The Bulldog Bulletin
August 2026 Edition
Welcome to the 26-27 School Year!
Dear Bulldog Families,
Welcome to another exciting year at Hemby Bridge Elementary School! Whether you are joining our Bulldog family for the first time or returning for another year, we are thrilled to partner with you in your child's educational journey.
At Hemby Bridge Elementary, we believe that every child has unique gifts, talents, and potential. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where students are empowered to learn, lead, and leave a legacy. We are committed to helping every Bulldog grow academically, socially, emotionally, and as a leader.
As a leadership centric school, we believe leadership is not reserved for a select few—it is developed within every child. Through meaningful learning experiences, goal setting, student ownership, collaboration, and service to others, our students learn the skills needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. We strive to create opportunities for every student to discover their strengths, find their voice, and make a positive impact on our school community.
At Hemby Bridge, our work is guided by three important commitments: Alignment, Clarity, and Consistency. We believe students are most successful when families and schools work together as partners. Open communication, shared expectations, and mutual support create the foundation for a positive and productive school experience.
We are working on a HBES Parent Hub designed as a resource for families and students. When it is completed, you will find important information regarding school procedures, expectations, communication, attendance, transportation, safety, student support services, and opportunities for family involvement. We encourage you to review the hub carefully and refer to it throughout the school year. The HBES Parent Hub will be the platform where we share school and grade level specific communication. Ensure you have access to Infinite Campus, Finalsite, and social media platforms as we will reveal the Parent Hub for access.
We also invite you to become actively involved in our school community. Whether through our HBES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), School Improvement Team, volunteer opportunities, school events, or simply staying connected with your child's teacher, your partnership plays a vital role in your child's success.
As we begin this school year together, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We look forward to celebrating achievements, overcoming challenges, building strong relationships, and creating meaningful learning experiences for every student.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child each day. It is truly an honor to serve the students and families of Hemby Bridge Elementary. Together, we will continue building a school community where every Bulldog is empowered to learn, lead, and leave a legacy.
With Bulldog Pride,
Gina Chisum, Ed. D.
Principal
Mattie Deal
Assistant Principal
The Top 10 Bulldog Reminders
Car Rider Line Traffic Reminders
As we gear up for a fantastic school year, let’s work together to make our car rider line safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone. Please review our drop-off and pick-up expectations so we can be proactive and prepared for excellence on Day 1!
📍 Drop-Off & Pick-Up Basics
Location: All drive-thru loading and unloading takes place along the front sidewalk at the colored paw prints.
Student Safety First: Students must remain inside vehicles until staff arrive on the sidewalk to supervise and assist with loading/unloading.
Tardy Policy: Staff transition inside to start the instructional day at 7:29 AM. Once the tardy sign is posted outside, parents must park and walk their child into the office to sign them in.
Meetings & School Access: If you have a scheduled meeting during arrival or dismissal, please park in the gym parking lot rather than using the car rider line.
⚠️ Important Safety & Campus Reminders
No Traffic Director: Due to UCPS budget realignment, a traffic director will not be provided. Please stay alert, pack plenty of patience and grace, watch for buses entering/exiting, and keep an eye out for students at all times.
Turn Off Engines: To keep our air clean and kids safe, please turn off your vehicle while waiting in line for your child.
Smoke-Free Campus: All UCPS campuses are strictly smoke-free. This includes traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and recreational products of any kind.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our HBES Bulldogs safe every single day!
DRESS FOR SUCCESS! HEMBY BRIDGE DRESS CODE REMINDERS
Our Bulldogs are leaders in the classroom and the community! With upcoming Tax-Free Weekend shopping ahead, we want to help our Hemby Bridge Elementary families make the best, budget-friendly choices for their children while keeping our school dress code in mind. To support a safe, active, and distraction-free learning environment, please keep these quick tips in mind while shopping for back-to-school wardrobe items: Footwear First: Closed-toe, athletic shoes are strongly recommended for daily play and PE activities. Please note that rolling bags and shoes with wheels are prohibited for safety. Coverage & Fit: Shirts should cover the torso completely (no midriffs or cut-offs) with shoulder straps at least 2 inches wide. Shorts must meet or extend past fingertips. Keep It Positive: Avoid clothing featuring profanity, tobacco, alcohol, or suggestive messages. Setting outfits out the night before is a wonderful habit that empowers your child and builds daily leadership skills! Check out our quick visual guide above for a full breakdown. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school safe, focused, and ready to learn!
Site Based Team Parent Rep Needed
We are currently seeking parent volunteers who are willing contribute to the decision-making process for our school. We are seeking two invested parent leaders who are approved volunteers, able to invest time in monthly meetings, and will contribute to the decision-making process for school improvement.
If you have interest in participating in the school improvement team, please complete the Google form here. We are collecting potential candidates through Friday, August 28th. Next, there will be a vote based on the names submitted. After the vote has been completed, we will communicate your parent representatives to our parents so that you are aware of who your advocates are in the school improvement process.
Follow Us on Social Media
PTO Updates
Want to get PTO updates?
Get Involved with Your PTO! Stay connected and learn what’s happening at our school through your PTO. From membership info and Spirit Wear to volunteer opportunities, Spirit Rock sign-ups, and our calendar of events. There are so many ways to join in and make a difference. Don’t miss out on being part of the fun and supporting our school community!