HCPS Families and Staff,
As you are aware from previous communications this week, HCPS has been investigating rumors of threats and social media posts that look like threats of violence to our schools. Together with law enforcement, we have looked into each of these accounts. Our investigations have revealed that none of these threats have been targeting schools in Halifax.
We received an email from the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) addressing the mass distribution of a SnapChat image combined with an added on-screen text being distributed across North America via TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Analysis of this image and the mass reproduction indicates this is a spam Snapchat image and is not specific to any school or division.
These are obviously frightening messages and are designed to cause panic and disruption in communities.
So, what should you do if you see something concerning like this?
1. Immediately contact law enforcement and/or school officials to share what you have seen. We will investigate EVERYTHING that comes to us and we want people to share concerning messages so they can be investigated fully.
2. Report, don't Repost- Reposting these images instead of reporting them directly to officials is delaying our investigation and response to the concern. Reposting is causing panic and disrupting our schools and community before the legitimacy of the concern can be determined. If it is reported to us and is determined to be a legitimate threat, we will take immediate action and you will be informed about what we are doing to keep everyone safe.
Halifax County Public Schools and the Halifax County Sheriff's Department are diligently working to investigate every concern in an effort to keep our students and staff safe from any threat of violence. We need your help in these efforts. Please continue to communicate with us directly when you see or hear concerns.
Thank you.
Amy D. Huskin, Superintendent
Please save the date for the second annual CTE Showcase on Thursday, October 17, 2024. This event provides an opportunity for all students and families, including elementary to learn more about Career and Technical Education in Halifax County. Participants will be able to tour lab spaces and participate in live demonstrations. The first 100 attendees will receive a voucher to one of the on-site food trucks. Doors open at 5:15 PM, and the kickoff is at 5:30 PM. For more details and to register, please visit the Halifax County Public Schools website and Facebook page. View more details and register online at https://www.svhec.org/showcasecte/.
Lexia® is proud to partner with families and the Virginia Department of Education to help fulfill the state’s ALL In Tutoring priority! We are excited to announce we are now offering information sessions specifically designed for Virginia families. Click on the link below to learn more information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zIhLUlBU1XY4-nLs0Vq1XOaCII4jgQDb/view?usp=sharing
What is a literacy screener? Have you heard about VALLSS? Click on the link below for an informational sheet for families.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oJjA4ir1O-Ydg5SOuiqWKfEnf3spzMTI/view?usp=sharing
The students in Mrs. Hackney's class were working on puzzles together during centers. Puzzles are a good activity for building social emotional and language skills. We also use puzzles in the classroom to improve hand-eye coordination, strengthen their fine motor skills, and help develop their problem-solving abilities.
Partnership – The faculty/staff and students from South Boston Early Learning Center are fortunate to have students from Halifax County High School’s CTE Early Childhood Education Work Based Learning Program visit them weekly. We are excited to have them at the center.
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed Monday, September 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day.
In compliance with Virginia State Law and the Virginia Department of Education’s Frequency of Fire and Lock Down Drill requirements, students in Halifax County Public Schools will participate in required fire and lockdown safety drills during the next two weeks.
South Boston Early Learning Center's classroom teachers would like to thank Presto for the donated items.
Thank you to Southern Piedmont Land and Lake Association of Realtors Public Relations Committee for the donation of school supplies.
School Supply Donation - McLaughlin Memorial United Holy Church donated school supplies
to the students at South Boston Early Learning Center. Priscilla Price, principal, accepted the
donation from Cathy Burrell.
Please keep this in mind as our buses will be back on the roads in the morning!
Please click on the link for more information about CoverVa,
https://coverva.dmas.virginia.gov/learn/coverage-for-children/back-to-school/?utm_campaign=b2s2024&utm_content=2advocates3eng2024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Due to the tornado watch, we are ending elementary open house at this time. Please be safe.
UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!
The Open House for all elementary schools will be Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Campus Portal is a communication tool that provides you with secure access to your child’s school information. It gives you access to your child’s attendance, schedule, grades, assignments, student to-do list, and behavior.
Staff will be available to help you set up your Campus Portal during Open House.
Download for Android https://play.google.com/store/...
Download for iPhone https://apps.apple.com/us/app/...
Elizabeth “Liz” Huntley is an accomplished litigation attorney, dedicated child
advocate, author and lecturer. Liz is the President and Co-Founder of the Hope
Institute which is an organization in Alabama that helps schools build a culture of
character for their students. She practices law at Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC
in Birmingham, Alabama.
Liz serves on multiple civic boards, commissions and tasks forces throughout
Alabama and the country. She regularly speaks to groups throughout the U.S.,
often referencing her own journey as described in her published memoir titled
More Than A Bird.
Liz earned her law degree from the University Of Alabama School Of Law where
she now serves on the Law School Foundation Board of Governors. She received
her undergraduate degree from Auburn University, where she is now a member of
the Auburn University Board of Trustees.
Liz and her husband Tony live in Alabama and have three children.
You are invited to sign the last piece of steel prior to the Topping Out Ceremony in front of the current high school. The steel will be available for signing from August 6-16, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Please click on the link below to view a message from Superintendent Dr. Amy Huskin and Frank Lane from Howard Shockey & Sons Construction.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PsxzB2VKdo1VoSakTeANSxp227k_IxSy/view?usp=sharing
HCPS bus drivers participated in professional development for the new GPS system this week.
SAVE THE DATES!
The Open House for Halifax County Middle School and Halifax County High School will be Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 12:30 PM-6:30 PM. The Open House for all elementary schools will be Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
