HES Family and Community Newsletter
April 20, 2026
Parenting isn't always easy but you don't have to do it alone 💙
We're excited to share the Family Resiliency Program, a FREE 8-week opportunity for parents and caregivers to gain tools to strengthen family connections, support mental health, and help children succeed in school.
✨ Open to parents of PreK-12 students
✨ Sessions held every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 PM
✨ In-person sessions at Hurlock Elementary (April & June)
✨ Virtual sessions via Zoom (May)
✨ FREE dinner and childcare provided for in-person sessions
🎉 Participants who attend 5 or more sessions and complete the evaluation will receive a $50 digital gift card
This program is open to families connected to Hurlock Elementary, Warwick, Vienna , North Dorchester Middle, and North Dorchester High School.
📍 Hurlock Elementary School
🗓 Starting April 22 Spots are limited, be sure to scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the link to register today! http://tinyurl.com/PEP-HES
OR click on the flyer to sign up
September
Kindergarten -5th grade lunch menu
If your child has allergies our Nurse needs to know and the cafeteria needs a doctors note! Please reach out to Nurse Stacy 410-943-3303 ext 1809
If your student brings a packed lunch, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- No soda, bottled coffees, energy drinks, etc
- Suggestions for packable drinks: Gatorades, Green tea, bottled juice, and other non-caffeinated beverages.
- No candy.
- Food will not be warmed up.
- No sharing of food due to potential food allergies.
Say Hello to Parent-Teacher Chat
DCPS app
If you haven't registered for the new DCPS app, click the links provided below to sign up. This app is designed for everyone, including parents, grandparents, and members of the community. You have the flexibility to select specific schools for notifications, ensuring you stay informed and never miss out on announcements or exciting news. Our app allows you to conveniently chat with your students teacher, access documents, receive news updates, and stay informed about emergency notifications—all from the convenience of your pocket. Join us in embracing the features of our new app!
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3LIXLP9
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3rH4Rgr
Arrival and dismissal times have been changed for this school year. The earliest drop off is 8:30, the bell rings at 8:45! Students are late after 8:45 and must be signed in by an adult.
The latest pick up time for students is 3:20, after 3:20 you will need to have your student on the pickup list as a walker or car rider and they will be dismissed at 3:45. Please reach out with any questions #attendancematters
Please note: Earliest Drop off 8:30am,
Class Begins 8:45am, Students are late after 8:45!
Latest pick up 3:20 pm, Dismissal begins 3:45pm
Early Dismissal Days starts @ 12:45pm
No phones are allowed on the bus or in school! If for some reason a student needs to contact an adult, they may go to the main office and ask.
No type of smart watch is allowed on the bus or in school!
Any type of electronic device that was not issued by our school system is not allowed on the bus or in the school!
Important Information:
**School Hours:**
- School starts at 8:45 a.m. Students may be dropped off as early as 8:30 a.m. Please note that we do not have staff to supervise students before this time. Parents will be called to pick up their student if dropped off before 8:30 a.m.
**Drop-Off Procedure:**
- Families are requested to drop students off at the curb. Mrs. Powell and her team will ensure your student safely enters the building and gets to their classroom.
**Breakfast:**
- All students have the option of a free breakfast. To ensure your student receives breakfast, please have them in the building no later than 8:45 a.m.
**Lunch:**
- All HES students have the option of free lunch every day.
If your student brings a packed lunch, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- No soda, bottled coffees, energy drinks, etc
- Suggestions for packable drinks: Gatorades, Green tea, bottled juice, and other non-caffeinated beverages.
- No candy.
- Food will not be warmed up.
- No sharing of food due to potential food allergies.
**Dismissal Time**
- Dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m. If you need to pick up your student early from school please do so before 3:20 p.m. After 3:20 p.m., no students will be dismissed early from the office, and parents should wait in the regular pick-up line.
**Car Riders at Dismissal Time:**
- Students/families will be assigned a car tag to hang from window. This system aims to expedite pick-up and ensure students remain in the building until someone is there to get them.
**Bus Dismissal:**
- If your child is taking a different bus or being picked up by someone other than the norm, please send a note or call the front office to inform us. Without prior notification, your child will go home as usual. For bus-related questions, contact the Transportation Department at 410-228-4747.
**Adults/Families on Campus:**
Ring the bell next to the front doors and wait to speak to one of our secretaries.
All visitors must sign in at the front office and have their picture taken upon entering the building.
Please bring ID when visiting our building.
**School Issued Electronic Devices:**
- Students will be assigned devices: K & 1st graders will have iPads, while 2nd - 5th graders will use laptops. Look out for the device agreement to sign and a request form for a hotspot if needed.
**Dress Code:**
See above for detailed information.
**Non-School Issued Devices:**
- "Elementary school students are not permitted to possess or use portable electronic communication devices while on Dorchester County Public School property or during school activities." This includes cell phones or any portable electronic devices. The following process will be followed for violations:
- 1st Offense: Device confiscation; parent/guardian contacted for pick-up.
- 2nd Offense: 1st offense consequences plus after-school detention.
- 3rd Offense: 1st offense consequences plus a parent conference will be requested.