Frequently Asked Questions

 

Opening School Year Items:

 

v  When do I find out my class schedule?

 

In Student Vue - class schedules will be loaded a few days ahead of the start of school - however, schedules are subject to change

 

and

 

On the first day of school, students will come into the school, report to their houses (House A-8^th, House B-7^th, and House C-6^th) and report to their homerooms.  Staff will be in the hallways and throughout the House areas to direct the students to their homerooms. There the student will be provided with a class schedule and locker assignment. 

 

v  What should I bring with me the first couple days of school?

 

Pencils and paper.

 

v  When will I receive my agenda and do I really need to use it?

 

Yes, all students will be given an agenda on the morning of the first day of school which includes the student handbook of school rules and policies.  All students are expected to keep this agenda for the duration of the school year to note assignment due dates, homework, etc; and will be used to write passes for students to leave the classrooms and go other places in the school such as the library, bathroom, teacher rooms, etc.

 

If a student loses or damages his/her initial agenda, he/she can purchase a new one from their house office for $5.00 while supplies last.  Once supplies are depleted, students can use a small notebook as their agenda.

 

v  Will my student get lost the first few days of school?

 

No.  Some students, especially new 6^th graders, may have some trouble finding their classrooms.  However, teachers are always willing to help direct students to the right location and during the first week of school.  Parents and house staff are also available to assist students in opening lockers which is something new for the 6^th graders and one of their biggest worries.

 

v  How is each Grade Level set up with support for my child?

 

Each grade level is set up as a “House” which includes many of your child’s teachers as well as a Dean, Counselor, and Secretary.  This is like having a “school within a school”.

 

Deans and Counselors ‑ A dean and a counselor have been assigned to each of the academic houses. They are available to assist students in solving problems and meeting responsibilities. Students are encouraged to make an appointment when they feel there is a need.  Deans and Counselors stay with a group of students for three years.  This is to ensure that the students have an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with at least two adults in the building.  

Secretary.  Provides support to the Dean, Counselor, Teachers, and Students of the assigned grade level.  All early dismissal notes, bus requests, and/or student phone calls home are done through the house secretary.

 

The Dean, Counselor, and Secretary work very closely together to ensure a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for students.

 

School Supplies:

 

v  Where can I find a list of school supplies for my child?

 

The list of supplies for the current school year are posted on HPMS website prior to the beginning of the school year.

 

 

 

Parent/Student Orientation and Back to School Night:

 

v  Where can we find information on time/dates for Back-to-School nights?

 

Back-to-School nights are usually held with a few weeks of the beginning of school.  Check our main page calendar for specific dates.

 

 

Bus Information and Parent Drop Off & Pick Up:

 

v  How can I find out what bus my child should ride to school and the pickup and drop off times?

 

This information is posted on the Harper Park and LCPS websites as soon as released by the LCPS transportation department (mid August).  This information is also provided to local media and newspapers.

 

A note of importance:  If you intend for your child to ride the bus on a regular basis it is a good idea to start this on the first day of school so that the LCPS transportation department is able to ensure a pick up and drop off at your child’s designated location.  Should you have any bus questions, please call Transportation at 571-252-1700.

 

v  What time can I drop off my child in the morning?

 

Students can dropped off at school starting at 7:45AM.  If students arrive to school between 7:45AM and 8:00 AM, they will wait in the auditorium until dismissed to the house areas.

 

v  Is there any transportation available for after school activities?

 

Yes.  Activity bus transportation will be offered 2 to 3 days per week during most of the school year.  This year they are on M, W & Th.  Activities are dismissed at 4:25 PM.  These buses provide regional drop off at predetermined locations and do NOT provide door-to-door service.  At the beginning of the school year, a list of the drop off locations is available on the HPMS website.  Should you have any bus questions, please call Transportation at 571-252-1700.

 

Late Arrival, Early Dismissal, Bus Ride with Friends:

 

v  If I am late for school, where do I go?  Do I need a note from my parents?

 

Any student arriving late to school must first report to the main office to get a tardy to school pass and turn in their note from their parent(s).  Then they check in with their House secretary and report to the appropriate block.

 

NOTE.  Any student that needs to leave early must bring in a note.  The note is to be submitted to the appropriate grade level secretary first thing in the morning upon arrival to school.

 

v  My child wants to go home with a friend.  Do I need to send in a note for my child to ride a different bus?

 

Yes.  Parents must send a note with their child to school giving permission to ride a different bus home with a friend or to ride home with another parent.  This note is to be submitted to the grade level secretary prior to the start of school.

 

Lockers:

 

v  Do we have to buy locks for our child’s locker or gym locker?

 

No, lockers in the Grade Level House area have built in combination locks.  Lockers in the PE Locker Rooms require a combination lock that will be provided by the PE teachers.

 

v  Can I stay after school (with my parents’ permission) to set up my locker?

 

Yes, the school is open until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday on days which school is in session.

 

PE Uniforms:

 

v  When do we get our gym uniforms?  How much are they?

 

The Physical Education Department begins selling uniforms the second day in which a student meets for Physical Education.  Uniforms are $10.00 (Shirts - $3.00 and Shorts - $7.00).

Payable via Cash, Check made out to Harper Park MS, or via our online portal.

 

Cafeteria Items:

 

v  If my son/daughter runs out of money in his/her lunch account, can he/she use his/her sibling’s account to buy lunch that day?

 

Yes, but only if the sibling is a HPMS student and preferably if a parent has submitted a note with the student to be able to use siblings account.

 

v  What if my child runs out of money on his/her account?

 

Students are allowed to charge, up to about $8.00 which is about the cost of 3 full lunches.  If a student already has a negative balance of $8.00 or more, then he/she will be required to get a cheese sandwich at no charge.

 

v  Can I find out my child’s cafeteria account balance?

 

Yes, please contact the Cafeteria Manager at 571.252.2820 if you need to find out your son/daughter’s account balance and/or what he/she has been buying for breakfast and lunch every day.  The cafeteria manager can provide you with a detailed listing of items purchased every day.

 

General Questions:

 

v  Does Harper Park have sport teams?

 

No, if your child is interested in participating in sports, the Sports Division of Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services provides recreational programs and activities to all youth and adult citizens countywide and acts as a liaison to all sport leagues for both youth and adults. The Sports Division also provides various sport camps, classes and clinics throughout the year. Details are available online at https://www.loudoun.gov/index.aspx?NID=122 

 

School Policy:

 

v  Can I send medication to school with my child?

 

No, parents are required to bring in all medication, both over-the-counter and prescribed medications for their child directly to the nurse, with specific directions for administration.  Students may NOT have any medication, cough drops, etc. in their possession.  All medications are to be administered by the nurse, or appropriate designee.

 

PTA:

 

v  How can I find out information about the PTA?

 

The PTA maintains a home page on the Harper Park MS website under the “Parents” heading.  The PTA calendar and all current events are maintained in this section for your review.

 

These and other questions can be answered in the information in your students agenda or by clicking HERE.