A year ago it would have been difficult to imagine the changes and challenges we would face 12 months later. The pandemic, which at one point seemed to be loosening its grip, turned our life upside down. But, in the short time that HMES has been around and the long time that PWCS has been around, we have a tradition of overcoming challenges. It is no surprise to me that we came together as a not only a school family, but a community family to do everything we can for our most important stakeholders...our students.

We shifted from "regular" learning, to "what do we do now" learning in the spring of 2020, then we transition to remote learning, then hybrid learning, and now we are about 99% in person learning at HMES. Everyone's job responsibilities broadened and we were looking at things at angles we never thought we would ever have to see them in. We reimagined the cafeteria space so many times I can't even count. We changed classroom physical set ups. We restructured our instructional learning time and resources that we had to use to ensure a continuous education for our students. Were we perfect? No, but we did well because of teamwork and resilience.

As we continue to move forward, we can still see the future of our students and it's still bright. We didn't "lose a year" like some say because our teachers and you as parents worked way too hard to say that. Education continues to rapidly evolve and we continue to prepare for change.

I have never been as challenged as I have these past 18 months, but I have never been more thankful and proud - or as optimistic about the future of HMES and our students. If anything, this experience has shown me the commitment that everyone has as we emerge from the pandemic.

Please continue to keep checking our HMES Back to School Resource Page for continued updates on protocols and processes.

Scott Baldwin

Proud Principal

Start Here: Back-to-School webpage (includes links to health mitigations, mask guidance, home self-screening, virtual plans, and details on ParentVUE, New School Year Packet, bus contact information, bell schedules, Canvas and student technology and devices.)

Additional Resources

Health Mitigation Frequently Asked Questions

Daily Home Screening for Students

Mask Guidance

Bus Information

School Breakfast and Lunch

Now that the first week is behind us, our teachers will be focusing on getting their Canvas pages up to date. It was very important to all of us that we didn't put kids in front of computers too much during the first week of school in which relationship/community building was so important. Please look for updates in the near future.

Also, your child will be utilizing Lexia this year. Lexia is a PWCS purchased resource that proved useful to our students that participated last year. You will get more information from your child's teacher soon, but know that it is important they meet their usage goals each week to ensure continued success. If you used Lexia last year, then go ahead and start using it now at home! You can access Lexia through Clever. PLEASE have your child work on this INDEPENDENTLY as it gives us data to guide our instructional practices.

The New School Year Packet, where parents/guardians can review emergency cards, update contact information, and complete annual policy reviews and acknowledgements, is now available in ParentVUE.

All families should complete the New School Year Packet as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, September 17, 2021.The information you provide will allow school staff to ensure the safety of your student this school year.

To access the New School Year Packet:

• Login to your ParentVUE account and go to “Online Records” in the top right corner.
• Instructions for completing the New School Year Packet.
• If a parent/guardian needs to make changes to information once they submit the New School Year Packet, they can resubmit anytime.
• If you need assistance, or do not have an active ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school.

For your convenience, we have created a Back-to-School webpage with information and resources you and your student need to start the school year off right. In addition, frequently asked questions (FAQ) on updated health protocols have been added.

Breakfast and lunch continue to be free to everyone this year. We will not deny a student lunch if they want to go through the line, but seconds are not permissible at this time. Also, we recently found out that cookies for birthdays are not an option until further notice.

REFUNDS - If requesting a refund for money still on a student’s lunch account, please go to www.pwcsnutrition.com and click on the “Refund Request” form in the center of the page. From there we can start the process to have a check mailed to you.

REMINDERS - Please make sure you child's water bottles are labeled with their full name so we can get them back to them if they forget it in the cafeteria.

CONTAINERS - We had two glass containers break last week. Please try to send your child's food in a plastic container or baggie for everyone's safety.

Mark your calendars! This race which is on Saturday, September 25th presented by Broad Run Off Road, will result in 100% of the race proceeds benefiting our students! Sign up today!! For more information and to register, click on the link below:

https://www.broadrunoffroad.org/leopolds-preserve

• Early Dismissal will continue to be cut off at 3:30pm like in the past to ensure that we can focus on students getting to where they need to go safely
• Here Comes the Bus - Use this app to see where your child's bus is. The PWCS Code is: 76348
• We do have a "Bus dismissal" link on our website - if a bus is in the dismissed column it means kids are actively walking down or loading the bus
• Car riders - please work with your child(ren) to learn their car number as it is put up on a big screen inside and called out. Also, for safety reasons please have your child get in and out on the curbside
• I have noticed that some people are parking across Somerset Crossing - this can be very dangerous given what I have seen in terms of car speed and people not paying attention. It is MUCH SAFER to be a couple minutes late to your next destination.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who has been following our guidelines to ensure everyone gets into and out of school safely. We are getting faster!

Did you know that Ronald McDonald Houses around the country help families who have a child in the hospital so they can be closer to their child? Collect your soda/pop tops and bring them into school when you come to help these families. We will be collecting all year long!

VDH has come up with THIS RESOURCE to keep your children healthy this summer and prepare them to go back to school in the fall, whether in-person or online. Here you will find recommendations and policies about COVID-19, immunizations, and other information including child well visits, routine oral health, and mental health resources for your child. Use our Back to School Checklist to stay organized with what you need to do before the new school year, and check back regularly to find the most up-to-date resources.

Join the VDOE virtually on August 31 from 6-9p.m. to kick off the 2021-2022 school year as we engage families and communities in fostering a love for literacy! Choose from a variety of informative sessions hosted by Virginia Department of Education specialists and coordinators as well as educators and community groups from across the Commonwealth. Gain resources and supports that will allow literacy and learning to flourish at home and throughout your community.