HCPS News: Full accreditation, specialty center appl...

Oct. 9, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 10 HCPS is 100% accredited! We kick off this week's newsletter with great news: Every Henrico County school is fully accredited. We also saw growth and improvement on all state performance indicators, which we'll outline below. Congrats to all our schools! More in this edition: We provide an update on HVAC systems and school facilities. We also have reminders on REB award nominations and high school specialty center applications. And be sure to check out the fun video featuring Shady Grove's STEAM Night! Division sees growth at all school levels Henrico County Public Schools saw growth and improvement across all school performance indicators for the 2025-26 school year and achieved full state accreditation across all schools. This year: Every HCPS school received full state accreditation, up from 96% last year. 28 of our schools received “Distinguished” status, the highest of the state’s four performance categories. That's nearly triple last year's 10 "Distinguished" schools. All middle schools, 98% of elementary schools and 78% of high schools saw their point score increase on the state's performance framework. The framework uses a point system that weighs mastery, growth, readiness and graduation using indicators like test scores and chronic absenteeism rates. “I congratulate all our schools on receiving full state accreditation!” said Henrico Schools Superintendent Amy Cashwell. “I am so proud of the hard work and consistent effort that has made this achievement possible. “Henrico Schools’ performance growth across all levels is an incredible accomplishment. Our teachers, specialists and school leaders work every day to understand each student and respond to their needs to create an environment where every student can learn and grow.” Another highlight for HCPS this year was growth at Glen Lea Elementary School. According to VDOE data, the school ranked among the top elementary schools in the state for improvement, gaining more than 15 points on the performance framework score. On Friday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger visited Glen Lea to celebrate the school's achievement. Other state and local officials who joined the visit Friday include Secretary of Education Jeffrey Smith; Superintendent of Public Instruction Jenna Conway; Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling; Sen. Lamont Bagby; Ryan Young and Alicia Atkins of the Henrico School Board; Roscoe Cooper of the Henrico Board of Supervisors; HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell and members of the HCPS Division Leadership team. Read more about the state's performance framework and accreditation process here. Strengthening school operations: An update on HVAC systems and school facilities Henrico Schools continues to make progress in resolving heating and cooling problems, reducing the number of impacted schools across the division. We are strengthening our operational infrastructure to help prevent future issues and keep classrooms comfortable year-round. This work is made possible through a strong partnership between the School Board and the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, providing the necessary funding for essential repairs and preventive maintenance to ensure our facilities operate as efficiently as possible. Right now, technicians are making permanent repairs as parts arrive and removing temporary air conditioning units wherever possible. At the same time, preventive maintenance vendors are checking boilers and heating systems. They’ve been in schools for nearly four weeks and will keep at it until all building systems are prepped for the colder temperatures ahead. To improve long-term operations, HCPS contracted a local company, CapTech, for a comprehensive third-party assessment, with recommendations expected in November. That information, along with input from school principals and maintenance staff will be key for reshaping how we do business. Of course, to support improved operations, we need to expand our workforce with employees who have expertise in HVAC and facilities work. HCPS is actively recruiting for key positions, including a Director of Facilities Operations and Maintenance, an Operations Liaison and HVAC technicians. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the team, visit the Careers page of the school division’s website to apply. High school specialty center applications open Applications for high school specialty center programs for the 27-28 school year are open through Nov. 13! HCPS offers fifteen unique high school specialty centers, three advanced career education centers, and is a member of regional school networks for CodeRVA and Maggie Walker Governor's School. Applications for all of these programs can be accessed through the SchoolMint System. Click here for more information on the application process. Nominate a principal for the REB award Don't forget: the REB Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership are accepting nominations until Nov. 5! The program is a chance to recognize the dedication and hard work of Henrico County