H.H. Poole - Mustang Updates

Welcome Back, Mustangs! I hope you’re enjoying a fantastic summer. I am excited to kick off the 2026-2027 school year and work together to make it a great one for your child. A few things to know to stay connected.

• Weekly News: Look out for our weekly "Mustang Updates" to stay on top of important school news. If you don't see it, give your spam folder a quick check!

• Today's Update: Scroll down to read our very first update of the year. Keep an eye on your inbox for more news in the weeks ahead.

• Translation: There is a "Translate" option located at the top of this newsletter for your convenience.

Here’s to a wonderful school year! Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Moneka Coats

Principal

Click HERE to read "Your Guide to a Strong Start." This is found on the county's webpage and contains some key information.

Open house for families will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. We are asking families to visit based on the student’s last name. To help with parking, please visit at the times below:

Last names A-L, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Last names M-Z, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

We will welcome our rising 6th grade students for their first day of school/transition day on August 11, 2026. Transition Day will ensure that our 6th graders have a smooth transition into middle school. Students should plan to leave backpacks/book bags at home that day as there will be building tours and activities planned for that day.

The first day of school for our 7th and 8th grade students will be August 12, 2026.

Tryouts for the 2026 Mustang Football Team are only for 7th & 8th grade students. No 6th graders are allowed to participate in Football.

Tryout dates for Football are: Thursday 8/13/26, Friday 8/14/26 and Monday 8/17/26.

Tryouts for the 2026 Mustang Girls Volleyball & Field Hockey are for any girl in grades 6-8. Tryouts are Monday 8/17/26, Tuesday 8/18/26 and Wednesday 8/19/26.

All tryouts will be from 4:15 PM to 6:00 PM. Students should stay after school for each day of tryouts and must have a ride to pick them up, promptly at 6:00 PM. Students MUST have a current VHSL physical on file. The exam must be dated after May 1, 2025. There is a new VHSL physical form (please see attached) that will need to be used moving forward, and each of the 6 pages must be filled out.

Students trying out for sports should bring athletic wear for tryouts and a water bottle along! Please be on the lookout for more information as the school year draws closer.

• All students will be assigned a Chromebook.
• Starting this school year, Chromebook chargers are to remain at home until End of Year collection or student withdrawal from school. Chromebook batteries should last the entire school day if the device is fully charged and used when required. Students are expected to charge their devices nightly.
• All outstanding fines for missing chargers, devices, and outstanding fines were sent out at the end of May and beginning of June. Please make all payments can be made through the online portal on the school's website. Bills for the repair of returned damaged devices will be sent out as they return from the shop.

Hello Mustang Families!
We are very excited to announce that this year counselors will be divided by student's last names. Here is the breakdown:
A- GIR : Ms. Dernbach
GIS - OK : Ms. Provenzano
OL - Z : Ms. Shafer
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Dernbach - evondernbachd@staffordschools.net

Per SCPS Transportation, bus routes will be available to families on July 27.

The School Supply List is attached HERE.

As we look ahead to the new school year, we want to remind families that Stafford County Public Schools prohibits student cell phone use during the school day. Our goal is to keep the focus entirely on instruction and minimize distractions.

What this looks like at Poole:

• Arrival: Students must turn off their phones and put them away in their backpacks before entering the building.

• During the Day: Once inside, all devices—including cell phones, headphones, earbuds, and AirPodsmust be stored in student lockers.

• Hallways & Classrooms: Device use is strictly prohibited in hallways and classrooms during both arrival and dismissal. Students may only use their devices once they have exited the building at the end of the day.

The remaining days of summer are a perfect time to start having ongoing conversations with your child about these expectations so they are set up for success on day one. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our learning environment focused and engaged!

No backpacks or large purses are allowed during the school day. Those items must be stored in student lockers. Permitted items should not be larger than a student’s agenda (which students will receive during the first week of school).

Monday through Thursday, NO FRIDAYS through July 24th

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

540.658.6190