Welcome back! We are just over two weeks away from the first days of school, and we're looking forward to an amazing 2026-27 school year. This week's newsletter has some important information and reminders for the upcoming year, including about the new staggered start schedule and the updated cell phone policy. Please read all the way through, and we look forward to seeing your students in class soon!
New year to begin with 'staggered' schedule
Henrico County Public Schools will begin the school year with a staggered start, with some students set to attend Monday, Aug. 24, and others Tuesday, Aug. 25.
By staggering the days students come in, preschool and kindergarten students can feel more comfortable starting school by spending time with their teacher in a smaller group setting. At the middle and high school level, the staggered start introduces sixth- and ninth-grade students to their new schools and routines without the larger group of upperclassmen. This also provides an additional day for them to navigate hallways and common areas when the building is less crowded.
All schools will operate on a normal schedule beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, with all students in attendance.
First day for half of pre-K and kindergarten students (Day 2 students do not attend)
First day for students in grades 1-5
First day for students in grade 6 and grade 9
Tuesday, Aug. 25
First day for second half of pre-K and kindergarten students (Day 1 students do not attend)
First day for students in grades 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12
All students in grades 1-5, 6 and 9 also attend
Wednesday, Aug. 26
All students attend
Join us for the Back-to-School Kickoff Aug. 15
Get your family ready and pumped for the new year by stopping by our Back-to-School Kickoff! Drop by the Henrico Sports & Events Center between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, for free backpacks and school supplies, family resources, parent workshops and carnival fun for the whole family!
The free event will also feature live entertainment, opportunities to meet and talk with school officials and vaccinations for rising seventh and 12th graders.
Where: Henrico Sports & Events Center, 1 All Star Blvd., Glen Allen, VA 23059
Updated cell phone policy to take effect
This year, to limit distractions during the instructional day, students will be prohibited from using cell phones and personal smart devices from bell to bell, including during lunch and in between classes.
This ban means phones and devices like smart watches and tablets will need to be put away after the first bell rings until the dismissal bell.
The only exceptions will be for students who need the devices for health purposes or similar accommodations. To read more about the updated policy, including consequences for violations, see the 2026-27 Code of Student Conduct.
Video spotlight: Summer at HCPS
SUMMER AT HENRICO SCHOOLS: It's been a busy summer at HCPS, featuring educational camps, renovations and new construction, and plenty of family engagement events. Check out the video above!
Summer spotlight: Mav Mechanics team hosts robotics camp
Plenty was happening over the summer at Henrico Schools, including a great example of students teaching students! Members of Douglas S. Freeman High School’s robotics club, Mav Mechanics, held a weeklong camp for third through eighth graders.
Almost 80 students participated, working with high school mentors to program robots and complete obstacle courses. For many, it was their first experience with robotics. Read more here and check out the video here.
Other back-to-school reminders
Bus schedules, school supply lists and class assignments will be ready to view on the PowerSchool Parent Portal on Aug. 14.
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date on the portal and visit our Back-to-School pagefor all the details you'll need to start the 2026-27 school year.
See you soon!
Upcoming events
School Board work session: Thursday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m. at the New Bridge Learning Center auditorium (5915 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223).
HCPS Job Fair: Friday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at HCPS' Parham Road Office Building (1910 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
Back-to-School Kickoff: Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Henrico Sports & Events Center (1 All Star Blvd., Glen Allen, VA 23059).
Henrico County Public Schools
Division of Communications
P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600
