Parent Handbook

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at Heather Hills Elementary School! Heather Hills Elementary parent handbook has been designed as a reference guide and summary of policies, procedures and general practices governing our learning environment. The information contained in this handbook will provide parents with pertinent information to assure an orderly and safe learning environment. 

Please consult with the Heather Hills Elementary School Leadership staff with any questions or concerns relevant to the parent handbook. It is vital to the overall operation of Heather Hills Elementary School that all parents comply with the prescribed policies and procedures.

It is the responsibility of all parents to follow these procedures, interact in a respectful manner with staff, and utilize the resources to support your scholar at Heather Hills Elementary School .

Parents are encouraged to reference the Heather Hills Elementary School Parent Handbook as questions or concerns arise that impact the operation(s) of the school. Any suggestions for revisions or clarifications are welcome. It is imperative that we work as a team to provide and maintain an effective learning environment for our scholars.

Scholars are expected to:

1. Stay safe
2. Take responsibility
3. Act respectfully
4. Ready to learn

This year we will work together as the Heather Hills Elementary School Team to create a safe and orderly learning environment. Our strength will evolve through partnership with our community stakeholders.

Heather Hills Elementary School Day-to-Day Operations

The Principal oversees the daily operations of an individual school building.

The Principal is primarily in charge of overseeing the students and faculty/staff in the building.

Principal’s Secretary & Bookkeeper

Student Records & Attendance

Please reach out to the teacher of record for specific Information: within the classroom, about direct instruction in the area of content in which they specialize, classwork, homework, current grades, specific information regarding the students academics/behavior within the class, and messages sent from a teacher in Synergy or Class Dojo. Please click on the link below to access the teacher’s email address:

Personal, Social, Academic Concerns

Special Education

Arrival

Students are not permitted to arrive at school prior to 7:10 a.m. Staff are not on duty to provide supervision for students arriving early. Car riders may begin being dropped off at 7:10

a.m. Students/parents should line up in front of the school at the main entrance doors. Students may enter the building at 7:15 a.m. It is very important for all students to come to school on time, every day.

Class Start Time

Students should be in their seats and ready at 7:29 a.m. Students are late if not seated at 7:30 am. Parents are encouraged to let children enter the school building independently.

Breakfast  

Students who arrive on time at 7:15 a.m. will be able to receive breakfast. Students arriving after 7:29 a.m. will not be eligible to receive breakfast from the cafeteria, as the breakfast service will have concluded unless buses are late.

School Profile

School Theme

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am thrilled to introduce our theme: The World Cup of Brilliance: Think Deeply. Learn Boldly. Lead Globally.

Much like the world’s greatest athletes prepare for the World Cup, our students will embark on a journey of growth, perseverance, collaboration, and excellence. At Heather Hills, we believe that every child possesses unique talents and limitless potential. This year, we will challenge our students to stretch their thinking, embrace meaningful learning opportunities, and develop the leadership skills necessary to make a positive impact in our school, community, and world.

Our journey toward brilliance will be guided by four goals:

We will encourage students to dream big, establish meaningful goals, and take ownership of their learning. Success begins with a clear vision of what is possible.

Champions are made long before the final match. Through rigorous instruction, purposeful practice, and productive struggle, students will strengthen the skills needed to achieve at high levels.

Students will be empowered to apply their knowledge, think critically, solve complex problems, and demonstrate resilience when faced with challenges.

We want every student to recognize that their actions matter. Through leadership, kindness, service, and academic excellence, our students will leave a lasting positive impact on our school community.

Priorities:

• Strengthen Data-Driven Small Group Instruction Through Intentional Differentiation
• Build Staff Capacity to Support the Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted and Twice Exceptional Learners.
• Increase mathematics achievement through fluency and conceptual understanding
• Increase Student Engagement Through Academic Discourse, Ownership, and Meaningful Learning

Heather Hills Elementary Mission & Vision

Mission

We will nurture students’ talents, develop problem solving skills, encourage collaboration with others and will teach students to communicate effectively.

Vision

Heather Hills Elementary School and community will prepare students to positively impact the world.

General Daily Schedule

Daily Instruction

The instructional day will include an accelerated curriculum in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Your child’s instructional day will also include Art, Music, P.E, ICal, Media, and SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) on a weekly rotation schedule.

