Family & Student Resources Home

• Reporting an absence: A parent or guardian is encouraged to call the Attendance Hotline (804-346-1308) before 9 a.m. to report a student’s absence.
• Requesting makeup work: After a student misses three or more consecutive days of school, parents may contact the School Counseling Office (804-364-1310) to request classroom assignments. Parents may pick up assignments 24 hours after requested.
• Completing makeup work: Students have the number of days absent plus one to complete make-up work for full credit.
• Family trips: Although unnecessary absences from school are discouraged, there may be occasions for absences due to family trips. Prior approval from the principal is necessary if these absences are to be excused. The principal will excuse 10 consecutive absences, once per year per student, for travel. To request excused absences, parents should download and complete an extended absence request form from the “Student and Parent Resources” tab on Holman’s website and submit to the attendance secretary.
• Arrival and departure from school: No student should arrive to school before 8:05 a.m. unless prior arrangements have been made with a teacher or administrator. All students should leave school at 3:15 p.m. unless they have made prior arrangements with a teacher or administrator or they are participating in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity such as a club meeting or sporting event.
• Early dismissals: When a student must leave school before the end of the school day, a note should be given directly to the first period teacher at the start of the day. The note should state the reason and time of the dismissal. Parents must report to the main office to meet the student and sign the early dismissal register. Identification will be requested.

Holman Middle School believes in supporting our four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Commitment through the Pawsitively Awesome program. Faculty/staff can recognize students who demonstrate one or more of the core values by emailing the parent/guardian to congratulate them on their use of these core values. Students who receive a Pawsitvely Awesome recognition email are entered into a random drawing for each grade level once a month to receive a gift card in recognition of their positive behavior choices as well as recognized in a post on Holman’s social media accounts.

Overview:

The HCPS School Board voted to proceed with the plan for in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. The Holman administration and safety team have been planning diligently for our full return. We want to share some information about what safety and covid mitigation procedures will be in place.

Schedule:

• Holman 2021-2022 Bell Schedule
• HCPS Day 1/Day 2 Schedule
• Divisionwide Calendar (Calendario 2021-22)

In-Person Learning:

Students will be in the school building five days per week

• Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m.
• Students will sit 3 feet apart, where possible, and wear masks.
• Small group, remediation and enrichment opportunities will occur through seating arrangements that promote group work in classrooms while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
• Group projects and group work can occur using seating arrangements within classrooms while following social distancing guidelines.
• As always, laptops will need to be fully charged each night at home and return to school everyday along with chargers.
• Students will have access to a desk shield if requested.
• Health and PE classes will go outside daily when weather permits. Please be sure to send your student with appropriate clothing so they are comfortable outdoors, and tennis shoes on days they have Health and PE.
• Hallway lockers will not be used.
• In PE, students will have an opportunity to store sneakers in the PE locker room if needed.

Classroom Layouts:

• Seating arrangements in classrooms will be designed to maintain a distance of three feet when possible.
• Assigned seats and seating charts will be maintained.
• Student backpacks will be kept at their own work space.
• Students and teachers will be provided desk shields upon request

Class Transitions & Other Movement:

• Hallways will follow a “stay to the right” traffic flow.
• While in the building, students must wear face coverings and will be discouraged from gathering or socializing in large groups.
• Social distancing will be encouraged when using the restrooms.

Cleaning:

• Custodians will thoroughly disinfect campus as directed.
• Custodial staff will clean bathrooms regularly.
• Frequent cleaning of high touch areas.
• Classrooms will have hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes available for students.

Health

Information:

• Families are required to complete the health screening form in Rycor beginning of year forms.
  • Face masks/coverings are required for all staff and students in the building at all times unless eating.
  • If you or a member of your household have had contact or an exposure to a positive COVID case, contact the school nurse about next steps prior to coming to school.
    • Megan Williams mmwilliams@henrico.k12.va.us (804) 346-1300
• Clinic
• If students are experiencing any of the symptoms indicated on the health screener, they should NOT come to school, even if the symptoms appear to be mild.
  • The HMS clinic will serve as a “well clinic.” Students will be triaged before they enter the clinic.
  • Any student exhibiting possible COVID symptoms will report to the “Sick Clinic” after a screening by the nurse. If students have a temperature and/or are exhibiting symptoms (indicated on the health screener), they will bring their belongings and wait in the “Sick Clinic” for a parent to pick them up from school immediately.

*Any child who exhibits symptoms of COVID will be sent home and remain home until safe to return following the VDH guidelines.