Public Schools principals who have gone above and beyond to create an exceptional education environment. Students, families, staff and members of the community are invited to submit nominations. The honorees will receive $20,000 to be used for school initiatives as well as an unrestricted $10,000 cash grant. A runner-up will also be chosen and could receive $10,000 for use toward school projects. Principals from Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and the City of Richmond are eligible, and one nominee from each school division will be honored. For more information on eligibility criteria and the nomination process, and to submit a nomination, visit cfrichmond.org/receive/scholars-educators/educators/leadership. The awards were established by the REB Foundation and Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond. Award recipients will be announced in March 2027. VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Shady Grove STEAM Night LEVEL UP: Students and families enjoyed an array of activities at Shady Grove Elementary's STEAM Night, including Lego building, coding, arts and crafts, and playing catch with a robot! HEF Corner: Greenlight Awards Turning Ideas into Impact Every Greenlight Award begins with an educator's idea and a donor's generosity. The Greenlight Awards program helps HCPS teachers and staff bring innovative ideas to life by funding projects that enhance learning and strengthen school communities. From building a model electrical grid at ACE Center at Highland Springs to creating welcoming spaces like The Panther Den at Hermitage High School and the Kindergarten Culture of Community project at Nuckols Farm Elementary, Greenlight supports creativity, innovation and student success in many forms. In 2026, HEF funded 21 Greenlight projects, investing $120,323 to impact 13,471 students and staff across Henrico County. Want to learn more? Explore HEF-funded Greenlight projects, view photos and videos, and learn how the program works. You can help bring more innovative ideas to life for Henrico students and educators. Make a gift today. And don't miss this fun video of the HEF team surprising teachers with their Greenlight Awards. We want to hear from you! How did you feel about this year's staggered start model? HCPS has extended the deadline on its staggered start survey to Oct. 18. This year, we used a staggered start model to help young students, as well as sixth graders and high school freshmen, transition into their new schools. We want to hear your thoughts on what went well and where we can improve. The survey is open to staff and families. Please share your thoughts using the English survey link or Spanish survey link. If you need help completing the survey, contact the Department of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation at (804) 652-3830. Thank you for helping us improve! HCPS website will soon have a new look! A big change is coming to henricoschools.us! Our redesigned website will feature a more modern look, easier navigation, and improved access to the information that matters most to families. You’ll find: A mobile-friendly design for easy access on any device Streamlined menus and search tools to help you quickly find what you need Seamless integration with ParentSquare alerts and posts The new look debuts Oct. 29! Stay tuned! Henrico County Public Schools Division of Communications P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 Follow HCPS on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Friday, Oct 09 2026

HCPS News: College and Career Night, Calendar Commit...

Oct. 2, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 9 Good morning, Henrico families! We start this edition of The Binder with information on an event that high schoolers will not want to miss: College and Career Night! The free event is scheduled for Oct. 20, and will allow students to explore possible next steps after graduation. Read more about it below. Also, you'll find information on the Marching Band Showcase, a fun family event scheduled for Oct. 12, which will also be an opportunity to gather donations for the Henrico Christmas Mother. And, don't forget: You can still provide feedback on our staggered start, suggest a name for our Living Building and fill out an interest form to join the Calendar Committee. Thanks for reading! College and Career Night set for Oct. 20 High school students and their families are invited to HCPS' annual College and Career Night, set for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Varina High School, 7053 Messer Road. Students can explore options for life after high school and prepare for their next steps. Representatives from more than 100 colleges, universities, post-high-school training programs, employers and the military will be in attendance. Information about financial aid, scholarships and other resources will also be available. The free event is sponsored by HCPS School Counseling and Henrico Workforce & Career Development. Save time in line by registering at https://app.strivescan.com/registration. Translators will be present. Marching Band Showcase set for Oct. 12 The 2026 Marching Band Showcase will be held Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at Hermitage High School, 8301 Hungary Spring Road. The event highlights the talent of our nine high school marching bands. Everyone is welcome to attend the show. The event is free. Donations will be accepted at the gate and throughout the evening for Henrico Christmas Mother, a local nonprofit that provides food, new clothes, books, toys and other gift items to qualifying families. Accepted donations include non-perishable food items, hats, gloves, socks and monetary donations. VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: Henrico Christmas Mother Donate or apply for assistance: Check out the above video to learn more about the Henrico Christmas Mother and how to make a donation. Families interested in applying for the Henrico Christmas Mother, visit www.henricochristmasmother.org or go in person to the Henrico Christmas Mother warehouse, 361 Dabbs House Road, on one of the dates listed below: Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 19, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For questions regarding applications, families should reach out to their school’s counselor, family advocate, or Henrico Christmas Mother coordinator; email applications@henricochristmasmother.org or call 804-236-9741. Don't forget: Share your thoughts on this year's staggered start Just a few days left to let us know your thoughts on the staggered start model used for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. The survey is open for staff and families to provide feedback through Sunday, Oct. 4, to help us learn what went well and where we can improve as we plan for future years. Please share your thoughts using the English survey link or Spanish survey link. If you need help completing the survey, contact the Department of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation at (804) 652-3830. Thank you for helping us improve! We look forward to hearing your feedback. Help name HCPS’ new Environmental Education Living Building! Henrico County Public Schools is seeking community nominations to help name the new Environmental Education Living Building. Students, families, staff and community members are invited to share ideas for a name that reflects this unique new learning facility and its connection to the HCPS community. Nominations will be accepted through Oct. 25. Before submitting a nomination, community members are encouraged to review Regulation P9-14-003-R, Naming of Schools and School Facilities, which provides information about the naming process, including criteria and evaluation standards for proposed names. Community input is an important part of the process and will help inform the superintendent’s recommendation to the School Board. In accordance with HCPS regulation, the School Board has final authority to approve the name of all schools and school facilities. Submit your nomination through the School Facility Naming Community Nomination Form by Oct. 25 and help identify a meaningful name for this exciting new learning space! Help shape the 2028-29 HCPS instructional calendar Henrico County Public Schools is seeking students (high school), families, staff and community members interested in serving on the 2026-27 Calendar Committee. The committee will work collaboratively to develop a recommended 2028-29 Instructional Calendar for consideration by the Division Leadership Team and ultimately the School Board. HCPS is seeking individuals who bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to this work. Our goal is to form a committee that reflects the breadth of our school division and community, including representation across school levels, geographic areas, stakeholder groups, roles and community experiences. Bringing together these varied perspectives will help ensure that the committee thoughtfully considers the needs of students, families, employees, schools and the broader community as it develops its recommendation. If you are interested in serving, please complete the interest form by Oct. 9, 2026. For the Spanish version, click here. Individuals selected to participate on the Calendar Committee will be contacted by Oct. 16, 2026. Board Spotlight: NACo award recognitions At its Sept. 24 meeting, the Henrico School Board recognized the 22 Henrico County Public School programs that received 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Among Henrico Schools’ award-winning initiatives are a mock interview series for workforce preparation; an elementary enrichment initiative that provided grants and coaching to 11 schools to launch new clubs in robotics, chess and other activities; and a community school hub that offers free mental health counseling services to youth through a partnership with Henrico Area Mental Health and Development Services. For more information about the awards and our winning programs, click here. To view more photos of the winners being recognized, view our gallery here. Henrico County Public Schools Division of Communications P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 Follow HCPS on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Friday, Oct 02 2026

HCPS News: Nominate a principal, "Arts in the Park" ...

