Community News

Link to message from Superintendent Bill Newton

Content of this newsletter:

• Enrollment and registration
• Calendar
• Daily schedule
• Bus route information and expectations
• Back to school safety
• Free school meals program
• School meals menus
• Job opportunities
• Upcoming activities

Enrollment for new students is open for the 2023-24 school year. In addition, returning student registration (i.e. verifying student information) for the 2023-24 school year is open. For more information about the online enrollment and registration processes, please visit the HRCSD website. You may also call 541-386-2511 or email hrcsd.enrollment@hoodriver.k12.or.us.

Most students start school on Monday, Aug. 28. For more details about school start dates, please visit this webpage.

Please visit the Hood River County School District website to view the 2023-24 school calendar. You may add the Google Calendar to your device(s) and/or print the calendar.

Please visit our school district website to view the daily schedule for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Please note that school starts late on Mondays. On Mondays, the student instructional day and transportation schedule begin one hour later than normal. The staff work day is unchanged.

We will send a customized message to families who shared transportation needs for the school year. The message will include specific bus route information, including pick-up and drop-off times and locations.

All Hood River County School District students may ride the bus. To learn about school district transportation, please visit the transportation website.

Following the rules and showing proper bus behavior is really important for student safety. Please watch this YouTube video to learn about bus expectations.

As summer draws to a close and students start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your students – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year. Please visit the National Safety Council website to learn more and download the back to school safety checklist.

Students at Cascade Locks Elementary, Mid Valley Elementary, Parkdale Elementary, and Wy'east Middle Schools receive free school meals through a federal program.

Students at May Street Elementary, Westside Elementary, Hood River Middle, and Hood River Valley High Schools will purchase meals or complete an application for free meals. Oregon students may qualify for free meals at no charge if the household income falls at or below the limits shown on the chart below (the chart also may be found on our nutrition services webpage). Please visit this website to apply for free meals.

For more information about Nutrition Services, please visit the school district website.

Our school district website includes the breakfast and lunch menus for elementary, middle, and high school students for August.

Our nutrition services team provided more than 12,000 meals to children in Hood River County throughout this summer.

Please do not send an ill student to school. The one-page document below (and also found on our student services webpage) gives examples of when your student should not be in school. If your student is ill, please contact your school office.

Amy McConnell is serving as the interim curriculum and instruction executive director for the 2023-24 school year. McConnell has worked as the curriculum and instruction assistant director for the past two years. Prior to this position, she was an elementary assistant principal and special education teacher within our school district.

The third annual Colors of the Gorge event will be held at May Street Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 4pm to 6pm. The purpose of this event is to welcome all students, families, and staff to the 2023-24 school year.

The event will include activities for children, school information, and food. We hope you can join us!

School is almost back in session! Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) offers families some helpful back to school tips for a successful start to the school year, including information on the following topics.

• Creating daily routines
• Getting ready for the first day of school
• Easing anxiety about going back to school

Learn more on the OPB (PBS for Kids) website.

Tom Ames is serving as the Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) athletics director for the 2023-24 school year. Ames has more than 30 years of experience as a science teacher and athletics coach.

Fall sports are beginning at Hood River Valley High School. For weekly updates please view this Google Spreadsheet.

Friday, Aug. 11: If you need assistance with athletics registration, please visit the Hood River Valley High School Library. We will be able to upload physicals to your student's account and answer any questions you may have.

Friday, Aug. 18: Hood River Valley High School Football Blue/Gold Game at 5:30pm. Hamburgers, chips, and other food/beverages. $8 per person.

Tuesday, Aug. 15: HRCSD school board meeting at 5pm at Nathanial Coe Administrative Center

Monday, Aug. 28: First day of school for most students

Wednesday, Aug. 30: Colors of the Gorge (district-wide back to school event) from 4pm to 6pm at May Street Elementary School

Wednesday, Aug. 30: HRCSD school board meeting at 6:30pm at Nathanial Coe Administrative Center