Hal Henard Happenings
August 28th, 2026
Hal Henard families,
I can remember picking my kids up from school at the end of a long day, and it seemed like all they wanted to do was talk! When I asked how their day was, I got a 30 minute report about snack time and how they got cheddar sharks, and that was their favorite snack ever. Sometimes it's surprising how many words they can get out so quickly!
These simple conversations are actually very important to our kids' development. It helps make connections in their brains, and it helps them learn how to take turns and not interrupt each other. It also builds their vocabulary, which helps with reading. Most importantly, it builds strong relationships because they feel cared for and loved. That's always a great feeling!
Here are some quick, easy questions you can use:
- At the grocery store: “These two cereal boxes are so colorful! How would you describe those colors? What do you see that’s the same on both? What’s different?”
- In the car: “Let’s pretend we’re going on a road trip! Where should we go? Why do you want to go there? What are we going to do when we get there?”
- At the park: “What do you think would make the park even more fun?”
- After school: “What was the funniest (silliest, saddest, hardest) thing that happened today?”
As a reminder, there is no school for students next Friday (9/4) or the following Monday (9/7). Have a fantastic weekend!
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).
Office Hours: Someone is available to answer the phones and door from 7:30 - 3:30. If you call or come to the school outside of these hours, someone may not be available in the office.
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
- Car line opens at 2:30. Please do not enter the car line before because the CarRiderPRO system will not be on, yet.
- 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 or short term 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 for $5 each.
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