Sept. 25, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 8 Happy First Fall Friday! We start this edition with a call for nominations for the REB Exceptional Leadership Award, which could win your principal up to $30,000 for school projects. Read more about it below, and consider nominating your favorite Henrico leader! And for families with fifth or eighth graders, don't forget that this will be the year to apply to a specialty center for interested students. We've got reminders about the application timelines and open house events below. More in this edition: Our 2026-27 Yay of the Day feature has launched, so check out the first picks and send in your nominees! And get a peek at what's happening in our classrooms with our latest "What's New In Henrico Schools" video series. Also, if you're interested in serving on our Calendar Committee, fill out the interest form linked below. REMINDER: Monday, Sept. 28, is a student holiday and teacher professional learning day. Nominate a principal for the REB award The REB Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership are accepting nominations until Nov. 5. The program is a chance to recognize the dedication and hard work of Henrico County Public Schools principals who have gone above and beyond to create an exceptional education environment. Students, families, staff and members of the community are invited to submit nominations. The honorees will receive $20,000 to be used for school initiatives as well as an unrestricted $10,000 cash grant. A runner-up will also be chosen and could receive $10,000 for use toward school projects. Principals from Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties and the City of Richmond are eligible, and one nominee from each school division will be honored. Last year’s HCPS winner was Short Pump Middle School Principal Dr. Jessica Seal (pictured above on the left). Seal’s award funds will go toward expanding the Middle School Cornerstone project -- a student leadership course she implemented at Short Pump Middle -- to the division's other middle schools. Short Pump Elementary School Principal Paige Smith (pictured on the right) was runner-up for the award. Smith received a $10,000 grant to support a studio production center at her school. For more information on eligibility criteria and the nomination process, and to submit a nomination, visit cfrichmond.org/receive/scholars-educators/educators/leadership. The awards were established by the REB Foundation and Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond. Award recipients will be announced in March 2027. Submit your specialty center applications Families of fifth and eighth grade students: Now is the time to be making some decisions about next year. Applications for middle school specialty centers are now being accepted. The application window will close Oct. 5. Applications for high school specialty centers open Monday, Sept. 28 and close on Nov. 13. For more information about the application process, visit: https://www.henricoschools.us/page/specialty-centers. Below is a schedule of open houses for high school specialty centers. All events begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Sept. 29: Virtual information session via Bridge Builders Academy (6 p.m. at hcps.info/BBA) Sept. 29: Allied Health and Human Services at Hermitage H.S. (6 p.m., ACE Center at Hermitage) Sept. 30: International Baccalaureate at J.R. Tucker H.S. Oct. 1: ACA-Business Administration at Highland Springs H.S. (6 p.m.) Oct. 6: Communications & Media Relations and Environmental Studies & Sustainability at Varina H.S. Oct. 7: ACA-Social Sciences at J.R. Tucker H.S. Oct. 8: Center for the Arts at Henrico H.S. Oct. 13: Engineering at Highland Springs H.S. (6 p.m.) Oct. 13 and Dec. 8: CodeRVA (6 p.m., in-person and virtual) Oct. 14: Information Technology at Deep Run H.S. Oct. 15: Spanish Language & Global Citizenship at J.R. Tucker H.S. Oct. 17: Maggie Walker Governor’s School (1 p.m.) Oct. 20: Leadership, Govt., Global Economics at Freeman H.S. Oct. 21: Education & Human Development at Glen Allen H.S. Oct. 22: International Baccalaureate at Henrico H.S. Oct. 27: Cybersecurity at Henrico H.S. Oct. 29: Todd A. Phillips Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin H.S. (6 p.m.) Nov. 4: Humanities & Civic Engagement at Hermitage H.S. (6 p.m.) Nov. 5: ACE Centers at Hermitage, Virginia Randolph and Highland Springs Help name HCPS’ new Environmental Education Living Building! Henrico County Public Schools