Parent Handbook

The Learning & Discovery Program offered by Henrico Gives is designed to provide students with a wide range of enrichment activities in a safe and enjoyable environment. These activities aim to support student achievement and cater to their individual needs and interests. Here's a breakdown of the various activities included in the program: It's important to note that the activities in the Learning & Discovery Program are customized based on the needs and interests of each school. The program takes input from school leadership, staff, and students to ensure that it aligns with their specific requirements.  For further information about the program or to register, you can contact Ashley Reed at areed@henricogives.org

If your child is arriving at school in the morning using the bus, please arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. Riding the bus is a privilege and can be taken away if students do not adhere to our Gator Values and follow school rules.

If your child is arriving at school as a car rider, please ensure your child is ready to depart the car once you enter campus. There are two lanes for dropping off your child: by the gym and in the middle of campus. Parents must remain in a straight line and not pass each other. Students must exit from the passenger side of the car. Our School Security Officer will be outside monitoring this process to ensure parents stay in line and students exit from the correct side of the vehicle. 

Parents must remain in their cars if using the parent drop-off line and are not permitted to get out to unbuckle their child. If you need to unbuckle your child or open the car door, please park your car and walk your child to the front door of the school. All preschool parents must escort their child to the side entrance of the school, as dropping them off in the parent loop is not allowed due to their young age.

To keep the parent drop-off line moving efficiently, it is important that everyone follows these guidelines. First, make sure your child has all their belongings ready before you arrive at the drop-off area. Second, follow the designated drop-off lanes and avoid cutting in line. Third, stay in your vehicle at all times and allow your child to exit the car independently if they can. Fourth, pull forward as much as possible to allow more cars to drop off simultaneously. Finally, be attentive and follow the instructions of the School Security Officer to ensure a smooth and quick drop-off process.

Regular and prompt attendance is an important component of your child’s school success. Virginia State Law determines the regulations governing school attendance for all public schools.  The regular school day for KG through 5th grades at Greenwood Elementary is from 7:40 AM to 2:10 PM. Students may begin arriving at school at 7:20 AM. Staff supervision is available beginning at that time.  It is unsafe for children to arrive at school before supervision is available. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in this important area.  

By ensuring that your child arrives at school on time and attends regularly, you are contributing to their overall educational experience and providing them with the best opportunity for success. Regular attendance allows students to fully engage in classroom instruction, participate in important discussions and activities, and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

Additionally, consistent attendance helps students develop important time management skills, responsibility, and a sense of commitment. It also minimizes disruptions to their learning progress and allows teachers to plan and deliver instruction effectively.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding attendance policies or procedures at Greenwood Elementary, it's recommended to reach out to the school administration or the designated point of contact for attendance matters. They will be able to provide you with specific information and address any inquiries you may have.

Remember, your cooperation in prioritizing regular and punctual attendance plays a significant role in supporting your child's educational journey.

The following is the daily school schedule:

• 7:10 AM Doors Open/Start time for ceremonies on select Fridays
• 7:25 AM Deadline to enter a morning club
• 7:40 AM Tardy bell
• 7:45 AM Morning announcements
• 7:50 AM Sanford Harmony: Social and Emotional Learning Program
• 8:00 AM Reading/Math Instruction Begins
• 1:45 PM Deadline for Early Dismissals
• 2:05 PM Dismissal of bus riders, car riders, and day-care vans
• 2:45 PM Teacher work day ends
• 4:00 PM School building and main office closes.

At the school, students are expected to arrive before the tardy bell rings at 7:40 AM. However, If a student arrives after 7:40 AM, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign in at the main office and receive a tardy token. This policy helps keep track of late arrivals and ensures the student is accounted for within the school. Students can not be dropped off without an adult supervision after 7:40 AM. Please note that our School Security Officer will be present to assist with this process. 

The school maintains individual attendance data for each student, including tardies. This information is recorded to track attendance patterns and identify any recurring issues. If necessary, interventions are implemented according to district guidelines to address the late arrival problem. These interventions may include meetings with parents, counseling sessions, or other supportive measures aimed at improving punctuality and attendance. It's worth noting that tardies also have an impact on end-of-year attendance awards. 

According to Virginia State Law, there are specific requirements regarding the reporting and documentation of a child's absence from school. The law mandates that the parent or guardian must have written or verbal contact with the school whenever a child is absent.

To report a student's absence, parents are requested to call the school at the provided phone number, 261-2970 or email Christina Medico cmmedico@henrico.k12.va.us and Jae Jones jtsjones@henrico.k12.va.us.

When a student returns to school after being absent, they are expected to bring a note signed by a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. This note serves as documentation and helps maintain accurate attendance records. If you do not report an absence, Mrs. Jackson will be contacting the parent via phone. 

In cases of excessive absences, a signed note from a physician may be required if the absence is due to illness. This requirement ensures that the school has proper documentation and verification for extended illness-related absences.

The acceptable excuses for temporary absence from school, as recognized by the school, include:

Illness of the child: When a student is unwell and unable to attend school due to their own illness.

Serious illness in the family: If a close family member is seriously ill, the student may be excused from school to attend to the family member's needs.

Death in the family: In the unfortunate event of a family member's death, the student may be absent from school to attend the funeral or fulfill other related responsibilities.

Special and recognized religious holidays: Students may be granted excused absences to observe religious holidays that are officially recognized.

Other reasons approved by the principal: The principal may consider other exceptional circumstances that warrant an excused absence, depending on the specific situation and the school's policies.

These guidelines ensure that absences are properly reported and documented, and they provide clarity on acceptable reasons for temporary absence from school as outlined by the state law.

Requests for early dismissal must be made in writing to the teacher by a parent. Early dismissal should not be requested after 1:45, unless it is an emergency.  This allows our office staff to focus on maintaining a calm and orderly dismissal of our bus, car, and daycare riders. The conditions under which the child is to leave school, including the name of the person calling for the child and the time, must be stated in the written request. Parents are asked to come to the main office to sign out the child, who will be called from the classroom over the intercom. A student may not leave the school building or grounds without signing out in the main office. Parents, or previously approved parent designees, are required to present a picture identification card when picking up children.

Attendance Important Reminders 

1. Good attendance contributes to students doing well in school and eventually in the workplace.
2. Students are at risk academically if they are chronically absent (missing just two days a month or 10 percent of the school year).
3. Prevent absences whenever possible.
4. Students are more likely to attend school if they feel safe (emotionally and physically), connected, supported, and believe they can learn and achieve.
5. Relationship building is fundamental to any strategy for improving student attendance.
6. Chronic absenteeism is a problem we can solve when the whole community collaborates with families and schools.
7. The key to success is to avoid placing blame and taking a proactive, positive, data driven, problem-solving approach. 
8. Families, educators and community partners need to monitor how many days a student misses school.
9. Reducing chronic absence helps create more equitable academic outcomes, especially for children who live in poverty, experience discrimination and have disabilities.

Breakfast:
Breakfast is served daily in the Greenwood Cafe from 7:10 AM to 7:40 AM. Henrico County School Food Service will be providing free breakfast and lunch for all students. All students are welcome to eat breakfast in the cafeteria from the time of arrival until 7:45. After that time, they can take breakfast to the classroom. Students who participate in a morning club they will grab breakfast after attending the club and eat in their classroom. All students are expected to finish their breakfast by 8:00 a.m. to prepare for the instructional day. 

Behavior Expectations in the Gator Cafe
Lunchtime is an important social activity for the children. Every effort is made to ensure that the children have an enjoyable experience with their classmates. Expectations for student behavior are the same as they are in any dining room. To respect the rights of others, students are expected to use manners, particularly the terms “please” and “thank-you”; to pick up their trash after themselves; and to use quiet voices at the dining room table.

