Author: Stacie Raterman

We were notified today by the Schottenstein Center that all graduates will have access to four graduation tickets. We know this is different than earlier communication, and we understand the frustration this might cause. Working within the COVID safety protocols laid out, this is the only option to be able to host our graduation ceremonies at the Schottenstein Center. We will have a live stream available for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

The window to reserve tickets is Wednesday, May 12 at 10am through Sunday, May 16 at 11:59pm.

Each family will be sent a link to reserve their four tickets next week. You will need your student’s ID number to access the tickets. You can find the ID number on HomeAccess.

All Graduation information will be available on our Class of 2021 Web Page. If you have problems reserving the tickets during the reservation window, you should call guest assistance at 1-800-GOBUCKS.

Each student will receive one free parking pass from their school, with the ability to buy extra passes during a presale.  Parking details will come from your principal.

 We are excited to be able to offer our families this experience. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to navigate this pandemic.

The commitment to the Online Academy for next school year has changed.  Students enrolling in the Online Academy for 2021/22 must commit for:

• One semester at a time for 6-12 students
• Half the year for K-5 students (Elementary students who return to in-person learning for the second half of the year are not guaranteed their home-school, although that is the goal.)

As a reminder, we will still be asking for the commitment the week of April 5-9.  The district will email all families details on how to enroll in the Online Academy if that is what you choose for your student.  If this impacts a change in your secondary student’s schedule, you should email the school counselor to ask questions and make changes.

We appreciate the feedback from our families as we adjust and adapt during the commitment process.

Due to returning All-In Together on March 15, some of our bus routes and times may be changing.  We encourage all parents to check their student’s busing information.

You can click here to confirm your schedule.  You will need your student’s ID number and birthdate.

As we begin the process to prepare for the 2021/22 school year, we know our families have many questions.  This information is for all parents/guardians, whether your student is attending in person or in the Online Academy.

Below are the steps you and your student will go through for each grade level.  Here are a few important things to remember for all ages:

1. 2021/22 School Year Commitments are for the entire school year. You will not have the option of choosing a half year or switching between programs.
2. The 2021/22 School Year Commitment forms will be sent out on April 5. The only parents/guardians that need to fill out the Commitment Form are those enrolling their students in the Online Academy.  The deadline to enroll in the Online Academy is April 9.
3. Teachers at the secondary level will be providing students with course recommendations in Home Access. You can email your teacher if you have questions about their recommendation.
4. Before making the commitment to the Online Academy year be sure to review the available course offerings. NOT ALL SECONDARY CLASSES ARE OFFERED IN THE ONLINE ACADEMY.

Please remember as we go through the next several weeks our principals, teachers, and counselors are all available to help your family every step of the way.

All Incoming 9th-12th Grade Students

• An information video will be posted on the High School web pages beginning March 1.
• Students entering grade 9 will select courses March 1-9 in HomeAccess.
• Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 will select courses March 10-26.
• You will be selecting both the course type and location, whether in the building or in the Online Academy. REMEMBER, NOT ALL CLASSES ARE OFFERED IN THE ONLINE ACADEMY.
• If you want to pursue college classes as an alternative to a world language, AP, or Honors course, you need to email Tom_Woodford@hboe.org to explore the options. A College Credit Plus Intent Form will also need to be filled out.
• The week of April 5-9 all parents/guardians will need to fill out the 2021/22 School Year Commitment form with your decision for the entire school year.

All Incoming 6^th-8^th Grade Students

• Each Sixth Grade and Middle School will host Parent/Guardian information nights, those dates will be sent out next week.
• Students entering grade 8 will make course selections in HomeAccess March 9-16
• Students entering grade 7 will make course selections in HomeAccess March 17-26
• Students entering grade 6 will make course selections in HomeAccess March 15-26
• Full-time Online Academy students will be allowed to take Band, Choir, and Orchestra classes only in their home school. Transportation to school for these individual classes is the responsibility of the parents/guardians.
• The week of April 5-9 all parents/guardians will need to fill out the 2021/22 School Year Commitment form with your decision for the entire 2021/22 school year.

All Incoming Kindergarten through 5th Grade Students

There are no course selections for our elementary students so the only thing parents/guardians need to do is fill out the 2021/22 School Year Commitment Form the week of April 5-9.  You will indicate whether your student/s will attend In-Person classes or the Online Academy for the entire 2021/22 school year.

There will be no Preschool Online Academy option.

Please join us in celebrating diversity and inclusion in the Hilliard City Schools. For the week of January 18-22, we will celebrate the diversity of Hilliard City Schools students, staff, and community with a focus on what it means to seek equity, celebrate diversity, and be inclusive. Each day has a different focus.

• Monday – MLK Jr Day “Celebrate Diversity, Inclusion, Equity”
• Tuesday – “My Story Matters” Celebrate what makes you unique. Celebrate ethnicities, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, orientations, etc.
• Wednesday – “Your Story Matters” We want you to share how you support others in fostering inclusive environments; how you make everyone feel welcome.
• Thursday – “I Am Always Learning” This is the day to recognize and shout out to people you have learned something from or share a resource you recommend.
• Friday – “I’m Ready for What’s Next” Share how you will pledge to continue moving forward.

We encourage you to join and post your own inclusion messages. #InclusionHCSD

We will also be hosting an evening webinar on January 21st at 5:00 pm with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad. She is a professor at Georgia State and author of the book Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. This event is open to the entire community.  Here is a link to join the webinar.