School City of Hammond
Back to School Communication
Start Guide
This school start guide includes information needed to be ready for the 2024-2025 school year.
The first student day is Monday, August 12, 2024.
Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer. As we embark on a new school year, we're excited to reconnect and continue our journey of learning and growth together. Our dedicated staff is eager to support our students and families, ensuring a successful and enriching academic experience. As we gear up for an exciting year, please take note of these important dates and information:
School Start Times and
the 1st Day of School
The first day of school is
Monday, August 12th.
the 1st Day of School
The first day of school is
Monday, August 12th.
Start times are as follows:
High Schools 7:15-2:15
Middle Schools 8:00-3:00
Elementary Schools 9:15-3:45
ACC Class Times:
AM: 7:45-10:15
PM: 11:45-2:15
Cosmo Class Times:
AM: 7:15-11:15
PM: 11:45-3:45
Hammond Early Learning Center
Special Ed Preschool starts August 14th
Monday through Thursday Full-day Preschool/Pre-K (7 hours/day) Phase-in starts August 19th
Monday through Thursday Double Session Preschool/Pre-K (3.5 hours a.m./3.5 hours p.m.) & Part-day (4 hours/day) Phase-In starts August 26th
Monday through Friday Full-day Preschool/Pre-K (5 hours/day) starts August 29th
Teachers will contact families with the Phase-In schedule.
No Early Release Wednesdays for 2024-25
Please note that for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, SCH will not have an early release day and are planning for all instructional days to be full days (barring bad weather or unforeseen circumstances). This was done to ensure your students have as much time with their teachers as possible.
Orientation Nights
Elementary Kindergarten and New Families Orientation is on Thursday, August 8th from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
Back to School Night
District Wide Open House will be on Wednesday, August 14th from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Registration
All students need to be registered every year in PowerSchool so they can receive a schedule and updated information. Please have this completed by Wednesday. Log in to your parent portal at https://sch.powerschool.com/public -
If you need assistance, please contact your school office.
Parent Square
The School City of Hammond uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications.
ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number that is in PowerSchool.
Here’s what you can do with ParentSquare:
- Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once at 6pm daily
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Comment on school postings to engage in your school community
- Direct message teachers, staff and other parents
- Participate in group messages
- Receive messages from the school via email, text or app notification
- Sign forms & permission slips, sign up to volunteer and more all from your phone or web portal.
Community Eligibility Provision Notification
We are pleased to inform you that School City of Hammond will be continuing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for meals served on the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2024-2025 school year. All students enrolled in School City of Hammond are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge each day of the 2024-2025 school year. No further action is required.
Cell Phone Policy
To preserve the quality of instruction and minimize distractions, School City of Hammond is a no cell phone zone. Cell phones are to be turned completely off and put away prior to entering the school building. Please see our student code of conduct for a detailed outline of our expectations.We are dedicated to providing an environment where students can focus on learning. Your support in reinforcing this policy is greatly appreciated.We are thrilled to welcome both returning and new students to our community. Let’s make this school year a fantastic one!
Chromebooks
All students will receive a Chromebook during the first week of school. Returning students kept their chargers, as the chargers were not collected at the end of the year. If a replacement is needed, you can purchase one at the school for $20 or you can find a 65W USB C charger on Amazon. https://sites.google.com/hammond.k12.in.us/techsupport has suggestions.
Website
Please visit the SCH Website often at https://www.hammond.k12.in.us/. The Parents/Students page has the school calendar, code of conduct, handbook, dress code guidelines, Chromebook guide, course descriptions, elementary supply lists and resources.
School Safety and Security
SCH uses STOPit, a safety reporting tool. This mobile app is always available. Students and staff can anonymously report school safety issues as well as reach out for help if in a personal crisis. STOPit is an app or can be accessed on the SCH website.
STOPit has two important features. The “Report” tool can be used to report incidents to school administrators anonymously. Students are encouraged to report with as much detail as needed, including photos, screenshots and videos. The report is received in real-time, allowing school personnel to quickly respond and begin taking the appropriate action.
The “Get Help” feature can be used to access local resources such as law enforcement, mental health centers, crisis hotlines, and additional resources.
No student information is needed to use STOPit. The only personally identifiable information collected through STOPit is information that the individual provides voluntarily. We know that when individuals actively follow the “see something, say something” mantra, we have a great chance of keeping everyone as safe as possible.
We are encouraging students, staff and community members to be familiar with the STOPit reporting tool.
Immunizations
In accordance with state law, children entering school must comply with the Indiana State Department of Health’s immunization requirements and School City of Hammond guidelines. These include vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, varicella. HPV and COVID-19 are optional. The number of vaccinations required will be dependent on the child’s age and grade level. Please see our School City of Hammond student parent handbook for detailed information and compliance guidelines.
Transportation
Secondary Mass Transit bus routes can be found on the transportation department page on the website: https://www.hammond.k12.in.us/departments/transportation/