is seeking community nominations to help name the new Environmental Education Living Building. Students, families, staff and community members are invited to share ideas for a name that reflects this unique new learning facility and its connection to the HCPS community. Nominations will be accepted through Oct. 25. Before submitting a nomination, community members are encouraged to review Regulation P9-14-003-R, Naming of Schools and School Facilities, which provides information about the naming process, including criteria and evaluation standards for proposed names. Community input is an important part of the process and will help inform the superintendent’s recommendation to the School Board. In accordance with HCPS regulation, the School Board has final authority to approve the name of all schools and school facilities. Submit your nomination through the School Facility Naming Community Nomination Form by Oct. 25 and help identify a meaningful name for this exciting new learning space! VIDEO SPOTLIGHT FULL WEEK: Check out footage of Gov. Spanberger's visit to the ACE Center at Hermitage, Grandparents Day fun at Montrose Elementary, the "100 Men Summit" at the Academy of Virginia Randolph and more! Arts in the Park event set for tomorrow The Henrico County Council of PTAs (HCCPTA) invites families to explore the arts and have some fun as the 2026–2027 National Reflections program kicks off. The event is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at The Oak Avenue Complex, 15 S. Oak Avenue. The event will feature live entertainment and family-friendly activities for all ages. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about participating in this year’s National PTA Reflections program. This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” It is a celebration of creativity, diversity and community across our schools. This is an outdoor event; however, activities may move indoors if there is inclement weather. Questions about the event or the Reflections program? Email reflections@hccpta.com. "Yay of the Day!" launches for 2026-27 Dina Thibodeau, a school counselor at Pemberton Elementary School, is our first Yay of the Day for the 2026-27 school year! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored her at Pemberton recently! Nominator Jessica Benade said: "Ms. Thibodeau went above and beyond on the first day of school for my daughter who was afraid of riding the bus. Ms. Thibodeau ended up riding the bus home with her to ease her fears. She assured my daughter she would be there any time she needed help with her buckle on the bus in the afternoon. This has given her the confidence she needed to ride the bus! Ms. Thibodeau deserves recognition for such a wonderful gesture!" Thank you for all you do, Dina, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward! Follow our Yay of the Day series on social media and our website, and nominate HCPS staff members for the school division’s “Yay of the Day” honor. During the 2026-27 school year, 100 recipients will be recognized by Superintendent Amy Cashwell. Visit henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day to submit a nomination. Help shape the 2028-29 HCPS instructional calendar Henrico County Public Schools is seeking students (high school), families, staff and community members interested in serving on the 2026-27 Calendar Committee. The committee will work collaboratively to develop a recommended 2028-29 Instructional Calendar for consideration by the Division Leadership Team and ultimately the School Board. HCPS is seeking individuals who bring a variety of experiences and perspectives to this work. Our goal is to form a committee that reflects the breadth of our school division and community, including representation across school levels, geographic areas, stakeholder groups, roles and community experiences. Bringing together these varied perspectives will help ensure that the committee thoughtfully considers the needs of students, families, employees, schools and the broader community as it develops its recommendation. If you are interested in serving, please complete the interest form by Oct. 9, 2026. Individuals selected to participate on the Calendar Committee will be contacted by Oct. 16, 2026. Henrico County Public Schools Division of Communications P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 Follow HCPS on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Friday, Sep 25 2026

HCPS News: Librarian book picks, staggered start sur...

