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HCPS News: School Psychology Week, a 'Purple Star' designation and news from the Henrico Education Foundation

Posted Date: 11/13/26 (12:01 PM)
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Nov. 13, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 15

The Binder logo with text: News and notes from Henrico County Public Schools.

Good morning, Henrico families,

We start this edition by recognizing HCPS' school psychologists, who wear many hats and work every day to help students succeed. Read more about their work below. Additionally, Varina Elementary School recently received a "Purple Star" designation for its support of military students and families. Read more about the honor below. 

More in this edition: Watch a video about HCPS' performing arts offerings, find information about changes to SNAP and read the latest on how the division is addressing HVAC maintenance. 
 

It's National School Psychology Week!

A smiling school psychologist sits at a desk in an office with inspirational posters on the wall.
Join us in thanking our school psychologists for all the work they do!
 
HCPS has more than 30 school psychologists who wear many hats, doing everything from counseling students and creating behavior plans to serving on intervention teams that help screen for potential learning disabilities.
 
“We help students find what could be creating a barrier to learning,” said Treazure Wooley, a school psychologist who serves Harvie and Ratcliffe elementary schools.
A smiling man stands outside the entrance of Arthur Ashe Jr. Elementary School.
Mike Capehart, who serves Arthur Ashe and Crestview elementary schools, said, “My favorite aspect of the job is being able to bear witness to a child’s legitimate growth."
 
Sometimes that growth comes from helping a student with executive functioning skills like learning to organize their backpack, or connecting them with speech and language services so they can express themselves.

 

Varina Elementary School honored with ‘Purple Star’ designation for support of military students and families

Exterior view of the red brick building for Varina Elementary School on a sunny day.
Varina Elementary School has been recognized with the 2026-27 “Purple Star School” designation for its commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families.

The Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children founded the Purple Star Designation Program for Schools in 2018 to highlight the challenges many military-connected students face and how schools can provide support for them to thrive.

“We are honored to receive the Purple Star Award from VDOE,” said Dr. Lianna Moss-Everhart, principal of Varina Elementary School. “This recognition reflects Varina’s commitment to supporting all students and families, while intentionally ensuring that our military-connected students and families feel welcomed, valued, and connected from the moment they join our school community.”

Families with military ties are often required to move frequently. This can make acclimating to new schools and communities difficult. To earn the Purple Star honor, schools must meet specific standards to address these challenges through professional development sessions and project plans. These efforts, supported by the HCPS Department of Student Support and Wellness, focused on empathy, communication, inclusivity and leadership. 

 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: HCPS Performing Arts

A group of dancers rehearse a synchronized routine on a stage in front of empty theater seats.
DANCE, THEATER, BAND AND MORE: Henrico County Public Schools has numerous options for students to participate in the performing arts. Ask a school counselor or performing arts teacher how your student can get involved!
 

NOTICE: Changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements and expense validation

The HCPS Department of Family and Community Engagement would like to make families who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aware that there are changes underway with their benefits. 

To get the latest information about these changes, go to the Virginia Department of Social Services website at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/eligibilitychangeresources/. 

To access flyers about the changes in English or Spanish, click here. 
 

Assessment provides clear roadmap for HVAC, operational improvements

As Henrico County Public Schools continues working to strengthen HVAC operations, we recently completed a third-party assessment to evaluate facility systems and maintenance practices across the division. As shared in a Thursday presentation to the School Board, the study validates HCPS’ internal review and provides a clear roadmap for making lasting operational improvements, not just addressing immediate problems. 

Quarterly preventive maintenance inspections continue at all 74 schools across the division through our expanded vendor partnerships. Additionally, technicians have successfully completed seasonal fall boiler startups across all school buildings to ensure systems are operational as we head into winter.

Long-term actions will include modernizing the division’s work order systems and improving asset tracking. Our commitment is to make steady, measurable progress with clear priorities that result in greater HVAC reliability and more comfortable classroom conditions for students and staff.
 

HEF Corner: Your business can help shape Henrico's next decade!

For decades, our community has rallied around Henrico for students and educators. At our ’90s-themed Decades of Impact Celebration, we are inviting local businesses to help write the next chapter.

With new sponsorship opportunities at a variety of levels, there’s a way for businesses of every size to step forward, show their Henrico pride and invest in the future of public education.

If you’re a parent who owns a business, works with a local company or knows someone ready to make an impact, this is your chance to put your support where it matters most: behind Henrico’s students. Click here to learn more.
 

Specialty center applications close today

Today is the last day to submit an application for an HCPS high school specialty center program for the 2027-28 school year.


Applications for all of these programs can be accessed through the SchoolMint System. 
 

Important Dates


  • Nov. 25-27: Schools closed - Thanksgiving Holiday
  • Dec. 21-Jan. 1: Schools closed - Winter Break

 
Promotional graphic for the ParentSquare app, featuring download links, app store badges, and a smartphone displaying the HCPS school news interface.
 
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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