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blue and white text that says "herm happenings" on a blue background, smaller text says "read on to see what's happening at Hermitage HS this week!" and an image of a panther on the left

We hope you enjoyed the 4-day weekend and are ready for an exciting Week 3 @The Herm! Please review all announcements for this week.  Tuesday is Day 1, and students will attend classes 1, 3, 5, and 7.

A bright pink sticky note with the words DON'T FORGET written in black marker rests on top of a colorful stack against a corkboard background.

New This Year and Helpful Reminders:

As you prepare to return for the 26-27 school year, please be aware of updates to the Code of Virginia in regard to Smart Devices in Schools:

  • Electronic devices that have internet capability are NOT allowed on campus between 8:30 - 3:55.  This includes, but not limited to:

    • Air Pods, 

    • Cell Phones,

    • Headphones,

    • iPads,

    • Meta Glasses,

  • Student Pickup/Drop Off is in the stadium parking lot only.  

  • Early Dismissals - all dismissals must occur prior to 3:30 daily.

Wooden alphabet blocks spell out the word 'SURVEY' against a blurred green nature background.

Staggered Start Feedback

Upcoming Feedback Opportunity: 2026-27 Staggered Start Implementation

HCPS will soon be seeking input on the staggered start model used for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. A survey will be sent out the week of September 7 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.

A graphic announcement for the Hermitage High School Community Forum on September 3, 2025, featuring school branding.

HHS Community Forum

We will resume the Community Forum the week of September 15.

A word cloud graphic featuring the central phrase 'SCHOOL COUNSELOR' surrounded by related terms in blue and grey fonts.

HHS School Counseling


Please view our Counseling Newsletter for September!  

A flyer for a Service Academy Day on September 12, 2026, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA.

Congressional Service Academy Day

Service Academy Day provides an excellent opportunity for students and their families to learn more about the United States Service Academies, the admissions and nomination process, and the educational and career opportunities available through military service by attending a U.S. Service Academy.

Representatives from the United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy will be available to provide information and answer questions. There will also be representatives from some of Virginia’s ROTC programs.

We encourage interested students, particularly those who are considering a career in the military or public service, to attend. Parents and school counselors are also welcome.

Please encourage all attendees to use the QR Code on the attached flyer to register.

Date:    September 12

Time:   9am to Noon

Location: Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond 23220

A promotional flyer for ordering school pictures with a QR code, labeled Hermitage High School for the Fall term.



Fall Underclass Pictures

  • Strawbridge Studios will be on campus September 15 - 16 to take Fall Pictures for all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students.

  • Make-ups are scheduled for November 16

  • Please see the flyers for additional information!

  • To order:

  • A school picture order form from Hermitage High School for 9/15/2026 and 9/16/2026, detailing various photo packages labeled A through F.

A bold red letter H with white trim against a black background.

Senior Information and Upcoming Dates:

  • Summer SOL Testing:

    • Reading - 9/9

    • Science - 9/10

    • Math - 9/11

    • Workkeys - 9/16-17

  • HCPS LifeReady Expo - September 16

  • Make-Up Portraits - September 21 - 22

  • Convocation - October 7, 10:00 am

  • Cap and Gown Photos - February 2, 2027

A poster for the Henrico Recreation & Parks Helping Hands Volunteer Program, featuring a photo of young people cooking and preparing food together indoors.

Helping Hands Volunteer Program


Henrico Recreation and Parks is hosting Helping Hands to assist students who need to fill volunteer hours.  Programs operate between September - November.  All interested students can sign up at https://henrico.gov/assets/RP-ProgramGuide-Fall2026.pdf


Please contact roc35@henrico.gov for additional information.

A model poses in a light-colored suit against a marble wall for a Dillard's advertisement.


A promotional advertisement for Dillard's with text reading 'Let's Get Ready for Homecoming' and featuring two smiling young women taking a selfie.

Dillard's Department Store is thrilled to announce our annual Homecoming Event on September 12th, 2026. We kindly ask that you spread the word by sharing the attached infographics with your students so they can mark their calendars and join us for the kick off of Homecoming Season. This event will be held at all Dillard's locations near you. 

