WELCOME BACK HDG HIGH SCHOOL

We are just two weeks away from beginning the 2024-2025 school year. We had a tremendous 2023/2024 and we are looking to build upon the successes in the classroom, on the fields and in the community. We are excited for the possibilities that this school year brings. There are changes coming, (Cell phone policy!), but working together we can continue to drive HHS forward. Please take note of the information below and we cannot wait to see you at Open House and on the first day of school.

The Office of Accountability requires all families to complete this form annually. This year families must complete the form electronically. For families who cannot complete the form online, schools will have hard copies available upon request. The deadline to complete this form is Tuesday, October 15th, 2023. After this date, responses will default.

Look for this folder with important documents!

This document is being given to each student to bring home with their device on the first day of school when they receive their laptop. Click on the link below to view the digital copy.

✔️Parents/guardians TO DO:

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN this form-- students should return to their homeroom teacher.

DEVICE PROTECTION- Can be purchased through School Cash Online. Use the link below to go to school cash online to purchase the protection plan which is $20 through October 31st, 2024. After November 1, 2024 the price is $50 until January 1, 2025.

The FARMS application for qualifying families can be completed here on myschoolapps.com (click button below). If you are unable to complete the form online, a copy can be printed here and returned to the school. Paper copies are also available at the school.

*If you apply and are approved for free and/or reduced meals this school year, you will automatically receive the student device protection plan. *Please note that you must complete a free and/or reduced-cost meals application each school year. Prior applications do not apply.*

Please click on the image below to access the various payment options. My School Bucks for student meals, GoFan for all sporting events, and School Cash Online for various field trips, PE uniforms, Clubs, dances etc.

Middle and high school students are invited to attend our open house on Thursday, August 29th, 2024, from 12 PM to 3:00 PM. Parents are welcome to attend with their student. This is an opportunity to walk the building, find your classrooms, and get familiar with the building. Students can access their schedules via Home Access Center, but will be able to receive a hard copy at the open house.

Attention 2024 high school yearbook purchasers: Ms. Callow will be distributing yearbooks during Open House, August 29th from 12pm-3pm, out of room C316. Please keep in mind that these are only for Havre de Grace high school purchasers. If you are unsure if you purchased a yearbook, please email Ms. Callow (Margaret.Callow@hcps.org) or stop by any time during Open House. If you haven't bought a yearbook already, there will be a limited number of "over-run" copies for $80 paid either via cash or check made payable to Havre de Grace High School. Check out the awesome cover art below!

Back to school night will be 5:30 PM to 7 PM. This night is for parents/guardians to meet and greet your student's teachers. Parents should meet in the auditorium for a quick message from Mr. Spence. The rest of the night has no formal schedule, as you can visit the classrooms/teachers you would like to meet.

Students who are riding a bus to/from school should utilize the HCPS SCHOOL BUS LOCATOR to find your bus number, pick-up and drop off times and locations.

All questions about transportation needs should be directed to the office of transportation at

410-638-4092.

Parents/guardians/family members that are dropping students off to school should utilize the entrance next to the HDG Boys and Girls Club. Use the graphic below to follow the flow of traffic to the right and around the loop.

REMINDER- Parents/Guardians may drop off students beginning at 7:00 AM but not before 7:00 AM as the building is not staffed to supervise students before 7 AM. You are encouraged to drop off your student NO LATER than 7:20 AM as this will allow them to get to their homeroom by 7:30 AM and on time for attendance.

Students who are driving to school should park in the student lot on the left side of the building (near tennis courts). See map below. Any student who plans to drive and park at school is required to purchase a parking permit and must have a valid driver's license.

1. Please read all HDG High School Parking Permit Regulations- attached below.
2. Go to School Cash Online and complete the Parking Permit Form.
3. Pay for the permit through school cash online $30.
4. Students with any outstanding financial obligations will not be issued a parking permit.

Please email Kathryn.Morris1@hcps.org with any questions.

• Students should be in their homeroom by 7:30 AM.
• At 7:25 AM there is a warning bell that alerts students they have 5 minutes to report to homeroom.
• Homeroom is required as it is where each students official daily attendance is taken; a requirement by the state of Maryland. Students who are NOT in homeroom by the 7:30 AM bell are considered late and must sign-in at the late desk and then report to homeroom with a late pass. Students who report late to school are encouraged to bring a note.
• Excessive lateness to school will result in possible consequences such as after school detention and loss of participation in after school activities/sports/games, loss of parking permit, and school privileges such as attendance at dances and school events.
• Parents/guardians who are dropping off students to school or students who are driving to school are strongly encouraged to make plans to arrive at school by 7:20 AM in order to get to their homeroom in a timely manner.

Class materials needed for the school year will be specific to the students course and teacher requirements. Once students meet their teachers, they will inform them of what materials are required. Students are encouraged to come to school the first few days with a writing utensil and a notebook or paper to record what is needed.

Laptops and chargers will be distributed during homeroom on the first day of school. Once distributed, students are then responsible for their laptop as a school obligation.

Student schedules will become available on Home Access Center on August 23rd at 5 PM. Please click here to access Home Access Center. Please continue to use your previous user name and passwords.

Students will receive a PAPER COPY of their schedule in homeroom on the first day of school.

Parents who have not signed up for HAC are strongly encouraged to do so as this is where you will access your students attendance records, current grades, and report cards. In some cases you may also see assignments listed on HAC, if utilized by the teacher.

Students who would like to meet with their school counselor about their schedule can do so PRIOR to school on August 29th from 12 PM to 3 PM during the open house.

Schedule changes are made for students on a case by case basis and graduation and program requirements take first priority.

Once school begins, students seeking schedule changes will have to go to the counseling office to sign-up for an appointment to discuss their schedule. School counselors will not be changing any schedules the first few days of school.

Students are assigned to a school counselor and assistant principal according to their last name. Please see the chart below to reference your students counselor and administrator if needed.

Please take a moment to go through the student handbook. All policies and procedures will be reviewed with students during the first week of school. The full parent/student handbook calendar can be found here.

Any visitor to HDG Middle/High School must have a valid government issued photo ID before going beyond the main office. Please make a habit of bringing your photo ID into the building. The ID will be scanned and a badge will be issued to you. This is a safety and security measure for the entire school system.

Any parent/guardian/family member picking up their child from school must also have a valid government issued photo ID.

If your student needs to leave early from school please send them with a note in the morning to the main office OR email one of the main office secretaries directly. This will help streamline the process when you come in the office to pick up your child.

EMAIL: Kathryn.Morris1@hcps.org

EMAIL: Amber.Litchfield@hcps.org

Sports Schedules- All sports schedules can be found at County Sports Zone. This is the most up to date place to see all game schedules and any time adjustments that may happen throughout the season.

TICKETS- All tickets to all home and away athletic events must be purchased through GoFan. NO CASH will be accepted for any sporting event. Be sure to read the description of the event carefully and choose the correct team (Boys or Girls) prior to purchasing. Also, make note of the location of the event (Home or Away).

Multiple game passes are also available for purchase on GoFan for Adults (home & away) and student passes for (home games only).

Pictures for grades 9-11 will take place on September 23 (A Day) and September 24 (B Day). Your child will take their picture on whichever day ( A or B) that they have their English Class. Students will be able to order school pictures online through Lifetouch.

HDG High School strives to communicate important information with families in a timely manner. Our goal is to keep you up to date on procedures, policies, upcoming important events and dates so you can plan accordingly.

Our main methods of communication:

1. Connect 5 Email/Text Messages through our systemwide communication system

*Be sure your information is up to date in our system!

2. Newsletters (through email/social media)

3. Facebook

4. Instagram