Student Intervention Programs

Student Intervention Plan/Response to Intervention

Student Intervention Team (SIT) is a school-based problem-solving team comprised of faculty members (usually general educators) who meet to help a teacher(s) identify and implement appropriate interventions for students who need support so that they are ready and able to learn, as well as students who are in need of support for acceleration. A student who is having academic, behavioral or attendance difficulties will be discussed by this team. School-wide issues may also be addressed at the school level. In cases involving students in crisis, the SIT process may not be appropriate and students may be directly referred to the multidisciplinary Student Support Team (SST) for further support and intervention.

Students who have not been successful after the intervention period will be placed on an Academic Contract. Students will be provided with a timeframe to make changes or improvements. The goal of the contract is to outline support provided from the school and expectations that can be expected in the time frame allotted. Failure to make the needed changes may result in students returning to their boundary school.

504

Students who meet the eligibility guidelines for Section 504 may have a 504 Plan developed. The plan will specify the nature of the qualifying disability that substantially limits a major life activity, and the accommodations necessary to provide access based on the student’s needs. The plan will also include individual staff members responsible for implementing the accommodations. Accommodations should be specific to the individual with regard to his/her disability and its limitation on the major life activity. For more information, visit PGCPS Section 504 Services.

Special Education

Students who qualify for special education services will receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students who have an IEP will have an additional teacher who aids in the implementation of the IEP.

2nd Grade Supply List

• Wired Headphones
• Baby Wipes-2 pack
• Dry Erase Markers-1 pack
• Ruler with centimeters and inches-1
• Wide ruled composition notebooks - 6
• Pencil pouch with a zipper (no boxes) - 1
• Index cards-1 pack
• Sticky notes packets - 4
• Ziploc bags - Gallon, Quart, Sandwich (3 per student)
• Pencils - 36 count
• Crayons (4 Packs of 24 Count)
• Scissors (kid friendly)1
• Glue sticks - 12
• Wide-ruled loose leaf paper - 1 pack
• Boxes of tissue - 2
• Hand sanitizer - 2
• Disinfecting wipes - 4
• Folder with pockets -4
• Highlighters - 4 pack
• Block Erasers - 2
• Sketch Book 9x12 for Art Class
• Refillable water bottle
• Backpack no wheels

Classroom Donations (not required)

• Paper Towels
• Pack of Copy Paper
• Construction Paper

Uniform 

See our uniform requirements

5th Grade Supply List

Required Supplies

• Backpack
• Headphones (with cord)
• 7 composition books
• Colored pencils and/or crayons
• Loose leaf paper – wide ruled, - 4 packs
• 6 pocket folders
• 24 pencils #2 (No mechanical pencils)
• 1 pencil sharpener
• Scissors – blunt ends, metal edge
• 4 glue sticks
• 4 packs of sticky notes
• 1 soft pencil pouch or large Ziploc bag
• 1 inch/centimeter ruler
• Highlighters - 3 colors and 2 Sharpies
• 3 boxes of Kleenex facial tissue
• 1 bottle of hand sanitizer
• 1 pack of disinfecting wipes
• Sketch Book 9x12 for Art Class
• 1 pack sanitizing wipes
• 1 inch binder
• Vocabulary Workshop Level Red (see link below)

Click here: Vocabulary Workshop

Uniform 

* See our uniform requirements

TAG Model

Your child will engage in project-based learning, independent study, and inquiry-based learning. These approaches allow students to take ownership of their learning, which allows for deeper degrees of understanding as they are able to make connections to previous skills and extend their knowledge.

Small group instruction will be implemented in the Reading Language Arts and Mathematics classes. Up to seven students will be placed in a group to work on common goals or objectives. Some groups will be teacher-led, and some groups will be student-led, depending on the complexity of the activity.

Differentiated instruction will be implemented to meet the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction is an approach in which teachers will plan lessons tailored to the students' abilities and interests.

Access to PGCPS Synergy

Grading Procedures

Synergy is a tool used by PGCPS to aid parents in monitoring their scholars’ grades. ParentVUE is the portal that allows parents and guardians to view information about their student, including classroom assignments and scores, attendance, transcripts, graduation status and more. In ParentVUE, families can also update their phone numbers and emergency contact information and access the Online Registration (OLR) Application. Please click on the link for: ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians

Weighted percentages are set by PGCPS: PGCPS Grading and Reporting Policies, Grade Authorization and Appeals

Weighted percentages are set by PGCPS. PGCPS Grading and Reporting Policies, Grade Authorization and Appeals. 

