Greetings Ram Families!
We can't wait to welcome students for the 2024-2025 school year! As a reminder, the first day of school is Monday, August 19th. In preparation for the big day, I want to share some important resources and make you aware of enhancements here at our building. By now, you should have received a mailed letter that will include your child's teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.
We look forward to seeing you at our Back to School Event on Thursday, August 15th. Click here for the details.
Safety:
HCPS will phase in the daily use of weapons scanners at all elementary schools during the first few weeks of school. When students arrive, they will pass through the scanners. They only need to open their backpacks to remove their computers or tablets. As shared previously, these scanners are similar to those at theme parks and sports venues. You will recall that students had the opportunity practice walking through these scanners last spring.
Student IDs:
Every HCPS student across the division will receive a student ID on a lanyard for use throughout the school year. The white cards will include the student's name and their number, but they will not include a photo. Students will scan their cards when getting on and off the bus, checking out books from the library, and purchasing meals in the cafeteria. The new student IDs are a part of a multi-layered safety plan and efforts to streamline operational processes at the school. Please be sure to return them daily and remind your student of the importance of keeping them.
Student Cell Phone and Smartwatch Use:
As in years past, students may not have cell phones out during school. To further reduce distractions in the classroom, students must keep their cell phones, smartwatches, and other Wi-Fi-connected devices out of sight and silenced or in airplane mode during class. Devices may only be used for learning purposes with the teacher’s permission. If your child has a documented medical condition requiring a monitoring device, please contact the school nurse.
During class, students should keep their cell phones out of sight in their backpacks, bags, or safe storage containers provided by the school in each classroom. If a student leaves class to visit the restroom, clinic, etc., their cell phone must remain in the classroom. If a student fails to follow these guidelines, the following steps will be taken in alignment with the 2024-2025 Code of Student Conduct.
Consequences of Cell Phone Use Infractions*
First Offense
A verbal warning will be given to the student, and the parent or guardian will be contacted.
Second Offense
The device will be confiscated until the end of the day, and the student’s parent or guardian will be contacted.
Third Offense
The device will be confiscated until the end of the day, and the student’s parent or guardian must retrieve it from the school.
Fourth Offense
The device will be confiscated until the end of the day, and the student’s parent or guardian must retrieve it. Other student disciplinary consequences will apply.
Fifth Offense
The student must turn in the device to the teacher daily until further notice.
*School administrators may check for cell phones following the established HCPS Search and Seizure policy.
Daily Attendance:
Daily learning and following established routines are essential for students, especially our youngest learners. Research shows that students who attend school regularly read better, are more proficient in math, and are more likely to graduate from high school and college. Students in every grade, including preschool and kindergarten, learn and develop new skills daily. Missing even one day of learning can cause a setback. Please take a minute to review the
HCPS attendance policy and these family resources from Attendance Works.