WELCOME BACK HDG HIGH SCHOOL
Warrior Times 23-24 Volume 1
Message from the Principal
Hello Warriors!
I hope you all have had an enjoyable summer that was full of relaxation and growth. I think we can all agree that it was much too brief, however the teachers and staff of Havre de Grace High School are ready and excited to begin the 2023-2024 school year. This year we are focused on student achievement, community building and as always creating a fun and engaging home for our Havre de Grace Students and Families. Please carefully peruse our back to school newsletter as there is a wealth of information attached. We cannot wait to see you on August 28th as we begin our new Warrior Era.
-Mr. Spence
Forms and documents for ALL students!
1. Parent/Guardian Permission Form
The Office of Accountability requires all families to complete this form annually. This year families must complete the form electronically. For families who cannot complete the form online, schools will have hard copies available upon request. The deadline to complete this form is Sunday, October 15th, 2023. After this date, responses will default.
Look for this folder with important documents!
2. Student Device Agreement
This document is being given to each student to bring home with their device on the first day of school when they receive their laptop. Click on the link below to view the digital copy.
✔️Parents/guardians TO DO:
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN this form-- students should return to their homeroom teacher.
DEVICE PROTECTION- Can be purchased through School Cash Online. Use the link below to go to school cash online to purchase the protection plan which is $20 through October 31st, 2023.
3. FARMS the meal benefit application
The FARMS application for qualifying families can be completed here on myschoolapps.com (click button below). If you are unable to complete the form online, a copy can be printed here and returned to the school. Paper copies are also available at the school.
*If you apply and are approved for free and/or reduced meals this school year, you will automatically receive the student device protection plan. *Please note that you must complete a free and/or reduced-cost meals application each school year. Prior applications do not apply.*
School Payment Options
Please click on the image below to access the various payment options. My School Bucks for student meals, GoFan for all sporting events, and School Cash Online for various field trips, PE uniforms, Clubs, dances etc.
Open House
Middle and high school students are invited to attend our open house on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, from 12 PM to 3:00 PM. Parents are welcome to attend with their student. This is an opportunity to walk the building, find your classrooms, and get familiar with the building. Students can access their schedules via Home Access Center, but will be able to receive a hard copy at the open house.
The school store will be open during the open house and selling P.E. uniforms for $20 CASH ONLY. There will also be a limited supply of HDG gear available, also CASH ONLY.
Back to School Night -- Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Back to school night will be 5:30 PM to 7 PM. This night is for parents/guardians to meet and greet your student's teachers. Parents should meet in the auditorium for a quick message from Mr. Spence. The rest of the night has no formal schedule, as you can visit the classrooms/teachers you would like to meet.
🍎 1st Day of School 🍎
Transportation to School
1. Riding a Bus
Students who are riding a bus to/from school should utilize the HCPS SCHOOL BUS LOCATOR to find your bus number, pick-up and drop off times and locations.
All questions about transportation needs should be directed to the office of transportation at
410-638-4092.
2. Parent/Guardian Drop Off
Parents/guardians/family members that are dropping students off to school should utilize the entrance next to the HDG Boys and Girls Club. Use the graphic below to follow the flow of traffic to the right and around the loop.
REMINDER- Parents/Guardians may drop off students beginning at 7:00 AM but not before 7:00 AM as the building is not staffed to supervise students before 7 AM. You are encouraged to drop off your student NO LATER than 7:20 AM as this will allow them to get to their homeroom by 7:30 AM and on time for attendance.
3. Students Driving to School
Students who are driving to school should park in the student on the left side of the building (near tennis courts). See map below. Any student who plans to drive and park at school is required to purchase a parking permit and must have a valid driver's license.
Parking permit documents are attached below. Paper copies are available in the main office. If you plan to drive to school:
- Complete and return the application no later than September 29th, 2023. After that date, vehicles parked on school property during the school day without a valid parking permit will be ticketed.
- Pay for the permit through School Cash Online.
- Hand in the application, and bring your license and registration into the main office so a copy can be made.
Please email Barbara.McLaughlin@hcps.org with any questions.
What time does school start?
School starts at 7:30 AM
- Students should be in their homeroom by 7:30 AM.
- At 7:25 AM there is a warning bell that alerts students they have 5 minutes to report to homeroom.
- Homeroom is required as it is where each students official daily attendance is taken; a requirement by the state of Maryland. Students who are NOT in homeroom by the 7:30 AM bell are considered late and must sign-in at the late desk and then report to homeroom with a late pass. Students who report late to school are encouraged to bring a note.
- Parents/guardians who are dropping off students to school or students who are driving to school are strongly encouraged to make plans to arrive at school by 7:20 AM in order to get to their homeroom in a timely manner.
Class Materials and Laptops
Class materials needed for the school year will be specific to the students course and teacher requirements. Once students meet their teachers, they will inform them of what materials are required. Students are encouraged to come to school the first few days with a writing utensil and a notebook or paper to record what is needed.
Laptops and chargers will be distributed during homeroom on the first day of school. Once distributed, students are then responsible for their laptop as a school obligation.
Student Class Schedules
Student schedules will become available on Home Access Center on August 18th at 5 PM. Please click here to access Home Access Center. Please continue to use your previous user name and passwords.
Parents who have not signed up for HAC are strongly encouraged to do so as this is where you will access your students attendance records, current grades, and report cards. In some cases you may also see assignments listed on HAC, if utilized by the teacher.
Considering a Schedule Adjustment? Meet with your counselor before school
Students who would like to meet with their counselor about their schedule can do so PRIOR to school on August 24th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, just prior to the open house. Please use the link below to indicate that you would like to speak with your counselor and then arrive sometime between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM and report to the cafeteria.
School Counselor and Administrator Assignments for Students
Students are assigned to a school counselor and assistant principal according to their last name. Please see the chart below to reference your students counselor and administrator if needed.
Student Handbook
VISITOR SIGN-IN
Any visitor to HDG Middle/High School must have a valid government issued photo ID before going beyond the main office. Please make a habit of bringing our photo ID into the building. The ID will be scanned and a badge will be issued to you. This is a safety and security measure for the entire school.
Any parent/guardian/family member picking up their child from school must also have a valid government issued photo ID.
What should I do if my student needs to leave early?
If you know that your student needs to leave from school-- PLEASE SEND A NOTE or email one of the main office secretaries with your student that morning and have your student drop it off to the main office. This will help streamline the process when you come in the office to pick up your child.
Fall Sports Schedules and Tickets
Sports Schedules- All sports schedules can be found at County Sports Zone. This is the most up to date place to see all game schedules and any time adjustments that may happen throughout the season.
TICKETS- All tickets to all home and away athletic events must be purchased through GoFan. NO CASH will be accepted for any sporting event. Be sure to read the description of the event carefully and choose the correct team (Boys or Girls) prior to purchasing. Also, make note of the location of the event (Home or Away).
Multiple game passes are also available for purchase on GoFan for Adults (home & away) and student passes for (home games only).