HCPS News: Librarian book picks, staggered start survey and a food distribution event

Posted Date: 09/18/26 (10:00 AM)

Sept. 18, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 7

A graphic featuring the text THE BINDER, News and notes from Henrico County Public Schools.

Good morning, Henrico families!

We start this edition with a new video series featuring our school librarians making book recommendations. Check it out and keep those students reading! We also have information on the Community Food Bank's food distribution event tomorrow, as well as a link to our survey on this year's staggered start.

More in this edition: A reminder to download the ParentSquare app and some photos from across the division!

Video Spotlight: Book Picks!

A graphic with blue text reading 'LOOKING FOR A GREAT BOOK? ASK YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARIAN' with illustrations of stacked books.

Check out our newest video series, Book Picks! Each video showcases one or two Henrico Schools librarians sharing some of their favorite books, and what makes each a great read! Watch the video above for the first picks, and check out @HenricoSchoolsTV on Youtube for more!

How did you feel about this year's staggered start? Let us know!

We are seeking input on the staggered start model used for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. The survey is now open for staff and families to provide feedback through Sunday, Oct. 4, to help us learn what went well and where we can improve as we plan for future years.

Please share your thoughts using the English survey link or Spanish survey link. If you need help completing the survey, contact the Department of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation at (804) 652-3830.

Students in grades 6 and 9 will also have the chance to share their thoughts through the survey during advisory classes. If you would prefer for your child not to participate, please contact your school directly. Thank you for helping us improve! We look forward to hearing your feedback.

Food distribution event to be held Saturday

The Henrico Community Food Bank is hosting a mobile food distribution tomorrow, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All families in Henrico are eligible to come by the Henrico Community Food Bank building at 2401 Hartman Street, Building E, to receive a free package full of pantry staples.

Only one bag will be available per family, while supplies last. Families can access the drive-thru pickup area via the bus loop.

Anyone in need is encouraged to stop by!

Visit henricocommunityfoodbank.org for more information.

Download the ParentSquare app to access more features

Promotional graphic for the ParentSquare app, featuring app store badges, a QR code, and a hand holding a smartphone displaying the school's mobile feed.

Don't forget to download the ParentSquare app! Features include:

Easier viewing of messages from multiple schools
Access to an archive of older messages
Easier interaction with your child's schools

Scan the QR code to download the app today!

PHOTO CORNER: Glimpses across HCPS

A montage of photos shows people participating in school events, including tables, displays, and celebrations like Grandparents Day.

There's always plenty going on across our division! This collage of photos includes glimpses of last week's Grandparents' Day event at Springfield Park Elementary School, a voter registration drive this week at Highland Springs High School and Wednesday's Life-Ready Expo at Hermitage High School!

Reminder: Encourage your 9th and 11th graders to take the PSAT

An informational graphic encouraging 9th and 11th graders to take the free PSAT, featuring a student looking at five color-coded arrows.

The PSAT is a valuable opportunity for students to better understand their academic strengths, identify areas where they can grow and prepare for future college and scholarship opportunities.

All 10th grade students and interested 9th and 11th grade students will participate in PSAT testing at no cost to families. If your 9th or 11th grade student would like to take the test, please complete the signup sent to you by your school by Sept. 21. No sign-up is needed for 10th grade students. If you need help with the form, please contact your school’s Coordinator of Assessment and Remediation.

For more, visit: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-assessments.

Fall Resource Fair to be held at Tuckahoe Family YMCA Saturday

Is your family new to Henrico Schools? Or do you just need to learn about the resources available to families across Henrico County? The Fall Resource Fairis for you!

Join us for the fourth Fall Resource Fair, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 19, at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA (9273 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA). The event connects families with valuable resources and services.

Resources available at the fair will include dental screenings, blood pressure screenings, general health check-ups, mental health resources, adult education resources, student support services and more.

Important dates:

Sept. 21: Student and teacher holiday - Yom Kippur/Jewish High Holiday
Sept. 28: Student holiday - Teacher professional learning

Henrico County Public Schools

Division of Communications

P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600

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