Lunch Times:

Cafeteria Sides

• 10:00 - 10:30 AM: 1st
• 10:40 - 11:10 AM: 5th
• 10:50 - 11:20 AM: 4th
• 11:15 - 11:45 AM: K
• 11:25 - 11:55 AM: PK
• 12:10 - 12:40 PM: 2nd
• 12:00 - 12:30 PM: 3rd

Visiting the Greenwood Gator Cafe
Parents are welcome to visit the school dining room. We will have a designated section available for parents to sit with their child and due to spacing, they will not be allowed to bring a friend to this section. 

Classroom Snacks and Treats for Birthday (and other) Celebrations
Your child's birthday is a special day in the Greenwood School Family! Each day, we recognize and celebrate birthday students during the morning announcements. Students are invited to the main office to receive a birthday pencil, and parents are welcome to join their child for lunch in the Greenwood Café as a birthday treat.

To support the health, safety, and well-being of all students, Greenwood Elementary School follows the nutrition guidelines established by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Due to food allergies, medical needs, and religious dietary restrictions, families may not bring cakes, cupcakes, candy, or other food treats to share with a class in the classroom or cafeteria.

Families who wish to recognize their child's birthday are encouraged to send non-food items such as stickers, pencils, erasers, bookmarks, bubbles, or other small age-appropriate party favors. Please consult with your child's teacher before sending any items for a classroom celebration.

If you would like to distribute birthday party invitations to classmates, please provide them to your child's teacher. Invitations will be distributed discreetly through students' take-home folders.

Please note that we highly encourage all families to attend school-wide events, Parent Teacher Conferences and your child’s grade level performance. Your attendance of these events help build a stronger sense of community and belonging. We understand that other obligations might prevent you from attending them all, but your presence and the attendance of our students to these events matter. We have data that proves students who attend 2 or more events feel a stronger sense of belonging, which contributes to academic and behavior success. Our PTA is always looking for volunteers. Any amount of time you are willing to donate to our school is appreciated.

For the safety of your child, please notify the school immediately whenever your phone number changes. Parents who move within the Greenwood school zone must provide the new address and proof of residency to the school registrar in the main office. If a family moves from the Greenwood school zone, the child must be withdrawn and registered at the new home school by the end of the semester in which the move occurs. Section 15-6 of the Code of Henrico states that “any person who knowingly gives false information on a form for student registration or placement in the county school system shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”  Inaccurate information may result in criminal charges, liability for the cost of non-resident tuition, and immediate withdrawal from the school. 

 A registered nurse is on duty during school hours to provide needed care to the students. Prescription medication and over the counter medication (including cough drops, eye drops, Tylenol, Motrin and similar substances) will be administered by the nurse or other trained staff member in the clinic when there is an order from the physician (if needed) and parental permission for administration. All medications must be brought to the clinic by the parent unopened and in the original container. Please do not send medication to school via students. Medication administration permission forms are available in the school clinic and on the Henrico County website. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance as we strive to provide the best care to our students.   We ask that you keep the school clinician informed with any medical history changes and update us when you have a change in phone numbers. It is imperative that we have a current contact person in case of emergencies.

Illness Requiring Absence

For the benefit of the children and all others in the school, we ask that parents adhere to the following guidelines:

·         If you receive a call from the School Nurse to pick up your child, please do so immediately.

·         If a child has a temperature over 100.4 degrees, please keep the child at home until the temperature has returned to normal for 24 hours without any medication.

·         If a child has been diagnosed with an infection and placed on an antibiotic, please keep the child home for 24-48 hours after the medication has begun or as directed by the child’s physician.

·         If a child has an itchy scalp, please check for the presence of head lice and, if found, report the situation to the School Nurse immediately. Regularly checking children for this nuisance condition is a recommended practice.

·         If a child exhibits other signs of a communicable disease, such as watery or inflamed eyes, persistent cough, skin eruptions, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, please keep the child at home until the child has been symptom free for 24-48 hours.

Serious Injury or Illness at School
In the event of serious injury or illness at school, every effort will be made to contact the parent or guardian immediately. Each child must have a current emergency information card on file for this purpose. Please contact the school immediately whenever you change your home or work phone numbers.  The emergency information card includes an alternate contact person and phone number for that individual. The emergency contact will be called to pick up your child in the event that we cannot contact you. This person does not necessarily have the authority to authorize medical treatment. If a child requires treatment beyond First Aid, and if the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be taken by the rescue squad to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment. Please note that a student may not ride the school bus with a fever.

Periodic Health Screenings
Periodically, the School Nurse conducts screening tests for the identification of possible problems involving hearing and vision. Vision tests are conducted in kindergarten, third, and fifth grade. Hearing tests are conducted in kindergarten and third grade. All students new to Henrico County Public Schools will be screened for vision and hearing. Parents are notified when a screening test suggests a need for referral to a physician. Student height and weight measurements are also taken yearly.

 Henrico Health Policies/Forms:
Policies and regulations may be viewed online at Henrico County Public School website.  Click on HCPS policies and then on students. There are many forms that can be downloaded via the HCPS website.  Some examples are:  medication permission forms, allergy plans, over the counter medications, etc.  Click on For Parents, health services, Student Health Services, and forms.  These forms are also available in the school clinic.    

Strong and effective communication between home and school is an important emphasis at Greenwood Elementary School. Parent conference days are scheduled periodically throughout the year as indicated on the Henrico County Public Schools school calendar. Specific reminder notices regarding conference days will also be sent home. Additional conferences can be scheduled as needed by contacting your child’s teacher.  Please leave any message for the teacher by phone or e-mail. Teachers check their email for parent messages before and after school each day, and they return messages and phone calls within 24 hours. 

The school website is an important communication tool. All classroom teachers will send a weekly communication email that will include highlights of their classroom programs, homework assignments, and useful parent resources each Thursday. Other types of communication, including notes, official school notices, and PTA notices will be sent home from school on a regular basis. We encourage all our families to follow our Greenwood Elementary school website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Finally, information is sent via email and/or phone call through the School Messenger Service as well! We pride ourselves in developing a strong parent communication. 

Greenwood Elementary School wants to keep you informed and alerted to important information! We use several different ways to communicate with families and interested citizens.

Parent Square
Email, text and app notifications are used for daily communication by individual schools and the school division’s central office to communicate important news and information. Those notifications will include things like snow days or other time-sensitive alerts, a principal’s weekly message, a late bus, a student absence, a low meal account balance or event information.

Families and staff are automatically signed up for notifications using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents/guardians to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.

With ParentSquare families and employees can:

• Receive messages from the school via email, text or app notification.
• Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6 p.m. 
• Communicate in your preferred language.
• Receive and comment on school postings to engage with your school community.
• Direct message teachers, staff and parents.

HCPS will only send families and staff information related to school matters. Users have options about what to receive; however, they cannot opt out of emergency notifications. If you’re the parent or guardian of a student and you feel you’re not receiving these messages, please contact your school’s main office for guidance. If you’re not the parent or guardian of a student and you believe you’re receiving these messages by mistake, then we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Please call the HCPS Division of Communications at 804-652-3726 or send us an email to have your contact information removed.

Robocalls will go to the home phone number listed for Contact 1 and Contact 2 in PowerSchool. Text messages will go to the cell phone number listed for Contact 1 and Contact 2 in PowerSchool

If you are an employee of Henrico County Public Schools, text messages are sent to the “personal cell” number in the Human Resources Management System (HRMS, otherwise known as “Oracle”).

