Skip to main content

Twin Hickory Elementary School

Trailblazers Stick Together

HCPS News: Environmental education awards, a new Ford Mustang and a Fall Resource Fair

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (09:00 AM)
View Original Post

Sept. 11, 2026 • Vol. 10, Issue 6

A graphic featuring the text THE BINDER, News and notes from Henrico County Public Schools.
 
We've got plenty to share this week! This edition of the newsletter includes some exciting highlights from around Henrico County Public Schools. First, several of our schools have been recognized for their environmental education efforts! Additionally, students in the auto tech program have a new Mustang to work on, courtesy of Bill Talley Ford! Read more on both below.

More news in this edition: A Fall Resource Fair, a reminder to encourage your 9th and 11th graders to take the PSAT and information on the Henrico Education Foundation's golf tournament. 
 
An adult and two students in rain gear squat in a grassy field, gardening together with a small trowel.

20 Henrico schools recognized for their environmental education efforts through 2026 Virginia Naturally program

Congratulations to the 20 Henrico County schools that have been recognized this year as part of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources' “Virginia Naturally” recognition program! The program highlights a school’s ongoing efforts to incorporate environmental literacy in its curriculum and increase environmental awareness and stewardship among students. 

This year, Longdale and Varina elementary schools were recognized for the first time. Henrico Virtual Academy and Chamberlayne, Pinchbeck, Seven Pines, Shady Grove, Jackson Davis, R.C. Longan and Tuckahoe elementary schools were all recognized for the second time. Pemberton, Glen Allen and Montrose elementaries and Elko Middle School were recognized for the third year. Fairfield Middle School was recognized for the fourth time. Maybeury, Donahoe and Greenwood elementaries and Highland Springs High School earned the recognition for the fifth year. Twin Hickory Elementary School has been recognized for the 11th year.

HCPS has now had 36 schools honored since the program was created in 2000, the second highest total among Virginia school divisions.

 

Video Spotlight: Rev it up!

A group of people gathers outside the ACE building to look at a white sports car parked in the driveway on a sunny day.
Watch the video to check out our new wheels at the ACE Center at Highland Springs!

Keith Hedgespeth's automotive technology class received a special delivery this week: a 2025 Ford Mustang, courtesy of Bill Talley Ford! The local dealership donated the beautiful car to the ACE Center at Highland Springs to provide students hands-on technical experience with a newer-model vehicle. 

Bill Talley Ford representatives joined HCPS students and staff for the drop-off at ACE-Highland Springs. That group included general manager Chris Smith and technician Ben Sturman, a 2026 Godwin graduate and former ACE Center auto tech student who was hired by Bill Talley Ford directly out of high school! 

Thank you to Bill Talley Ford for investing in our students — and your future technicians!
 

HCPS to seek feedback on staggered start implementation

We will soon be seeking input on the staggered start model used for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. A survey will be out Sept. 18 to gather feedback from students in grades 6 and 9, families and staff to help us learn what went well and where we can improve as we plan for future years. 

Students in grades 6 and 9 will have the chance to share their thoughts through the survey during advisory classes. If you would prefer for your child not to participate, please contact your school directly. 

Thank you for helping us improve! We look forward to hearing your feedback.
 

HEF Corner: Tee Off for Education!

Promotional flyer for the 28th Annual Tee Off For Education Golf Tournament at Hunting Hawk Golf Club on October 7th.
Need a team-building day outside of the office that makes a difference?

Take your team to the course at the Henrico Education Foundation's 28th Annual Tee Off for Education Golf Tournament on October 7, 2026, at Hunting Hawk Golf Club.

Enjoy lunch, 18 holes of golf, friendly competition, and prizes, all while supporting educational opportunities for Henrico students and teachers. Every registration helps fund innovative programs, classroom resources, scholarships, and experiences that expand opportunities for students throughout the year.

Register a foursome, become a sponsor and turn a day out of the office into an investment in both your team and your community. Visit the HEF website for more.
 

Fall Resource Fair set for Sept. 19

Is your family new to Henrico Schools? Or do you just need to learn about the resources available to families across Henrico County? The Fall Resource Fair is for you! 

Join us for the fourth Fall Resource Fair, 11-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA (9273 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA). The event connects families with valuable resources and services. 

Resources include: 
  • Dental Screenings
  • Blood Pressure Screenings
  • General Health Check-ups
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Adult Education Resources
  • Student Support Services
  • Family Resources
 

Encourage your 9th and 11th graders to take the PSAT

The PSAT is more than just a practice test for the SAT, a common college entrance exam. It is a valuable opportunity for students to better understand their academic strengths, identify areas where they can grow and prepare for future college and scholarship opportunities.
 
By taking the PSAT, students can:
 
  • See where they stand in reading, writing and math.
  • Gain experience with the format and expectations of the SAT.
  • Identify strengths and areas to focus on before future assessments.
  • Keep future college and scholarship options open.
  • Take advantage of this opportunity at no cost to families.
 
Even if your student is still deciding what comes after high school, taking the PSAT can provide useful information and experience while helping keep future options open.
 
All 10th grade students and interested 9th and 11th grade students will participate in PSAT testing at no cost to families. A date for the test will be announced by your school.  

If your 9th or 11th grade student would like to take the test, please complete the signup sent to you by your schools before Sept. 18. No sign-up is needed for 10th grade students. If you need help with the form, please contact your school’s Coordinator of Assessment and Remediation. 

For an overview of the PSATs, check out their website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-assessments.
 

Important dates/reminders:

  • Sept. 12: Specialty Center Information Session, Highland Springs High School, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Sept. 15: Bridge Builders Academy: Open House/All Together Tuesday for the HCPS Family Resource Center at the Oak Avenue Complex, 5-7 p.m.
  • Sept. 16: Life-Ready Expo, Hermitage High School, 6-8 p.m.
  • Sept. 21: Student and teacher holiday - Yom Kippur/Jewish High Holiday
  • Sept. 28: Student holiday - Teacher professional learning 
 
Henrico County Public Schools
Division of Communications
P. O. Box 23120 • 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223 • 804-652-3600 

Follow HCPS on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.