If you do not have your scholar's username and password, please contact our front office for assistance.  

Synergy ParentVUE Guide

Student Daily Attendance

"EVERY MINUTE IN SCHOOL MATTERS. Two missed days a month adds up to being a half a year behind by the time your child reaches the 4th grade. And once a child falls behind they rarely catch up."

• Attendance Tips for Families
• When your scholar is absent, a parent or guardian must send a note to school explaining the reason for the absence. This should include date(s) of absence and the scholar’s name. Late or make-up work will not be accepted unless the absence is an excused absence.

Tardiness Policy

• Scholars will be officially tardy if they are not in the building at 7:29 m.
• If your scholar enters the building after 7:29 a.m., a tardy slip will be issued by the main office.
• If your scholar comes to class without a tardy slip, the teacher will send the scholar to the office to receive one. The only exception to this is when a bus arrives When a bus arrives late, rather than write numerous tardy slips, an announcement will be made over the PA system that the students who ride that bus have just arrived and are not to be marked tardy due to transportation issues.

Uniforms are mandatory at Heather Hills Elementary School.

Uniform Requirements

Bottoms/Dresses

• Navy pants - Chino or Twill style (no blue jeans, leggins or yoga pants)
• Navy long pants, knee length shorts, skorts, jumpers (shorts under)
• Navy dresses (solid color polo dress, solid color jumper dress or navy jumper dress with white shirt)

Tops

• White shirts, blouses, long sleeve turtleneck shirt, polo type shirts with no logos or emblems
• Navy or white sweaters/vests or pull over/HHES sweatshirt over white uniform shirt
• Only navy blue colored jackets and fleece can be worn in the building. All other coats/jackets should be removed upon entering the building.

Shoes & Accessories

• Navy or black belt - when needed
• Socks, stockings, tights, or hose may only be in solid school colors of blue, white, or black. Clear or skin-colored hose are also acceptable. Fishnet or other patterned stockings or hose are not permitted. Stockings, tights, or hose must cover the full length of the student’s legs and feet – leg warmers are not permitted.
• Shoes and winter boots
  • Shoes must be closed-toe. For safety reasons we do not authorize the use of Crocs, slides, or high heels. The school will not assume liability for injuries based on the wear of these shoes.

If your scholar comes to school out of uniform, you will be notified and need to bring your child a change of clothes.

Class Dojo

Class Dojo (Teachers will provide you with their code.)

Purpose

• Create a positive environment for students to learn and
• Provide a forum for open dialogue between parents and the school about events and classroom learning.
• Promote positive behaviors, while reducing negative
• Afford opportunities for students to earn rewards based on their behavior choices and

How to Communicate on Class Dojo

School Story

• Events and memos are shared school-
• You may like a post and ask clarifying questions about the details of events that pertain to the whole If you have questions or concerns regarding your child, reach out directly to your child's teacher(s).

Class Story

Specific classroom learning is shared here, such as what is going on in the week, or even a picture or video clip of students in action.

• Specific Homework/Project expectations may be found
• You may like a post and ask questions that relate to the whole If you have questions or concerns regarding your child, reach out to your child’s teacher(s).

Messages

• Private communication takes place regarding your child in this
• Personal notes/reports from their day may be
• You can ask specific questions about your child, their academics and
• You can message about questions or concerns regarding a post you saw on School or Class Stories concerning your child.

School-Wide Reward System

Heather Hills Elementary School will use ClassDojo as the primary tool for our reward system. ClassDojo is an online tool that teachers will use to reward points to your scholars during the

S.T.A.R. day. Each teacher will communicate the point threshold that each student will strive to make monthly.

Students that exhibit behavior that exceeds expectations are eligible to be recognized as “Student of the Month.” Students that make the threshold will receive a certificate each month and the ability to become a Student of the Month.

Every parent must have a Class Dojo account, so you can monitor your scholar's points. Your scholar's teacher will issue a letter that will have instructions on how to create your account and it will have a code that is assigned to your child. Please monitor your child's points and encourage them to earn, earn, earn!!!

