Cashwell: This week’s school closures won't extend Henrico school year
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Henrico Schools has enough built-in instructional time to offset this week’s missed school days, HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell wrote in a Jan. 10 district-wide message.
Schools will remain closed today and all afterschool and weekend activities will be cancelled due to potential snow. HCPS schools were initially scheduled to return from winter break on Jan 6., but snowy weather and water service issues caused schools to close for this entire week.
Schools are tentatively preparing to open this Monday since progress has been made in restoring water to Eastern and Northern Henrico families, after many lost water earlier this week. However, as long as the county-wide boil water advisory remains in effect, HCPS cannot safely operate drinking fountains and other essential services and therefore cannot reopen, according to a Jan. 9 HCPS message. County officials predict that the advisory could be lifted by this Saturday.
If schools have to close again this school year, HCPS will evaluate if makeup days are needed, Cashwell said.
HCPS’ first semester and second marking period will still end on Jan. 15, Cashwell said, but additional time will be given for students to complete assignments and for teachers to put in grades. Report cards will be distributed on Feb. 5 instead of Jan. 30.
Specific testing windows may be adjusted and any changes will be shared with teachers by school administrators. Gifted identification testing will resume once schools open.
For middle and high schoolers, the deadline for course registration for the 2025-2026 school year has been extended until midnight on Jan. 26. Families of preschoolers can now register for the 2025-2026 year starting on Jan. 27.
Cashwell also said that HCPS is closely monitoring PowerSchool, the district’s student information system, after HCPS and other school divisions were notified of a data breach on Dec. 28. As of now, HCPS data does not appear to be impacted.
Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s Report for America Corps member and education reporter. Her position is dependent upon reader support; make a tax-deductible contribution to the Citizen through RFA here.
