More pictures here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mPVGKNuhgYwT2ztb8ks7aDEDyE5UPh4T?usp=drive_link
Digital Citizenship – 👻Be a Tech Hero, Not a Tech Monster!👻
Tip:
Remind your child that being kind online matters. Just like they’d never yell ‘boo!’ in someone’s face to hurt them, they shouldn’t post mean or hurtful things online. Encourage them to be a Tech Hero by using their words to help and encourage others.
Helpful Website:
Digital Passport by Common Sense Media – www.digitalpassport.org
Free games to help kids learn safe and respectful online behavior.
More photos can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NQA1Ovfibuc2qc5-5uNcPuYBiZ1XoEqe?usp=drive_link
We’re excited to invite you to participate in a new initiative that will help us improve communication and gather important feedback about HCPS. We are launching a new tool called Possip (short for "Positive Gossip") to better understand your experiences, concerns, and ideas.
What is Possip?
Possip is a feedback platform designed to help us listen to what matters most to you—whether it’s positive experiences, challenges, or suggestions for improvement. It’s an easy and effective way to ensure your voice is heard and helps us make informed decisions.
How Does It Work?
You will receive a quick 1–2 minute survey (also called a Pulse Check) via text or email. These Pulse Checks will give you the opportunity to:
• Share what’s going well.
• Raise any concerns or challenges.
• Offer suggestions for how we can improve.
How we're handling confidentiality
When you take the Pulse Check®, you will be offered anonymity and can answer if you want to share your name or not. If you choose not to share your name, we won't see who submitted the comment.
Why Are We Doing This?
This program is designed to explore how we can better connect with you and hear your insights. Our goal is to build a transparent and open line of communication that supports both our growth and your needs.
When Does It Start?
The first Pulse Check will be sent out on September 25, 2025. It only takes a few minutes to complete, but your input will have a lasting impact. Every response helps us improve and grow.
We value your time and feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you through Possip. Thank you for helping us make this initiative a success!
Students at CMES have enjoyed their first week of STEAM Lab activities with Ms. Reagan! The younger students explored the many different tools a scientist may use and used those tools to make observations while they built with Legos! Second graders explored robotics and were introduced to Ozobot Evo, which is a line following robot. Students drew various paths for Evo to follow! Third graders explored static electricity. They conducted an experiment using a balloon and various seasonings and spices to see how static electricity affected them! Lastly, fourth and fifth grade students explored aerodynamics and force by building paper airplanes. First, they made a very basic airplane and threw it to see how far it went. Then, they made adjustments to see if they could improve the flight path and distance traveled. Then, they tested out their new creations. Students are looking forward to the various STEAM activities we have planned for this year!
More photos can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pjKsQ58ulCMjbk9kayop4gp8zzuKiBs1?usp=sharing
🍁Like leaves need sunlight, kids need real-world experiences to grow!🍁
Tip:
Too much screen time can slow problem-solving skills and creativity. Encourage at least one hour of screen-free outdoor play each day to boost brain power.
Free Idea: Create a digital scavenger hunt
Children take photos of different fall items: red leaf, pumpkin, acorn, etc.
CMES will be hosting a Title I LEGO Math night on October 9th, 2025 for grades K-5! It will be from 6-7:30pm. A flyer/sign up sheet will be going home with students this week. We encourage every family to attend to engage in hands-on math activities with your students. There will also be chances to win several door prizes! We look forward to seeing you!
📣 Register Now for the 3rd Annual CTE Showcase!
Families across Halifax County are invited to the 3rd Annual Career & Technical Education (CTE) Showcase at the NEW Halifax County High School on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Doors open at 5:15pm and the kickoff session begins at 5:30 PM.
🔹 What to Expect:
An interactive tour of classrooms and CTE labs
A chance to hear directly from Kaylie Lewis (senior), Christie Lewis (parent), and Comfort Systems USA about Career & Technical Education and Work Based Learning
Valuable information to help your child make future academic and career decisions — elementary students are especially encouraged to attend!
🎉 Special Perks:
Free meal from D&D Skins for a limited number of early arrivals
A chance to win the Grand Raffle Prize – an Xbox!
📄 Details & Registration:
Check out the flyer for more information and register today at:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=IIGU8eJ1Gki-5-bd33k668s2bTjM6UlBktXj4Wqo7oVURUFHTklFNlk4VFhUMlJRQVpKMzQ2QklMSS4u&origin
We can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting event and show you how CTE can shape your child’s future!
Students at Clays Mill Elementary have had a wonderful start to their school year! In the library, Kindergarteners listened to "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires. They discussed that we all make mistakes, but you have to keep trying, and magnificent things will eventually happen. Students used different materials to make their very own magnificent things. Some of the things created: rolling cage for a dog, fish catchers, picture frames, ramps, houses, a safe, and bird catchers Mrs. Williams read "Rosie Revere, Engineer" to the fourth graders. They discussed that it takes teamwork to do any job well! Students worked together to build a tower of cups without touching the cups. Using a rubber band and strings, they had to use teamwork to grow the cup tower. Second graders read "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" during library classes. For a challenge, they had to create a bridge like the one that the goats crossed, using Legos.
More photos here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EljaiGQXcsDf-AGc8GZConiK2dGeQh0c?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPAc3fShyTFhm7VV8B-JLGf2Qchv1tgk/view?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/165gMOCXZGeRDthemP_JtO1bdtCS05-k-/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116037041618802440657&rtpof=true&sd=true
Are you interested in touring the new high school? See below and save the dates!
There will be three open inspection dates and an appointment is not necessary. Come to the old school during the inspection dates and times, and you will be able to view the items. The address is Halifax High School (old school) 1 High School Circle South Boston, VA 24592
The open inspection dates/times are:
Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Halifax County School employees cannot assist with packaging or loading your item(s). The winning buyer should bring a suitable vehicle that can safely transport the item(s), and also bring materials, tools, and loading assistance as necessary.
To set up an account with GovDeals, complete the following steps:
1. Go to www.govdeals.com
2. In the upper right-hand corner, click the "Register" tab.
3. Fill in the information and scroll to the bottom of the page and agree to the user agreement.
4. No credit card is required to sign up.
Someone will be at the old high school lobby on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM to assist individuals with setting up an account with GovDeals.
There are many more items that will be auctioned in the coming weeks so check back frequently!
Parents, thank you for your continued support and for trusting us with your most precious gifts, your children. We are so excited to welcome all of the smiling faces back to school!