(Helpful tip: Text messages will always come from the number “67587.” Give that number a name in your phone’s contacts so you know it’s about school.)

Emails will go to the email address listed for Contact 1 and Contact 2 in PowerSchool.

“Important news and information” will vary widely and include things like a Mr. Stein’s Sunday Message, public meetings and events, PTA updates, a student absence, a low meal account balance or other information.

If you’re the parent or guardian of a student and you feel you’re not receiving these messages, please contact us in the main office at 804-261-2970. If you’re not the parent or guardian of a student and you believe you’re receiving these messages by mistake, then we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Please call HCPS Communications and Public Relations at 804-652-3726 or send us an email to have your contact information removed.

School websites:
Our school website is updated by a web editor based on our school.

The Binder:
An electronic newsletter produced by the Henrico Schools’ Communications and Public Relations team. The Binder is generally sent out every two weeks (on Tuesdays) during the school year. It consists of “good news,” announcements, interesting opportunities, important reminders and other items for all families and employees across the county.

Social media:
We use several forms of social media in order to connect with families, students and the community:

Facebook: A great way for us to share positive shoutouts, announcements, videos, opportunities and events.  @GreenwoodElementary.HCPS

Twitter: Similar to Facebook, Twitter is used by us to share positive shoutouts, announcements, videos, opportunities, events and urgent information.@Greenwood_Elem

Instagram: A growing way for the school system to show our community the great things being accomplished by our schools, teachers and students. @Greenwood_Elem

HCPS-TV:
Henrico County Public Schools operates a cable television channel. If you have Comcast, it’s on channel 99. If you have Verizon FiOS, it’s on channel 38. Check it out to see school activities, special events, sports highlights and more!

HCPS-TV YouTube channel

Media advisories and news releases:
Important announcements from Henrico County Public Schools written primarily for the local news media and other interested community groups. These announcements often appear on our social media platforms as well. See the most recent announcements at District News page.

If you’d like to receive our media advisories and news releases, we’d love to add you! Please send your request to mediarelations@henrico.k12.va.us.

Hot Topics: A list of important items that appears on the Henrico County Public School homepage for easy access.

School Board meetings, agendas and documents: These generally appear on a service known as “BoardDocs.” For more information about BoardDocs and School Board meetings in general, start at School Board | District website.

Family engagement is an essential part of HCPS’ mission. It is carried out in part by HCPS family advocates, who empower families by bridging gaps and building connections among families, schools and communities. These connections give families the chance to become more actively involved with their child’s education; to volunteer in the schools; to attend workshops and events; and to serve on school and family committees.

Throughout the year, parents will be invited to attend Spilling the Tea with Mr. Stein to discuss  “Hot Topics with Mr. Stein.” Please check the master calendar of events for all dates. 

Click HERE for the HCPS Code of Conduct

Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) recognizes that student access to cell phones, smartwatches with cellular service or Wi-Fi, and other electronic devices is common in 21st-century society. However, it is imperative that students and parents/guardians understand that there are appropriate and inappropriate times for the use of such devices. Students are strictly prohibited from using these devices to record anything or anyone without authorization while on school property or at school-sponsored events.

Failure to adhere to this policy will result in the device being confiscated and used as evidence. Additional consequences may be assigned, depending on the outcome of the investigation into the student’s intent and reason for violating the Code of Student Conduct.

Confiscated devices may be held until the following school day and must be retrieved by a parent or guardian. Teachers who confiscate a device must store it securely until it can be delivered to an administrator for proper documentation and safekeeping. Devices may be retrieved during normal school office hours, as determined by school staff.

Main Office Etiquette:
To maintain a calm, respectful, and distraction-free environment, we kindly ask parents to refrain from using their cell phones while visiting the main office. Parents may take calls in the main hallway if needed, but we ask that you do not enter the office while on a call, watching a movie, or playing music. This helps protect the privacy of student and staff conversations and ensures a professional atmosphere for all visitors.

If you have questions about the Child Find Process, please contact our Student Support Teacher, Kelsey Beecher.

• Child Find Notice (English)
• Child Find Notice (Spanish)
• Child Find Notice (Dari)
• Child Find Notice (Arabic)

The Code of Student Conduct for the Henrico County Public Schools explains the expectations and responsibilities of all students. Families are asked to review these expectations with their children and then sign and return the final page of the document to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the year. Please visit the section “School Wide Discipline Plan” to see more information about Greenwood Elementary discipline procedures and expectations. 

Though report cards serve as a good means of communication, they may not always be sufficient for some individual situations.  Parents, as well as teachers, are urged to initiate a conference to clarify concerns and resolve problems.  All conferences should be scheduled for a mutually agreeable time either before or after school hours. Parent-Teacher Conferences are a very important part of the school program.  Taking the time and making the effort to know the teacher will contribute to your child’s security in recognizing the cooperative spirit of good parent-teacher and home-school relationships.

Since a teacher’s time during the school day must be devoted to all children, we request that parents not “drop in” or stop by the classroom when children are receiving instruction.  The most satisfactory time for a parent-teacher conference is at the close of the school day.  Therefore, we urge you to make appointments for conferences with the teacher after school is dismissed on any day except Monday and Wednesday, as this is reserved for special school or faculty meetings. A parent-teacher conference is the very best way to find out how well your child is progressing.  We believe that parent-teacher understanding and cooperation contributes more than any other single factor to a child’s success.

Our teachers truly appreciate parents volunteering their time to make copies throughout the year. Please note that parents will not be allowed to copy any assessments. Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like to support. We need your help!

The core curriculum at Greenwood Elementary School and in all Henrico County Public Schools is based on the Standards of Learning for Virginia and the Essentials of the Curriculum for Henrico County Public Schools that extend the Standards of Learning. The Standards of Learning can be found online at the Henrico County website. In addition, individual student needs are continually assessed so that instruction can challenge children to reach their full potential.

Other program offerings at Greenwood Elementary include: individual and small group school counseling, classroom counseling lessons, family life, art, music, physical education, library, technology for all grade levels including keyboarding for Grades 3-5, exceptional education programs and services including learning disabilities, speech, occupational and physical therapy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and gifted program services. In addition, the Response to Intervention Program (RTI) offers assistance in reading and mathematics to students who are exhibiting a level of academic need that meets district-wide guidelines for basic skill areas.

All students will receive a "Daily Report" that goes to and from school, which directly correlates with the values of the House System. This report serves as a primary way for parents to receive direct communication from their child’s teacher regarding any behavioral infractions. Parents are encouraged to review this report daily with their children, especially if an infraction is noted, to discuss expectations and identify areas needing support. This consistent review helps reinforce the essential relationship between home and school for the student's overall success.

Greenwood is proud to be a high-achieving school! We constantly collect data from our students to guide our teaching, enrichment, and remediation efforts. Throughout the year, you will see plenty of data related to your child's progress. This data is crucial for tailoring our instructional approaches to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring they receive the best possible education.

Please do not wait for conferences if you have questions about your child's data. Our staff is always willing to meet in person or virtually to discuss your child's progress. We highly recommend that parents schedule meetings or conferences if their child receives support from a case manager, gifted services, or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Data is a central focus at our school and is discussed at length weekly, driving both academic and behavioral instruction. Your involvement and communication with our staff are vital to your child's success.

We will administer diagnostic or benchmark assessments in Grades 2-5 at the mid-point in the year. These assessments measure individual student progress on the curriculum standards that have been taught to that point in the year. Students in Grades K-2 take the Phonological Assessment of Literacy Skills (PALS) in fall, winter, and spring. The Cognitive Ability Test will be administered to our 2nd graders in November. Teachers notify parents regarding the administration of the diagnostic assessments, and parents receive feedback on student performance. The assessment results help teachers plan and adjust instruction to meet the needs of their students.