A day of fun will start at 1pm on September 12th with cosmetic demonstrations and the chance to schedule a personal appointment for homecoming night. There will also be a photo station, music, men's suit fitting services and more! Plus, students who purchase a Junior's Social Occasion dress of $79.00 or more will receive a FREE phone suction mount and set of hair clips!

Thank you for your support and we can't wait to see your students at our Homecoming Shop!

HHS Homecoming - October 17, 2026

A recruitment flyer for the Henrico Youth Ambassador Street Team, featuring three smiling young people and detailed instructions on how to join.

Henrico Prevention Services and the Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition are excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the Youth Ambassador Street Team (YAST) , an elite leadership opportunity for high school students ready to make a difference.


As part of the nationally recognized Youth Ambassadors program, YAST members are the boots on the ground, working alongside community leaders to create healthier, safer spaces for their peers. Through this program, teens will:

  • Build leadership and public speaking skills

  • Gain hands-on community service and advocacy experience

  • Network with local and state leaders

  • Earn professional development and job readiness training

  • Participate in events like Sticker Shock, General Assembly visits, Capitol Hill visits and out of the area state and national leadership training conferences

Motivated Henrico County high school students who want to use their voice, lead by example, and take action on issues affecting youth in their community are encouraged to apply.

To apply, go to: https://qrco.de/bgAbYj

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An aerial view of the Hermitage High School stadium entrance with arched walkways.

Hermitage Activities and Athletics

Please support our Athletic Department and review updates for the week!  Roll Pride! 


A recruitment flyer for the HEART Youth Council for 2026-2027, featuring volunteers clearing vines from a tree.

Heart Youth Council

It is once again time to recruit students for the 2026-27 HEART Youth Council. The Council is composed of two students from each high school who work with county leaders on environmental and sustainability initiatives for HCPS and Henrico County.

HYC will be visiting HHS during lunches on Thursday, September 10th to recruit students and share more information about this leadership opportunity. 

All interested students should stop by the tables during all lunches!

A promotional poster for the 'Life Ready Expo' on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for students and families in grades 6-12.

Life Ready Expo


All students should attend the HCPS LifeReady Expo on September 16 from 6:00 - 8:00.  Employers from all Career Clusters will be available and hiring students during the event!


HHS Seniors who take the ASVAB Test on September 2 will have the opportunity to align their career preferences with presenters available!  


We look forward to seeing ALL Panthers at the event!

The logo for the Henrico Education Foundation features a green graduation cap with a blue tassel beside the blue text 'Henrico' and green text 'EDUCATION Foundation'.

Henrico Alumni and Friends Inaugural 5K Fun Run/Walk!

On September 19th at 9:00 a.m. at Deep Run Park, join us for the inaugural 5K Fun Run/Walk.  To launch its new program – Henrico Alumni and Friends – the Henrico Education Foundation invites you to participate in a battle of the high schools!  Wear your school colors and get as many friends and family members as you can to participate. You can win bragging rights AND a super cool trophy for your high school to display all year.   If you are not in a high school yet, that is OK – just pick one to support. 

The goal is participation and FUN.  ALL are welcome – past, current, future, and prospective students, their families, and everyone in between.  This event is stroller- and pet-friendly, too! 

Participants will experience:

  • Food Trucks

  • Music

  • Mascot Mayhem

  • Kids Zone Activities

  • A Bit of Exercise

  • Special Participation Awards!

  • And a Whole Lot of FUN!

Calendar

This Week @The Herm!

  • 9/7 - Student Holiday

  • 9/8 - Day 1, William and Mary Visit, Marines Lunch Visit

  • 9/9 - Day 2, Senior SOL Reading Retakes,

  • 9/10 - Day 1 - Senior SOL Biology Retakes, Syracuse Visit

  • 9/11 - Day 2 - Senior SOL Algebra Retakes


Calendar Updates

  • 9/16 - HCPS LifeReady Expo

  • 10/7 - Convocation (Seniors), ASVAB (Juniors), PSAT (Freshman-Opt-in and All Sophomores)

  • 10/20 - Comprehensive Safety Audit


Additional information is forthcoming.  Thanks for your continued support of HHS!  Stay safe and Roll Pride!