News & Announcements

Reminder: Wednesday, September 18th is a 3-Hour Early Release Day! Please see the dismissal times for each school.

Join Hopewell High School’s Visual & Performing Arts Department for their first concert of the school year! Admission is free!

Join the Department of Healthy Families for a 7-week Parent Education Class starting September 18.
Explore your child’s development in a supportive Classes are free, court-approved, and held Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at 224 North Main St., Hopewell, VA. Save your spot today!
For more information, contact [email protected].

Concerns were recently anonymously posted on social media about a “mold problem” at Woodlawn Learning Center. We wish to provide some factual information related to those concerns.

In the early morning of August 19th (a Monday), a teacher noticed moisture and mold in one of the classrooms before students arrived. This was immediately brought to the attention of the principal and the room was closed and the class location was changed to the library, before school started that day. Our maintenance staff investigated and found that there was a moisture issue that had occurred in the room over the weekend. The room and belongings were cleaned according to protocol for such a situation. Carpet was then replaced with new tile flooring and further work to old tile flooring is occurring this weekend such that all flooring in the room will be new. Throughout this time, students for this class have remained in their relocated classroom and not in this room.

Some other concerns were then noted in other rooms around vents. Those vents were all cleaned and the air filters were all replaced within the last month.

Another report was then made of a stained ceiling tile in a storage room. That tile was then replaced. The source of the stain was found to be a previous roof leak that had since been repaired.

Yesterday, we conducted air quality tests in rooms across the building, including locations in which concerns had been expressed. We used an organic compounds test that is used to detect mold. The normal range is for levels to be below .25 and the tests in the building had levels that ranged from .03 to .12, all well within normal levels. Please note that mold is naturally occurring in the outdoors and so some presence of mold is going to be found. We do want to ensure the level is not outside the normal range.

We are continuing to monitor humidity and temperature levels in the rooms so that we can follow up quickly if anything becomes a concern that could lead to a moisture issue. Additional dehumidifiers have been placed in rooms where they could be needed at times. We are responding to any concerns that arise.

We are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment and all concerns that have been brought forward regarding possible mold have been looked into and addressed. The tests show that the air is safe and we will continue monitoring to ensure it remains that way.

This serves as a notice that there will be a Hopewell City School Board School Board Meeting on Thursday, September 12th at 7:30pm. This meeting is open to the public.

It is with a heavy heart that I address you following the tragic school shooting in Georgia. As your superintendent, and as a fellow parent, I share the deep sorrow and fear that events like this bring. While no words can truly ease the pain, I want to assure you that we are fully committed to doing everything possible to keep your children safe each day.

Please know that the safety and well-being of your children remains our top priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we will continue working together to create a safer environment for all.

Melody Hackney
Superintendent of Schools

In observance of Labor Day, Hopewell City Public Schools will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. HCPS will reopen on Tuesday, September 3rd.

As football season kicks off, please remember the following game day rules and regulations effective September 1, 2024:

All children grades PK-8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

No loitering under the bleachers

Tickets available online via GoFan or cash at the gate

No reentry allowed

Spectators are subject to search, including hand-held wanding by metal detectors

Bags must be clear and no larger than 12x6x12, a small clutch purse, or a gallon Ziploc bag

No face masks

No standing along the fence

Prohibited Items:

No pets
No smoking, drugs, alcohol, or weapons
No coolers
No bullhorns or other electronically enhanced noisemakers

Keep Kids Safe!

The warning period for school zone speed cameras in Hopewell is coming to an end. Starting this Friday, August 30th, citations will be enforced for drivers who exceed the posted school zone speed limit by at least 10 MPH.

Important Facts:
- Warning Period: During the initial 30 days, violations have resulted in warnings only.
- Citations: Beginning this Friday, August 30, 2024, citations will be enforced.
- Fines:Citations are $100, but no points will be added to your driving record, and it will not appear on your driving history.

Reminder: Wednesday, August 28th is a 3-Hour Early Release Day! Please see the dismissal times for each school.