When a student’s behavior needs to be addressed by an administrator, a staff member will complete a Discipline Referral form, and parents will typically receive a copy of this form on the same day of the infraction. Depending on the nature of the infraction, consequences could be imposed by a teacher and/or an administrator. The school encourages a partnership with parents for restorative behavior discussions, asking parents to review and complete the bottom part of the form and return it to school. School-wide data, including discipline data, is continuously reviewed by administrators and staff to identify areas of need for students and potential additional support or training.

Our students have access to many digital resources that can be utilized at home. We encourage our students to use iReady each week. If you need support with these resources at home, please contact your child’s teacher ASAP. As a parent, you have access to Power School. This platform will allow you to monitor your child’s grade, how consistently they are turning in assignments, attendance, etc.. You are encouraged to check Power School on a regular basis and discuss your child’s academic progress with them. Your child’s teacher is always available for any questions or concerns you might have. Please note that iReady is turned off daily at 3PM.

Henrico County Public Schools has developed consistent student dress code provisions for elementary, middle, and high school students.  These dress codes, which include guidelines for proper footwear, are published in the Henrico County Public Schools Code of Conduct that is distributed to students and parents at the beginning of the school year. Dress Code provisions are enforced according to the following guidelines: first offense, verbal reminder from the classroom teacher; second offense, written reminder sent home for parent signature; third offense, referral to the resource teacher.

Every effort is made to ensure that the school is a safe environment for our students and staff. Parent input regarding safety issues is always welcome. Fire drills are conducted once a week for the first four weeks of school and monthly for the remainder of the year. Additionally, we also consistently practice drills for an imminent threat and natural disasters. An evacuation plan is posted on the wall near the exit door of each classroom. Emergency bus evacuation drills are also conducted each semester. All persons in the building at the time of an emergency drill, including visitors and volunteers, must evacuate the building.

School Safety Plan
Greenwood staff members are trained and updated annually on the components of a comprehensive crisis plan that is specific to our school. The plan reflects compliance with recommendations offered by the Henrico County Public Schools Safety Audit Team.

Visitors to Greenwood: A School Safety Matter
Family visitors are always welcome at Greenwood; however, to help ensure the safety and security of the children and staff, all exterior doors are kept locked.  Furthermore, a buzzer entry system has been installed to control access to the building during school hours. A member of the main office staff will respond to the buzzer and, after determining the identity of the visitor, will provide access to the building.

 All visitors are required to report to the main office to sign in by utilizing the driver’s license scanner to secure a visitor’s badge before entering other areas of the building. Visitors must also sign out in the main office before they leave. Students and teachers are instructed to immediately report anyone or anything of a suspicious nature. In particular, staff members have been instructed to stop persons without a nametag and escort them to the office. Parents are asked to drop off forgotten textbooks, lunches, lunch money, etc. at the Welcome Center located in the main lobby. These items will be forwarded to students in a timely fashion while ensuring that instructional time is not lost. When requesting to visit a classroom, please make prior arrangements with the teacher.

School Cancellations or Closings
School cancellations or closings are authorized by Henrico County Public Schools and are announced on television and radio, as well as through the Parent Square notification system. Please make sure that your child and your child’s teacher know what to do if there is an unexpected early dismissal.  Emergency closing plans are requested from parents at the beginning of the school year. Please update this information promptly whenever your family’s emergency dismissal plans change.

Student Insurance
Accident insurance and dental insurance are available to all students.  The Henrico County School Board selects companies to administer these programs. Information regarding insurance programs is distributed to students at the beginning of the school year.

Before and After School Hours
Children may begin arriving at school at 7:20 AM. Exterior and classroom doors are secured for the night at 4 PM. Please do not ask school personnel to make exceptions to this policy. Students are asked not to play on the sidewalks around the building after school hours. Skateboarding and bicycle riding in these areas is prohibited as indicated on the signage in the front of the building. Please do not permit your child to enter the school unsupervised when school is not in session. We ask all students and parents to help us protect our school from potential vandalism and abuse. If you see any unusual activity after school hours, please call the police department. Please help us protect our school, which belongs to all of us.

Solicitation by Students
According to Henrico County Public Schools policy, students may not be involved in the sale of items during the regular school day or in a door-to-door canvass of residences or businesses when done in the name of the school or organizations within the school. This policy is not intended to exclude fund-raising activities by the school or by organizations within the school, so long as such activities do not involve selling by students during the school day or in door-to-door solicitation.

It is crucial for parents to keep their emergency information card current, as each child must have one on file. This card includes an alternate contact person and phone number for situations where parents cannot be reached, though this alternate contact does not necessarily have the authority to authorize medical treatment. Parents are asked to immediately notify the school whenever home or work phone numbers change. Additionally, it is imperative to keep the school clinician informed of any changes to your child's medical history. 

The Family Life Education curriculum uses adopted health, science, and guidance/counseling materials as a basis for age appropriate topics in grades K-5. Fourth and fifth grade students receive additional instruction in selected human growth and development topics presented by health education professionals. Program content overviews and opt-out information for the fourth and fifth grade Family Life Programs are distributed to parents in advance. 

Throughout the year, our school will post a survey for both students and parents to provide feedback on their experience at Greenwood. We pride ourselves on listening and putting action behind our parents. This will be an opportunity to have your voices heard and assist us with identifying areas of growth and need to help support our students in the best way possible.

Grade-level teaching teams plan several field trips throughout each semester to enhance curriculum and instruction through real-world experiences. Field trips may or may not require a fee. Parents must provide written permission for a student to attend each trip. If the cost of a field trip presents a financial hardship, please reach out to your child’s teacher or a school administrator—we are happy to support your family confidentially.

Henrico County Public Schools has established clear guidelines to ensure all field trips meet consistent safety and supervision standards. In accordance with these guidelines, only parents/guardians who have completed the Henrico County Volunteer Application Form may serve as chaperones. Application Form online may serve as chaperones. We love our volunteers!  Join us by signing up with this link Volenteers | Henrico County Public School Website.

Additionally:

• All parent chaperones must attend a mandatory orientation meeting with the administrative team prior to each trip. This ensures that chaperones understand the schedule, safety expectations, and their responsibilities for supervising students. Please arrive on time, as this meeting is essential for your participation.
• Pre-school children are not permitted to accompany parent chaperones on field trips, as the focus must remain on the safety and supervision of assigned students.
• All students are required to wear a school field trip t-shirt on every trip. This helps staff and chaperones easily identify Greenwood students and maintain safety in public settings. Details about purchasing the t-shirt will be shared early in the school year.

Expectations for Chaperones on Field Trips:
To ensure a safe, focused, and respectful experience for all students, we ask chaperones to follow these important guidelines:

• Please refrain from using your cell phone to scroll through social media, watch videos, or play music while chaperoning. If you need to take a phone call, please wait until your group is with a teacher or another adult chaperone.
• Chaperones are not permitted to enter restrooms with students.
• Please make sure you know the names of the students in your group.
• Do not share your personal contact information with students.
• Chaperones may not post photos of students on personal social media accounts. Any photos taken can be shared with the teacher to be included in official school communications or platforms.
• Teachers will make sure you know your group and will inform you of:
• Any student medical needs or allergies
• Special accommodations for individual students
• Emergency procedures and what to do if a student becomes separated from the group

If You Are Not an Official Chaperone but Plan to Attend Independently:
Parents who were not selected as official chaperones may still attend the trip as observers, but:

• You must have a completed volunteer form on file.
• You may not ride the school bus to or from the trip location.
• Students must ride school-provided transportation both to and from the field trip. Students cannot be checked out early from the field trip site.

