Back to School 2024 is upon us — and we can’t wait to see our scholars’ smiling faces in our buildings!
We’re excited to open our doors for the first day of school at HCZ Promise Academy (September 4) and the first day of Zone Programs (September 23).
As we head into the 2024-2025 academic year, we want all our scholars and families to be ready to start school and programs on a positive and productive note. From safety tips to important dates, here’s everything you need to know about Back to School 2024!
Step 1: Know your Back to School 2024 dates and times
First things first, mark these dates in your calendar:
HCZ Promise Academy Scholars
- Classes begin: Wednesday, September 4
- After-school programs begin: Monday, September 23
HCZ Promise Academy Back to School Nights
- HCZ Promise Academy I Elementary School: Thursday, Sept. 12, 5-7 PM
- HCZ Promise Academy II Elementary School: Thursday, Sept. 12, 5-7 PM
- HCZ Promise Academy I Middle School: Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30-7:30 PM
- HCZ Promise Academy II Middle School: Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30-7:30 PM
- HCZ Promise Academy I High School: Monday, Sept. 16, 5-7 PM
- HCZ Promise Academy II High School: Monday, Sept 16, 5-7 PM
Zone Programs Scholars
Peacemakers, A Cut Above (ACA), Academy of Arts and Civic Engagement (ACE), Countee Cullen Community Center (CCCC), and Employment and Technology Center (ETC): Monday, September 23
Next, find out your pick-up and drop-off times:
HCZ Promise Academy I and II
Elementary School
- Drop-off: scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM
- Pick-up: 3:30 PM for bussed scholars, 4:05 for independent scholars, and 4:30 for scholars being picked up and dropped off by parents/guardians
Middle School
- Drop-off: scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM
- Pick-up: 4 PM
High School
- Drop-off: scholars can arrive as early as 7 AM
- Pick-up: 4 PM
Zone Programs
Drop-off and pick-up times vary for each program — reach out to your program leadership for more information.
Step 2: Know your pick-up protocols (for HCZ Promise Academy scholars and families)
In addition to pick-up and drop-off times at HCZ Promise Academy, it’s important to know our protocols:
- All scholars must be dropped off outside, at the door of their school building.
- Scholars should not be picked up before the end of the school day unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Parents should call the school so that the main office can coordinate early pickups.
- Transportation to and from school should be arranged for your scholar in advance. For more info, please contact your school’s parent coordinator.
- Families of scholars are not allowed to enter HCZ Promise Academy buildings without an appointment. To gain access to the building, please contact your school.
Step 3: Stay safe going to and from schools and programs
Our HCZ Safety Team is committed to keeping our scholars and families safe. Here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind as the school year begins:
- Be careful crossing the street – Get to school safely by watching for cars as you cross the street and listening to crossing guards. If you’re taking the bus or a car, make sure to be careful as you exit the vehicle.
- Go straight to and from school/after-school programs – When going to and from school and after-school programs, scholars should be there on time. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check in with scholars to make sure they got to school and programs safely.
- Get to know our Safety Team – If you ever need help, be sure to ask our Safety Team members, stationed at sites across the Zone. Be sure to say “hi” when you enter the building and get to know them! Discover more about our Safety Team>
Step 4: Get to Know Your Superintendent and Principals (for HCZ Promise Academy scholars and families)
Our superintendent and principals care deeply about all our scholars and are committed to their success. Get to know them!
Dr. Saskia Brown | Superintendent, HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools and Early Childhood Programs
Dr. Veroniqua Delva | Interim Principal, HCZ Promise Academy II Middle School
Shannon Ortiz-Wong | Principal, HCZ Promise Academy II High School
Step 5: Get to Know Your Chief Program Officer and Program Directors (for Zone Programs scholars and families)
Dr. Michelle Paige | Chief Program Officer
James Washington | Director, Peacemakers
Antionette Hines | Director, A Cut Above
Step 6: Locate your school or program
To locate your HCZ Promise Academy Charter School or Zone Program, see our Locations page or view our Zone map:
Step 7: Get ready for your first day of school or programs
Chances are, you’re feeling some back-to-school butterflies — that’s totally normal! The more you prepare for the big day, the better you’ll feel. We recommend that scholars:
- Get a good night’s sleep! Make sure you go to sleep early the night before your first day of classes so you’ll feel energized throughout the day. Bonus tip: to save yourself some time in the morning, set out your clothes, backpack, and anything else you need for your first day the night before.
- Talk about your feelings returning to school, especially what, if anything, is bothering you.
- Put together a rough outline of a school and activity schedule, and make sure to sync up that schedule with the family’s calendar.
- Get in touch with friends and classmates ahead of time and make plans to meet up in school.
- Take a few deep breaths and try to relax. We can’t wait to welcome you for Back to School 2024!