Hal Henard Happenings

Welcome back, Hal Henard Eagles! If you are new to Hal Henard, welcome to our Eagle family. Teachers and staff have been busy getting our school ready for our students to kick off this new year, and all we're missing is their smiling faces!

I wanted to share some important information to help you plan as we return to school. We can't wait to welcome you back!

Dr. Gass

Wednesday, August 5

Please join us for our grade-level orientation meetings to learn more about your grade level. All grade levels will meet in the gym except kindergarten, who will meet in the cafe. Students will remain with family members during this time and will leave when the meeting is over. If you need to bring your child's medications, our nurse will be available during this time. Mrs. Rambo will also be available to help with our CarPro tags.

Friday, August 7

It's our first full day of the 2026-2027 school year, and we're excited to see everyone!

Hal Henard families,

It is an honor to join the Hal Henard family as your new principal! I have lived in Greeneville all my life and attended Greeneville City Schools. I'm just old enough to remember when Hal Henard opened its doors! My husband and I have three children and a wonderful son-in-law. It's a busy season in our lives, but my spare time is spent reading and trying to grow vegetables. 😊I have a dog who loves me and a cat who tolerates me.

As we start this year, I want to assure you I am here to support you and your child thoughout the year. I was drawn to Hal Henard because of its amazing staff and students, and I want to continue the traditions that make it such a great school. I look forward to walking alongside our families during these important years in your child's life.

Smiles,

Dr. Gass

The information below is a quick reference and some helpful links. More detailed information can be found in our student handbook on our webpage (On the Parents tab under Menu).

Breakfast and Lunch

All students receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2026-2027 school year. Students can purchase additional items, such as extra portions of food, milk, and snacks/treats. If you would like you child to be able to purchase additional items, please make sure there is money on their account. We are excited to announce an additional entree choice. Starting this year, the cafe will offer a toasted cheese sandwich daily.

Free/Reduced Application

While all students receive free breakfast and lunch for this school year, completing this application can provide other funds to help support our students. You can apply here: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/welcome

Transportation

• If you have questions about your child's bus schedule or need to arrange bus transportation, please call Kristen Rollins at 423-787-8003.
• If you are making a permanent change to your transportation plan, please contact Mrs. Shannon at 423-638-3511. Changes will be required in writing/email.
• If you are making a one day change, please use our Transportation Changes link on our webpage. Changes should be made before 1pm, but we know sometimes emergencies happen. Please call the school directly if you need to make a change after 1pm. https://halhenard.gcschools.net/o/hhes/forms/transportation-changes

Car Tags

All cars entering the car line must have a CarRider PRO tag displayed. If you do not have a tag, please park and enter the main office at 3:30 with a photo ID to pick-up your child. Students may only be checked out by someone on the approved pick-up list. While we know this takes more time, this ensures we get all students home safely. If you need additional car tags, these can be purchased through our online school store.

Arrival/Dismissal

Our school day begins at 8:15am. Students who arrive after this will need to be checked in by a parent/guardian in the main office. Arrivals after 8:15 will be marked as a tardy. Afternoon dismissal begins at 3:15, and all students should be picked up no later than 3:30.

Water Bottles

Hydrated brains are ready to learn! Students may bring an empty water bottle with a screw-on lid to school. Glass water bottles are prohibited. Plastic water bottles are preferred, but metal ones are allowed. Students have multiple opportunities through the day to fill these from our hydration stations.

Personal Communication Devices

Any device that is able to send/receive communication must be turned off and stored for the duration of the school day unless there is an academic or medical exception. Devices not turned off and stored appropriately will be kept in the office until a parent/guardian can arrange to pick it up.

Toys/Items from Home

Please keep toys, stuffed animals, and craft/sports items at home. Teachers may allow students to bring an item to school as a reward.

Attendance

If your child is absent, please send a parent/doctor note within 2 days. There are several ways you can share this with us.

• Use our online absentee reporting option on our webpage (https://halhenard.gcschools.net/)
• Send a note with your child. If your child is younger, you may want to reach out to the teacher in advance to be on the lookout for it.
• Emailing Mrs. Shannon
• Have the medical office fax a note

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4434/Hhes/38e140de-4fd0-44ee-b2b9-cb63b29272d4/Hal-Henard-Elementary-Handbook-Updated.pdf?disposition=inline

Our Hal Henard Eagles are fortunate to be supported not only by our school staff but also by our amazing GSIA organization. They raise funds to support our students in many ways, such as playground equipment, attendance incentives, and risers for our music program. They will be sharing more ways you can get involved as the school year kicks off!

If you are visiting Hal Henard or coming to check out your student, please bring a valid photo ID. Safety of our students is always a top priority, and this helps us ensure that. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.