Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated with answers to questions as we receive them. Note, there are still many uncertainties related to next school year at this time due to the impacts of COVID-19, and many of your questions we still do not have the answers to.

Please refer to the HCPSS website for the most up-to-date news regarding details for next school year.

Have a question you don't see answered here? Fill out our Google survey and check back on this page for updates.
(Last updated 6/7/21)

Quick Links

Sports Information

  • What should I do to get ready for playing a sport?

    • Contact your coach ASAP! The more you know what the coach is looking for and the skills to practice, the better shape you will be in when August 11th comes.



  • Is there a limit to how many sports you can join?

    • You can participate in one sport per season (fall, winter, and spring).



  • When are tryouts for fall sports and what sports are offered in the fall?

    • Tryouts for Fall Sports will be on 8/11/21. Check the Hammond website for more specific times to be posted by the end of June.


  • What do I need to try out for a fall sport?

    • You will need a recent physical (after 4/1/21, a copy of a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement, and to fill out some additional forms online. All forms can be filled out and uploaded through a parent or guardian's HCPSS connect account.


  • How do tryouts work?

    • Tryouts last 3 days and each coach presents the criteria for making the team to players and parents in preseason meetings and in writing via email. Team selections are made one-on-one with the player and coach and the player is given the opportunity to ask questions.

      • Tryout criteria is determined by the coach and approved by the AAM. Criteria will be made up of objective scores such as times, shots made, etc..., as well as subjective criteria such as coach-ability, effort, and team need.

      • Not every team makes team selections.

      • Accepting a position on a team means you are committing to be at all team functions for the duration of the season (barring emergency or unforeseen circumstance).

Clubs & Organizations

  • Are there requirements for joining clubs?

    • Unless the club is an honor society, usually there are no requirements for joining clubs. A list of all clubs and organizations is available on the Hammond website.


  • Can you start a club as a 9th grader?

    • Totally! The greatest thing about Hammond is that if there is a club you are interested in but it isn't available yet, you can make it! Students are welcome to talk with Mr. Lerner at anytime about starting a club or activity. If you can find a teacher or coach to sponsor the club, and have interested participants, discuss logistics with Mr. Lerner or Mr. Kosisky!


  • Is there a limit to how many clubs you can join?

    • You can participate in as many clubs and organizations as you wish. However, you have to make sure you can manage your time to remain academically successful while staying involved. We recommend finding a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.


  • Are there Honor Societies at Hammond?

    • Hammond has a variety of Honor Societies that students can be apart of, including International Thesbian Society, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society), National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, National Technical Honor Society, Rho Kappa (Social Studies Honor Society), Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society. Many students can apply during their sophomore year, but reach out to each society for specific application details. Hammond also has academic excellence and leadership development programs such as Alpha Achievers and Delta Scholars. More information for these programs can be found on the Hammond website.

School Information

  • When does school start and end?

    • For the 2021-2022 school year, high school begins at 7:25 and ends at 2:10.

  • Are there vending machines?

  • Yes, Hammond High has vending machines. However, they are typically off during class hours and only on after the school day or sometimes during lunch.


  • When do we get to see our schedules for next year?

  • As of May 2021, we are unaware when schedules for the 2021-2022 school year will be released to students, as they are still being processed. Check the HCPSS website for more up to date details. Email Mr. Kosisky, 9th grade counselor, with any specific details or questions with your schedule.


  • Can we still make changes to the courses we registered for in January?

  • Students can email Mr. Kosisky with questions about their class requests for next school year.


  • Are 9th grade students the only students who attend on the first day of school?

  • All students, 9-12, begin school on the first day, August 30th, 2021. However, a new student orientation program will be hosted the week before school begins in order to allow 9th grade and new students the ability to visit their classes and navigate the school building before the first day of school. More information about this event will be shared as the start of school approaches. Check the Hammond website and subscribe to our E-Newsletter to stay up to date.


Class Information

  • How many class periods are there?

    • HaHS runs a 6 period-a-day schedule. Periods 1, 2, 3, 5, & 6, you attend every day for 50 minutes. Periods 4A & 4B you attend every other day for 90 minutes (with a 30 minute lunch).


  • What does lunch look like?

    • HaHS has four 30-minute lunch blocks, which students attend either before, during, or after their 4th period class. Students are scheduled lunch periods based on the content area of their 4th period class, so students could have a different lunch on A days than they do on B days.


  • Do we go on field trips?

    • There are field trips for a variety of core classes and electives. Many classes go on field trips to watch performances in Baltimore, DC, or NYC. Some classes go to museums and on nature and science explorations. The arts programs go on trips to perform, such as to Disney and other locations. Talk to your teachers and club sponsors about field trip opportunities!


  • How can we finish our service learning hours in high school?

    • Students have many opportunities for service hours in high school. Certain clubs, activities, volunteering for teachers, and the community, will earn service hours. More information will come out during the school year regarding updated opportunities and dates.


  • Does Hammond offer any courses in 9th grade to help students prepare for future AP tests in upper grade levels?

    • Hammond does not offer specific classes to prepare for AP tests. Students take the necessary subjects and courses that give them the knowledge to pursue higher rigor classes or take a AP level class. As part of the AP level course, students can take a AP test.


  • Questions about Special Education?

    • Please direct any questions about special education services to our Special Education ITL, Mr. Will Yeo, or 9th grade counselor, Mr. Alex Kosisky.