HCS Back-to-School Newsletter

Dear Homewood Families,

We are excited for the school year to begin! Whether your child is walking through our doors for the first time or returning as a seasoned Patriot, I hope this new school year finds your family rested, excited, and ready for all that lies ahead.

On behalf of our teachers, administrators, and staff, I want you to know how much we've looked forward to this moment. Over the summer, our faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing classrooms, refining curriculum, and planning meaningful experiences that will challenge and inspire every student who walks through our doors.

Homewood City Schools continues to be a community built on high expectations, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to excellence. This year, we remain focused on providing rigorous academics, robust extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive environment where every child can discover their potential and pursue their passions.

None of this is possible without you. Our partnership with families is the foundation of everything we do, and I encourage you to stay engaged this year. Please attend school events, communicate with your child's teachers, and reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Your involvement makes a tremendous difference in your child's success.

I am honored to serve as your superintendent and am confident this will be a year filled with growth, achievement, and pride for our students and our community. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We do not take that responsibility lightly.

Here's to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year. Go Patriots!

Warm Regards,

Dr. Justin Hefner, Superintendent

Homewood City Schools

Class lists will be posted to your school's website at 3:30 pm on Friday, August 7th. A link to class lists will also be sent through ParentSquare.

Elementary school Meet the Teacher will be held on Monday, August 10th.

August 6 at 5:00 PM - This meeting will have the same content as the spring parent meeting and is for any families who couldn’t attend Parent Orientation Night in May.  

August 7th 9:45 am-1 pm. Students in grades 6-8 can come to HMS to pick up schedules, set up lockers, and drop off school supplies. Students should come to the school during the times listed in the staggered schedule below:

Last Names A-H: 9:45-10:30 am

Last Names I-Q: 11:00-11:45 am

Last Names R-Z: 12:15-1:00 pm

Homewood High School is excited to welcome rising freshmen on August 10, 2026 in the HHS auditorium. Student orientation is from 8:30 am- 11:00 am. The parent session is from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Students should bring their old HMS Chromebook and charger to exchange for their new HHS Chromebook/charger, if applicable. 

In coordination with the Homewood Police Department and in compliance with Alabama State Law (Title 32), Homewood City Schools has updated its policy regarding student vehicles, scooters, and e-bikes on campus.

Under state law, electric scooters and motor-driven cycles carry specific legal requirements:

Unlicensed or non-compliant vehicles are not allowed on school grounds. Please review the chart below and consult the Homewood Police Department Riding Safety Guidelines to ensure your family complies with state law.

On July 28, 2026, the Homewood Board of Education approved an update to the student wellness policy. Effective immediately, students are no longer permitted to have energy drinks on campus.

The new policy reads: Energy drinks are not permitted on school property for students during the school day due to potential health risks, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, dehydration, and interference with attention and learning.

We appreciate your partnership in reminding your student(s) of this new rule on campus as we all continue to create the best environment for students to reach their maximum potential.

HCS Schools will host open house on the following days:

Please review the HCS Medication Policy and complete the authorization form if your student will need to take medication at school this year. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.

Homewood’s School Nutrition Program provides a complete, nutritious meal at a great price. Visit LINQconnect.com or download the LINQconnect app to check out our school breakfast and lunch menus.

 

If your child receives free or reduced-priced meals at school: 2026-2027 meal benefit applications are now available! Please complete a new application before September 23, 2026 to avoid loss of benefits. If your child is directly certified to receive free meals at school, you will receive an e-mailed notification to confirm the benefit. Students who are not directly certified will need to submit a 2026-2027 application to be approved. Electronic applications are available online at LINQconnect.com. Paper applications are available for print on the district website or you may pick one up at your child’s school or the Board of Education.

Elementary: Breakfast: $0 / Lunch: $3.00

Middle/High: Breakfast: $0 / Lunch: $3.25

Guest: Breakfast: $0 / Lunch: $5.00

 

We encourage parents to pay ahead into their child’s lunch account to avoid negative balances. Questions? Please email pmcgavin@homewood.k12.al.us or call 205-877-4547.

Homewood City Schools received the Alabama 

School Breakfast Grant at the end of the 25-26 school year. This supplemental funding allows us to provide free breakfast to all HCS students for the 2026-2027 school year.

There is no paperwork or application required.

Breakfast is served daily during the following times:

Throughout the school year, be sure to use the hashtag #WeAreHWD or tag our schools on Instagram as we celebrate this school year together.

Homewood City Schools: @homewoodcityschools

Homewood High School: @homewood_high

Homewood Middle School: @homewood_middle

Edgewood Elementary: @edgewoodelem

Hall-Kent Elementary: @hkelemschool

Shades Cahaba Elementary: @shadescahaba