in the division and activities sponsored by local community partners and cultural centers. Saturday will feature a 1 p.m. presentation by Richmond muralist, illustrator and Varina H.S. alumna Amelia Blair Langford. Find out more about Langford and see her work at amelialangford.com.

Varina High School will also hold a STEAM fair at the festival Saturday. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

The festival aims to use Henrico Schools as a hub for building arts connections across the community.

Sixth-annual Henrico ARTS Festival (all activities are free)

Saturday, March 23

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Performances, exhibits, activities and Varina H.S. STEAM fair.

Noon: Performance by Varina H.S. band.

1 p.m.: Presentation by muralist and Varina H.S. alumna Amelia Blair Langford.

2 p.m.: Arthur Ashe E.S. musical performance, featuring the All-Star Drummers.

Sunday, March 24

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Exhibits and activities

Where:

Varina High School,

7053 Messer Road, Henrico, Va.

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Public service announcement: Henrico County School Board meeting

March 15, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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The County School Board of Henrico County, Va. will attend a meeting of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors to review the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Annual Financial Plan. The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 9 a.m., in the county manager’s third-floor conference room at the Parham Road Government Center, 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, Va.

The meeting is open to the public and interested citizens are invited to attend. Anyone wishing to attend who is disabled and needs assistance at this meeting should contact Andy Jenks at 804-652-3724.

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June 11, Virginia’s primary day, will now be a student holiday and staff clerical day

March 14, 2019/in Top News /by Larry Willis

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Henrico, Va. March 14, 2019 – In response to community and staff concerns about safety, the Henrico School Board voted at its Thursday work session to make June 11 a student holiday and staff clerical day. Virginia’s primary elections will take place that day, and many HCPS schools serve as polling places.

Because members of the public need easy access to school facilities to visit polling places in gyms, auditoriums and other school common areas, schools are not able to screen visitors with the same thoroughness they would employ during a regular school day. Some parents, staff and community members have raised concerns about the public polling access.

The change will not require further changes to the school year, because the school division has enough time built into the calendar to accommodate the added holiday. Some schools may need to adjust their exam schedules, however, as well as certain ceremonies and events. Students and families can expect further information from their schools as plans are adjusted.

The holiday does not affect June 11 graduation exercises, which will take place as scheduled for Deep Run, Douglas Freeman and Mills Godwin high schools.

The change to the calendar was made after a February effort to move the state’s primary day was unsuccessful during the General Assembly’s session.

Q: What do you mean by “concerns about safety”?

A: Many Henrico schools are used as polling places. On voting days, the general public must have easy access to the polls, which are often located in gymnasiums, auditoriums or other common areas. Staff members, parents and community members have continued to raise concerns about safety because we are unable to screen visitors the way we normally would on a non-voting day. We believe that the best way to address these concerns is to make Tuesday, June 11, a student holiday and staff clerical day.

Q: Do you have enough “banked instructional time” to do this?

A: Yes! While we had several weather-related closings and delays this year, we do not anticipate falling below Virginia’s minimum number of instructional hours for the year.

Q: Why now? Didn’t you know about elections earlier than this?

A: This year’s school calendar was approved back in December of 2017. At that time, primary elections for June 2019 had not yet been scheduled. Also, just last month we were following a proposal in the General Assembly to move the June primary elections to a day when students would not be in school, but that proposal ultimately failed.

Q: What about final exams?

A: Schools will adjust their exam schedule, which may include exams being given on Monday, June 10. Specific information will come from your student’s school and/or teachers.

Q: What about school awards programs and ceremonies?

A: Schools may need to reschedule certain events. Specific information will come from your school’s principal.

Q: What does “clerical day” mean, again?

A: Clerical days are work days that allow teachers and staff to complete grades, plans, paperwork and other necessary tasks on a flexible schedule.

Q: What about high school graduations on June 11?

A: The change does not impact the June 11 graduation ceremonies of Deep Run, Freeman and Godwin high schools, which will take place at the Siegel Center as scheduled.

Q: What about elections during the 2019-2020 school year?

A: There are no changes to the 2019-20 school calendar (next school year) at this time. We will revisit primary elections in the year 2020 at a later date.

Q: Where can I go to review calendar information for the current school year as well as next school year?

A: Visit our calendar page: https://henricoschools.us/calendars/

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