Incentives

When students meet their monthly goal, they will have an opportunity to participate in the school-wide celebration. It is important to note that students that do not meet the threshold will not attend the celebration. While PBIS is not a punitive system, we must provide feedback to scholars who meet or exceed what is required to maintain a healthy, positive school community. Rewarding practices or behavior that do not contribute to a positive school culture undermines the work of staff and scholars.

Communication Policy

Our staff will communicate important events or issues throughout the school year using one or more media listed below.

• Class Dojo
• Email
• Phone Call

Wednesday folders will also be sent home each This folder will contain communication and graded work.

When a parent has a concern, please contact us through the following media.

• Class Dojo
• Email
• Phone Call

Staff members have 48 hours to respond to any concerns communicated through these modes of communication. Please make sure to make your child's teacher the first point of contact.

Arrival Time & Class Starting Time

Students are not permitted to arrive at school prior to 7:10 a.m. Staff are not on duty to provide supervision for students arriving early. Car riders may begin being dropped off at 7:10

a.m. Students/parents should line up in front of the school at the main entrance doors. Students may enter the building at 7:15 a.m. It is very important for all students to come to school on time, every day. Students should be in their seats and ready at 7:29 a.m. Students are late if not seated at 7:30 am. Parents are encouraged to let children enter the school building independently.

Drop-off Procedures

Car Riders (AM)

Parents are to enter the circle around 7:10 am. Parents, please do not drop your scholar off before 7:10 am as staff members are not on duty until that time, and it is a liability. Heather Hill's staff will open doors at 7:15 a.m.

• Please ensure that your scholar is ready to exit the passenger’s **Parents should not exit their vehicle**
• To exit - please remain in your car until directions are given by the staff members on duty. Please be prepared to follow their directions.

At 7:29, a sign will be placed outside near the car lane as a reminder that students are now late. Parents, you will need to find a parking spot and walk your student(s) to the door. There will be a QR code to sign in late students. A student arriving after 7:29 a.m. will be documented as tardy in the tardy log located in the Main Office.

Bus Riders (AM)

Buses will enter the inner circle and release scholars at 7:15 am. After drivers release scholars, they must exit buses immediately to reduce traffic. Drivers are to follow the directions of the staff member on duty.

Only students who are signed up to attend the AlphaBEST program will be authorized to enter the building prior to 7:15 a.m.

Pick-Up Procedures (PM)

Dismissal begins at 1:35 p.m. Car and van riders are dismissed to the multi-purpose room, AlphaBEST is dismissed to the media center, and bus riders are dismissed from classrooms.

Scholars will be escorted to their appropriate location. Drivers must leave immediately to reduce traffic. Drivers are to follow the directions of the staff member on duty.

Front office staff will contact bus/van companies if buses/vans are late.

Car Riders (PM)

Parents are to enter the outer circle and follow the directive of the staff member on duty. Please make sure you are alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Wait patiently in line for your scholar to be escorted to your car. Staff members will be on duty. Please be prepared to follow their directions. Please drive with caution at all times.

Any student that requires extra support for arrival and dismissal will be assigned a staff member to assist them by the Leadership Team.

Early Dismissal/Dismissal Changes

If your scholar needs to leave prior to dismissal, they must be signed out in the Main Office

before 12:45 p.m. There are to be no early departures between 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• Parents are asked to email teachers, Ms. Hodge, and the Principal Secretary with any dismissal We will not accept verbal authorization to remove a child from the premises. Parents must update their emergency contact list annually, or as needed, to include all authorized adults who may remove the child from the premises.
• When arriving to pick up children for early dismissal, parents must report to the main office. Every adult who wishes to pick up a child from school must show a valid, government-issued photo identification. There will be no exceptions. Parents/guardians will sign the child out in the Early Dismissal Log stating their first and last name, relationship to the student, time of departure, and reason for early
• Upon verification by Hodge, the teacher will be notified that you have arrived, and your child will meet you in the office.
• If a child is being picked up by an adult outside the family, that person must be designated on the child’s Family Emergency Card, or have a note from the parent or guardian on record, and they must show a valid, government-issued photo identification. This precaution is in the interest of maintaining your child’s safety.
• Unless the office has been notified in writing, no changes will be made to a student’s regular dismissal routine. When possible, if you alter your child’s dismissal routine, please discuss the changes with your child in advance.

Important Contacts