Empowering Leaders' Symposium 2026

Opportunities abound within the middle school science curriculum for students to make cross-content connections and explore. Let's take a journey together through the updates within the middle school science curriculum to provide all 6th grade students an opportunity to develop their Environmental Literacy through an experince at the Wilton Farm Living Building and make connections to topics within the Advanced Life Science and Advanced Physical courses.

This session will highlight the Specialty Center Expectations Handbook. In addition, the session will include recommendations and considerations for specialty center staffing and master scheduling to support equitable access, program integrity, and long-term sustainability across schools. Participants will review and discuss the updated action plan, with an emphasis on shared priorities and continued alignment across specialty center programs.

This session will highlight the Specialty Center Expectations Handbook. In addition, the session will include recommendations and considerations for specialty center staffing and master scheduling to support equitable access, program integrity, and long-term sustainability across schools. Participants will review and discuss the updated action plan, with an emphasis on shared priorities and continued alignment across specialty center programs.

This professional learning session is designed for administrators who support Dual Enrollment (DE) programs. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the systems that support effective DE implementation, including Canvas course structures, scheduling considerations, staffing models, and alignment between college and district expectations. The session provides practical guidance to support strong implementation, equitable access, and improved student outcomes in Dual Enrollment pathways.

This professional learning session is designed for administrators who support Dual Enrollment (DE) programs. Participants will strengthen their understanding of the systems that support effective DE implementation, including Canvas course structures, scheduling considerations, staffing models, and alignment between college and district expectations. The session provides practical guidance to support strong implementation, equitable access, and improved student outcomes in Dual Enrollment pathways.

Come see what is new in the 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards! Enviromental Science and all Level II courses have new adopted standards. Gain an understanding of what is new in the standards, what to look for in the classroom and how to support your teachers in implementing these new standards.

How much technology is too much, and how do we ensure it truly enhances learning? As HCPS addresses growing concerns around screen time and digital distraction, this session marks the official launch of the PK–12 Framework for Purposeful and Balanced Technology Use for the 2026–2027 school year.

Grounded in research, this session introduces divisionwide expectations for digital citizenship, AI guidance, and academic integrity. To support this framework, leaders will also prepare for the divisionwide rollout of Securly Classroom. Participants will explore the Securly suite—including Classroom, Filter, and Home—and develop leadership strategies for staff communication and family support.

Key Takeaways:

Clarity: Understand the new grade-level expectations for balanced technology use.
Consistency: Gain tools to reduce digital distraction and strengthen student engagement.
Implementation: Leave with a concrete roadmap for a successful rollout of Securly and the HCPS framework.

HCPS has developed a new Middle School Cornerstone Elective designed to support student self-reflection and growth in durable skills through authentic, self-directed leadership experiences. Whether your school is offering the elective for the first time or you simply want to learn more, join us to explore how this course connects students deeply with the Henrico Learner Profile (HLP). In this session, we will identify the specific teacher qualities and leadership "Look-Fors" essential for fostering a successful, student-led environment. Leave with a clear vision and a roadmap of the resources available to help your students develop and grow in the durable skills of the HLP.