Building strong school communities is hard work in 2020. The difficulty is more than just our physical separation. Our communities are challenged by diverse opinions on how and when to return to school, by uncertainty, and by fear about children's health, safety, and ability to reach their potential during the pandemic.
If you missed our November 16th program on how PTAs can help heal the divide between HCPS and parents by rebuilding trust, we invite you to watch the replay. [View Slides]
HCC PTA encourages local PTA leaders to work with your teachers and principals to identify tools needed to provide a strong instructional model, whether it is virtual, in-person, or blended. Ask your principal to bring these requests to HCPS. Then, keep HCC PTA and School Board members apprised of your school’s requests. We will work together to secure the funding necessary to provide a quality education.
The county may be limited in its ability to fulfill certain funding requests. In such cases, the HCPS administration will prioritize funding based on the greatest need. We ask PTAs to partner with your school principal and use your best discretion as to whether advocacy, soliciting donations, or fundraising is the best solution for your community and every child.
The School Board decided to reexamine in Fall 2021 the elementary school feeder patterns for Quioccasin Middle School. The issue is postponed from the current, limited redistricting process and will be considered in Phase II.
The Phase I redistricting effort now focuses on two hot spots:
Utilizing the expanded capacity at Holladay Elementary School to teach certain Pre-K classes
Addressing overcrowding at Colonial Trails and Rivers Edge elementary schools by making small changes in Three Chopt district
The next public hearings on the proposals will be held at the December 10 School Board Meeting. A School Board vote is scheduled tentatively for January 28* to adopt redistricting plans for Phase I. A more comprehensive look at redistricting will be revisited in Phase II.
Virginia PTA is partnering with HCA Virginia, Virginia Education Association, and the Virginia Association for Colleges of Teacher Education to support the mental health of our students, teachers, and families in Virginia. Over the next five weeks, we'll be talking about mental health using five key pillars: Collaboration, Care, Community, Connection, and Conversation. We encourage you to follow along on Facebook and show your support! #UnitingforMentalHealth#HCAVirginia#VAPTA#VEA#VACTE
Deadline: Jan 11
Submit a Resolution
Do you know of a situation or concern which affects children and youth and requires a statewide solution?
Elevate your research and proposed action, opinion, or needed solution by submitting a resolution for consideration by Virginia PTA's General Membership at our Annual Meeting on March 20th.
We are so grateful for our teachers' and principals' hard work to make this school year work, especially this past month. Please consider showing them your appreciation.
Happy Thanksgiving!
School Board Working Session
Dec 10: The School Board will hear the Health Committee's update and discuss redistricting. There will be an opportunity for public comment on redistricting.
Dec 16: Join HCC PTA Advocacy Chair Jennifer Lumpkin at 6:30 PM for a roundtable discussion on state issues and Richmond District preparations for the 2021 General Assembly. County concerns for future consideration can be raised during a Q&A at the end.
Deadline Jan 14 @ 4 PM: The online application is available to current HCPS eighth-grade students. All parents or guardians must complete an online Parent Authorization and Waiver Form, accessible through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Learn more:
HCC PTA is looking for a PTA member that lives in the Tuckahoe district to be its next Tuckahoe Area Representative. This position supports area PTAs with information, is a liaison on advocacy issues, and serves on the HCC PTA Executive Board. Read our standing rules.