Sept. 18, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 7 Good morning, Henrico families! We start this edition with a new video series featuring our school librarians making book recommendations. Check it out and keep those students reading! We also have information on the Community Food Bank's food distribution event tomorrow, as well as a link to our survey on this year's staggered start. More in this edition: A reminder to download the ParentSquare app and some photos from across the division! Video Spotlight: Book Picks! Check out our newest video series, Book Picks! Each video showcases one or two Henrico Schools librarians sharing some of their favorite books, and what makes each a great read! Watch the video above for the first picks, and check out @HenricoSchoolsTV on Youtube for more! How did you feel about this year's staggered start? Let us know! We are seeking input on the staggered start model used for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. The survey is now open for staff and families to provide feedback through Sunday, Oct. 4, to help us learn what went well and where we can improve as we plan for future years. Please share your thoughts using the English survey link or Spanish survey link. If you need help completing the survey, contact the Department of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation at (804) 652-3830. Students in grades 6 and 9 will also have the chance to share their thoughts through the survey during advisory classes. If you would prefer for your child not to participate, please contact your school directly. Thank you for helping us improve! We look forward to hearing your feedback. Food distribution event to be held Saturday The Henrico Community Food Bank is hosting a mobile food distribution tomorrow, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All families in Henrico are eligible to come by the Henrico Community Food Bank building at 2401 Hartman Street, Building E, to receive a free package full of pantry staples. Only one bag will be available per family, while supplies last. Families can access the drive-thru pickup area via the bus loop. Anyone in need is encouraged to stop by! Visit henricocommunityfoodbank.org for more information. Download the ParentSquare app to access more features Don't forget to download the ParentSquare app! Features include: Easier viewing of messages from multiple schools Access to an archive of older messages Easier interaction with your child's schools Scan the QR code to download the app today! PHOTO CORNER: Glimpses across HCPS There's always plenty going on across our division! This collage of photos includes glimpses of last week's Grandparents' Day event at Springfield Park Elementary School, a voter registration drive this week at Highland Springs High School and Wednesday's Life-Ready Expo at Hermitage High School! Reminder: Encourage your 9th and 11th graders to take the PSAT The PSAT is a valuable opportunity for students to better understand their academic strengths, identify areas where they can grow and prepare for future college and scholarship opportunities. All 10th grade students and interested 9th and 11th grade students will participate in PSAT testing at no cost to families. If your 9th or 11th grade student would like to take the test, please complete the signup sent to you by your school by Sept. 21. No sign-up is needed for 10th grade students. If you need help with the form, please contact your school’s Coordinator of Assessment and Remediation. For more, visit: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-assessments. Fall Resource Fair to be held at Tuckahoe Family YMCA Saturday Is your family new to Henrico Schools? Or do you just need to learn about the resources available to families across Henrico County? The Fall Resource Fairis for you! Join us for the fourth Fall Resource Fair, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 19, at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA (9273 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA). The event connects families with valuable resources and services. Resources available at the fair will include dental screenings, blood pressure screenings, general health check-ups, mental health resources, adult education resources, student support services and more. Important dates: Sept. 21: Student and teacher holiday - Yom Kippur/Jewish High Holiday Sept. 28: Student holiday - Teacher professional learning Henrico County Public Schools Division of Communications P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 Follow HCPS on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Friday, Sep 18 2026

HCPS News: Environmental education awards, a new For...

Sept. 11, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 6 We've got plenty to share this week! This edition of the newsletter includes some exciting highlights from around Henrico County Public Schools. First, several of our schools have been recognized for their environmental education efforts! Additionally, students in the auto tech program have a new Mustang to work on, courtesy of Bill Talley Ford! Read more on both below. More news in this edition: A Fall Resource Fair, a reminder to encourage your 9th and 11th graders to take the PSAT and information on the Henrico Education Foundation's golf tournament. 