Welcome Back Updates for Families
July, 2026
Dr. Patrick Hardy - Principal
Dear Hampshire Students and Families,
We are proud of who we are at Hampshire High School, and I am honored to serve as principal. Hampshire is a great school because of our students, our families, our staff, and our shared commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I am writing to provide advance notice of a few important initiatives we believe will make our school even better!
This fall, we will place a renewed focus on three areas that directly impact our school climate and our ability to provide the best possible educational experience for every student.
Improving Attendance and Reducing Tardiness
Last school year, can you believe our school recorded more than 32,000 tardies? One of our greatest challenges was students arriving late to 1st period. We know that every minute of instruction matters. When students are on time for classes, they are more prepared and more connected, and we have fewer interruptions.
This year, we are asking all students and families to make punctuality a priority for school arrivals, and our team will work more diligently to address tardiness throughout the day. We know we will have to pay special attention to students who are chronically tardy throughout the day and to multiple classes. I sincerely believe that being on time is more than a school expectation—it is a habit that prepares students for college, their careers, and life.
Student Identification Checks Upon Entry
Two years ago, when I first arrived at Hampshire High School, we surveyed our parents and staff regarding school safety. More than 90 percent of respondents supported checking student identification upon entry to the building. The message was clear: safety is paramount.
Beginning this year, we will implement student ID checks at the building entry. This means students will need to carry their school identification cards daily and be prepared to present them when entering school.
While this process may take some adjustment, it is an important step in strengthening the security of our campus and ensuring that everyone in our building belongs here.
Launching the Yondr Pouch Initiative
In alignment with District 300 policy, we will also implement the Yondr Pouch Initiative to address the growing challenge of excessive cellphone use and increasing dependency on personal electronic devices during the school day.
Research and our own experiences indicate that constant access to cell phones, in particular, can negatively affect attention, learning, relationships, and overall well-being. The Yondr program is designed to help students focus on instruction, engage with one another, and fully participate in the Hampshire experience.
The district's goal is not to punish students or eliminate technology. Rather, it is to create an environment where students can be more present, more connected, and more engaged in learning and in one another. More information to come on this one…stay tuned.
It May Feel Different—And That's Okay
As we address these three important climate initiatives, I want to be honest: at first, school may feel different. It may feel “tighter” or more structured.
That is intentional, necessary, and possible!
Implementation of all three will not occur at once, but will definitely happen within the first few weeks of school. Strong schools establish clear expectations, consistent routines, and safe, structured environments that allow students and staff to thrive. Sometimes improvement requires us to embrace new habits and new ways of doing things. The start of the school year is an opportunity for a fresh beginning. By arriving on time, carrying identification daily, and embracing a more focused learning environment, we will continue fostering a school climate where every learner can succeed.
I believe in our students. I believe in our families. I also believe in Hampshire High School. I thank you in advance for your partnership, support, and commitment to making Hampshire High School an even better place for all.
With appreciation and optimism,
Dr. Patrick Hardy
Principal
Hampshire High School
