Beyond the Classroom (BTC)
Whether learning happens virtually or in person, conditions outside the class environment affect each student’s ability to thrive. “Beyond the Classroom” workshops give you new ways to support your learner at home and in the community.
Diversity, Equity and Opportunity (DEO)
These workshops aim to empower students and families, and foster better practices of diversity, equity and inclusion for our youth, adults and community.
Exceptional Education (ExED)
Exceptional education services can be challenging to navigate. These sessions help families understand the exceptional education system and find the resources they need to better support their learners
Information, Access and Opportunities (IAO)
Discover the wealth of resources available to families in our community. These workshops connect parents, guardians, and educators with important information and services from HCPS experts and organizations in the Richmond region.
Bridge Builders Academy programs take place using Microsoft Teams. No registration is required, participation is free and you can take part without creating a Teams account.
If you are accessing the session from a mobile device, you may be prompted to download the Microsoft Teams app, but you can participate using the desktop version of a mobile browser instead.
If you are participating using a Mac or PC, you can download the Teams app or join using a browser.
For details and more information about how to join workshops and discussions, view instructions for joining a meeting with Microsoft Teams. Only the first 350 virtual attendees will be able to participate and comment during the discussion. The session will also be recorded and posted online for additional viewing.
The Center for Innovation at Quioccasin Middle School: A New HCPS Specialty Center Option
Families are invited for an overview of the new Center for Innovation at Quioccasin Middle School, opening in the 2026-27 school year. Learn about the goals and instructional approach of the existing Center for Innovation at John Rolfe Middle School and how these elements connect to the mission and vision for the new Quioccasin program. Find out about the application process and what to expect from the Center for Innovation experience.
Presenters: Taylor Snow, HCPS director of teaching and learning | Deia Champ, HCPS director of middle school education
Strategies for Building Friendships
Explore how friendships form and how students with disabilities can build positive relationships with peers. The session highlights ways to foster belonging and acceptance at school and in the community, offering practical strategies for both parents and educators.
Presenters: Tina Norris, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Family Resource Center Open House
Learn how HCPS’ Family Resource Center supports students, families and the school community. Come connect with us as we build bridges among families, schools and community resources. Learn how together we can help every child succeed and achieve.
Presenters: Alexis Miller, HCPS Division of Family and Community Engagement
HCPS Specialty Center Applications
Join us for an informative session about HCPS’ specialty center application process. You’ll learn how to navigate our online resources and get tips to support successful applications. This event is open to all middle school families, but it’s especially important for eighth grade students planning to apply this fall. The session will be presented in both English and Spanish.
Presenter: Stephenie Lamrecht, HCPS Department of Teaching and Learning
Lexia PowerUp: Middle School Interventions and Supplemental Support
Families: come learn about Lexia PowerUp, an online learning tool available to all middle school students through the Clever platform.
Lexia supports growth in word study, grammar and comprehension with personalized learning paths. Learn how to help your child use Lexia at home, explore available reading interventions and understand how literacy plans help students grow as readers.
Presenter: Kendall Hunt, HCPS Secondary Teaching and Learning Department
PRIMETIME RVA: Promoting Durable Skills in Elementary Schools.
Parents will learn how the unique PRIMETIME RVA competition helps elementary students build essential workplace-ready durable skills such as eye contact, a confident handshake, active problem-solving and critical thinking. The program emphasizes character development and communication habits that lay the foundation for lifelong success in school, work and beyond.
Presenter: Amy Eberhard, associate principal, Greenwood Elementary School
Family Night
Join us for a fun-filled evening of family fun designed for families to relax, connect and enjoy time together. It’s a chance to laugh, play and make memories — all while strengthening the bonds that help our children succeed and achieve.
Presenter: HCPS Division of Family and Community Engagement
Raising Calm
Silence is not the absence of sound — it’s the presence of clarity. As children mirror the stress around them, this training session will help adults in their lives model calm insight and emotional wellness. Whether used as a school wellness initiative, parent engagement effort or professional development series, silence provides a rare and much-needed space to pause, reflect and reconnect for the benefit of every child and every community.
Presenter: Rita Ricks, Rita Ricks LLC.
Addressing Behaviors Confidently
This session will share examples of how to respond to students’ interfering behaviors and big emotions. You’ll learn about available options for school behavior support, including functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.
Presenter: Kathleen Gibson, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
