Hollymead Buzz

February 4, 2026

Dear Hollymead Families!

This special edition of the Hollymead Buzz includes important calendar updates due to the extended school closing. Below are new dates for the 1st Grade SWMM, Winter Growth Testing and Class Picture Day. Also included are important safety reminders for arrival and dismissal that were shared earlier today.

Sincerely, 

Joe McCauley & Kim Gentry

Hollymead Administrative Team

Calendar Updates

• February 5: 4th Grade Music Concert at 5:30pm

• UPDATED - Winter Growth Testing Dates: 

  • February 9: Reading for 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade

  • February 10: Math for 4th and 5th Grade

  • February 11: Math - 3rd Grade

• February 16:  SCHOOL DAY (Added to calendar due to school closing)

• February 17:  SCHOOL DAY (Added to calendar due to school closing)

• February 25: RESCHEDULED Class Picture Day - (Details below) 

• March 19:  SCHOOL DAY (Added to calendar due to school closing) 

School Wide Morning Meeting Calendar - Updated

SWMM Schedule - Last Friday of Every Month

• RESCHEDULED: February 13 - Hosted by 1st Grade

• February 27 - Hosted by the Specials Team 

• March 27 - Hosted by 2nd Grade

• April 24 - Hosted by Kindergarten

• May 28 - Hosted by the Intervention Team

Important Safety Guidelines for Arrival and Dismissal:

• Drive slowly, please! There are families who will continue to walk to school. There are large mounds of snow along the entrance to the car line and parking lot, which impacts visibility.

• Please be patient with the car line, your neighbors and our staff.

• We will have additional staff outside for drop off and along the crosswalks at arrival and dismissal today.

• We anticipate a larger than usual car drop off and pick up line and possible delays in bus arrival. We will not begin marking students tardy until 10:10AM

• IMPORTANT: For the safety of students and staff, do not leave the car line to pass the line of cars.

HELPme! App Info  

Albemarle County Public Schools uses the HELPme! app as it's 24/7 student support system. Whether a student is facing bullying, needs help with food or shelter or is facing a personal challenge, they can report it in the app anonymously and receive support.

HELPme! provides three options for reporting a need:

• GET RESOURCES is a safe space for users to explore essential needs and wellness resources at their own pace. It provides a confidential way to connect with local resources, ensuring privacy and dignity for those seeking assistance.

• CRISIS TEXT LINE provides users with immediate mental health support. With a network of 27,000+ trained crisis counselors, users can text with a counselor (day or night), making sure no one feels isolated in their time of need. Counselors are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.

• ASK FOR HELP is an anonymous communication channel between users and designated school personnel. It allows users to request help directly from their school without the pressure of disclosing their identity. Users may also request help for a friend or family member.