Additional Parent Reminders:

1. Please dress appropriately for the activity and weather. Closed-toed shoes may be required.
2. Siblings are not permitted to attend field trips.
3. Always keep your group together and within eyesight. Do regular headcounts and communicate with the teacher if any concerns arise.

We deeply value your partnership in making these experiences meaningful and safe for all students!

Grateful Appreciate the people that lift you up each day.
Accountable Take responsibility for your success.
Trustworthy Do what is right, even when no one is watching.
Optimistic Make a choice to have a positive attitude.
Respectful Become a role model admired by peers and adults.

House Pledge
We Are - 5 Houses,
We Are - 1 Family
We Are
Grateful, Accountable, Trustworthy, Optimistic, and Respectful
G-A-T-O-R- GO GATORS

Please contact our Student Support Administrator, Kelsey Beecher or our Gifted Resource Teacher, Charlotte Walker. 

HCPS Website on Gifted and Talented Education Programs
Gifted Parents
FAQ Gifted Questions
K-1 Frequently Asked Questions Document
Most Frequently Asked Questions Document
Information Sessions
Gifted Programs Brochure

Each quarter, our students will complete a self-reflection on their academic and behavior goals and accomplishments. This process is designed to empower students to take active ownership of their learning journey and acknowledge their growth. The Glow Report will also include:

• A review of their progress in embodying our Gator Values – Grateful, Accountable, Trustworthy, Optimistic, and Respectful – which are central to our school's culture and often reflected in House Points earned throughout the quarter
• An analysis of their academic data from diagnostic assessments and classroom performance, linking to their understanding of the curriculum, such as the Benchmark Advance reading program
• Reflections on their engagement and development of responsibility through participation in Morning Clubs and other school activities, which are noted to enhance attendance and behavioral engagement. 
• A personal assessment of their attendance patterns and punctuality, emphasizing their contribution to consistent learning and overall school success. 
• Insights into their social and emotional growth, aligning with concepts learned through the daily Sanford Harmony program. 

A dedicated section for parents to complete will also be included, offering you an opportunity to share your observations and insights into your child's development. We ask that you bring the completed Glow Report to your scheduled parent-teacher conference. This document is crucial for guiding a meaningful conversation about your child's progress, fosters their self-awareness and accountability, and significantly strengthens the vital home-school connection for their continued success. 

Teachers make every effort to promote the academic success of the children. When children experience difficulty, teachers confer promptly with the child’s parents and offer suggestions for assisting the child in overcoming difficulties. Teachers also consult with the principal, counselor, and other school personnel to develop strategies for differentiating instruction and obtaining additional support.

Children in Kindergarten and Grade 1 receive grades according to the following scale:

4: Student performance consistently meets or exceeds standard/ expectation and student produces outstanding work.
3: Student performance usually meets standard/expectation and student produces acceptable work.
2: Student performance is approaching standard/expectation and student inconsistently produces acceptable work.
1: Student performance is below standard/expectation and student frequently requires re-teaching.

Students in Grades 2-5 receive report card grades in the core content areas according to the following scale:

A= 90-100    Excellent
B= 80-89      Very Good
C= 70-79      Satisfactory
D= 65-69      Marginal Progress
F= Below 65   Failing

Finally, grades in art, music, and physical education reflect the following participation standards:

S= Satisfactory: When present, the student comes prepared and participates to the best of his or her ability.
N= Needs Improvement: When present, the student comes unprepared and does not participate. (Two or more class periods of non-participation requires a parent contact.)

Report Cards and Interim Reports
Report cards are issued four times a year as indicated on the Henrico County Public Schools Calendar. Report cards are supplemented with written interim progress reports in the middle of each nine-week reporting period.  Please return your child’s signed report card envelope and interim progress reports promptly to the teacher.

Student Led Conference Quarterly Report
This year, parents will receive a quarterly report outlining the data and projects completed for our Student Led Conference portfolios. This template will be counted as a grade, and we hope parents can discuss it at home. The Student Led Conference will take place in the 4th marking period, and our goal is for 100% of our students to present to an important adult from home at Greenwood. The Student Led Conference will be interactive and will highlight your student's progress. Attending this conference is crucial for your child's development and success. Your presence shows support and interest in their education, which can significantly boost their confidence and motivation. It also provides a valuable opportunity for you to understand their academic and personal growth, celebrate their achievements, and identify areas where they may need additional support. By participating, you reinforce the importance of education and strengthen the home-school connection, ultimately contributing to your child's overall success.

School guidance and counseling is a functional and integral part of the total educational process.  It is a continuous developmental process directed toward assisting all students in establishing and achieving worthwhile goals, developing personal potentialities, and becoming mature self-directed individuals.  Our counselor’s primary goal is to focus on the developmental process of each student in relation to educational progress, personal and social growth, and career goals.

Homework reinforces the learning process that takes place during the school day and develops responsibility and independent study habits in the children. Homework should be a time for students and parents to evaluate the student’s comprehension of new and previously learned skills.  Although homework is the responsibility of the student, parents are asked to review homework assignments with their children nightly. The following are time guidelines for homework at different grade levels:

Kindergarten - 15 minutes
Grades 1 and 2 - 30 minutes
Grade 3 - 40 minutes
Grades 4 and 5 - 60 minutes

If your child is taking significantly longer to complete homework than the time indicated above, please discuss this with your child’s teacher. 

The following are some homework tips for parents to share with their children:

• Set aside a time to do homework every day.
• Locate a quiet area with good lighting and school materials (pencils, ruler, dictionary) in which to work.
• Encourage independence while letting your child know you are available to help if necessary.
• Be available to check your child’s work for accuracy and completion.
• Remind your child of the ways in which homework is like the adult responsibilities that you model in the home.
• Remember that nothing can substitute for a hug, smile, and word of approval. Be encouraging and supportive!

As an integral extension of classroom experiences, parents should expect students to have homework assigned each day with few exceptions during the school week.  Homework can be used very effectively to provide practice for skill development, opportunities for enrichment and creativity, and to build good independent study habits.

Parents are encouraged to download the RCA House app on their phone and/or computer. This will allow parents to see when their child/ren receives a House point and celebrate with their display of one (or more) of our House character traits or other criteria which earned them points. When students see that their family buys into the House System and reinforces their positive behavior, this only strengthens the overall program.

These are some examples of the ways students can earn House points. 

Classroom: meeting a behavior or academic goal, volunteering time, taking initiative and ownership, etc…
Report Cards: receiving all A’s and/or B’s, perfect attendance, earning House Achievement, etc…
Quarterly Ceremonies: receiving the Math, Character Trait, or Reading Award, etc…
End of Year: receiving a prestigious end of year award, Spirit of Greenwood, Presidential Award, etc…
Extracurricular Performances: participating in activities such as House Bingo, House Achievement, etc…

It is highly recommended that all parents purchase a house shirt before Back to School Night. Students wear their house shirts on Fridays, at Unity Days, pep rallies, STEAM competitions, Field Day, House Happenings, and other special events throughout the year. Wearing their house shirt helps students feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school community. It also promotes unity and school spirit across all grade levels. If you need financial support to purchase a house shirt, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

In order to keep all our students safe, we have implemented a Hug and Kiss Zone by the main office that will begin the 2nd day of school. We are encouraging our students to walk to their classroom. We have teachers and 5th grade safeties in the hallway to assist your child if they need help finding their classroom. 

If you have questions about an IEP or 504, please contact our Associate Principal, Amy Eberhard. 