20 Henrico schools recognized for their environmental education efforts through 2026 Virginia Naturally program Congratulations to the 20 Henrico County schools that have been recognized this year as part of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources' “Virginia Naturally” recognition program! The program highlights a school’s ongoing efforts to incorporate environmental literacy in its curriculum and increase environmental awareness and stewardship among students. This year, Longdale and Varina elementary schools were recognized for the first time. Henrico Virtual Academy and Chamberlayne, Pinchbeck, Seven Pines, Shady Grove, Jackson Davis, R.C. Longan and Tuckahoe elementary schools were all recognized for the second time. Pemberton, Glen Allen and Montrose elementaries and Elko Middle School were recognized for the third year. Fairfield Middle School was recognized for the fourth time. Maybeury, Donahoe and Greenwood elementaries and Highland Springs High School earned the recognition for the fifth year. Twin Hickory Elementary School has been recognized for the 11th year. HCPS has now had 36 schools honored since the program was created in 2000, the second highest total among Virginia school divisions. For more, click here. Video Spotlight: Rev it up! Watch the video to check out our new wheels at the ACE Center at Highland Springs! Keith Hedgespeth's automotive technology class received a special delivery this week: a 2025 Ford Mustang, courtesy of Bill Talley Ford! The local dealership donated the beautiful car to the ACE Center at Highland Springs to provide students hands-on technical experience with a newer-model vehicle. Bill Talley Ford representatives joined HCPS students and staff for the drop-off at ACE-Highland Springs. That group included general manager Chris Smith and technician Ben Sturman, a 2026 Godwin graduate and former ACE Center auto tech student who was hired by Bill Talley Ford directly out of high school! Thank you to Bill Talley Ford for investing in our students — and your future technicians! HCPS to seek feedback on staggered start implementation We will soon be seeking input on the staggered start model used for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. A survey will be out Sept. 18 to gather feedback from students in grades 6 and 9, families and staff to help us learn what went well and where we can improve as we plan for future years. Students in grades 6 and 9 will have the chance to share their thoughts through the survey during advisory classes. If you would prefer for your child not to participate, please contact your school directly. Thank you for helping us improve! We look forward to hearing your feedback. HEF Corner: Tee Off for Education! Need a team-building day outside of the office that makes a difference? Take your team to the course at the Henrico Education Foundation's 28th Annual Tee Off for Education Golf Tournament on October 7, 2026, at Hunting Hawk Golf Club. Enjoy lunch, 18 holes of golf, friendly competition, and prizes, all while supporting educational opportunities for Henrico students and teachers. Every registration helps fund innovative programs, classroom resources, scholarships, and experiences that expand opportunities for students throughout the year. Register a foursome, become a sponsor and turn a day out of the office into an investment in both your team and your community. Visit the HEF website for more. Fall Resource Fair set for Sept. 19 Is your family new to Henrico Schools? Or do you just need to learn about the resources available to families across Henrico County? The Fall Resource Fair is for you! Join us for the fourth Fall Resource Fair, 11-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA (9273 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA). The event connects families with valuable resources and services. Resources include: Dental Screenings Blood Pressure Screenings General Health Check-ups Mental Health Resources Adult Education Resources Student Support Services Family Resources Encourage your 9th and 11th graders to take the PSAT The PSAT is more than just a practice test for the SAT, a common college entrance exam. It is a valuable opportunity for students to better understand their academic strengths, identify areas where they can grow and prepare for future college and scholarship opportunities. By taking the PSAT, students can: See where they stand in reading, writing and math. Gain experience with the format and expectations of the SAT. Identify strengths and areas to focus on before future assessments. Keep future college and scholarship options open. Take advantage of this opportunity at no cost to families. Even if your student is still deciding what comes after high school, taking the PSAT can provide useful information and experience while helping keep future options open. All 10th grade students and interested 9th and 11th grade students will participate in PSAT testing at no cost to families. A date for the test will be announced by your school. If your 9th or 11th grade student would like to take the test, please complete the signup sent to you by your schools before Sept. 18. No sign-up is needed for 10th grade students. If you need help with the form, please contact your school’s Coordinator of Assessment and Remediation. For an overview of the PSATs, check out their website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-assessments. Important dates/reminders: Sept. 12: Specialty Center Information Session, Highland Springs High School, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 15: Bridge Builders Academy: Open House/All Together Tuesday for the HCPS Family Resource Center at the Oak Avenue Complex, 5-7 p.m. Sept. 16: Life-Ready Expo, Hermitage High School, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 21: Student and teacher holiday - Yom Kippur/Jewish High Holiday Sept. 28: Student holiday - Teacher professional learning Henrico County Public Schools Division of Communications P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 Follow HCPS on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Friday, Sep 11 2026