Henderson Parents and Visitors
Everyone is welcome at Henderson! Parents and visitors to the school or its grounds during the school day must report to the receptionist on duty in the lobby or the office. A Visitor or Volunteer badge must be displayed during your visit at all times. You are also required to provide a photo ID in exchange for your badge. It will be returned to you at the conclusion of your visit. This is a requirement to insure the safety and security of all students, personnel and visitors at Henderson. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Absent or Tardy
If your child is going to be absent or tardy due to illness, a doctor’s appointment, a family emergency, etc., please call our Absent and Tardy Line at 703.670.0733 to report it to the office. Be sure to give your child’s full name, grade level, teacher name and the reason for the absence or tardy when you call. Thank you for your cooperation.

Vacation with students
Families who plan vacations during the school year must submit a written request five days in advance and pre-approval must be given by the school administration. If this request is not submitted the absence will be unexcused. Teachers are not required to provide assignments in advance. We encourage students to read, keep a written journal, and practice math facts while out of school.

Book Clubs
The classroom teacher may use various book clubs. If you voluntarily choose to participate, please make checks payable to the name of the book club. Checks made out to the individual teacher or cash will not be accepted.

Field Trips
Students may be asked to share the cost of field trips (entrance fees, buses, etc.). Parents will be asked to chaperon these activities. Classes are limited to two field trips per year. Box lunches may be ordered a day ahead for field trips.

Fire Drills
Virginia State Law requires that fire drills be held in each public school on a regular basis. Fire drills are held each week for the first month of school and once a month thereafter. Fire evacuation routes are posted in every area of Henderson Elementary.

Fund Raisers
Henderson Elementary will have fund raising activities. Profits realized will be used to support the Student Cooperative Association, safety patrols, special school activities, and the school instructional program. Your support and assistance with these fundraisers will be greatly appreciated. Henderson Elementary fundraisers are:
Individual School Pictures – Individual student pictures will be taken in the fall. Individual school pictures and class group pictures will be taken in the spring.
School Book Fair – This will take place in the fall.
Henderson Yearbook – The sale of memory books to interested students will take place in the spring.

Learning Disabilities Program
This program is available to students in grades K-5 who have average or above-average capabilities, but are experiencing difficulties with one or more phases of the academic program being presented in the classroom. Prior screening must be completed. These students may meet in the least restrictive environment and may include small groups and/or individual with the learning disabilities specialist to strengthen the student's weaknesses in these areas.

Math Program
Students in kindergarten through grade 4 are instructed using math Investigations. Hands-on instruction and problem solving are emphasized for learning and attainment of important mathematical concepts.

"R.E.A.C.H." Center (Gifted) Program
An on-site Gifted and Talented program is available for students who have been identified as gifted learners. This program provides a continuum of services that will enrich and expand their educational experiences.

Reading/Language Arts
Henderson follows the balanced literacy program of instruction. Teachers use both whole group and flexible, small group instruction. Resources include trade books as well as S.T.A.R. computer software - as one assessment tool for measuring achievement and growth. Integrated into our daily program is independent, shared and guided reading with a major emphasis on comprehension, specific skills (including phonics), and language development.

Reading Resource
This program is currently available to students who exhibit difficulty employing reading strategies for comprehension. Students are accepted into the program based on testing and classroom teacher recommendation.

School Colors
Henderson Elementary school's colors are blue and white.

School Mascot
The Henderson Elementary school mascot is a husky.

S.C.A. (Student Cooperative Association)
The student council's purpose is to aid children in becoming good citizens of the school, community, state and nation. Elections are held in September. Members of the council are from each class. The council meets during the regular school day. The S.C.A. operates the School Store and sponsors many special events.

Speech Program
This program is available to students in grades PK-5 who experience difficulty in spoken language or in language expression. The students meet individually or in small groups with the speech therapist for remediation. Students must be found eligible for services through testing.

Strings Instrument Program
Fifth grade students are eligible to participate in the strings instrument program. Rental services of those instruments are available. The instructor will forward information to fifth grade students. This is an optional in-school program.

Traffic Plan
Observing the following guidelines for arrival and dismissal will provide for a safe environment for the students and adults at Henderson.

Please drive your vehicle around the loop in front of the school to drop off or pick up your child. Keep in the right hand lane and remain in your car to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Cones are placed so that buses can pick up students first. There is a set starting point for cars to line up for dismissal. The first car will wait for a signal to move around for pick up and others then follow.
Other points to consider for arrival and dismissal:
Provide your child with proper dress for rainy days.
A note must be on file if the child is going home in any way that is out of the norm.
Do not double park and leave your vehicle.
Students are not to cross through other vehicles or traffic.
No vehicle is allowed to pass a bus with the flashing red lights on.
All walkers will exit through the back of the building.
All students arriving to school in a car or daycare van will be dropped off ONLY in front of the school. The parking lot is used for staff and parents who need to come inside for a conference or tend to other school business.

WHES-FM
Selected students will conduct a morning radio program. Major announcements, weather forecast, birthdays, etc.; are given at this time.

WHES-TV Channel 3
Selected students will conduct a live television broadcast, throughout the building on Friday mornings. It replaces the morning radio program.

The Prince William County School Division does not discriminate in employment or in its educational programs and activities against qualified individuals with disabilities, nor on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, or national origin.