Skip to main content

Back To School Survival Guide

Posted Date: 08/19/26 (02:35 PM)


hc logo

Back To School Survival Guide

Welcome Back!

 

We Can't Wait!

As we kick off a new school year, we want to make sure you have everything you need right at your fingertips. Inside this Back to School Survival Guide, you’ll find reminders about arrival and dismissal procedures, transportation notices, ParentSquare communication, safety updates including our threat detection process, and other key resources to help the first weeks run smoothly. Please take a few minutes to review the information, share it with family members who may be involved in drop-off or pick-up, and keep it handy as a reference throughout the year.
 
pps logo in iphone outline

Parent Square Reminder

ParentSquare is Harrison Hills City School District’s main communication tool. Parents and guardians are encouraged to download the ParentSquare app, while students should download the StudentSquare app to receive classroom updates, event reminders and other important school news.

Emergency alerts will be sent to the phone numbers and email addresses listed in FinalForms. Please make sure your contact information is complete and up to date.
 

Please Complete Final Forms

Parents and guardians, please complete your child’s FinalForms before the school year begins. FinalForms has replaced OneView and provides the district with current contact information, emergency contacts and important permissions.

Students in grades 7–12 will also need to log in using their school email address and complete several forms. Teachers will assist students during the first week of school.

Complete your child’s forms at harrison-oh.finalforms.com
 

Transportation Department Reminders

To help ensure a safe and timely trip, please have your child ready at least 15 minutes before their scheduled pick-up time, especially as routes adjust during the first few weeks of school. If you have any questions, please contact Director of Operations Mike Saffell at 740-942-7852 or msaffell@hhcsd.org.
Driven By Safety Psoter
 

District Pick Up & Drop Off Procedure

Morning Drop-Off
  • Use the parking lot entrance by the digital sign off Liggett Lane to access the drop-off line.
  • Drop-off begins at 7:35 AM. Students must be inside before the 7:55 AM bell.
  • Elementary students arriving at or after 7:55 must be escorted inside and signed in by a parent.
  • Preschool parents must park in the lot and escort their child to the crosswalk in the morning.
  • Jr./Sr. High students must be dropped off in the parking lot and walk to the cross walk.
  • Elementary Parents: Use the right lane to drop off your child at their school entrance. When leaving, use your turn signal to merge left and exit the line.
  • If your elementary child needs help getting out of the car, you must park in the lot and escort them to the crosswalk (or have them walk to the crosswalk).

Afternoon Dismissal
  • Use the parking lot entrance by the digital sign off Liggett Lane to access the pick-up line.
  • Preschool dismissal begins around 2:20 PM at the main elementary entrance. Preschool parents must park in the lot and meet their child at the crosswalk for pick-up.
  • Dismissal begins at 2:30 PM.
  • Two lanes (right and left) are used for pick-up.
  • Cars must remain in their lane and not switch lanes. The crossing guard will dismiss each section of vehicles at one time before loading the next group.
  • If your child needs help getting into the car, you must park in the lot and use the crosswalk to meet them.

Car Tag Policy
  • Elementary parents: a school-issued car tag must hang from your rearview mirror.
  • No tag? Park in the guest lot and sign your child out in the office with a photo ID.
  • Need extra tags? Contact Terri Beadling in the Elementary Office at 740-942-7600.

Please do not drop your child off before 7:35 a.m. If you arrive early, please remain with your child until the doors open.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility during the first few weeks of school as new families learn the process. Please share these instructions with any family member or caregiver who may be responsible for drop-off or pick-up.
 

What’s for Lunch?

Check out this month’s school lunch menus to see what our Food Service Department is serving! 


 

Phones Away, Learning Underway!

In accordance with an Ohio law enacted last year, student cellphones must be kept in their lockers during instructional time. Thank you for helping us keep classrooms focused and free from distractions. Learn more from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
 

Expanded School-Based Health Clinic, Opening Soon!

Our expanded School-Based Health Clinic is getting its finishing touches! In the meantime, nurse practitioner Hannah Reynard and school nurses Beth and Holli are still seeing students and scheduling appointments. To schedule an appointment for your child, call 740-942-7616 to connect directly with a school nurse.
Clinic Ad
 

Village of Cadiz – Water Safety Plan

HHCSD is taking proactive steps in response to the recent boil water advisories that have been issued and lifted in the Village of Cadiz.

The district is replacing all filters in drinking fountains and refrigerators before students return. While there is not currently a boil water advisory in effect, the district has developed a plan should another advisory be issued.

If a boil water advisory is in effect:
  • Purified water dispensers will be placed near drinking fountains throughout the district.
  • Gallons of safe drinking water will be provided for cooking and food preparation.
  • The Food Service Department will follow its designated Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan for safely preparing meals and cleaning and sanitizing dishes.

Director of Operations Mike Saffell and Food Service Director Kelly Howes will continue working with the Harrison County Health Department to ensure all operations meet applicable public health requirements.

The district will closely monitor the situation and notify families of any changes that affect school operations.
 

Clear Backpack & Water Bottle Policy

Just a quick reminder that students should bring clear backpacks and clear water bottles to school each day.

Clear backpacks and water bottles will be provided to all students who are new to the district. Returning students who need a replacement backpack or a clear water bottle should contact their building office:
  • Elementary: 740-942-7600
  • Jr./Sr. High: 740-942-7700
If your child has a sports bag, it will be checked at the door and stored in a secure area until dismissal. Backpacks or water bottles that do not meet district requirements will be held in the office and returned at the end of the day.

If you did not pick up your child’s clear backpack and water bottle at Open House, they will be waiting with your child’s homeroom or first-period teacher..

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and moving smoothly!
 

Threat Detection Reminder

Our threat detectors will be in use daily as part of our school safety procedures. Please take a moment to talk with your child about the process so they know what to expect. Students will need to walk through the detectors and place electronic devices or other metal items to the side before entering. A little preparation at home will help make the process quick and smooth each morning. View our FAQ and overview video here.
 

Attendance Matters

Attendance plays an important role in student success, and every tardy, early check-out and absence adds up over time. Missing just 15 minutes each day can equal more than a week of lost learning during the school year.
To strengthen support for students and families, Harrison Hills City School District is partnering with the Harrison County Juvenile Court. Juvenile probation officer Stephanie Dunkle will serve as a school liaison, working alongside district staff and families to identify attendance concerns early, address barriers and connect families with helpful resources.

 

See You Tomorrow, Huskies!

We’re looking forward to an incredible school year filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success!
graphic calendar
 

Friday Night Football Is Back!

Can’t make it to a game? Tune in live on HC-TV! View Athletic Department updates and game calendars here.


Save The Date: Homecoming is around the corner!
homecoming graphic
 

Contact Us!

Have questions or need more information? Visit our website to learn more or contact us directly—we’re here to help! Visit us at hhcsd.org.