The school library is available to all students during the day for reference work, research, and book checkout. Student materials are checked out for one week and materials may be renewed. Overdue notices are printed and distributed each week. No fines are assessed for overdue books; however, a child may not check out a new book until the previous one has been returned. If a library book is lost, please notify the librarian. A replacement charge will be assessed. 

The Lost & Found is located in the hallway outside of the Greenwood Cafeteria.  It is requested that all outerwear and other personal items be labeled with the child’s name whenever possible.  Unclaimed articles left at the end of each quarter will be donated to a local charity.

Mondays are the best day of the week at Greenwood Elementary School. Our teachers are in the hallway with contagious enthusiasm and energy. We have music outside and in the hallway. In the classrooms, students are playing games and starting the day on the right foot. We have several morning clubs (dance, sports, step team, drumline, art, chorus, running, etc) that our students can join.

Morning Clubs are an essential part of our students’ positive experience here at school. These clubs are offered to our students at no additional cost (with the exception of advanced drumline and advanced dance), and they get the opportunity to try new and different activities and skills. Students are highly motivated to come to school on time to be able to participate in the clubs. Students  meet new friends and other staff members with shared interests outside of their grade level. A variety of morning clubs are held throughout each marking period. Sign-up for morning clubs generally takes place a few weeks before clubs begin. A Sign-Up Genius is released in our Sunday message. These spaces fill up very quickly, so it’s important to be on the lookout.

Our hope is that every student can participate in at least one club throughout the year. Morning clubs offer a great opportunity for our students to showcase their talents. Our data shows that students who participate in a morning club have a higher attendance rate and better behavioral engagement. This additional involvement not only enriches their school experience but also contributes to their overall success and development. We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities and explore their interests.

An informal group of parents who serve as a resource and meet with other parents to provide information. This group will meet virtually on Sunday evenings, once per quarter throughout the year. The link to joining the meeting throughout the year will be included in social media reminders months in advance. Members of the P.A.C can be identified at school functions and may be contacted anytime throughout the school year. 

The Parent-Teacher Association offers parents many opportunities to become an integral part of our school community. All parents are encouraged to become members of the PTA and to attend the monthly meetings regularly. Interesting, informative, and entertaining meeting programs are consistently planned and held according to a schedule provided in the school Welcome Packet. The PTA maintains open communications with newsletters and “EMail Blasts.” The Greenwood faculty and staff are extremely proud and appreciative for the outstanding support received from the PTA. We encourage all parents to follow the Greenwood PTA Facebook account for pictures and highlights from our community events! 

Room Parent Program
Teachers request assistance from PTA room parents for specific support of grade level activities throughout the year. In working to support the grade level program, room parents operate within the following guidelines:

Maintaining continuity within the grade level by planning all activities with the classroom teacher; Limiting the number of classroom parties according to School Board policy while ensuring that nutritional and healthful treats are provided; Remembering that School Board policy does not permit students or parents to collect money for class gifts for the teacher.

Volunteer Program
Greenwood Elementary School offers many opportunities for parents to volunteer their time and talents to enrich the educational experience of all the students. We appreciate the many hours of service provided by school volunteers each year. Some of the opportunities for volunteering include assisting the librarian in checking books in and out of the library; assisting the teachers with their classroom programs such as reading, writing, and computer technology on a weekly or biweekly basis; assisting in preparing instructional materials for teachers to use in the classroom; and assisting in the dining room during the lunch periods. Parents who are interested in volunteering must complete a Henrico County volunteer application form each year and follow the guidelines established by Henrico County Public Schools. For safety reasons, pre-school children may not accompany volunteers when they are working in the building.

According to Henrico County Policy, “elementary schools will be allowed one social function on school time during the school year, this being immediately prior to winter vacation.” Holiday parties for all classes will be held on the last day before winter break. Individual birthday parties are not allowed.  

Please visit our school website for Mr. Stein’s message.

Decisions as to whether a child will be promoted to the next grade level or retained are based on the needs of the individual student. Parents are important participants in this critical decision. When a teacher has reason to believe that a child needs additional time in a grade level, she consults with the principal, parents, and other school professionals who have worked with the student. 

All students will have an opportunity each day for unstructured play either outside or inside. Recess cannot be taken away from a child or class, and students will be supervised by a Greenwood staff member. During PE in the first two weeks of school, we will be teaching games that can be played outside. Our teachers will also be responsible for teaching how to play outside during the first week of school. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to run laps as part of their time outside.

Our counseling team will also spend time during the first marking period discussing recess and how to play outside. They will review what constitutes bullying and the difference between playing tag and hitting someone. This ensures that all students understand appropriate behavior and the importance of kindness and respect during playtime.

Recess at the elementary school level is essential for fostering a healthy lifestyle and promoting overall well-being. Recess helps students develop motor skills, improve fitness levels, and understand the importance of regular physical activity. It also enhances social skills through team activities and encourages cooperation, sportsmanship, and respect for others. By instilling these values early on, we set the foundation for lifelong healthy habits and a positive attitude toward physical fitness.

Greenwood will send home a printed report card each quarter. It is important to review your child’s report card grades, reading, and teacher comments so that you have a complete picture of your child’s performance in school. As a reminder, your frequent monitoring in Power School will also provide an indication of your child’s academic progress, so the end-of-quarter final grade should not come as a surprise. Do not wait until the last week of school to ask questions about missing assignments. Our teachers are visible and available throughout the entire year, not just at parent-teacher conferences. If you are looking for extra support with tutoring, our school website has plenty of resources.

After receiving your child's report card, it's a great opportunity to sit down together and set goals for the upcoming quarter. Discuss both the strengths and areas that need improvement highlighted in the report card. Encourage your child to reflect on their own performance and identify specific, achievable goals. This could include aiming for higher grades in certain subjects, improving study habits, or participating more actively in class. Setting these goals together not only helps your child understand the importance of their education but also gives them a sense of ownership and motivation to strive for success. Regularly revisiting these goals and celebrating progress can foster a positive attitude towards learning and personal growth.

This year, Greenwood and all other HCPS elementary schools will use the Benchmark Advance curriculum for reading. Benchmark Advance is a reading curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade. It is based on the science of reading research about how children learn to read and uses evidence based literacy instructional teaching methods. Benchmark Advance teaches the foundational reading skills (phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word study, fluency, and high-frequency words) as well as knowledge-based skills (vocabulary, language, comprehension, and background knowledge).

The curriculum is organized into ten vertically-aligned units for kindergarten through fifth grade, with each unit lasting three weeks. Each unit includes lessons on vocabulary, reading comprehension, language, and background knowledge. The units include content from science, social studies, and literature, providing a balance of fiction and nonfiction texts. Students will have many chances to read, talk about, and analyze texts and new words. They will also answer questions about what they read, both by speaking and writing, to help them understand better and use evidence from the text to support their answers.

All lessons follow a gradual-release model. First, the teacher shows exactly how to do something. Then, students practice with the teacher's help and get feedback. After that, they practice with a partner or on their own to use the skills and strategies they learned. As students keep learning and practicing, they get better at understanding more complex texts. They also get better at explaining what they know by talking and writing about it.

If you have questions about your child’s reading proficiency, please contact your child’s teacher and/or our Reading Coach, Kelley Foster at kmfoster@henrico.k12.va.us. 

While we understand that students may become ill or have emergencies on the day of a field trip, we do not issue refunds. Field trip costs are based on group reservations, transportation, and non-refundable deposits. We appreciate your understanding and planning as we work to provide meaningful experiences for all students.

