The spread of COVID-19 has caused numerous and constant changes in the world's economy, culture and society. The goal of this webpage is to provide reliable and timely updates of national, state, and local announcements as it pertains to Harrisonburg City Public Schools and the readership HHSMedia. Updates are listed from newest to oldest with links to original stories.
Virtual summer school registration opens
May 27
Despite schools being closed for the rest of the academic year, summer school at HHS will be held. However, the classes offered will be held virtually. Summer school will be a six week program for students that starts June 15 and will end July 24. There will be no cost for any of the classes provided for summer school. Continue Reading
NFHS releases information regarding national sports and activities restarting
May 25
The National Federation of High School Associations (NHSF) has taken new approaches for the next step in high school sports and activities. Through a 15-member committee consisting of health experts and high school officials, a new set of guidelines has been released for the future approaches for high school activities. These guidelines differ between different states. Continue Reading
News released regarding ROCO and MTC graduations
May 25
Graduations have been modified to fit CDC guidelines and Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) and Rockingham County Schools are not a stranger to this. In a recently sent email, the changes regarding these graduation were released. The announcement regarding the new graduation has been released in a video. Continue Reading
Hensley announces new plans for on-site graduation
May 13
Principal Melissa Hensley has announced that in addition to the virtual graduation ceremony, an on-site graduation will be occurring June 3, 4 and 5 to celebrate the Class of 2020. After viewing how other schools across the state have held makeshift graduations, Harrisonburg High School has decided to hold this event in order to provide every senior the opportunity to receive their diploma in person and walk across the stage. Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Melissa Hensley
New information regarding graduation has been released
April 27
COVID-19 has not held back the graduation for the Senior Class. Graduation, which has been in discussion on how to proceed was originally planned to be held during June of this year. In an email sent by HHS Principal Melissa Hensley, graduation is being planned to be done virtually. This virtual graduation is currently going to be held June 6, 2020, and will feature pictures of the students in the Senior Class in their graduation cap and gown. Continue Reading
Photo by Holly Bill and Simon Beach
Q&A with Principal Melissa Hensley about Harrisonburg High School’s coronavirus closure
April 17
Interview April 14, 2020 at 10:05 p.m
Can you describe how the rest of the academic year will function online?
“New academic content will be sent to students beginning April 20. Students will receive one module per week for the remainder of the semester." Continue Reading
HCPS releases information regarding school closings
March 24
As of March 13, Governor Ralph Northam has issued a closing of on site schooling for all K-12 schools in Virginia. School will not be accessible starting from March 12 until March 27. Teachers at HHS will be required to digitally refresh content for their students every two days. All practices have been canceled until further notice. Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
VHSL releases new information in response to school closings
March 24
The Virginia High School League (VHSL) held a conference the morning of March 24 to discuss the available options regarding spring sports and academic teams, including ones that go into summer. In this conference, VHSL unanimously decided to delay any final action until May 2020. Continue Reading
Northam announces school closure for remaining school year
March 23
Through a press conference held March 23, 2020, VA Governor Ralph Northam announced updates on COVID-19 regarding education and businesses. In the press conference, Northam announced that all schools in Virginia shall be closed for the remaining academic year. HCPS Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards will release a letter to parents the night of March 23 regarding the closing. Continue Reading
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
College Board announces online AP tests
March 20
As of March 20, 2020, College Board has announced that Advanced Placement exams for the 2019-2020 school year will be held online and at home. Traditional exams will not be taking place, rather, a 45-minute online test will be administered for the same college credit. The exam will only include content that the College Board believes AP teachers have already covered by March. Continue Reading
Q&A with Principal Melissa Hensley about Harrisonburg High School’s coronavirus closure
March 19
Interview March 19, 2020 at 3:02 p.m.
So far, from what you’ve gathered from teachers, students and other administrators, how have the first few days of online learning gone?
“The academic and continuity of learning program established for students is off to a good start." Continue Reading
HCPS releases meal plans for students in response to schools closing
March 13
Due to the recent closing of HCPS schools due to the coronavirus, HCPS will now partner with the USDA Summer Food Service Program to provide bagged meals to students. Breakfast and lunch will be served to everyone under the age of 18. Bagged meals will be served to all students who come regardless of income level. Continue Reading
Comcast gives two months of free WiFi to eligible students
March 13
Starting March 16, 2020, Comcast from the Blue Ridge Area will be providing students with free WiFi. This will be included in their Internet Essentials Program. For eligible students, the program would last for two months. This decision has been made in light of the new coronavirus outbreaks to keep lower-income families connected with the news and internet. Continue Reading