Enjoy the sights and sounds from the first day of school

This is an important message for families of students who use bus transportation:

First day of school is almost here! Our drivers have been working hard to rehearse their routes and make sure Sept. 3 is the beginning of a great week. With that in mind, we ask for your patience next week as some buses may experience delays. Here’s why, along with answers to some other frequently asked questions.

What can I expect during the first week of school?

Thousands of Kindergarten and preschool students are riding a school bus for the very first time. We take extra care with these students, such as requiring authorized adults to show ID in order to get them off the bus in the afternoon. Afternoon delays are inevitable as parents become accustomed to our process, and as our drivers meet many of these families for the first time. In limited instances, bus delays may become very lengthy on the first couple of days, but those delays should quickly shorten as everyone gets used to the new routine.

We also realize that the first week of school can often be filled with emotional moments and “must get” photo opportunities. Sometimes this will result in buses being behind schedule.

Where can I find bus information?

Bus stop information is now available on our website as well as through Rycor Online Forms and PowerSchool. We recommend students be at their morning bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Please review bus stop safety procedures and follow the direction of bus drivers.

Will you let me know if the bus is running 10-15 minutes late?

Pupil Transportation staff makes every effort to notify parents of significantly late buses through School Messenger text messages. For more information on our automated communication methods, click here to visit the Communications and Community Engagement page 

What if I need to call someone in the Transportation department?

If you would like to speak to someone in our Transportation department, you can do that too by calling one of our zone offices. Henrico is a big county that is served by several different transportation zones. To find the zone office that is responsible for your student’s school, click here.

How do I make a formal request regarding my student’s transportation?

Transportation staff receives hundreds of written requests from parents in September. Parents should complete the “School Bus Request Form,” also linked on the web page.  Priority will be placed on assigning new or recently moved students. Requests for changes to bus stop locations will be addressed as a lower priority.

Here’s to a great 2019-20 school year!

Josh Davis
Director, Pupil Transportation

What is Anonymous Alerts?

The Anonymous Alerts safety and anti-bullying reporting system helps combat negative activity in schools by empowering students to speak up. Social and peer pressure are some of the hardest obstacles for students to overcome.

The system allows for one-way or two-way anonymous encrypted communication between those submitting reports (students, parents or community members) and school division administration and staff members. System users have the option to remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report.

How does it work?

To use the new app, students, parents or others simply visit the Henrico County Public Schools website and click on the “Anonymous Alerts” button or the text link to submit a report expressing a concern. Anonymous Alerts apps can be downloaded directly from the Apple, Google Play or Chrome stores.

Users enter Henrico Schools’ Anonymous Alerts activation code – Henrico – and select the school to which the message should go. Informational posters explaining how to use the system will be displayed in HCPS schools and offices.

To send reports from the internet, go to: https://report.anonymousalerts.com/henrico.

To send a report from your phone:

• Download the free Anonymous Alerts app from the Apple Store, Google Play store or Chrome store.
• Launch the app and enter the activation code, Henrico.
• Send important reports to school officials.
• If desired, add a screenshot, photo or video about the incident.

Click here to access the Back to School Newsletter.  We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

SAVE THE DATE!
Thurs. 8/22 9:00 am-12:00 pm. – Q-Camp / 2:00-4:00 pm.- Q-Express
Tues. 8/27 4-7 pm: Fee Night/Laptop Distribution

Mon. 9/2: Labor Day. Schools are closed.
Tues. 9/3: First Day of School
Wed. 9/4 after school: Fall Sports Tryouts begin
Tues. 9/17- 6:30 pm.- Back-to-School Night
Mon. 9/30: Student ½ Day

Mon. 10/14: Student Holiday
Mon. 10/28: Student ½ Day

Tues. 11/5: Student Holiday- 9:00 am – 11:00 am Parent Conferences
Thurs. 11/14: 4-6 pm: Parent Conferences
Mon. 11/18: Student ½ day
Wed. 11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break
Mon. 12/9: Student ½ Day
Mon. 12/23-1/3/20: Winter Break

*Other important dates will be communicated during the school year through the “Griffin Weekly.”

Are you interested in trying out for girls’ basketball, girls’ tennis, boys’ soccer or football?  If so, all athletes need a physical card and emergency card turned in Mr. Semo (C-26) by Tuesday, September 3rd in order to tryout.

Visit the athletic website for more tryout information.

Click here to register for the 6th grade Q-Camp. This is a great way for you and your child to get an inside look at how things work at Quioccasin.

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. But there are ways to keep your students’ skills sharp and have fun all summer long.

For details, resources and lots more ways to foster reading this summer, go to HCPS’ summer reading page.

Beginning November 19th, 8th graders can begin applying to specialty centers. The deadline for submitting applications is January 11th. See Mrs. Sams for more information or click on the link below.

Specialty Center Information