A request to change a teacher can be made to the principal only after there have been documented meetings in person with the current teacher and a school counselor. Changing a classroom is considered a last resort. This is because strong home-school relationships and consistent support within the established classroom environment are crucial for a child's security and success. Frequent changes can disrupt a child's sense of belonging, hinder the continuity of instruction, and impede the development of important relationships with their teacher and peers. Before requesting a teacher change, we urge parents to take the following proactive steps:

• Prioritize open and direct communication with your child's teacher. Utilize the "Daily Report" for regular updates on behavior and consistently check PowerSchool to monitor academic progress and assignment completion. 
• Initiate a parent-teacher conference at a mutually agreeable time to discuss specific concerns, clarify issues, and collaboratively problem-solve. Teachers are readily available to discuss your child's progress throughout the year, not just during scheduled conference days. 
• Actively engage in restorative behavior discussions if your child receives a Discipline Referral, reviewing the form and discussing expectations at home. 
• Bring your quarterly Glow Report to parent-teacher conferences to facilitate a comprehensive discussion about academic and behavioral goals and accomplishments, identifying areas for growth and support. 

Remember that teachers will confer promptly with parents and consult with other school personnel, including the principal and counselor, to develop strategies and differentiate instruction when children experience difficulty. 

It is important to understand that a parent cannot make a request to remove another student from the classroom. Our focus remains on fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students through direct communication and collaborative problem-solving within the existing classroom structure.

Safety continues to be a top priority for our school. We are pleased to continue ongoing safety initiatives, as well as welcoming some new safety practices. We will continue to practice safety drills, which will include fire, weather, and imminent danger drills throughout the year. ALL students and staff are expected to participate in theses drills to prepare for emergencies and familiarize themselves with safety procedures and protocol. Only the parents of PrekG students will have the option to  opt out their PreKG child(ren) of participating in the first lock and hide drill, typically conducted at the beginning of the year. All PreKG students will be expected to participate in all drills moving forward. Information will be available to PReKG parents during Open House.

Door Alarms: Alarms will be installed on several designated outside doors. This initiative is an added layer of security to notify staff if/when a door is opened throughout the day that isn’t visible to be closely monitored by staff. The alarm will sound for approximately 2-3 minutes and will be a different sound from the fire drill.  

School Security Officers: These staff members will continue to provide visible support throughout the school day; assisting with weapon scanners, providing additional support during arrival/dismissal, lunch and recess, etc... We currently have one SSO but expect to obtain another at some point throughout the year.

Student Identification Cards: ALL students, PreKG – 5th grades, will receive a student identification card and lanyard. This will provide an additional level of safety for students utilizing bus transportation, library, and cafeteria services. It is crucial that students maintain and keep up with their id cards, as they will serve a muli-functional purpose throughout each day.

Weapons Scanners As a part of Henrico County Public School’s commitment to safety, all visitors, students, and staff entering the school between 7:20 - 2:00 should expect to pass through our weapons scanners. This includes students who will ride the bus. Please allow yourself additional time when attending special events and activities at the school, in the event you are delayed with this process. Our administration will exercise discretion for using the weapons scanners for after school events and will notify parents if this is the case. 

PreKG students will continue to be allowed to enter the building near the Gator Gardens for morning arrival; however students will be scanned using a handheld wand. This practice will be in lieu of having all PreKG parents enter through the main entrance and pass through the weapons scanner during morning arrival only.

This year our students will participate daily in a research based Social and Emotional curriculum daily from 7:50 - 7:58 AM. . This is yet another reason why it’s so important for your child to arrive at school on time. Our after school day care program will implement Sanford Harmony into their daily schedule as well. Furthermore, our administrative team will be participating in the Sanford Harmony meetings daily, which will make it difficult to meet with parents during this time. All administrators and non-homeroom staff members also participate in Sanford Harmony throughout the school year. It is just as important for students to build trusting relationships with them, as they do with their classroom teachers, and learn.

Silence Hurts is a form for Greenwood Elementary School students to report information anonymously. It is designed to keep students safe from bullying, drugs, suicide, gangs, violence, and any other threats to student safety. Silence Hurts is not monitored in real-time. If this matter involves the risk of injury or is life-threatening, you should call 911.

Please click here to learn more about our incredible Greenwood staff. Here at Greenwood, we take pride in hiring the best for our students. It is important to us the our students see their reflection in the staff members who work with them on a daily basis. Our highly qualified staff continue to seek opportunities for professional growth. We have several teachers who are Nationally Board Certified or working towards this goal. 

The Virginia Standards of Learning serve as a framework for the instructional program in grades kindergarten through five.  Teachers will make every effort to insure success for their students. Teachers will consult with the principal, resource teacher, school counselor, and other school personnel to develop strategies for working with the child.  Teachers will confer with parents and offer suggestions for assisting the child in overcoming difficulties.

Our school will continue to implement our House System as our school wide discipline plan. The academic, behavior and attendance results have been outstanding with the implementation of this system. 

All students will receive a Daily Report that goes to and from school. This report correlates directly with the values of our House System. This is a primary way of receiving communication directly from your child’s teacher. Parents should review this report daily with their child/ren if there is an infraction to any of the following areas. It is important to our students that they understand that the relationship between home and school is essential to their overall success at school. Discussing  the Daily Report with your child is a great way to review expectations, identify potential areas of need for support, etc.. 

On an occasion when a student’s behavior needs to be addressed by an administrator, a staff member will complete a Discipline Referral. Parents will receive a copy of this form, in most cases on the same day, of the infection (depending on the time of day).  If a student receives a Discipline Referral, consequences could be imposed by a teacher and/or administrator, depending on the infraction. We encourage our partnership with parents for restorative behavior discussion. To that end, we ask that parents review and complete the bottom part of this form and return it to school.

Our school wide data, including discipline data is constantly being reviewed by our administrators and staff. We have an ongoing commitment to identify areas of need for our students; and identify any additional support or training we, as a school, could benefit from. 

Smoking is not allowed in any part of the building or areas outside. This includes vaping. Please refer to the HCPS policy.

We encourage our families to follow Greenwood @Greenwood_Elem on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). We encourage positive comments and are hopeful that negative comments can be left off. Thank you for demonstrating a positive school online. We encourage our families to share and like our posts. Our hope is to expand our audience and showcase the magic at Greenwood. By engaging with our social media, you help create a supportive and enthusiastic community that highlights our students' achievements and school events. Let's work together to spread the joy and accomplishments of Greenwood far and wide.

Our PTA will sell spirit throughout the year. Students will be encouraged to wear their house shirts each Friday and on special occasions. If you need support purchasing a t-shirt, please contact the main office. Shirts will be available for purchase during Open House and Back to School Night. 

Individual student pictures are taken in the fall and in the spring. Class pictures are also taken either in the fall or in the spring. Purchase of student pictures is optional. We will put an 8x10 photo of your child in our school hallways. 

We also encourage our families to provide 3-5 family photos on August 17 for your teacher’s bulletin board outside their classroom. These pictures are a constant reminder to our students throughout the year of the support and encouragement they have at home. The collection of family photos helps create a welcoming and nurturing environment for our students, increasing that sense of belonging. Students and staff are also featured in a Morning Announcement segment where they reference their photos and talk about their feelings of belonging and feeling at home. 

In an effort to encourage high academic achievement and self-discipline, students in Grades K-5 will be recognized during the year at classroom award ceremonies, pep rallies, Character Trait Award ceremonies, Shine Your Light Award, Math Award, End of the Year Awards, and more! We recognize that our students have different talents and abilities. It's important to us that students are recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year, 

A parent will be able to substitute at the school, once they have gone through the proper training and screening required by the County. We do not permit parents to substitute in the same class that their child is enrolled in.