*based on current rate of community transmission

Breakfast & Lunch at HMS:

• Student lunch times will occur during the 2nd and 6th block. The specific lunch time will vary by class and will be announced by the teacher.
• Three feet distance, if possible, will be maintained from any other student while masks are off and eating. Masks must be back in place when not eating.
• Cafeteria staff will prepare hot food items for purchase, will use appropriate personal protective equipment and a “grab-and-go” lunch style, with options, will be used.
• Students will be provided a wipe or approved cleaning product prior to starting and upon finishing breakfast and lunch in order to wipe down their space and hands thoroughly.
• Water fountains will be opened throughout campus. Signage will be posted to remind students not to touch the spigot with their mouth.  Students are still encouraged to bring bottled water from home.
• Purchasing items from the cafeteria will not be an option. HCPS will offer free school meals to all students (in-person and virtual) through the 2021-22 school year! Free school breakfasts and lunches will continue, thanks to an extension of federal food aid designed to offer help during the coronavirus pandemic

Masks:

HCPS Approved Mask Guidance

Masks are required inside schools and offices for all individuals (employees, students and others), regardless of vaccination status. This policy is based on current health data and trends, along with the latest guidance from health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health. Mask protocols will be reviewed approximately every two weeks at the School Board’s upcoming public meetings.

• Staff and students returning in-person will be required to wear a mask at all times on the school bus and in the building.
• Masks must cover the mouth and nose.
• A supply of extra disposable masks will be distributed to teachers and will be available through the office if forgotten or soiled.
• Parents are encouraged to pack an extra mask in students’ backpacks.
• While eating or drinking, masks may be removed, masks must be back in place when not eating.

Visitors & Volunteers:

We are currently (Aug. 2021) in a High Level for Community Transmission per the Health Committee.

• Volunteers will not be permitted in the building during school hours.
• Volunteers may work outside

High Level for Community Transmission = Tier 1: Volunteers may work outside.

– Substantial Level for Community Transmission = Tier 2: In addition to working outside, volunteers may make copies or work at the front desk sitting or standing at least six feet from others. Volunteers will not be permitted to work in classrooms, the cafeteria, and gym. This also includes any volunteering after instructional hours.

– Moderate and Low Level for Community Transmission = Tier 3: Volunteers may volunteer in classrooms, cafeteria, and gym. They may work in proximity to students and staff as long as they wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Visitors:

• Visitors, including parents/guardians, may enter the building by appointment only.
• Parents/guardians will not be permitted to drop off items or bring lunch.  Free school lunch will be provided if needed. 
• Visitors are permitted outside the building.
• In-person meetings with school staff and parents/guardians will occur by appointment only. Virtual meetings will be offered as well.
• Arrival and Pick-up plans will all occur outside the building.
• Visitors that are specific to the growth of the learning environment will be permitted. 
• School-sponsored activities, including PTA events with visitors, can occur; however, must be after-school hours.

COVID-19 Screening Form:

• The COVID-19 Health Screening Acknowledgment form (in PowerSchool Parent Portal)  is required before the student can return to the school building.
• The required forms are in the PowerSchool Parent Portal on the left side under “access online forms”. Students who do not have these forms signed will not be allowed to attend class.

Required COVID-19 Form is also linked here: 

• COVID-19 Health Screening Acknowledgement For Students

Transportation:

Car riders:

• Car riders will use the front loop for arrival and dismissal.
• Please read our Drop off/Pick Up Traffic Procedures document to help with morning and afternoon car rider information.

Bus riders:

• Bus arrivals will use entrance doors on the bus ramp based on their advisory location or to pick up breakfast.
• Students must ride their assigned bus only. No bus passes to ride another bus will be approved to begin the 2021-2022 school year. This policy will be updated based on community health conditions.
• Specific schedules for bus pick-up and drop-off times to and from school will be communicated by pupil transportation.
• Mask use on buses continues to be required as part of a federal order concerning public transportation.

Entering the building:

• Students will report to pick up breakfast (if desired) at the main stairwell and then move directly to Advisory class upon arriving at school.
• Staff will be on hand to assist with arrival and dismissal and ensure distancing.

Orientations/Open House:

6th Grade Students:

• Thursday, August 26 from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
• Parents: Drop your 6th grader off at Holman to learn about the Huskie way, meet our teachers, get schedules and a tour of the building. No need to sign-up – all rising 6th grade students are welcome.

7th and 8th Grade Students: 

• Thursday, August 26 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
• Are you new to Holman? Or, were you virtual all last year and have yet to be in our building?
• Join us for a brief orientation to learn your way around and familiarize yourself with the building and protocols. Please sign up here if you would like to attend.

Open House for all Students:

• Tuesday, August 31st from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
• Get your schedule, visit and walk the building, purchase spirit wear. Please sign up here if you would like to attend. We are using 15 minute entry slots to support social distancing.
• If requested, one adult is welcome to walk with the student in the building.

*Laptops will be distributed the first week of school.

*We encourage families to pay fees online @Online School Payments. We will not be collecting fees in person at our Orientation and Open House events. Elective classes at the middle school levels (such as Art, Music, Band, and Career and Technical Education courses) require a fee and are found under the tab “obligations” at the top of the program. Optional fees (including yearbook/memory book) are under the school drop down menu.

