Dear Hawks,

The 2020-2021 School Year continues! We've already endured so much this year, and I know we there are many different feelings surrounding this school year! First, I want to encourage you. The challenges of COVID-19 continue to weigh on us all. I am asking that we enter with a level of compassion and understanding for one another. No matter the platform, I am excited about the growth, milestones, and celebrations we will continue to experience this year. Wake County Public Schools has provided this Return-to-Campus Guide for Families. This comprehensive guide has a great deal of information to support your understanding of district requirements and expectations.

We know this school year is unlike years prior. We must do many things differently. But that will not stop us from continuing the work for #EveryHawkEveryDay. 

All WCPSS K-12 families have the option of choosing the WCPSS Virtual Academy if they are not ready or able to return to a school campus. Details are on page 6 of the Return-to-Campus Guide for Families. For more details about Virtual Academy, please review our Return to Campus Q & A section. 

Every year, we want your child to be safe, healthy, and ready to learn. We also want you to feel comfortable and confident in sending your children to Hilburn Academy. With everything going on in our work, we know that this is likely to be at the forefront of your mind. While we cannot eliminate every what-if scenario for COVID-19, we believe the best environment can be accomplished through active cooperation and clear communication among students, parents, teachers, and health professionals.

Our teachers, staff and administration have spent countless hours preparing and developing both virtual and in-person options to support your child's safety, wellness, and learning. WCPSS, DHHS, and NCDPI continue to collaborate to develop guidance to help keep your child safe and healthy. Remember that many of us have children and grandchildren who attend Hilburn. We share many of the same concerns you have when it comes to the well-being of our Hawks.

This section of our website will provide information regarding WCPSS plans, but also school-specific plans. Some information covered includes: 

• Scheduling
• Remote learning opportunities;
• Virtual Academy;
• K-5 Specials;
• Volunteer/Visitors/Field Trips
• Health screening requirements;
• Preventive measures such as face coverings and handwashing;
• Cleaning and sanitizing practices;
• Social distancing;
• Transportation; 
• Meals.
• Hawk Q & A

As always, I will do everything I can to keep you updated. You are always welcome to reach out to me through email if you have additional questions not covered. 

We look forward to seeing you #ontheHil... Please continue to take care of yourself, and each other. 

Respectfully,

Mariah Walker, Principal