If you need support securing a translator, please reach out to our ESL teacher, Mrs. Katherine Pisciotta, at kepisciotta@henrico.k12.va.us, or contact our front office, Mrs. Christina Medico, at cmmedico@henrico.k12.va.us. Clear communication between school and home is essential to student success, and we are committed to ensuring that all families feel informed and supported. Providing language access is one way we honor and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our community

During the week before school opens each year, teachers contact families to welcome them, to get acquainted, and to determine how the child will travel home from school each day. Parents also submit home travel information in writing at the beginning of the school year. Whenever a child needs to leave school in a different manner than usual or disembark a school bus at a different stop than usual, a written note from a parent describing the transportation change for the day is required. Students who do not have written directions from a parent will be sent home in the usual way. These important guidelines have been established for the safety of the children.

Bus Transportation
School bus transportation is a service provided to students who live outside the .3-mile walking zone. Riding the school bus is a privilege and students are expected to follow the rules stated in the Henrico County Department of Transportation Manual that is provided to all students. Appropriate and safe behavior that includes respect for other persons and their property is required at school bus stops. Because our school buses are at their seating capacity, students may not ride a bus other than the one to which they are assigned by the Henrico County School Transportation Department. If highly extenuating circumstances exist, please contact our office at 804-261-29790. 

Kindergarten Bus Students
According to Henrico County School Board policy, a parent/guardian or other previously authorized person must accompany a kindergarten child to the school bus stop in the morning and be present to pick up the student when the child is dropped off after school.  If a parent/guardian or other authorized person is not present at the bus stop to meet the student, the bus driver is required to return the student to school. The parent/guardian will then be contacted to come to school to pick up the child. Parents, guardians, and authorized persons must present a driver’s license as proof of identity when picking up a child either at the school or at the bus stop.

Car Riders/Parent Pick Up
Students are discharged in the morning and picked up in the afternoon in the circular drive area located directly in front of the school.  Designated staff members and volunteers supervise the arrival and dismissal of students by car. Children who are car riders will be assigned a pick-up number and receive a laminated number sign to display in their car’s front window. The number system is used to increase safety and efficiency at dismissal time.

For the safety of the children, please also follow these guidelines:

• Remember that the entrance and exit drives from the school are one lane and one-way in each direction.
• When arriving at afternoon dismissal time, please wait in line and do not attempt to pass other cars that are already in place.
• Remember that visitors who need to enter the school at dismissal time may park in the spaces that are available in the back of the building.
• Drop children off in the morning only in the drop off loop. 
• If you are the first car in the morning front loop rotation, pull all the way around the front loop to the “stop” sign before stopping.

Parent Pick-Up List
To ensure the safety of the students being dismissed from the front office Parents are encouraged to keep their Parent Pick-up List updated with the adults that are permitted to sign out a student from school. Adults not listed on the Pick-up list will not be permitted to check out the student. We cannot take changes for this over the phone. Parents must change the list in person in the front office.

Please click here for the tutoring list. 

Henrico County Public Schools Policy & Regulation #4-05-009 states: No employee is permitted to tutor, for pay, any child in a class to which the employee is assigned. No tutoring for pay shall take place by an employee during normal contractual working hours.

If you are interested in securing a tutor for your child, you may email one of the tutors listed below or call our main office at 804-261-2970 with any questions. Please click HERE to view the 2024–2025 tutoring list.

We are hopeful that the Virginia Department of Education will continue to fund All In Tutoring, a free before- and after-school program designed to support students who demonstrate a need for additional academic intervention. Student selection will be based on specific academic data, including SOL results, intervention progress, end-of-unit assessments, report card grades, and other relevant indicators. Group sizes will be intentionally kept small to provide targeted instruction and maximize individual student growth.

Keeping tutoring groups small ensures that each child receives the focused support and attention they need to succeed.

To maintain the integrity and fairness of this program, students may be removed from tutoring if they receive an X (Needs Improvement) or a discipline referral during tutoring hours, or if a parent is late more than twice picking their child up. Parent involvement and punctuality are essential to the success of this free program, ensuring a consistent and structured learning environment.

Homework Expectations:
Participation in All In Tutoring does not replace a student’s daily homework responsibilities. Students selected for tutoring are still expected to complete and turn in all assigned homework on time. Students who consistently fail to complete their homework may be removed from the tutoring program. This expectation is critical, as homework reinforces daily learning, builds independence, and allows the teacher to assess student understanding outside of the tutoring sessions. A student’s effort at home directly impacts the success of their academic progress in the tutoring program.

If you have any questions regarding the variance process or policy, please contact our front office, Mrs. Christina Medico, at cmmedico@henrico.k12.va.us. We are happy to assist you in navigating this process and ensuring your family has the information needed to make the best decision for your child.

To ensure the safety of all students and staff, all exterior doors remain locked during the school day, and entry into the building is managed through a secure buzzer system at the front entrance. All visitors must report directly to the main office, scan a driver’s license to receive a visitor badge, and sign out before leaving the building. Forgotten items such as lunches, water bottles, or textbooks should be dropped off at the Welcome Center in the main lobby, rather than being delivered to classrooms.

All visitors must also walk through our weapons detection scanner upon entry. There is no need to remove personal items such as keys, wallets, or cell phones from purses or pockets.

Classroom Visits and Morning Procedures:
If you would like to visit your child’s classroom, you must make prior arrangements with the teacher. For safety and instructional reasons, parents are not allowed to walk students to their classrooms in the morning or return to the classroom after breakfast or lunch. These expectations help protect the learning environment and reduce distractions during key instructional times.

Behavioral Expectations for Parents and Visitors:
Parents and all campus visitors are expected to uphold the Henrico County Code of Conduct when on school property.

• Profanity, threatening language, or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a one-year ban from entering Greenwood Elementary.
• Visitors must adhere to the school dress code and should not attend events in attire that is overly revealing or inappropriate for a school setting.
• We ask parents to refrain from recording staff or students without permission.
• Visitors must remain in designated areas and may not roam the building without administrative approval.

Evening Events and After-Hours Expectations:
Greenwood Elementary hosts many family-friendly evening events throughout the school year. In order to maintain a respectful and enjoyable environment for all:

• Please remain quiet and attentive during presentations and performances.
• If you are attending with young children who become upset or disruptive, we kindly ask that you step out of the gym or cafeteria until they are calm.
• Please keep walkways and exits clear, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Children must remain with their families at all times—they should not be allowed to roam the building unsupervised.
• Parents are asked to dispose of trash and help keep our campus clean after each event.
• We always appreciate parent's support after event with stacking chairs and picking up the gym.

We appreciate your partnership in maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all members of our school community.

If you would like to volunteer in your child’s classroom or at any school event this year, please read the Volunteer Guidelines, complete the fillable PDF Volunteer Application, and watch the Safety Orientation Video

As part of Henrico County Public School’s commitment to safety, all visitors, students, and staff entering the school between 7:20 AM and 2:00 PM should expect to pass through weapons scanners. This policy includes students who ride the bus, and visitors should allow additional time for this process. Administration may exercise discretion for using the scanners for after-school events and will notify parents if this is the case. Pre-KG students are permitted to enter near the Gator Gardens for morning arrival but will be scanned using a handheld wand instead of the main scanners.

The idea of “Winning the Morning” focuses on finding areas and ways to make 100% of our students and staff feel that they belong here. This looks different for each student and adult. In addition to participating in the optional morning clubs, students enter their classroom in the mornings and are offered a choice and voice for the activities they want to participate in to start their day off in the best way possible. These morning choice activities range from prearranged STEAM buckets where they can collaborate and create, visiting a buddy class, planning and preparing for a morning announcement feature, participating in morning meetings, or  dancing away in a grade level Friday celebration.