Supplies:

2021-2022 Supply List

• Mask
• Laptops will need to be fully charged each night at home and return to school everyday along with chargers.
• Water bottle filled from home each morning
• Earbuds/headphones
• Charged computer
• Computer charger
• Backpack with materials (lockers will not be in use)
• Appropriate footwear and attire for PE activities (locker rooms will not be in use)
• Additional classroom supplies as communicated by teachers

Areas of continued planning:

HMS Administration is diligently working to update plans regarding the 2021-2022 return to in-person learning. All areas will continue to be reviewed and modifications will be made as necessary.

*COVID-19 is a fluid situation, and local or state guidance could impact some or all of these plans. We will update and adapt as necessary to respond to changing guidance from health or government agencies.

More HCPS Information:

Further HCPS information regarding the above topics can be found in the links below.

HCPS Back to School 2021-22 Homepage
HCPS Health Update Homepage
HCPS Family and Community Engagement Page

Any student wishing to ride a different bus than the one assigned or to disembark at a different bus stop other than the one assigned must have a note dated and signed by a parent. This note should be given to the first-period teacher at the beginning of the school day. The student will then be given a permission slip which must be presented to the bus driver upon boarding the bus at the end of the school day. Students who are not riding the bus must not go to the bus area at the end of the school day. No bus passes will be issued before a holiday or student half-day dismissal. Any student who demonstrates consistent distracting or disruptive behavior on the bus may lose his/her transportation privileges.

HCPS policy permits students to bring cell phones to school; however, the staff is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones. Students are allowed to bring and use cell phones after school in the following situations: to call a parent for a ride or in a true emergency situation. The following guidelines are provided in order to clarify expectations and provide guidelines for the appropriate use of cell phones.

• Cell phones may not be on, visible, or in use at any time while on school property prior to 3:15 p.m. If a school employee sees a phone during the instructional day, the phone will be confiscated and a parent must retrieve it from the office during school hours.
• If a cell phone rings prior to 3:15 p.m. on school grounds, the phone will be confiscated and returned only to the student’s parents.
• Students may not use cell phones after school, including while attending after-school activities (dances, games, intramurals, etc.), for social reasons.
• Cameras and recording software/hardware are prohibited on school grounds and on the school bus at any time. If a cell phone is misused on the bus, the driver has the right to ban the usage of the phone.

In an effort to minimize classroom interruptions during instructional hours, the main office will not deliver “non-emergency” items to students. Parents may leave items in the office for students to pick up on their own. However, the school will not notify students or accept any responsibility for items left in the main office. Parents, this policy provides an opportunity to encourage your child to be responsible about remembering their materials on a daily basis.

More information will be provided soon.

• **Not applicable for the 21-22 school year** Each student must participate in physical education, purchase a gym suit, and have it at school when needed. Students must keep clothing locked in gym lockers during PE class. All other valuables such as money, watches, and jewelry should also be locked in the lockers. When possible, items too large for lockers should not be taken to the gym.

Due to Covid-19, we will not be using hallway lockers this year. Students will be able to carry their backpacks from class to class. PE lockers will be available for storage of shoes and PE related items upon request.

• In order to provide a safe and secure environment, certain procedures are enforced by the administration. Search dogs (canines) may be used for random searches of students and lockers for illegal substances. Metal detectors may be used on a random basis to deter any illegal objects from being brought to school. These searches will happen in a random fashion and will not be intrusive to the students. We believe these deterrents will provide for a safer environment for our students and staff.

Participation is open to all students who have not reached the age of fifteen (15) on or before August 1 of the school year in which they wish to compete. In addition, any student who wishes to play a fall or winter sport must have successfully passed Math, English, Science, and Social Studies the preceding school year. Students wishing to participate in gymnastics or a spring sport must have passed Math, English, Science, and Social Studies at the end of the previous semester. Students must also have had an athletic physical after May 1 of the previous school year and before the first tryout date. Proof of insurance will also be required of all students trying out for a school sport.

*Note: Team membership is both an honor and a responsibility. Proper conduct, as outlined in the Henrico County Code of Student Conduct, is expected at all times, both on and off the field of play. If any student misbehavior results in an in- or out-of-school assignment, the following guidelines (as outlined in the Huskie Handbook) will be followed:

First in – or out-of-school suspension: Loss of participation during day(s) of suspension plus one game
Second suspension: Removal from team

*Any out-of-school suspension for three or more days results in automatic removal from the team

Interscholastic Sports: The interscholastic athletic program includes the following sports:

Fall: Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance Team
Winter: Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Dance Team
Spring: Track, Boys Tennis, Girls Soccer, Softball, Baseball

A student walking or riding a bike to and from school should have a note signed by a parent/guardian giving the student permission to walk or ride. If the student walks on a regular basis, the note should be given to the attendance secretary. A permanent walker’s pass will be created for the student and the original note will be kept on file. Any student with an assigned bus and bus stop will not be permitted to walk home without a note from a parent/guardian.